December 8th, 1909

Council Meeting held Wednesday, December 8th 1909 at 3 o’clock.

Attendance.  

Present Miss Emily Cox (Chair), Councillor Margaret Ashton, Mrs. Whittaker, Mr. H.V. Herford, Mrs. Aldridge (Secretary).

Apology. Apology for absence submitted from Mrs. J. J. Findlay.

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

Finance. The monthly financial statement was presented by the Treasurer. This showed that the deficit of £133 was reduced to £117 and that several donations and new subscriptions were received.

Drawing Room Meeting. It was reported that the Lady Mayoress (Mrs. Behrens) had reluctantly been unable to arrange the drawing room meeting at Bowden owing to her numerous official engagements. Miss Ashton undertook to see if the Lady Mayoress could arrange the meeting at Town Hall in her private rooms.

Dr. Poock and Dean Welldon invited as Vice Presidents. The Secretary reported that the Rev. Dr. Anselm Poock regretted that owing to his many duties at Saint Bede’s College he could not accept the invitation to become a member of the Council. Miss Cox moved and Mr. Herford seconded that Dr. Poock together with the Dean of Manchester be invited to become Vice Presidents.

Annual Meeting fixed February 8th. It was reported that the Annual Meeting was fixed for Tuesday, February 8th 1910. The Lord Mayor had kindly promised the use of the Parlour at the Town Hall and would preside at the meeting. The Lady Mayoress would give tea. It was agreed to ask Mrs. Pember Reeves to be the principal speaker.

Federation of University Women re-Infirmary Board. A letter was read from Mrs. Chapman of the Manchester Association of the Federation of University Women asking the Council to appoint two or three representatives on the joint committee under formation to consider what action should be taken in view of the decision of the Infirmary Board re-the admission of medical women as residents. It was moved by Mrs. Whittaker and seconded by Mr. Herford that Miss Cox and Mrs. Aldridge be appointed a third representative to be appointed later if necessary.

Organisation Sub-Committee. The Minutes of the Organisation Sub-Committee were read.

CWS Factories dinner hour meetings. Their report showed that during the month dinner hour meetings were held at Balloon Street, Tobacco Works Sharp St., Crumpsall, Longsight and Middleton CWS factories jointly with the Cooperative Employees’ Union.

Telephone Operators. The Telephone Operators' Association has amalgamated with the Telephone Employees' Union –the Manchester Branch of the Association would however continue to manage its own business.

Blouse Makers. The Amalgamated Union of Sewing-Machinists and Corset Makers had added 37 blouse makers to its membership from Bleakleys and the Gown Manufacturing Company.

Leather Workers. The Leather Workers held a very successful gathering at the Art Museum on November 25th, the membership of the Union had increased during the month.

Box Makers. The proposed organisation of cardboard box makers was still under consideration and it was possible joint action would be taken with the National Anti Sweating League in holding meetings and urging the workers to join the National Union of Printers Warehousemen and Cutters. Failing this it was proposed to make the meetings purely explanatory of the new Trade Boards Act.

Confectioners Meeting. A very successful meeting of confectioners was held at 56 Swan Street on Wednesday December 1st. Several new members of the Society were enrolled. Mr. H. Howard the president of the Men’s Society took the chair. The speakers were Miss Emily Cox and Mrs. Aldridge from the Council and Mr. H. A. Crick Secretary of the Men’s Society.

Midwives. Mrs Aldridge had also attended a meeting of the Midwives Association at Coventry.

Business meetings. The usual business meetings of the Unions were held during the month.

Next Meeting. It was agreed on the motion of Mr. Herford and Miss Ashton that the next meeting of the Council be held on January 26 1910. This would give time for the proof copies of the report to be printed and sent to the Council before the meeting.

Emily Cox January 26th 1910