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/204

 Cooke was re-elected the following year, when Mr. C. Shipley took the place of Mr. R. Hill, and Mr. R. Scott took the place of Mr. Brodie. The Triennial Meeting of Delegates was held in the Albert Hall, June 3rd to 10th, and it decided to invest £1,000 in the "Daily Citizen." There were Irish delegates amongst the 149 who attended, and Mr. Timothy Shea was present to convey the greetings of the American Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. Mr. C. Shipley was elected Chairman, and at the reception by the Lord Mayor, Mr. Fox stated that when he came in as Secretary he found a Society of 8,000 members in 118 branches, with funds of £97,000. That day they had 270 branches, 23,600 members, and £186,000 in reserve. None would think then that Mr. Fox would not again meet the Triennial Conference, or that he was so near the end of his intensely strenuous and able work for the Society. The business of the week included a considerable revision of rules to make way for an Approved Society under the National Health Insurance Act of 1911, the Executive Council being empowered to amend the general rules and to carry into effect any further amendments found necessary. There was considerable discussion on political action, and the deep effect of the Osborne Judgment on funds already depleted by South Leeds. Mr. Fox reported the receipt of an address signed by, President of the Joint Executive during the 1911 strike, on behalf of all Societies, which declared that the diplomacy and ability which he displayed, together with the advice he so readily placed at their disposal, enabled them to overcome most of the difficulties of the position." A long discussion on Mr. Conlon's motion for amalgamation led to an interesting episode during Mr. Bromley's speech in replying to the mover. Alluding to the wages of locomotive men, Mr. Bromley proceeded:—

"Now, just to test it, how many men in this Conference, for a sixty hours week, knock out £2 5s. a week? How many? Hand ups! (A few hands were held up). Twenty at the most. Those men at this Congress who for a sixty hours week do not make 30s.? A great many hands were held up.