The controversy continued for some weeks, being reflected in the "Journal" and in branch minutes, but no delegate meeting was called and no variation was made in the appointment. By the authority of the Executive, Mr. Fox took hold of direction, and a new era had opened out with the year 1902. In March, Mr. John Drummond was elected as Executive Council member in succession to Mr. Fox, and Mr. J. A. Hawkins was elected Chairman, with Mr. T. T. Millman as Vice-Chairman. It was decided in that month that permission be given to the Lancashire delegates to meet once a year, on a Sunday, for the exchange of opinion on Society matters, and that their railway fares be paid by the Executive. In that decision we seem to recognise the inception of the District Council idea. In June of the same year it was decided to recommend that membership be opened to engine cleaners, and that a Triennial Conference be held in 1903 for the alteration of rules. It was decided to communicate the fact of Mr. Sunter's death to both the American Brotherhoods in letters of fraternal greetings. There was considcrable discussion in 1902 on the formation of a Labour newspaper, and the Executive decided in favour of supporting one, either daily or weekly, and deemed such a project fit to be placed on the agenda of the T.U.C. Another important decision of the year was to affiliate with the Labour Representation Committee, and to contemplate a Parliamentary candidate.
The year 1903 was responsible for considerable advance. It saw the rules altered, it saw the appointment of an organiser, the addition of cleaners to the membership, the centralisation of funds, and the rendering of assistance in the formation of such a society in South Africa. The Triennial Conference took place in May, met for the first time by the new General Secretary, and it was decided by 61 votes to 2 that an organising secretary be appointed, The candidates nominated were Messrs. Parfitt, Millman, Drummond, Thirtle and Vaughan, and on the second ballot Messrs. Parfitt and Millman were left in the final contest. On the third vote Mr. Parfitt received 38 votes, against Mr. Millman's 25, Mr. Parfitt, it might be added, being President of the Conference for
