Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevbeverages in the Town Hall, I decided this should not prevent my colleagues from toasting His Majesty in suitable form, and recourse to a local hostelry therefore became necessary.
TEMPERANCE 'BAN' CIRCUMVENTED
Driven from our official quarters by a promise extracted from the Mayor by his temperance friends, we found an environment free from the ban,where the proceed could be carried on in the customary English way. The teetotallers, by their rigid intolerance and desire to govern the actions of the Members of the Corporation, over-reached themselves on this occasion.In addition to the Royal visit referred to, the present King and Queen visited the town during the Mayorality of Ald. P. B. Coward, and the more recent visit of the Prince of Wales officially to open the Electric Power Station is still fresh in one’s memory.
BOARD OF HEALTH
It is intensely interesting to look back nearly sixty years when Rotherham, governed by a Local Board, first exhibited aspirations to become a munioipal borough, with a Mayor and Corporation of its own. It would seem that the town’s affairs, under the Local Board, were managed with a fair amount of success, except during one period, when, owing to the Board’s inability to meet its financial obligations, the town found itself for a short time in the hands of the bailiffs.Reviewing this period, one writer describes Rotherham as well paved, drained and lighted with gas, and amply supplied with water.Another says:The streets of Rotherhom are narrow and irregular, and many of the houses are ancient, giving the town anything but a pleasant appearance.Within the last few years, however, great improvements have taken place; several new streets have been formed, and many new houses erected. A new street has just been made connecting Westgate to Pool Green, Masbro. The environs are pleasant and abound wit ii varied scenery.
The Local Board in 1870 consistod of twelve members. Mr. M. Hahershon being chairman. It was certainly active, and did not let the grass grow under its feet, so to speak. The water supply was taken control of and improved. The Board also bought the old gas company, and although only a short time elapsed, there was no diminution (as prophesied) in the quality of gas, while the supply was equal to the calls made upon the Board, the new authority being able to show a small profit. These facts were auspicious and indicated what would happen under the extended powers of the Municipal Corporation Acts. What is more the happiest anticipations were realised.
MUNICIPAL BOROUGH
In many respects the incorporation of the town proved to be the most important event which had occurred in Rotherham. The Charter was an interesting document destined to be regarded as the harbinger of a new and prosperous civic career. The Charter of Incorporation was obtained during the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, on August 29th, 1871, when a new era commenced in the life of Rotherharn.THE CHARTER
The various Acts of Parliament relating to Corporations were first recited, reference to the history of the town being made and the various steps taken prior to the application.It proceeded to the granting of the desired pnvileges, stating that the district of the Rotherham and Kimberworth Local Boards and their successors shall be for ever hereafter one body politic and corporate in deed, fact and name. It ordered that the Corporation should consist of a Mayor, six aldermen, and eighteen councillors, and that the borough be divided into six wards.
>p>It went on to describe what must be done and ,who should do it. Our trusty and well beloved William Whitfield, of the said town of Rotherham, gentleman, and in case of his death, inability, incapacity or default, then our trusty and well-beloved Robert Marsh, of » next