Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/283

 hands, but to make engine drivers become navvies was too ridiculous to be allowed.

June 20th of 1918 brought the concession of additional rations so long sought for men on duty and overwork, special tickets being obtainable through the Local Food Control Committees.

The inaugural meetings of the newly constituted and officially recognised District Councils were held during the summer of 1918, governed by the new rules which were then with the Registrar for approval, the meetings being all convened by Executive members in the following order:—

No. 1, Mr. H. J. Oxlade; No. 2, Mr. Squance; No. 3, Mr. Jarman; No. 4, Mr. Holder; No. 5, Mr. Stevenson; No. 6, Mr. Oxlade; Nos. 7 and 8, Mr. Gamble; Nos. 9 and 11, Mr. Cooke; No. 16, Mr. Branson; Nos. 13 and 15, Mr. Wild; No. 14, Mr. Healey: Nos. 16 and 17, Mr. Walker.

The National Programme was revised and improved by the 1918 Conference establishing a mileage rate of 120 miles on express passenger trains and 100 miles on local passenger trains as one day's work, and a lodging allowance of 7s. 6d. per day where men provide their own accommodation when lodging away from home. It included compulsory retirement after 35 years service, on a pension of not less than two-thirds of the wages.

Many branches were restless under the truce of October, 1914, and were pressing for the presentation of this National Programme, and for an increased war wage. The Executive resolved to ask the Railway Executive for an increase of 10s. per week to meet the still increasing cost of living. There was also political activity, and the nomination of several Executive members and officials by branches for various constituencies.

That brings us, I think, to the supreme event of the year 1918, the special meetings which began in London on August 16th, and continued into October, resulting in another substantial wage advance. The General Secretary had sent a letter to the Railway Executive on July 19th, applying for an increase of ten shillings, and to this a reply was received saying there was no justification