Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevFURTHER ANGRY SCENES
In the year following, namely, 1888. the proceedings on the ninth of November, eclipsed in angry debate and virulence any of the previous years, the unseemly scenes that took place being most discreditable. Again in 1889. so accustomed to these scenes had certain members of the Corporation become, they seemed incapable of transacting the business unless it was accompanied with unfriendly spirit and bickering. Merit seemed to be considered a 'slow coach' , and modesty a humbug. Someone has said that 'Charlatism seems necessary to a career, and a little unscrupulousness flavoured the finest achievements' . So it appeared when a Mayor had to be chosen. We had these amongst us who believed the art of self advertisement lay not in doing a thing velI, so much as getting it largely talked about. On this occasion one of the candidates was not too fastidious or over-sensitive. Elected but five years before and only thirty-three years of age, he aspired to the position of Chief Magistrate. With him the art of self advertisement had been practised to such an extent as to cause the Press to be continually denouncing him and a few other members of the Council for their obstructive methods.The usual crowd attended on the 9th, and the names of Councillor Robert Jenkins and Councillor W. L. B. Hirst were proposed and seconded with the usual formality. No doubt seeing little prospect of success the latter wisely withdrew his name, and Councillor Jenkins was duly elected. Even the withdrawal of Mr. Hirst first failed to curb the turbulant spirits of some of his supporters, who were requested by the Mayor to do a graceful action, and make the election unanimous. Several of them, including Mr. Councillor Sorsby, who had nominated Mr. Hirst, and Mr. Councillor Tom Charles, whose speech against the elevation of Mr. Jenkins was in the worst possible taste, refused to accede to the Mayor’s request, both voting against Mr. Jenkins.
The election of three aldermen followed, and Mr. Hirst accused the members of the Liberal Club of arranging the voting, and repeatedly called it the 'Gummer Club' . It was also termed a 'disreputable clique' while the members of the Council who belonged to it were designated as 'loathsome, contemptible, mean and hypocritical' . Councillor Hickmott was accused of being Man Friday to Ald. W. Gummer, and for fear any Liberal member had been omitted in the above categories the lot were said to be mean contemptible hounds and wooden heads' . Was it to be wondered at that candidates were scarce at election times? Who would aspire to be a member of a body where such diatribes were allowed to he indulged in?
A repetition of these scenes followed when the council met to appoint the chairmen of’ the various committees some difficulty being experienced in finding anyone willing to accept charge of the Highways Committee, Mr. Hirst, with his usual delicacy and politeness, suggested that Councillor Geo. Gummer should propose Papa Gummer for the position. Councillor Sorshy, not to he outdone in courtesy, labelled one chairman. 'an old woman and unworthy of the position' . and Councillor Charles, with more modesty and delicacy than he exhibited during his remarks about the Mayor, told one chairman he would not vote for him unless he promised to stand a good feed whee the new markets were opened.