Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevalone saved this irresponsible and foolish individual from the indignity of arrest. It is gratifying to be able to say that all subsequent elections have passed off without any of these unpleasant incidents.
MALTBY COMMON
The proposed enclosure of Maltby Common by Lord Scarbrough in 1879 aroused strong protests from the people of Sheffield and Rotherham. Meetings were held in College Yard, one being convened by the Mayor (Ald. Wigfield) at the request of the Liberal Association. As secretary I waited upon his Worship for consent to call the meeting in his name, only to be informed that he had no funds out of which the expenses could be met. Having undertaken to defray all the costs, I fixed a collecting box in the rooms of the Liberal Association for the purpose of providing the wherewithal. A week later, on opening the box, I found the sum of 7d. therein, 6d. of which I had contributed my self. Comment is needless. But this not withstanding, we had our meeting, the Mayor presiding. The Rev William Blazeby was the chief speaker, and he had a few supporters from Maltby and district, who explained their objections to the enclosure. Sheffield also held protest meetings. Both towns petitioned Parliament and sent deputations to London to lay their case before the authorities. But it was all in vain. The Common was enclosed.UNITARIAN CHAPEL
It is not generally known that Ebenezer Elliot, the Corn Law rhymer, was born in Rotherham, and attended the Unitarian schools when a boy. I occasionally attended the Unitarian Chapel, which was then in Downs Row, and I remember Henry Taylor, the schoolmaster at the day school in Oil Mill fold, conducting a string band at the services in the chapel. Taylor, a diminutive man, and I believe a cripple, held very decided opinions on most subjects. He was a good musician and an excellent performer on the violin. Owing to his friendship with Mr. Skelton, who resided in one of the cottages opposite the present Unitarian church, and whose sons were my playmates. Ioften came in contact with him. He was quite a curiosity in his way and had many detractors, probably on account of hid fondness for the use of the cane and the manner in which he spent his evenings. Mr. Skelton had three sons. Charles, the eldest, for many years managed the furnishing department of Henry Bray and Co., and is now, although over eighty years of age, actively engaged in business on behalf of Messrs. J. and W. Hastings. Joe, the second son, died some years ago. He was well known amongst the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, in which he took an active interest, probably attracted thereto by his father’s friend, Henry Taylor, who frequently played the violin at lodge feasts and meetings. Harry. the youngest, will be remembered as a clerk and later cashier at Messrs. Harrison and Camms.Rev. W. BLAZEBY, B.A.
The pastor of the Unitarian Church, the Rev. William Blazeby came to Rotherham in 1860 Associated with most of our public bodies, he also held an important official position in connection with the West Riding Unitarian Mission. He was, moreover, an active member of the School Board, a member of the Board of Guardians, displaying wonderful energy in the administration of the Poor Law, a member of the Weekly Board of the Rotherham Hospital and Dispensary, and of the Free Library Committee of the Rotherham Corporation. As vice-chairman of the committee of the Rotherham Liberal Association, he did his full share of platform and committee work. In the social life of the town he took an active part, and mixed with the workers at many of their social and trade meetings.I often came in contact with the reverend gentleman, both in political and municipal work, and can only recall one occasion when we got at loggerheads. The Free Library Committee recommended an increase of salary to Mr. Ridal, the librarian. Mr. Blazeby objected to this and argued that if we advertised » next
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