December 12th, 1917

Minutes of E.C. meeting held on December 12th 1917 at 3 o’clock

Apologies of absence were received from Mrs. Simon and Mr. Cox.

Members present:-Miss Emily Cox (chair), Mrs. Findlay, Mrs. Withington, Mrs. Cox, Mr. Herford.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted.

Arising out of the minutes it was reported that a reply had been received from Mr. Spurley Hey, acknowledging the receipt of the letter of protest re Miss Ashton’s exclusion from the Education Committee.

A financial statement was given by the Treasurer.

The question of transferring the Emergency fund to the General fund was raised by the Treasurer, and after some discussion it was moved by Mr. Herford, seconded by Mrs. Cox and agreed that the resolution of November 9th, 1916 as to transferring the Emergency fund to the General fund be rescinded.

The Secretary pointed out that there was an amount of £17.5.2 owing for badges. £6.00 had already been forwarded on account, representing the amount received for badges but the firm were now pressing for the remainder of the account. It was moved by Miss Cox, seconded by Mrs. Withington and agreed that the Treasurer be authorised and requested to pay the £17.5.2.

It was reported that the first Joint Committee formed from the E.C. of the Trades and Labour Council, the WTUC and the meeting of Trade Union subscribers had been held on December 4th, and it had been decided that a letter of appeal be drawn up by Miss Cox, Miss Quaile, Mr. Mellor and Mr. Purcell, to be signed by all the members of the Committee, and sent to all Trade Unions and kindred organisations. It had been decided to ask Mr. Purcell to be the chairman of the Committee and Miss Quaile was elected as Secretary.

Correspondence. A letter was read from the Fabian Research Society asking the Council to send a delegate to a meeting to be held in London on December 19. As Miss Quaile was due in London on December 18th for the GFTU  meeting she was asked to attend the meeting as the Council’s representative.

The Sub-Committee minutes were read. They showed that the girls employed by Gerrard’s, Swinton, had received their back money from September 3rd instead of August 15th, and that the question of the payment of overtime had not been settled, so the matter had been referred to arbitration.

The arbitration between Kay’s, Bolton, and the women had been heard on Saturday, December 8th at Bolton.

A successful dance and social evening had been held by the members at Hans Renolds and Thornton’s, on Saturday December 8th at the Onward Hall.

Mr. Knapman of the Portmanteau Makers Union had asked the Secretary to receive a deputation to discuss the question of the Sheffield Leather Workers amalgamating with their Society. The meeting had been fixed for Saturday, December 15.

An interview had been held with Messrs. Dewsnap, Sheffield, on the question of increased wages of the women employed by the firm and increases of 2/6 and 1/9 per week had been given.

Emily Cox January 9th 1918.