Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevA YOUNG MAYOR
Even the casual observer could see that the effect produced by such procedure would eventually wear off, as beneath it all could be detected an intellectual, if misused, effort, which, if directed to nobler ends, would win for its possessor a high position in the town. And so in 1891, seven years after his entry into the Council, Wilfrid Lewis Bertram Hirst became chief magistrate in the town of his birth. He was the youngest Mayor the town had up to that time elected, being only 35 years of age. After the topsy-turvy manner in which the policy of the Corporation was being conducted, is there any wonder at the ratepayer is coming to the conclusion that:It does not signify a pin
Who’s out of place and who’s in;
The change is only in the name.
For things we see go on the same?
AN IMPROVEMENT
Those who can carry their minds back to the late eighties will remember the personal bickerings, abusive attacks on members, and undignified proceedings that were so much in evidence. The elevation of Mr. Hirst brought ahout a partial cessation of those unpleasant incidents; it soon became evident there was a great improvement. The members began to realise we were a town of some importance and that our undertakings were deserving of closer attention and more scientific management. Although the chief obstructionist was now 'chained up' , he found a few successors who kept hm occasionally five hours in the chair. The discussions related chiefly to gas affairs.The works had outgrown the capabilities of the then manager, and the more progressive members were determined Io have a change. In addition to makeshift methods in order to carry on, the manager, although a worthy and honest servant, lacked the ability to controt the staff, and the workmen had got so much out of hand as to tell him, in front of the committee, that lie was a liar. Recognising the difficulty they were in, the committee appointed Councillors Cox, Winter and Gummer to enquire into the management of the works and report. As all three of us were quite young in service, we were naturally flattered by this evideuce of our colleagues’ estimate of our abilities. Eventually a younger and more scientific manager and engineer was appointed. This, however, was not brought about without long discussions and several adjourned meetings, at one of which the Mayor described the works as the worst managed in England. The chairman of the committee resigned, saying the policy we were pursuing would result in serious loss to the ratepayers. Happily, these forebodings were never realised. On the contrary, the profits, which had in the past averaged £2560 per annum, rose to the average of £4579 per annum.RELAXATION
It is the practice of the Houses of Parliament to close on the day the Derby is run at Epsom. Rotherham on one occasion improved on this. A number of the members of the Council, including his Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. L. B. Hirst), was desirous of attending the races at Doncaster to see the St. Leger run. As the day clashed with the ordinary monthly Council meeting, the Mayor caused the meeting to be summoned at the unprecedented hour of 9 am, when the ordinary business of the Council was properly transacted, although carriages were in waiting to convey some of the members to the races. The Mayor, fond of all kinds of sport, including racing, did not neglect his public work to indulge in his pleasures. I am no follower of racing, but appreciate the fact that relaxation is required and deserved by many who give freely of their time and money to public service, and that such days as named are some small compensation for the many sacrifices made. next »
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