debating what the Treasurer termed irregularities of the executive management,"
October 1st, 1882. “That each member of the Executive receive 1s. for expenses when attending meetings.”
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."
June 3rd. "Mr. Clement Hazledine made an assertion that the General Secretary was not doing his duty, that it was entirely his fault that the branch balance sheets were not to hand, and he knew blooming well I could not mix the business of a publican and the secretaryship as well, but he was not able to state where or when the Secretary had neglected any part of the Society's business.
"Mr. Shuttleworth stated that the Society was paying a lot of money for a Secretary who had no influence and was simply a nonentity."
What had happened? The fact was that the Society was growing bigger and more important than its originators realised, and Joseph Brooke, having a personal interest in the welfare of the Commercial Inn, was not exclusively devoted to the Society. The Leeds Executive was quite resolved that the movement must progress in spite of individuals who might not have their souls in it. They had elected, in 1863, Mr. Samuel Holland as Chairman of the Executive; they had bought a brass enamelled plate to indicate the head office; they had visited branches and seen the growth of the spirit of unity and brotherhood, and were resolutely determined that the head office
