Chapter XV
The 1912 Report was signed by Mr. Geo. Moore, with an expression of regret for its late arrival, and that for 1913 was signed by Mr. Moore as "Acting General Secretary." Mr. Fox had been obviously unwell for some months, his paleness being very marked, and early in 1913 he had to stand aside from the many activities he had tried to control personally.
The late General Secretary was 57 years old, and had held office for twelve years. He had joined the Society in 1886 at Mexborough, and was for many years secretary of that branch. He became E.C. representative for the Yorkshire district, as I have recorded, and in 1901 became President. When the crisis of 1911 came, and the companies remained obdurate to reason or appeal, it was Mr. Fox who moved, at Liverpool the dramatic resolution to give a general 24 hours notice. He was similarly stirred, despite his ill-health, over the Guard Richardson case, on the Midland, in 1913. When the funeral procession went to Woodhouse Cemetery, several veterans, like Messrs. Shuttleworth, Mogg, Duckworth, Dickinson, and Hatton were present, and a magnificent floral cross was placed by the American Brotherhood. Resolutions of condolence poured in from all quarters, fully indicating the place won in railway affairs by Mr. Fox.
100