October 14th, 1914

Council Meeting held Wednesday, October 14th 1914 at 3.00.

Present Miss Emily Cox (chair), Mrs. Grierson, Miss Basnett, Mrs. E. Simon, Miss Spear, Miss Ashcroft, Miss Ashton, Mrs. Ashwell Cooke, Mrs. J. J. Findlay, Miss Todd, Mr. G. V. Cox, Mr. H. V. Herford, Councillor J. J. Johnston.

Minutes. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed.

Finance. A financial statement was given by the Treasurer.

Tenancy of office. In reference to tenancy of office the Treasurer reported that he had arranged that the Council could terminate tenancy at three months’ notice and had consequently withdrawn the provisional notice given by him for March 25th next.

Distress Committee. The Chairman reported her election as a member of the Manchester Distress Committee.

Sub-Committee. Norwood and army shirts. The Sub-Committee minutes were read. It was reported that the Norwood Blouse Firm had taken a contract for army shirts and proposed to pay for the making at the rate of 2/3d per dozen which would mean to the girls a reduction in weekly earnings. A protest had been made by the girls in the works. Mrs. Aldridge wrote saying she had interviewed Mr. Headon, Secretary of the Shirt and Jacket Makers Union in London and he reported that the Government were allowing 8 ½ for the making of each shirt. He further reported that the Shirt Trade Board rate was 3 ½ per hour and the piece rate would be considered fair if 80% earn this amount.  

Rubber Workers. Reported that the Rubber Workers Union had not been meeting regularly and the members were coming to the office with complaints about such. Miss Quaile was instructed to hold a meeting of the members.

A complaint had come to the office from Frankenstein’s Rubber Works about the system of payment of wages to the women employed. The matter was reported to the Factory Inspector.

Painters. Reported that the amalgamation with the Painters to the Engravers Union had been delayed through it being found that the account books were in some confusion.

Women Carriage Cleaners. Miss Quaile reported that a complaint had been received about women being employed in the place of men as railway carriage cleaners at a reduced rate of wages of 2/-per week. A letter had been sent to the National Union of Railwaymen and the Council instructed Miss Quaile to make an appointment to meet the Secretary while in London on October 19th.

Women in the Shipping Industry. Mr. Fildes, Secretary of the Society of Women in the Shipping Industry, reported to Miss Quaile that 75% of the members were on short time and 25% totally unemployed.

Reports were given of the work done by the Local Relief Committee.

Emily Cox

November 11th 1914.