Reminiscences of Rotherham
by G. Gummer, J.P.
« « prevAN EIGHT MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING
During my year of office the record in the length of time occupied at a Town Council meeting was beaten. The record time up to the July meeting in l was eleven minutes. On the occasion referred to the business was got through in eight minutes. Several members arriving when the meeting was over, were surprised and annoyed at the expeditious way in which the business had been conducted.IMPORTANT EVENTS
The year 1900 was one of first importance in our municipal history. We were in the unique position of developing our gas works at the same time as we installed electric lighting. Originally the question of electricity was dealt with by the Gas Committee, of which I was chairman, and on its initiation the Corporation obtained an Electric Lighting Provisional Order, calling in Professor Kennedy to advise. I remember the meeting of the sub-committee appointed to go into the matter and make recommendations. Only two attended, myself and Councillor (afterwards Alderman) Jenkinson. We went through the business, and sent up recommendations to the Council involving the expenditure of many thousands of pounds which were passed by the Council without comment. The foundation stone of the new electric station I laid in August, and having performed this ceremony satisfactorily, I informed the gathering that in order to give the two artificial lights a fair field it was my intention to ask the Council to elect a separate committee and chairman to deal with electrical matters.SOUTH AFRICAN WAR
Never had so much enthusiasm been displayed in the town as at the departure of the local contingent of volunteers for York for a course of training before proceeding to South Africa. Although the numbers were not ilarge underlying the idea was that these lads, grown up to manhood amongst us had responded to the call and placed their services at the disposal of those in charge of our fighting line. An impressive ceremony took place in College square, when, accompanied by members of the Corporation, I gave the volunteers in the name of the town a hearty 'send-off and Godspeed'. The square presented a sea of faces, and from the windows of the premises surrounding, onlookers gained an excellent view. With bands playing and people cheering lustily, the boys, accompanied by their comrades, filed into the square. it was an inspiring sight. Other send-offs took place as the war proceeded. At one of these, and probably the largest, the men were entertained to dinner at the Drill Hall, Sir William Holland. the Member for the Division, being present.MAFEKING
Just before eleven o'clock on Friday night May,19, 1900, the news of the relief of the besieged town reached Rotherham. Thousands were parading the streets anxiously awaiting news, which eventually came through the 'Advertiser'Office. Accompanied by Councillors Winter and Schonhut, as Mayor, I proceeded to the steps in College square to rnake an official announcement. The bells of the the Parish Church mingled with the hearty cheers of the people, and long after or midnight the excited people paraded the streets.WELCOME HOME
As a contrast to the 'send-off' I recall the pleasure we had in welcoming home those boys eighteen months later, and the immense crowds that gathered in the streets and round the band stand in Clifton park. Factories and workshops were closed; tradesmen shutters were put up, offices and other places were locked up to allow everyone to take part in the welcome. The Volunteers, yeomanry and Dragoons turned out to meet the home coming boys. The streets were packed every coign of vantage being taken possession of. Everywhere the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. As the procession approached the Park, headed by a carriage in which I was accompanied by one of the officers returnedfrom the war (Captain Boyle), followed by the members of the Corporation clergy and Choristers in their white surplices. the bands next »
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