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/168

 would be generally adopted. In this circular, issued June 1st. 1907. Mr. Gladstone said:—

"'In the case of accident in other industrial occupations, e.g., in metalliferous mines, on railways, or in the construction of engineering works, no provision has been made by Statute for the appearance of representatives of the deceased workmen or of the Union or Society to which they belong, but the Secretary of State understands that it is the general practice of coroners at inquests on industrial accidents to allow such representatives to attend and examine witnesses, and he cannot but think that where special knowledge of, e.g., railway working, is necessary for the purpose of elucidating the circumstances in which the accident occurred, the examination of the witnesses by the representatives of the railwaymen may often be of value. He trusts, therefore, that the practice may be generally adopted.'"

Not all coroners acted upon this, and one of them told Mr. Parfitt that it would have no influence upon him, and none but a solicitor should act in his court. As a general rule, however, they welcome the organiser, and all seem to do their utmost to probe the case to the fullest extent.

In those early days of organising, work was very hard and continuous, with the United Kingdom for a district, and six to ten weeks continuous absence from home, until the Executive resolved that every sixth week be allowed at home.

In the case of Board of Trade Inquiries, and the preliminary examination of the scene of accident, companies were far too ready to regard the organisers as undesirable intruders, and often flatly refused to allow them any facilities, or even to attend the inquiry. A case of that kind occurred at Crewe with Mr. Parfitt, but the Inspector carefully explained the whole scene for Mr. Parfitt's special benefit before the inquiry opened. It seems an outrage that while inspections took place the representatives of the men most intimately concerned should be refused facilities even to view the scene. There was a case at Highbridge on the G.W.R.,