Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/156

 with the Executive Committee and members in the sad loss they have sustained.—.'" To this the following reply was sent: "Executive highly appreciate expression of sympathy. Will convey to Mrs. Sunter and family your vote of condolence."

On October 4th it was resolved that applications for the position of General Secretary be invited from branches, every member to have the opportunity of being nominated for the position, but it is recommended that applicants should not be more than 45 years of age, voting to be by majority on a ballot of members. The Chairman of the Executive was made responsible for office administration in the interval. Voting papers were to be returned by December 3rd and counted on December 8th. The voting resulted as follows:—Baldwin, 29; Drummond, 106: Dickinson, 58; Fox, 1,860; Harrison, 66; Long, 31; Morse, 496; Parfitt, 1,536; Reed, 84; Vaughan, 103. There were five spoilt papers, making a total of 4,374. It was moved that a second ballot be ordered between Messrs. Fox and Parfitt, but another resolution was carried to take legal advice. As a result it was decided on December 9th: "That it be declared that A. Fox is elected General Secretary, and a circular sent to branches declaring same." This circular was issued by Mr. Shuttleworth, and quite a storm was provoked thereby. Mr. Parfitt issued a personal circular to branches, dated December 24th, 1901, protesting against the decision on the following grounds:—