Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 21 February 1914
Conisboro’ Council
Two Empty Chairs
Mr. Norwood Refuses a “Second-hand Offer.”
The monthly meeting of the Conisboro’ Parish Council was held on Wednesday evening. Mr. W. Appleyard presided, and there were also present Messrs. C. Brook, H. Jones, Bashforth, Starr, C. Uroh, and W. Bell, with the Clerk (Mr. Jesse Hill).
No Exemption
The Clerk read correspondence relative to the land tax on Peggates, the Surveyor of Taxes intimating that there was no provision in the Act for repayment under any circumstances, and he was convinced that there were no reasonable grounds on which the Council could claim exemption. The land commissioners also wrote stating that there was no exemption for land used as a recreation ground, as all land was liable to assessment except that which had been redeemed.
The matter was left with the Clerk.
“A Second Hand Seat”
The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Norwood thanking the Council for the honour they had done him in asking him to take a seat on the Council, but after he had placed his services at the disposal of the ratepayers and not been elected, he must respectfully decline to accept a secondhand seat. He was very sorry to sever his connection with the Council after 20 years’ work with them.
Mr. BROOK: He seems to think it is a secondhand offer. I think it is a first-hand offer.
Mr. JONES said he had seen Mr. Norwood, who had told him he could not accept the seat after he had been before the electors, although he thanked the Council for the offer. At the same time he would give the Council all the help he could, and he wished to make it clear that it was out of no disrespect to how the Council was composed. It was because of no friction with the working members of the Council that he declined. He had always received kindness from the Labour representatives. (Hear, hear.) He, the speaker, thought if they asked Mr. Norwood again he would consent.
Mr. STARR said it seemed peculiar that Mr. Norwood took so much pressure to permit to that table. What did he put up for? They could not help him being defeated, and he did not see why he should take objection unless it was going to take up his time.
Mr. BELL: I don’t think we should carry anyone about. He has had an invitation and not accepted it. I think we should let it rest.
The CHAIRMAN: I agree, though nobody is more sorry than I am that he has not accepted. We haven’t asked anybody else to consider.
Mr. BROOK: He is the first to decline.
The CHAIRMAN: We have had the resignations, you know.
Mr. BROOK: They declined by stopping away.
After further discussion it was decided to ask Messrs. Rose and Williamson to fill the positions.
The Evergreen
There was some discussion on the North Cliff footpath, Mr. BELL declaring that it was a disgrace that it should be as it was, and that the Council should be sitting there doing nothing about it.
Mr. UROH took exception to this remark, and pointed out that to improve the footpath as suggested would take more money than they could spare out of their small appropriation. They had to consider the whole community and not a small section.
Bye-Laws
The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board forwarding suggested amendment to the bye-laws as drafted for the recreation ground, and it was decided to submit them to the trustees and subsequently to refer them to a small sub-committee.