Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevI often hear it remarked, the members of the Council of to-day cannot be compared with those of former days. But one always hears this sort of thing how are we to compare them? If occupation and position in life are any criterion it would be difficult to determine. I find at the time of writing we have in a CounciI of 36 members, six manufacturers, six Solicitors, one doctor, three licensed victuallers, four railway employees, one joiner, three workmen, two trades union secretaries, two shopkeepers, an estate agent, two retired gentlemen, a railway agent, a journalist, a newspaper editor, and a married woman. With one or two exceptions, I think that in character, education and administrative ability, these compare favorably with the members of any previous Council.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE MAYOR
As the character, standing and influence ol a Town Council largely depends upon the mental and personal qualities and the social position of its chief magistrate, it was important that every care should be made in Rotherham's, first choice. We should remember that the duties require a mayor to exercise certain powers of organisation and forbearance an intimate knowledge of public and municipnl business; and that he must commaod the confidence and respect of the Town Council and burgesses generally,The first Mayor of Rotherham was equal to his position. He gave tone and dignity to the debates and made a seat in the Corporation a post of honour nod respect. He allowed no personalities to be indulged in, which would have soon brought the Town Council into contempt. It is a mistake to imagine that for a man to be mayor he must he wealthy, and that he should be required to spend his wealth in entertainments and banquets. Were such ideas to prevail, none except the rich need ever aspire to occupy the highest position in connection with municipal government, as affluent mediocrity would invariably be pre ferred to efficiency.
At one time it was advocated that the political faith of a candidate for the Mayoralty should be enquired into. As evidence of this, the Press still publish a list of the mayors elected on the 9th November giving the number of Conservatives. Liberals, and Labour.
Town Councils should have nothing to do with politics, especially in the selection of a chief magistrate. Their business is almost wholly administritive. Beyond the preparation of bye-laws, no legislative work devolves upon them.
DISTURBING ELEMENTS
The election of a mayor has not always been as quiet and orderly as that of the first one was, or as those elected during the last quarter of a century have been. There have been many occasions when more than one gentleman has been nominated for this office.For instance, in 1879, when Alderman (better known as Captain) Harrison, who had previously held the office, was again selected for nomination, it became evident that an opponent would he forthcoming.
On the 9th of November, Mr. Alderman (then Councillor) Wragg rose and nominated Mr. George Neill. Whatever chance his nominee had of success, it was destroyed by the speech of Mr. Wragg, who indulged in an unjust and intemperate tirade of abuse.
Excitement in abundance characterised the election, destroying the good feeling which should always be evinced towards those who consent to take upon themselves this onerous office.
Head of a large firm of well-known wagon builders, the town was considered fortunate in securing for a second time a man of AId. Harrison’s calibre. He resided at South Grove, a large house situated in Moorgate on the site now occupied by South Grove School.
During his year of office the Rotherham Volunteers visited Skegness for their annual training, the Mayor, in his capacity as Captain, accompanying them. During the encampment he was suddenley taken ill, and died in camp.
The sad news cast a gloom over the whole town and district. The high regard in which all classes held the memory of the deceased officer and mayor was amply shown at the military funeral. » next
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