John R. Raynes

“ A circular was prepared for the enginemen and firemen of the whole country, 5.000 copies being ordered, and it was decided to abandon the idea of starting a new paper: "providing the one due to come out will advocate the interests of the Society." The secretary was deputed to visit branches, and Messrs, Perry and Ingram to visit the general meeting at Bristol with a view to opening a new branch. ”

“ They had paid back to members scores of fines for paltry faults on duty, and had paid wages and half wages in numberless cases of suspension. The Society was growing and being talked about, and a leader of men was needed as the central pivot. ”

“ October 15th. "That all enginemen up to 40 years of age be allowed to join the Society at an entrance fee of 10s., and all firemen at a fee of 5s., in accordance with the views of the majority of branches, and be in operation during the pleasure of the Executive."
November 26th. "That Thomas Sunter be appointed Assistant General Secretary."
December 3rd. "That the keys of the General Office be given to T. Sunter, to act instead of J. Brooke, according to Rule 7."
February 4th; 1883. "That a delegate meeting be held at Leeds the first Monday in September." ”

“ It was resolved to arrange with Mistress Pickersgill, at the Commercial Inn, Sweet Street, Leeds, for a room to be fitted and made the chief office of the Society. On July 17th Messrs. William Collier, Nelson Smith, and James Atkey were elected to the executive, with George Bamforth as chairman, H. Shuttleworth as vice-chairman, and Joseph Brooke, as secretary, The Leeds, Skyrack & Morley Bank were appointed bankers for the funds under the charge of the Executive Committee. ”

“ October 1st, 1879, which increases the hours of labour, and in many cases reduces the wages of your Memorialists, and ask your Honourable Board for ten hours per day booking on and off duty, also 150 miles for passenger and 120 miles for goods to constitute a day's work. That no man receive less than six days if able to perform his duty ”