Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
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At many of the Liberal meetings the tedium of waiting the candidate’s arrival from other meetings was often relieved by Mrs. Acland, who sang in a most pleasing and touching manner, 'Home, Sweet Home', 'Robin Adair', and 'Coming Through the Rye' . The day following the poll was one of intense excitement, especialiy to these who had taken an active part in the election, and more so to those who were awaiting the result of the count. Full of confidence I had ventured to prophesy (in spite of the aphorism of Geo. Eliot, 'that of all forms of mistake prophesy is the most gratuitous') a majority for our candidate of 4000. My optimism caused the candidate to request me to keep Mrs. Acland company during the trying period of counting the votes. To Mrs. Acland such a figure seemed impossible, a bare victory was all she could hope for. I had not been in every corner of the division with my friend, David Winter, without being able to gauge the strength of the Liberal cause.COUNTING VOTES
As the hours passed, excitement grew, and thousands had congregated in College Square to await the announcement. Suddenly a mighty roar went up as a figure appeared waving a yellow handkerchief at one of the windows. This turned out to be AId. Wragg, who afterwards was severely reprimanded by the Returning Officer, Mr. Parker Rhodes, for giving the information before the official announcement which showed: Acland 6301, Hoole 2258, the fourth highest majority in the country. Speaking afterwards from the window of his committee room, Mr. Acland expressed his thanks to the people who had helped by their votes to secure his election. After thanking his agent, Mr. H. H. Hickmot he referred in flattering terms to the services of his two honorary secretaries, David Llewellyn Winter and myself. As the new Member and Mrs. Acland, accompanied by Dr. and Miss Falding, took their seats in an open carriage, the horses were unharnessed and taken away, the people pulling them to the station, amidst the loud cheers of an immense and exultant crowd.RECONCILIATION
Shortly after the election, a most interesting and pleasing incident took place at a meeting in the Drill Hall, called for the purpose of celebrating the Liberal victory, it appeared that Mr. Arthur Dyke Acland was originally intended for the Church, but having refused to take Holy Orders and accept a living in the gift of the family, an estrangement had for some time existed between him and his father, Sir Thomas Dyke Acland. How it came about, I cannot say, but Sir Thomas received an invitation to the gathering over which Mr. E. W. Hodgkinson presided. having on his right the newly Member and on his left the father, who had accepted the invitation and made the journey from Devonshire. Sir Thomas, with his sturdily built frame, strongly poised head, ruddy complexion and countenance of engaging frankness, reflecting a temperament combining physical vigour and native character. presented a strong contrast to the scholarly and somewhat diminutive figure of his son. After the chair remarks, this healthy looking typical country squire rose before the large audience and, leaning across the table, grasped the hand of his son with a warmth that convinced all present that whatever differences had existed they were all forgiven and forgotten. The audience, feeling they had an interest of a personal character in this affecting sight, expressed their satisfaction at the reconciliation by cheering again and again. next »
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