A lead was given by the Executive in an appeal to all railwaymen of the country to assist by donations in helping all victims of the Midland strike who were non-members, and by that fund many were assisted to emigrate. At a gathering at Bradford, seven members who had their passages booked for new grounds in Canada were presented with the emigration grant of £5 each by Mr. T. G. Sunter.
It was decided on August 28th to consult the opinion of branches as to the advisability of appointing an organising secretary, but no salary or permanency were decided upon. In October it was agreed that the branches should be again consulted as to the need of such an appointment, and the Executive arranged for a special meeting on November 6th to give full consideration to this project. When that day came Messrs. William Field, Joseph Rotherforth, and Alan Higgins took their seats as members, "they being elected by their branches." After the discussion it was
"Proposed by F. Lumb, and seconded by James Gill, that an organising secretary be appointed until December 31st, 1888, and that his salary be £2 per week and third-class railway fare and hotel expenses, his expenses to be submitted monthly to the Executive Committee; that he reside in Leeds and commence duty as soon as possible, and take his instructions from the General Secretary."
"That Thomas Ball, a member of the Nottingham Branch, be appointed organising secretary to the Society on the conditions laid down in the previous minute, and if he refuses, the position be offered to Mr. Geo. W. Storey."
The first organiser continued his work during 1888, and the appointment being renewed, he went on during 1889 and into 1890. In May of the latter year he was suspended after visits to Southampton and Salisbury had been reported by local members. Mr. H. Shuttleworth, who was also a victim of the Midland strike, and became assistant secretary to the Society, was deputed to inquire and report, and following upon the report he presented in
