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/186

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Engines and Men

"Lusitania," receiving a splendid reception by the American enginemen. The result of this was a return visit of a similar character in the following year, for the Triennial Conference of May, 1909, vociferously welcomed Bro. W. S. Carter, President of the American Brotherhood of Firemen and Enginemen, and Brother Patrick Fennell, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. The latter, as "Shandy Maguire," had won considerable repute as a railwayman poet, and had several times contributed to the "Journal." He recited several of his poems during this almost royal tour of England. A special Convention medal was struck, the bars bearing the names of the visitors and of Albert Fox, each delegate wearing one.

There was a reception for the visitors on May 15th at Liverpool, followed on May 16th by a mass meeting in the Picton Hall. They were received by the Lord Mayor, and entertained to tea by Messrs. Lever Bros. at Port Sunlight. On the 18th they came to Leeds, and on the 19th were received by the Conference. They visited various works, attended smoking concerts, and toured such resorts as Harewood Hall, Ilkley, Bolton Abbey, and York. They were presented with very handsome and specially designed albums, containing 210 photographs of scenes in Great Britain, and of the officers of the Society. When they left for London on May 22nd, Mr. Carter travelled on the G.N. engine No. 301, which made the journey of 185 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes. They attended mass meetings in London, visited Woolwich, saw the King win the Derby race, travelled to Sheffield, Crewe, Stoke, and Cardiff, and finally left London for Southampton by special train. A special brochure was published, illustrating Leeds, and a special Convention Number of the "Journal" was issued. Every effort was made to give the visitors close attention and a happy time. Fennell, who was an honorary member of the Society, frequently contributed to the "Journal" until his death in 1917.

Mr. J. Bromley was elected Chairman of the Conference in question, and Mr. Geo. Moore, as Chairman of the Executive, welcomed the visitors. The other executive members at the time