Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
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rescue and supplied them with food. At the Central Station the water was 18 inches above the metals, the fires of the engines, in some eases being put out. So many of the poorer classes suffered losses that a fund became necessary for their relief. In 1886 the Don again overflowed its banks, and the people at new Ickles had to be rescued from their homes, through the bedroom windows. Rawmarsh road from Aizlewood’s lime kilns to Masbro’ street was at least 30 inches deep in water, in the cellars of the licensed premises in the flooded area, casks of rum, whisky, and beer burst. The lower reaches of the town were forbidden ground. A visit to my works necessitated the use of a cart from Bridgegate to Rawmarsh road, by way of Jail Bridge. The employees residing in the cottages in front of the works were imprisoned in their bedrooms, the downstairs rooms being three feet deep in water. From Mashro’ street, along Rawmarsh road to the Borough Bridge, resembled a huge canal. Water abounded everywhere. These floods became a serious menace to the prosperity of the industries on the river bank, and the sufferers were greatly exercised in their minds as to the methods necessary to improve their position. Relief, however, came unasked. Whether it was through the impounding of further waters on the moors above Sheffield or because of the diversion of streams and improvements on the banks which enabled the water to get away more rapidly, I cannot say, but whatever the cause an improvement was effected and no serious flood has been known during the last 25 years.
COUNTY COUNCILS
When the County Councils were formed in 1888. the duties devolving upon them far exceeded those hitherto given to local bodies. A strong endeavour was made to persuade the electors in Rotherham that politics should not be introduced as a factor in the elections. The general body of Liberals entertained a different opinion, and were determined to out it to the test. In the Kimberworth division Mr. Geo. Wilton Chambers offered himself for election, and in asking for general support laid particular emphasis in his appeal to the point that politics should not be a factor in deciding upon the selection of a member . Councillor C. J. Stoddart, a candidate for the Rotherham division, also emphasised this view. and declared that he had always been opposed to the introduction of imperial politics in local affairs. It was fully agreed that both gentlemen had great claims for the position. if politics were eliminated, Mr. Chambers through his long association in many public matters, especially as a Justice of the Peace. and Mr. Stoddart for the excellent and hospitable manner ii which he had served the town as Jubilee Mayor. It was decided that no contest should take place iu the Kimberworth division. Mr. Geo. Wilton Chambers was allowed a walk-over, which was no more than his due after devoting over half a century to the public service. In the Rotherham division Mr. R. E. Hodgkinson, a young solicitor, and cousin of the president of the Rotherham liberal Association was persuaded to carry theLiberal colours. Although unknown as a public man, he proved himself to be possessed of rare qualifications for public office, and a formidable opponent of Mr. Councillor Chas. John Stoddart, who only beat him by 86 votes. His cousin, Mr. E. W, Hodgkinson, stood for the Wentworth division against Mr. Spedding Whitworth, but owing to his late appearance in the field suffered defeat. In the Rawmarsh division, Mr. B. Sellars, another staunch Liberal, defeated Mr. Wm. Whitaker. the chairman of the Local Board. Mr. E W. Hodgkinson had not long to walt for a seat. for on the elevation of Mr. Sellars to the aldermanic bench, he had an unopposed return for Rawmarsh.
ELECTED MAYOR
To my mind there is no place like Rotherham; it stands first in my thoughts, and although not one of the fairest of spots on earth, it formerly possessed natural beauties and grassy meads sloping down to the Don Hard featured utility long ago elbowed these
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