Mexborough and Swinton Times August 4, 1906
Conisborough Parish Council
Echoes of Last Meeting
A Members Threats
Mr Baker and The Chairman
There was very little out of the ordinary to report at the monthly meeting of the Conisborough Parish Council, held in the Station Road schools Conisborough Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance on members, one of whom, early on, when there was some quibbling on the part of Mr Baker in respect in last month’s minutes, threatened him with a speedy exit if July’s play was re-enacted. Another disturbance then seemed probable, but it was smoothed away, and the business was transacted with unusual quietness.
Mr John Brocklesby (the chairman) presided and the members present were Mr Frank Ogley, Mr G Smithson, Mr D Robinson, Mr HL Smethhurst, Mr T Pagdin, Mr HH Wray Mr Wright, Mr C Walker, Mr TW Mosby, Mr Henry Baker, with the clerk Mr J Hawksworth and the cemetery caretaker Mr Hodgson.
Mr Baker Protests
The minutes of the last meeting having been read, were then passed, on the motion of Mr TW Mosby, seconded by Mr Wright.
Mr Robinson asked if the Chairman allowed any discussion on the minutes, or to take a vote on them after they were passed.
The Chairman: If they are incorrect, now is it time to raise any point.
Mr Robinson did not reply, and the minutes were confirmed.
Mr Baker: before you sign these minutes I understand an important letter has been sent to the Clerk of the Peace. Will you mind waiting to sign the minutes while I speak on that letter.
The Chairman: The minutes have been confirmed as being correct, and they must be signed as such.
Mr Baker: Very well.
The Chairman then signed the minutes.
Mr Baker: Now, I simply asked you to use the words that are customary at all Council and public meetings, after the minutes have been passed: “is there anything arising out of the minutes?” Then any councillor, no matter in what position, is able at once to ask what he chooses. That caused the scene last time, and I wish you, this time, to be very plain, and to do what is correct and just. There is something very important.
The Chairman: I think, Mr Baker, I can guide the business of this meeting without laying down the law in such language. I shall carry it out in a straightforward manner, and be fair and impartial. I’ve mentioned the only matters I’m aware of arising out of the minutes.
Mr Baker: You will pardon me. I, as a member, have a perfect right to reply to anything contained there, and to ask what I choose upon them, and I maintain you will not be doing – – –
The Chairman: What question do you want to ask?
Mr Baker: I maintain you will not be doing your duty if you do not allow me to ask any question I choose.
The Chairman: I say you have your opportunity now.
Mr Baker: Very well! Respecting the first minute that you moved yourself, in reference to meetings been disturbed. Of course you wrote that out yourself, and also another proposition.
The Chairman: Are you raising any question in regard to the correctness of the minutes?
Mr Baker: Yes I am? I want to know!
The Chairman: It is too late now.
Mr Baker: Really! I beg your pardon?
The Chairman: You should have raised that question before the vote was taken.
Mr Baker: Well I don’t know. You were all here and heard me. I am pleased there are a few spectators. You all heard me raise an objection ask him not to sign the minutes.
The Chairman: Yes, after the vote had been taken.
Mr Baker: I asked you before.
The Chairman: When this resolution is passed, that is sufficient for my guidance, and my duty is very clear. These minutes have been confirmed as correct, and I have signed as such. If you say there is anything incorrect you have had an opportunity of mentioning it before the vote was taken. You ought to have done so.
Mr Baker: Well, it is sharp practice; it may be considered something extra, but it is “low cunning.” If you wish to be fair you will allow me to ask this question respecting Mr Wilson’s resolution, to the effect that the police hesitated. I also want to know whether the third minute, which complements you upon the admiral manner in which you conducted last’s meeting, was moved by yourself.
The Chairman: No, I had nothing to do with it.
Mr Baker: That is all very well. Did you send it to the press?
The Chairman: Yes I did, most certainly.
Mr Baker: Thank you! I think that is a thing which ought not to be known.
The Chairman: Are we going to have a repetition of the last meeting.
Mr Baker: No sir. If you behave yourself. I will (laughter).
Mr Smithson: Let’s get on with business. You are not going to interrupt tonight Mr Baker. If you’re going to be obstreperous tonight, outside that door you go. We shall not have anything of that sort tonight.
Mr Baker: Oh ! Poor thing! I am amused at you.
Mr Smithson: Make him sit down Mr Chairman and let us get on with the business.
Mr Baker: Hello! Are you chairman now?
The Chairman intimated that if Mr Baker intended to reopen the question, he would not help him. There was a proper way of doing it, and in times past Mr Baker had fallen in with the suggestions, but matters had come to such a pass that he would not help him in the slightest.
Mr Baker: I don’t want your help!
With the Chairman: You are not taking the proper course now.
Mr Mosby asked if he was going to speak on any minute which had been confirmed.
Mr Baker Of course I was.
Mr Mosby: If he is going to speak on any minute which has been confirmed as correct, he has a perfect right to do so, although it can be altered now. You can answer it as you think fit.
The Chairman: He has asked a question and it has been answered. He wants to make a speech now.
Mr Baker raised another question. In the many it said that the police hesitates to eject him. They refused in fact, and in fairness to the police it should be so stated.
The Chairman said the letter from the county solicitor will be read in due course.
Mr Baker: The police refused point-blank to do what you wanted them to do. Therefore it is not fair to them, as public servants. They were fetched here, which was a monstrous proceeding to begin with.
The Chairman: You are making a speech now, not asking a question.
Mr Wilson: I suggest the police look after their own business and Mr Baker should do the same.
Mr Smithson : Hear, hear.
Mr Baker: Thank you. (Laughter) I say it is not correct.
Mr Wilson: The police certainly hesitated.
Mr Baker: They point-blank refused.
The Chairman: I can tell you a good deal more about that.
The matter, after further quibbling was dropped.