Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prev Writing of race meetings reminds me that, whilst in London over a Parliamentary Bill connected with the water suppiv of Sheffield, Rotherham, and Doncaster, the Mayor (Alderman Woodhouse) invited me to accompany him to Epsom to see the Derby run. I had already arranged with my friend, Mr. Fred Brightmore (the Mayor of Doncaster), to join him and his friends on a drag going direct from the hotel. This I gave up to oblige His Worship the Mayor of Rotherham. On the morning of the race, Ald. Woodhouse came to the conclusion that a race course was not a proper place for a Mayor to be seen, and he decided to remain in London. I was thus prevented from availing myself of the only opportunity I have ever had of seeing this classic race. In analysing the motives which induced the Mayor to come to this decision, I think there were in his mind contrary elements, namely, a little of sport and a great love of horses, a little of the dignity of his office, and a lot of the prejudice of the Puritan.SATISFACTION EXPRESSED
Previous to the year 1892 every Mayor. having satisfactorily carried out the duties of his office, was the recipient of a resolution of thanks, conveyed to him in writing by the Town Clerk. A departure from this procedure was suggested by Councillor Cox, who said he thought it appropriate and a fitting tribute to commence with the youngest Mayor who had passed the chair, and who had conducted the meetings and upheld the position and dignity with great credit to himself and the town. He moved that the usual vole of thanks be inscribed on vellum, illuminated and framed, and presented to his Worship. Strong objection was taken to this by Alderman Geo. Neill, who thought it an insult to those gentlemen who had passed through the chair and who had not received the compliment in this pleasing form. He was of opinion the resolution had been pushed forward without proper consideration, and intimated his intention of resigning his seat if it were carried.Threats similar to this had been made on previous occasions. The Council, therefore, wisely took no notice of this one, arid passed the resolution by a large majority. The resignation did not take place.
How differently the Council approacvhed a similar resolution on the termination of the Mayor’s term of office in November, 1925. Alderman Aizlewood received the usual vote of thanks for his services during the two years he held office, and instead of inscribing this on vellum in the usual manner, the Council presented him with a gold and enamelled medallion bearing the borough coat of arms, to he worn by him as an ex-Mayor on public occasions. No past Mayor objected because he had not been honoured in the same manner. On the contrary, everyone thought this method of showing the town’s gratitude for services rendered much superior to the old one
THE MAYOR IS KING
The incident I have already recorded of the refusal of Alderman Morgan, when Mayor, to play second fiddle does not stand alone. Whilst Mayor in 1892-3 my father was requested to distribute the prizes of the School of Science and Art. A prior invitation had been extended to the Minister of Education, who was the Member for the Rotherham Division. and in this His Worship the Mayor thought himself slighted. In his reply he said he would not be the stop gap for anybody. and declined to perform the duty, because he thought, as Mayor, he ought to have been asked first. In sticking up for the dignity of his position he perhaps was over zealous. With him, however, it was not a question of the man but the office he held. He thought and said that the Mayor, so far as the town was concerned, was ol more importance than the Member of Parliament. facetiously remarking that the Mayor for the time being was King - a statement which I believe is accepted by many people to be correct so far as the management of his borough is concerned. Others beyond the borough area interested themselves, the most notable being Mr. Henry Labouchere, the editor of 'Truth' , who pilloried His Worship for his refusal in remarks none too delicate. The article stated 'it may not be generally known that a person named Gummer occupies the proud position of Mayor of Rotherham. in Yorkshire; his dignity has been outraged, and he declared himself of the following majestic protest. Then followed the statement which had caused all this bother. next »
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