Formerly the Chapel on the Bridge belonged to this ancient body. At one time there used to be a Greave and a Deputy Greave, also a treasurer and Little Greave. In 1867 the office of Greave was held by Mr. Robert John Bentley, his deputy being Mr. C. L. Coward, uncle of Alderman Coward. Mr. Joseph Badger, a prominent and highly respected solicitor, was treasurer nnd Little Greave. When I becnme a member in 1897, my colleagues were Messrs. C. J. Stoddart, Geo.Neill, Robert Marsh, Joseph Wells, John Mason, James Jenkin, John Cox, Arthur Percy Hirst, Wilfred Hirst, and Henry Crank. I am the only one left of the membership of those days. The business, which had hitherto been transacted in private, was, chiefly owing to the advocacy of Alderman Neill, thrown open to the Press. The office of Greave is held in rotation. My first term of office in this capacity was in 1904, again in 1910, and again in 1916. I was again elected Greave in February, 1926 and have thus created a record by holding the office on four separate occasions.

The elections are rare, and as the expenses incurred reduce the amount available for the poor, are only held when there are several vacancies

The last election took place in 1914 when there were six vacancies. The poll revealed very close voting and it became necessary to have a recount, one of the candidates securing his seat by the small margin of three votes. Shortly after the election the death of one of our number created another Vacancy.

The Feoffees, anticipating that Alderman W. G. Bingham who had only suffered defeat by three votes would be allowed a walk-over, arranged for an immediate election.

Although all the other defeated candidates at the previous election stood aside to allow the alderman what they considered his just due - a walk-over, another gentleman, who had taken no previous part in public life, announced his intention of being a candidate. To save the Trust any expense, my dear friend and municipal colleague, offered to share the cost of the election with his opponent. There was nothing doing, however, the sporting offer of my friend being refused. Preparations were accordingly made for a poll to be taken On the last day for withdrawals AIderiman Bingham, rather than put the Trust to the expense of an election costing about £80 suggested tossing to decide who should withdraw, the result being that the man who, by long service to the town and with a previous vote only three behind a successful candidate, lost and, therefore, withdrew his nomiaation. Although the desire to save expense was to be commended, the proceeding adopted was an undignified and dis creditable method of settling a life appointment.

ATHLETIC SPORTS

It is truly said that the success of our people, our victories in the field, in the mart, and in the study, have been largely due to physical training. The achievements of our soldiers and sailors, surpassed in. toughness and powers of endurance by no others in the world, is evidence of the value of our sports and open - air pastimes.

In my early days the annual athletic sports were looked forward to with great » next

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