Sheffield Flood
Preliminary Meeting at Sheffield
«ReturnOn the same day on which the flood swept over the town, the Mayor issued circulars to a number of the principal gentlemen of the town, convening a meeting at the Council Hall on the following Monday, 'for the purpose of considering and adopting such measures as may be deemed necessary to meet the sufferings occasioned by this dreadful calamity.'
A numerous body of gentlemen responded to the call of the Mayor. Lord Wharncliffe was received with cheers. Also present were: John Brown, ex-Mayor, F. W. Bagshawe, Mr. Bagshawe, W. F. Dixon, James. W. Dixon, Aldermen Brown, Jackson, Hoole, Fisher, Vickers, Holland and Saunders; Mr. T. Dunn, George Wolstenholm, M. J. Ellison, M. Firth, E. Vickers, E. Bromley, J. Jobson Smith, T. W. Watson, H. Watson, H. Wilson, W. Wake, B. Wake, W. Fawcett, Mr. Sorby, Revs. Dr. Sale, J. Livesey, W. Wilkinson, C. Wilkinson, Mr. Buttersby, H. James, C. Larom, Mr. Campbell and others.
Samuel Roberts and George Hounsfield directors of the Water Company attended as an indication of their sentiments on the sad occasion.
Mr. Dunn told the meeting that the directors could not be expected to answer questions, this would happen at another time.
Mr. Ironside said the truth must come out. The Mayor said the truth would come out at the Inquest.
The Mayor went on to say: 'It is unnecessary for me to speak at any length in regard to this dreadful calamity. At noon on Saturday, a communication was made to me that a great number of persons were assembled in the neighbourhood of Hillsborough Bridge and Owlerton, and that some were carrying away furniture and property which did not belong to them. I immediately contacted The Barracks and as a result soldiers were on duty during the day and night and on Sunday. There was no further trouble.'
The Mayor then read out a letter from Earl Fitzwilliam, Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding. The Earl said he had heard rumours of the calamity and he had no doubt that the inhabitants of the town would attend to the immediate wants of the sufferers. He hoped that a large and systematic scheme of relief would be inaugurated. He said he would be ready to attend a meeting on the Tuesday afternoon.
The Mayor read more letters including one from a barrister Mr. Munster of London enclosing a cheque for 30 guineas and he offered to do all in his power to obtain subscriptions in town.
Mr. E. Vickers said that while he agreed with everything the Mayor had said, he believed a subscription should be started right away at the meeting.
Lord Wharncliffe made an urgent appeal for support and Mr. W. Butcher, town regent, seconded the motion.
Francis Hoole read a telegram from Mr. G. Hadfield M.P. in which Mr. Hadfield promised to send £500 for the relief of the survivors.
A list of subscriptions was made up in moments to the sum of £5000, ten of the principal firms putting down their names for £200 each.
It was agreed that the Mayor should communicate with the Lord Mayor of London.
The Chairman of the London and Sheffield Unions intimated that the promptest and most liberal relief had been given to the survivors 'without reference to consolidated orders or districts, or anything but the necessities of the sufferers' . continued »
