‘And finally, because I think he has a good sensible head on his shoulders, I would like to make Harry Randell, if he is willing to take on the responsibility, manager and buyer. He is the newest employee in the company and as yet is not fully conversant with the inner workings of the hydraulic seed-pressing industry; nevertheless, he knows about grain and seed, having grown up and worked with it all his life, and he was the first to notice that we might have a problem with combustion before the disastrous fire.’ Tannerson gave a slight nod in Harry’s direction before continuing. ‘He perhaps didn’t realize that I had also noticed that he is efficient and organized. If you’re willing to take this position, Randell, I will ask a neighbouring company to initiate you into the practical industry of seed-crushing and pressing without any cost to them, before our new company begins production.’

Harry swallowed; it was more than he could possibly have dreamed of, and it meant that he could start almost immediately to watch and learn with another company. He cast a glance at Lizzie, who turned her head and slowly closed one eye.

‘Just one more item before we finish this meeting, for there will be others, but I would like to put it to you that I’d be grateful if you would be willing to form a working committee, so that once the new company is in production we can discuss any problems or future opportunities. Mrs Robson has agreed to be committee secretary and will take your notes and suggestions to be discussed at a later date.’

A local grocer brought in a box containing plates of beef, ham and cheese and warm bread rolls and Lizzie made coffee on a paraffin stove set safely in the corner of the room, and as the men ate they talked informally yet decisively and eagerly about such things as hydraulic cylinders, compressive forces, steam engines, pumps, pistons and pipes; Filip seemed totally fired up, answering all of Kirkwood’s enthusiastic questions as to what type of machinery he would be recommending.

When the discussion rolled to an end and notes had been made on questions to be asked or referred to, Kirkwood stood up to speak. ‘I’d like to thank you, Mr Tannerson, for this opportunity, not only for myself but on behalf of other men who have previously worked for this company who would like to come back; aye, and some new ones too. There were many men thrown out of work when Kingston Cotton Mill closed and it’s a chance for them and this company to prove that we’re more than capable of future success.’