Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevCONSERVATIVE PARTY
Strong as the Liberal Party were in those days. the Conservatives had equally prominent and able men supporting their cause. Although not so familiar with their names as with those of the Liberal Party, I remember such men as Messrs. George Wilton Chambers. Chas. J. Stoddart, Henry Jubb, William Whitfield, J. S. H. Fullerton, T. B. Bosvile, Sir William Ross-Mahon, Edward Robinson, Sam Camm, William Harrison, Fret. Hoyle, Newton Mappin, Ferdinand Wheatley, Richard Haggard, Charles Hoyland, Henry Houldsworth, Harry Smith, Joe Smith, Charles Dobson, and George Newsum. All of these, and many others, were exuliant in 1879 at the opening of the Conservative Club in Wellgate, which ceremony Was performed by the Earl of Wharncliffe, who had the support of the Conservative candidates. Messrs. Stanhope and Starkey. In later years they stood defeat with a courage to be admired. Although Mr. Acland’s majority was a crushing one on both occasions 1855 and 1856 = thee Conservatives determined he should not have an unapposed return in 1892. Contrary to anticipation which generally prevailed in the division, a gentleman was found with sufficient courage to contest the seat with Mr. Acland. Credit, surely, was due to Mr. George S. Foljambe, son of Mr. F J. S. Foljambe, of Osberton. for leading this forlorne hope. He was defeated by a majority of 3COLLIERY DISASTER
The people of Rotherham will not readily forget the terrible mining accident which occurred at Canklow in the summer of 1891, when eight men, without warning, were precipitated from a wooden platform in the shaft to the bottom - some 60 feet below. Two of them had miraculous escapes. One man named Drabble came in contact with a large hook dangling from one of the chains supporting the platform; as he struck this it tore right into the fleshy part of his leg until it attached itself to his boot. AIthough offered assistance, Drabble refused help until others had been attended to. A night foreman named Clarke behaved nobly in his endeavour to rescue the men. Descending by himself without any definite knowledge of the nature of the accident, and unable to see owing to the escape of steam from a broken pipe, he succeeded in saving all who were alive. Drabble, whom he encountered on his way down was suspended head down wards and holding on to some slight fixture in the shaft, in imminent danger of falling to the bottom - there was only a bootlace between him and eternity. In spite of his danger and the agony he was suffering, he refused Clarke’s help and sent him on to others, saying he could hold on another ten minutes. Such heroic conduct in the midst of terrible physical pain, and faced with a horrible death, deserved the highest recogonition, and both he and Clarke got it. The Queen acknowledged their heroism and awarded both the Albert Medal for saving life. The presentation took place in the Assembly Rooms, the Mayor being in the chair, supported by the Duke of Norfolk, who made the presentations. Mr. Wardell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, and all the leading towns people were present to pay honour to these brave men.FACING BOTH WAYS
Although politics as an organised factor had ceased to play any important part in the municipal elections, they still had an influence with the voters. Mr. W. L. B. Hirst never missed an opportunity of confusing the issue and securiing, if possible, such candidates as favoured his views. At times it was difficult to tell what political views he held. No doubt thinking it would benefit his party, he sought election and became a member of the Liberal Association, and managed by a fluke to get himself elected a vice-president. The then secretary received a strong protest from Mr. Acland, the Member for the Division, pointing out the indignity of placing a political opponent, who had done everything possible to prevent his return, in this honoured position. He also threatened to resign from membership of the Association. Having achieved his object, and tiring of his adventure, Mr. Hirst held the Association up to ridicule, and endeavoured to bring it into disrepute by labelling it a 'Gambling Hell' next »
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