April 9th, 1913

Council Meeting held Wednesday, April 9th 1913 at 7.00 pm.

Attendance.

Present Miss Emily Cox (chair), Mrs. J. J. Findlay, Miss L. Stapleton, Miss Francis, Miss Frith, Miss Todd, Mr. Ed. Dale, Mrs. Aldridge and Miss Quaile.

Apologies. Apologies for absence received from Mr. Herford, Mrs. Cooke, Mrs Sinclair.

Minutes. Minutes of the last meeting were read and passed.

Industrial Sub-Committee N.U.W.W. A letter was read from the National Union of Women Workers Manchester Branch asking the Council to appoint a representative on their Industrial Sectional Committee and attend the quarterly meeting in London. Miss Cox moved and Mr. Dale seconded “that Mrs. Aldridge be appointed” and that permission be asked for another member of the Council to attend at any time Mrs. Aldridge was unable to do so.

Miss Llewelyn Davies. Miss Llewelyn Davies wrote that there were no expenses in connection with her visit on February 4th. She was very glad to help in the work.

Mrs. Aldridge. The Chairman reported that she had conveyed the Council’s wish to Mrs. Aldridge that half salary should be paid during her leave of absence and Mrs. Aldridge had declined.

Miss Woolley elected to Council. Miss Emily Cox moved and Mrs. Findlay seconded that Miss Woolley of Fairhill Kersal be elected a member of the Council.

Sub-Committee Minutes. The Sub-Committee Minutes were read.

Women Polishers. Miss Cox moved and Miss Stapleton seconded that the Society of Women Polishers should be permitted to hold their business meetings at the office at a small charge.

Sheffield Leather Workers. The Secretary reported that the Sheffield Branch of the Fancy Leather Workers' Union (women) had sent in a claim for an advance in wages to Messrs. James Dewsnap & Co. and that an interview with the Directors was under arrangement.

 Miss Guffick’s Appointment. The Chairman reported an arrangement for assistance during the Secretary’s leave of absence and recommended the appointment of Miss Florence Guffick, Secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Corset Makers and Sewing Machinists for that time. This appointee would be a good one as Miss Guffick was in close touch with the affiliated unions and had a thorough knowledge of the details of the National Health Insurance Act. An opportunity would also be provided for Miss Guffick to develop her own union and it was thought that in this event the union would be willing to make a special grant to the Council’s funds. The Union however could not be approached until the appointment had been considered by the Council.

After discussion Miss Guffick was unanimously appointed on the motion of Miss Francis and Mr.Dale. Miss Todd moved and Miss Stapleton seconded that Miss Guffick be paid 25/-per week.

Secretary’s leave of absence. It was decided that during the secretary’s absence Miss Quaile and Miss Guffick should work in close consultation with the Chairman.

Finance. The financial report was presented by the Secretary.

  Emily Cox May 7, 1913