John R. Raynes

“ We have left our Rules open for modification at any future period; and whilst endeavouring to protect our Members against all injustice, we have taken equal care to protect the representatives of our employers from the insults of any foolish or ignorant Members, being satisfied that all should live as far as possible peaceably together, each man doing his duty fairly and honestly, then the public and our employers will be better served, and each man will perform his duty more cheerfully. ”

“ The Rules have been framed by Enginemen and Firemen especially for your interests, the Executive duties are performed by men of your own class, your officials are and will continue to be elected from amongst you, they are your servants, the General Secretary is an Engineman of long and practical experience, who knows full well the nature of your responsibility and anxious duties, and who has been elected by his fellow-men to take the management of their affairs. ”

“ It has been said that a travelling secretary of the Amalgamated Society wished to coerce non-members and compel them to join his society. We find it hard to believe that any sane man would think of doing such a thing, and no one will for a moment believe that the society had any notion of that being done. ”

“ The interests of the Society and its members will be carefully looked over by a firm of respectable and eminent lawyers, and all that human forethought can devise will be done to ameliorate your condition and conduct the business of this Society on an honourable and sound basis. ”

“ In conclusion we earnestly appeal to the whole of the locomotive enginemen and firemen throughout the kingdom for their cooperation and assistance, being fully of opinion that only by such a Society are the interests of all to be protected in the future. ”

“ We have no desire to become dictators to our employers or their representatives, and whilst we will endeavour to assist them in all economical reforms and workings, we shall at least expect fair treatment and just pay for our anxious and dangerous duties. ”

“ Our objects, therefore, are very plain and simple, whilst we mean to win the respect of our employers, by maintaining a manly and dignified respect for ourselves, by fulfilling the trust which is given into our charge faithfully and honourably to the best of our ability. ”

“ All members to pay 1s, per week for twelve months before being in benefit. The Society to be a Trade Union Sick and Benefit Society, to relieve its members in sickness and distress; to pay a sum of £60 to members incapacitated by sickness, old age, or accident, with a weekly sum of 7s. 6d. superannuation. Twelve shillings per week for illness, not caused by their own misconduct, for the first six months; and, for remainder of illness, 6s, per week. Twelve shillings per week whilst seeking employment, for 12 weeks: and 6s, per week for the ensuing 14 weeks. ”

“ Your Society should not cost more than £200 the first year for an active, energetic secretary. The money raised by the various Lodges to be kept in their own hands until the Delegates from the various lines decided where or how it should be invested. ”

“ Indeed, it is not only now, or for a few weeks, that the promoters and their friends have been quietly and steadily working, they have been for many months feeling their way and sowing the seed, which will doubtless soon bear fruit which will fully reward them. ”

“ If any other proof were required to show that there is ample room for such a society as this, it need only be remembered that a comparatively small number-we believe not one-sixth-of the railway servants of the United Kingdom will join the Amalgamated Society. ”

“ We have no desire to interfere with that discipline which is as necessary to the safety of the public on railways as it is to ourselves, but merely to protect the men whom we send forward as our representatives. On the Great Western Railway alone 1,938 men signed the petition to the directors. Assuming that one=half tare enginemen, 969 at 5s, each—£242 5s,, and 969 firemen, at 2s, each—£96 18s.; making a total of £339 3s, for entrance fees alone. To this add a year's subscription of 1s, per week, which will make a sum of £5,337 19s, before the Society would be called on to pay any money out. ”

“ Our Branches are numerous and steadily increasing, our Funds are in a satisfactory state; we do not wish to boast, neither do we intend that our affairs shall be made public; we neither fear nor court criticism, but intend to carry on our affairs in our own simple way, and will give all members and and every information which the most exacting may require. ”

“ Officers are appointed pro tem., a committee selected to introduce rules which are now in circulation, an entrance fee with a contribution at a low rate fixed upon for the time being, the whole, we have no doubt, will be considerably amended at a representative meeting, which will be eventually held, when our objects and aims are generally known. ”

“ The following has been during the past few months extensively circulated among enginemen and firemen, with results very satisfactory to the committee:—
We propose to you that a society be formed, consisting of enginemen and firemen only; who shall, for the first six months, be admitted under the following conditions:—
Members to be in good health, irrespective of age. Enginemen to pay 5s, entrance, and firemen 2s. ”

“ This boy, when he is not out firing, will be cleaning in the shed at eight or ten shillings a week. Of course, the driver is expected to min to time and do his work as though he had a first-class fireman with him. The question needs not to be asked who has to da the fireman's work. "The driver is the man. If he allows the boy to put coal on the fire, it is as a rule put on to waste ”