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/348

 understanding, and to eliminate all causes of past friction and competition. I have previously indicated lines upon which this could be accomplished.

A simple and practical eyesight test for enginemen came much nearer being an accomplished fact in 1920, reduced to the Eldridge-Green lantern instead of wools and beads. All the old devices of the different companies were to give place to a national standard test of colours and a practical signal test, a reasonable and just test for vision, applied periodically. The details were presented to the 1920 Conference by Mr. Worthy Cooke, and accepted subject to adequate provision for those who fail to pass, on the lines indicated in the National Programme. The first hundred men to undergo the test in 1921 reported very favourably upon it, and the year therefore saw the relegation into the past of stringent and irritating tests which had failed many men unfairly, and brought them to shed work at reduced rates of pay. The resolution of acceptance carried by Conference fittingly placed on record its appreciation of the services rendered to the fraternity.

The Conference over, there came the task of compiling a scheme of local machinery, in conjunction with the N.U.R. Executive: the final adjustment of the Eyesight Test; and questions remitted to the Central Wages Board. Mr. Bromley launched an appeal for 75,000 members by the close of the year, and lo, it was so! Certain additions to the National Programme were decided upon—that no boy under 16 should be employed as a cleaner; that engine turn-tables should be electrified or otherwise mechanically turned; that wages should be paid weekly, each man to receive an itemised pay docket on the previous day. In Scotland the men were generally paid fortnightly.

The Unemployment Insurance Act, embracing nearly twelve million workers, and providing for their unemployment relief, caused long negotiation, extending from March to December. It was held by the Society that as its members were in regular employment on the railways, they could secure exemption under the clause accepted by the Committee on the Bill on April 22nd, pro-