Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
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David Winter, then a young man of thirty-three, agent for Mr. Arthur Dyke Acland, the Member for the Division, and a well known and popular lay preacher, accepted the invitation of the Liberals in the South Ward, where he was opposed by John Abson, landlord of the Crown Hotel, who made a strong point of having had previous experience of municipal work.
Dan Mullins although he had made an endeavour to join the Liberal Association a few weeks before the elections, contested the Masbro’ Ward against Geo. Sykes. a well liked Liberal, who had previously occupied a seat as a councillor. To me the Liberal Party allotted the North Ward for sev eral reasons. It was thought that my position as honorary secretary would have its influence with the electors and they were anxious to win the seat from Mr. Ben Sorsby. My business interests were also centred in the ward.
Long before I became a candidate I had interested myself in public affairs; in fact, it may be said I was cradled in the atmosphere of public life. When quite a young man and in my teens I was accustomed to hearing municipal matters discussed at home. In this way I became familiar with many of the leading questions, which knowledge proved of great advantage to me in my candidature.