Hello everyone,

General:
This is only a short circular, being prepared while relaxing in Cornwall after the two best December 25 and 26th days I can remember for a very long time. People everywhere were having picnics and dozing in the sun. I hope you’ve all had a good break as well. I’m coming back to reality tomorrow.

Words:
In my pre-Christmas circular, I said that my talk on “Paternalism in the Old GWR” included a reference to Abracadabra. I thought about this while I was away (see, I always think of all alphas!) and I thought you might be amused at the style of writing.

Included in the lecture was a passage from a Safety Booklet circulated in 1914 to every one of their 80,000 employees: they were anxious to reduce the number of accidents, although whether this was from an altruistic point of view, or merely a cost cutting exercise is open to question. Anyway, I like to describe it as patronising paternalism!

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You’ve only got to misjudge things a bit. You’ve just to overlook the possibility of a slip, or the chance of an unexpected movement, and you’re done for before you can say “Jack Robinson”. When it comes to taking a risk – or half a risk – of your life, SAFETY’s best.

The Board of Trade Report on Accidents shows that 1,500 railwaymen were injured in the United Kingdom in 1912 owing to their own misconduct or want of caution.

In 1912, 352 railwaymen were injured through want of caution or breach of the rules, ON THE PART OF OTHERS.

To secure the assistance of good spirits against evil ones, the Gnostics – an ancient sect of so-called philosophers – used the word Abracadabra. When beset with difficulties, or otherwise in a tight corner, they just said “Abracadabra” and the trouble vanished! Charms – if they’ll only act – have a lot to be said for them. We like the simplicity of the thing, and have been looking for a charm against railway accidents.

We’ve diligently searched in all directions and – rejoice with us! – we’ve found one! It’s a simple three word phrase, easy to remember and certain in its power. You’ve only got to say it to yourself as you go about your work, then act on the impulse it will give you, and you’ll escape dangers that another fellow would be killed or maimed by.

Now then, you ask, what’s this wonderful phrase?

It’s this. “IS IT SAFE?”

When you’re hurrying and scurrying and a short cut is at hand, ask yourself “IS IT SAFE?”

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Well, I hope you like it – to me, it somehow captures the essence of attitude of manufacturers in that era.

New Year:
I am sure, when I open my mailbox, there’ll be results to look at for Challenge 4, and a list of entries for Challenge 5, and a new challenge to do. Still, I don’t have to think about the Christmas Challenge.

A Very Happy New Year to you All,

- Olaf