Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 01 March 1913
Alleged False Rumours
Echo of the Coal Strike
Mr. Brocklesby’s Denial
There was a fair attendance at the Rossington Street School, Denaby, on Wednesday evening, when Mr. J. Brocklesby, the Liberal candidate for the Conisboro’ and Denaby division, addressed a meeting. Mr. Thomas Hill presided, and an address was also given by Mr. T. R. Sellars, of Conisboro’.
Chairman’s Remarks
The Chairman observed that there was a misunderstanding concerning Mr. Brocklesby’s work on the County Council, and he ought to have a fair chance of explaining himself. Mr. Brocklesby, he contended, was worthy of their support.
Mr. Brocklesby Explains
Mr. Brocklesby said it had come to his knowledge that day, for the first time, that he was responsible for desiring to bring to an end the free meals supplied to children during the great coal strike last year. He was the Chairman of the committee responsible for the provision of the meals, took a great interest in the work, did his best for the children, and was one of the last to agree to cease the provision of meals.
But there came a time when it was considered that they should be stopped, and the committee were guided by those who were in touch with the children. They did not cease to provide meals until they were told to do so. He could only say that the rumour had only been set going for electioneering purposes. (Hear, hear.) He had had no complaint at all until that day. If his action on that committee had been unsatisfactory he would have heard about it a few hours afterwards.
“The only thing I can say about it,” proceeded Mr. Brocklesby, “is that it is mean; and if I could not win an election without making mis-statements about my opponents, I would be prepared to lose.” (Hear, hear.)
Dealing with County Council work, Mr. Brocklesby said he had been on the County Council a little more than two and a half years, and was now on twenty-two committees and sub-committees. In order to get on some of these committees, one must have some support. The members of the County Council were practical business men, who were very careful in the selection of committees, and they had regard to the fitness, experience, and capability of a man.
“Extravagant Expenditure”
Referring to an observation by Mr. Ogley about the extravagance of expenditure, the speaker said Mr. Ogley had got his information from someone who knew little about it. Extreme care was used in the spending of the money. Mr. Ogley also referred to the recklessness of the expenditure. Such an assertion was absolutely untrue. The expenditure was very carefully considered, and from his knowledge it was impossible for any authority to exercise greater care than the West Riding County Council. (Hear, hear.)
He had also rendered service on the Highway Committee, which was a big spending authority.