Mexborough & Swinton Times, March 1904
Conisboro’ Election Notes
However dull and prosaic may be the conduct of the local elections in some parts of South Yorkshire, Conisboro’ evidently does not intend to miss the opportunity of enjoyment which the fact of five candidates in the running for two seats on the Doncaster Rural District Council affords.
The issue of the above cartoon by one of the candidates indicates a determination not only to regard the election seriously but to take it humorously as well. It has been distributed broadcast in the village, accompanied by some very funny letterpress, and needless to say it has been received with general delight, for the Conisboro’ people always enjoy a joke, and can laugh even when the joke is against themselves, if it is a good one.
In the election bill which contains the cartoon, Mr. Whitfield is described as “Blustering Old Farmer,” by “Reason,” out of “Common-sense” (by “Straightforward”). Mr. Brockleby, who is running a good second, is styled “Methodism,” by “Honest Injun,” out of “Courtesy” (sire “Good Manners”), a thoroughly well deserved compliment to Mr. Brockleby’s principal characteristics of good temper and fairness. Mr. Baker is referred to as “Conisboro’ Man,” by “Ignorance,” out of “Fatality” (by “Conceit”), but he is starred as a doubtful starter, and the author of the bill explains that in the event of “Conisboro’ Man” going amiss in training the owner will run “Mongrel Cur,” by “Bull,” out of “Window Shutter” (sire “Mob Orator”), for which reason, probably, the satirist has represented Mr. Baker in the cartoon as a creature of the canine species, with a tin-kettle tied to his tail. Mr. Robinson is described as “Brick,” by “Son of Toil,” out of “Horsy Hand” (by “Fustian”), and Mr. Frank Ogley figures as “Popinjay,” by “Hill Top,” out of “Broken Promise” (by “Eau de Cologne”), which is possibly intended as a subtle allusion to the Hill Top incident of the Conisboro’ water scheme.
According to the author of the “skit,” the betting on the event is:—
10 to 1 on Old Sammy, t. and w.
9 to 1 on Brock, t. and w.
50 to 1 agst. Bows-oven Baker, of.
60 to 1 agst. Old David, of.
1000 to a latch-key agst. Popinjay, of.
and the document winds up with “Training Reports,” as follow:—“Blustering Old Farmer did a good gallop on Tuesday evening, and although interfered with by ‘Pear Yard’ finished strongly. ‘Conisboro’ Man’ and ‘Brick’ did walking exercise, but did not strip. ‘Popinjay’ is reported to be coughing.”
The strenuous opposition to Mr. Whitfield’s candidature which had been spoken about did not manifest itself at his meeting on Tuesday night, when the audience was practically unanimous in his favour. Two of the rival candidates were present in Mr. David Robinson and Mr. Henry Baker, but neither of them spoke or sought to tackle the candidate. If the openly-expressed feeling in the village is a safe guide, Mr. Whitfield will head the poll.
Mr. Henry Baker is felt to possess the smallest chance of all the candidates. He is evidently standing for the Doncaster Rural District Council without the faintest idea of what he will have to do when he gets there, if he should have the miraculous luck to secure election. The chief circumstance against Mr. Robinson’s chance of return is the knowledge that he cannot properly afford the time required for the duties of the position.
None of the candidates need an introduction to the Conisboro’ electors. Mr. Whitfield is known throughout the village as a blunt, outspoken and fearless champion of the cause he conceives to be right. There is a large element of obstinacy in his character, but he invariably plays the game fairly and is less likely to commit injustice than men of a more yielding nature.
Mr. F. Ogley belongs to the younger generation. He is the retiring councillor, having represented Conisboro’ as the district councillor for six years. He has generally speaking acquitted himself well, and has done some good work. Being the only retiring member, it is contended by many ratepayers that he should be returned on this account, advocating that his experience would be invaluable to the other member who would sit along with him. He has leisure and ability, and should make a very suitable representative.
Mr. Brockleby has contrived to live down the prejudice and public dislike with which he was once regarded, for what reason it is difficult to imagine. An agreeable, quiet-mannered man, courteous to his opponents, conscientious in the performance of his public duties, he is likely to find the sympathy which Mr. Baker’s attacks upon him at School Board meetings have occasioned, stand him in good stead. Mr. Baker may be left to recommend himself by his own utterances, while Mr. Robinson, by his recent support of Mr. Baker’s policy, has also, in all probability, created a public opinion which is not quite flattering to him.