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Reminiscences of Rotherham

by G. Gummer, J.P.

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COUNCILLORS 20s. EACH

The position of a public representative should be regarded as a high and honourable one, and none but men of strict integrity should be entrusted with the care of the public purse, men with a proper estimate of their responsibilities. We have reason to feel proud of the history of the Corporation; it is and always has been free from corruption, and a sense of safety and security prevails. There are no emoluments of office; the town is honestly served for the love one bears it, and not for filthy lucre’s sake. Although temptation is sometimes placed before our public men, the business man learns to look facts straight in the eye. He learns to size up men and things instinctively, and his instinct seldom fails him. During my service of close on forty years I only remember two occasions when such inducement was offered me, one being so comical that I feel I must relate it. Whilst chairman of the Stores Committee some 3 years ago, I and my vice-chairman, Mr. Benjamin Sorsby, were instructed to purchase a field of growing clover for the use of the horses belonging to the Corporation. The price fixed by the seller was all right, but the quality did not suit us, and we refused to have a deal, so the farmer offered us a sovereign for ourselves if we would make the purchase. Poor, as I know some people’s opinions of town councillors are, this was the first evidence I had of the level we had sunk to. Such people cannot believe that men give their services free. They fail to understand the ambition to serve or the real love of the work and the keen desire so men have to take their share of life’s duties.

PUBLIC MEMORY

How long do public men live in the memory of the people? I often ask myself this question, and can find no answer. Someone suggested a short time ago that few men outlive the memory of a decade following their deaths. Do you discredit this? If so, ask your friends to tell you who was Mayor of Rotherham ten years ago, nay, even, five years ago, and you will receive some curious answers. Try the question on a town councillor and see if he knows.

How rarely we hear the names of men which a few years ago were household words. As an instance of the lack of interest taken by some people in the town’s affairs the following story, which is true, will be hard to beat. During the fading years of the last century a number of ladies met for the purpose of organising some charitable affair, the Mayor being suggested as a likely président. One lady present asked, 'Who is the Mayor?' Although nearly everyone present in that drawing-room in Moorgate was a prominent person, and supposed to be interested in public matters, not one could remember the name of the Mayor of their own town.

ROTHERHAM LIBERAL ASSOCIATION

With the exception of the Ivanhoe Club, the Liberal Association, before its dissolution a few years ago, was the oldest Association in the town. Fifty-one years ago I assisted in its formation, and acted as honorary secretary pro. tem. The first public meeting took place in the Temperance Hall, Howard street, in 1876, -when the officials and committee were elected. I was then 21 years of age, and being considered too young for the responsible position of honorary secretary, two elderly gentlemen of the Whig type were selected, namely, Messrs. H. M. Thompson and John Weir. I think the work must have been too strenuous for them, as they only remained in office for twelve months. In my possession I have the 1877 annual report and balance sheet. The officials and committee were:

It will be noticed this office changed hands after the first year of the Association’s existence.        next »

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