Trainman News

Sit Back And Think Twice Before Move

NEW LONDON, Conn.--Industries in the New England area even thinking of pulling stakes and heading south following the recent flood damage should sit back and think twice before taking such a drastic move.

That advice was placed in the laps of the companies recently by President W. P. Kennedy, in New London to address the 13th annual convention of New England Association, BRT and LA Lodges.

The firms owe something to the high-type citizens and the loyal workers in the New England sector who have helped them grow and expand down through the years, the BRT leader pointed out.

"There's no reason for the floods to cause businessmen to move out of New England," he declared.

Natural disasters can strike anywhere in the nation, he said, and added that an industry moving from one section of the country to another might find that it has made a bad move.

President Kennedy paid tribute to Gov. A. A. Ribicoff of Connecticut for his efforts to alleviate suffering during the recent disaster.

Governor Ribicoff took off his hat and coat and went right to work to help the people, the BRT leader declared.

He also thanked the Connecticut governor and Gov. Averell Harri-man of New York for courtesies extended him which made it possible for him to tour the flood area shortly after the flood waters struck.

The BRT, like all labor, rushed forth with assistance and contributed $5,000 to the Red Cross Disaster and Flood Fund.

And BRT members throughout the U. S. and Canada contributed generously to local chapters of the Red Cross.

President Kennedy was guest of honor at the banquet highlighting the two-day conclave Sept. 16 and 17 in Mohican Hotel. He addressed closed meetings, bringing (Continued on Page 5)
Sit Back, Think Twice Before Making Move (Continued from Page 1)

BRTers up to date on issues facing the Brotherhood and all labor.

Thompson Is M.C.

Master of ceremonies at the banquet was T. J. Thompson, secretary of Board of Insurance. Invocation was given by the Rev. Mr. Mason of First Baptist Church, New London.

Mayor Duggan BRTer

Mayor R. J. Duggan, a member of Lodge 496, who is the son of R. J. Duggan, New Haven superintendent and also a Lodge 496 member, gave the address of welcome. Short talks also were made by Superintendent Duggan and Mrs. Mary Gorman, grand president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Other head table guests with President Kennedy, in addition to those previously mentioned were: Vice-President J. R. Lavin, W. J. Londregan, chairman, New England Association; National Legislative Representative and Mrs. Harry See, Mrs. Helen R. Dorr, LA vice-grand president, District 1; Miss Margaret Toole (LA 20), honorary member of Board of Governors; M. J. Beirne, chairman of Executive Board; A. H. Riani, Rhode Island state representative and honorary member of Board of Governors, and J. Murray Dunn of legal counsel's office, Syracuse, N. Y.

In his banquet address, President Kennedy expressed great pleasure in being able to return to New London and greet his many friends of long standing.

Many BRTers occupy high offices in government today, President Kennedy said, and he called attention to Mayor Duggan, a member of Lodge 496.

He reviewed progress by the BRT throughout its 72 years of growth, and he said the Brotherhood keeps a watchful eye on developments in the railroad industry, ever determined to win just rewards for its members on the silvery ribbons.

The BRT chieftain told of the cooperation that exists among the BRT, CIO and AFL, and said the Brotherhood is always willing to sit down with the CIO and AFL to discuss and work out problems facing labor.

Labor is a fundamental part of the American scene and all it asks is its fair share, he declared.

Vets Get Emblems

Five veteran members were awarded emblems by President Kennedy.

They included: D. E. Sheehan and H. E. Levitt, both 50-year buttons; James P. Slater, 35 years; J. W. Carr and E. Van Derlyke, both 20 years. Slater, a former member of Lodge 496, is now a member of Lodge 1002. The others are all members of 496.

Association Chairman Londregan presented a 16mm moving picture projector to President Kennedy and the BRT leader thanked the association for its generosity and thoughtfulness.

At a closed meeting the first day, attended by 130, President Kennedy discussed BRT objectives and activities of the various departments of the Brotherhood.

Other principal participants in this session included: National Legislative Representative See, Board of Insurance Secretary Thompson, William Davis, in charge of Legislative Department at Grand Lodge; W. L. Hill, manager, Promotion Department; Vice-President Lavin, Rhode Island State Representative Riani, J. A. Parker, Board of Insurance member, and C. W. Phillips, president of Lodge 496, who served as master of ceremonies.

The Ladies Auxiliary conducted various meetings during the state parley and heard inspiring talks by Grand President Gorman and other officers.

The first evening of the convention, 250 enjoyed a boat ride on the Thames River and a few miles out into Long Island Sound.

A buffet supper was served during the trip.

Portland in '56

Portland, Maine, was selected as the site for the 1956 association meeting.

Besides Chairman Londregan, other executive officers arranging the very successful two-day meeting included Mrs. John Walter Carr, vice-chairman; D. W. Rochelle, secretary, and Mrs. Christine Howard, treasurer. Large committees assisted them.

The Board of Governors comprises C. E. Adams, executive secretary; Mrs. F. F. Biladeau, John W. Carr, J. W. Loconto and Mrs. F. E. Riani.