Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevshould also have retired from the Watch Committee. A high compliment was paid him by the Council, who in spite of their previous deeikion, permitted him to retain the chair manship. The Alderman has now 36 years’ service behind him, and is the only member living who had a seat in the Council when 1 entered in 1887. He has given of his best unsparingly, and when the time comes, as come it will, for him to lay down his o it will be truly said of him that his sterling integrity, his conciliatory spirit coupled with a determination to do that which is right, his activity in the municipal and religious life of the community in which he has resided for over half a century, have rendered his life not only useful but one worthy of emulation.
OUR JUBILEE MAYOR
The election of Mayor in 1886 is still remembered as one of the most memorable in the history of the municipality. Long before the appointed hour of twelve it was evident the rate. payers were taking more than a casual saterest in the election, every avail able space being occupied. As the prominent members of the Council arrived cheers from their admirers greeted them. Some members exhibited a fine taste in staging their arrival at the most opportune moment. Alderman Wragg showed by the display of a large yellow rosette which side he intended supporting. Mr. Councillor Stoddart, the Mayor-elect, on entering the Chamber, received a great ovation. Noticing the crowded state of the room, he remarked it was evident a new Town Hall was needed. Someone reminded him if such a building was erected a few police cells would be necessary. Mr. Councillor W. L. B Hurst thereupon advised Mr. Stoddart to mind he did not get a 'sell' of a different character before the morning’s proceediags were over.
On the retiring Mayor W H Gummer taking the chair, he invited nominations, whereupon Alderman Wragg rose, and in a speech, freely criticised later, proposed Alderman John Mason for the position of Mayor of Rotherham. He said Alderman Mason came of no mushroom family. The roots of the Masons had sunk deep in the district. Clocks of a Mason of 200 years ago were to be found in the district, and by the look of things the younger Masons would be continued 200 years hence. Evidently it is not safe to prophesy. This nomination having been briefly seconded by Councillor Kenyon, Alderman Geo. Neill rose to nominate Councillor C. J. Stoddart. In a speech full of vigour and at times eloquent, he claimed that the business of the town needed a man of sound business training with a long outlook and progressive spirit, such as councillor Stoddart possessed, to preside over it as chief magistrate. He found a seconder in Mr. Sorsby. Then the fun began. Recriminations, personal feeling and insults, which were termed by Mr. Stoddart afterwards to be worthy of a pantomime, were indulged in by Mr. W. L. B. Hirst.
The election of Mayor turned out to be the longest in our municipal history. The voting being equal, the chairman was compelled to give a casting vote. In doing so he said, 'Although a Liberal, I am giving my casting vote for a Tory Mayor ' - a decision which was received with loud cheers.
Tho election of three aldermen followed. The new Mayor being called upon to give a casting vote, gave it to Aldermen Wigfleld, a Liberal, thus saving him from defeat after 12 years’ service on the aldermanic bench. In referring to Mr. Councillor W. L. B. Hirst’s tirade of abuse, the Press compared it to that of the 'sawdust and circular arena' . The whole trouble arose over the election of the aldermen. It was said that Mr. W. L. B Hirst, although a young member, had asserted his claim to one of the seats, and to achieve his ambition, having failed to gain the support of his political friends, he arranged to vote for the Liberals if they gave him support in return. next »
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