South Yorkshire Times, April 25, 1942
Council Comes of Age
Conisbrough Anniversary
The “coming-of-age” of Conisbrough Urban Council was referred to by councillors and officials at Wednesday’s annual meeting, when Coun. R. H. Shepherd was elected chairman, and Coun. J. Humphries vice-chairman.
Coun. Shepherd said he considered it a great honour to be elected chairman for the second time. He moved a vote of thanks to Coun. B. Roberts, the retiring chairman, and Coun. J. T. E. Collins seconded.
Coun. Roberts said the co-operation of members and officials had always been forthcoming.
Twenty-One Years of Age.
Coun. H. Gomersall said it was 21 years since Conisbrough was granted urban powers. He and Coun. Collins were two of the oldest members. Although they were passing through arduous times in which it was difficult to make any progress, very satisfactory progress had been made since the Council’s inauguration. The Council had greatly assisted in the housing of the population, and although criticism was inevitable the Council could credit itself with building some of the best houses in the district.
There had been a great transformation in regard to surface water mains and sewage disposal, and the improvements effected in these were contributory to the improved health of the district. There had been a difference in the outlook of Denaby and Conisbrough, but latterly there had been a great transformation in the former, where great work had been done at a cost of approximately £16,000 in building up the streets. Another good thing was the introduction, nearly ten years ago, of the Denaby Memorial Park, which was formerly nothing more than a rubbish tip. This was more than a rubbish tip. This was an oasis in a hundred per cent. industrial village.
Surveyor Praised.
Coun. H. Gomersall paid tribute to the work of the Surveyor, Mr. H. Thirlwall. His work in connection with housing, the Memorial Park and street improvement had been well done. The Urban District could be proud of its surveyor.
Coun. J. T. E, Collins said that it took a long struggle to bring the urban district into being, and none of the councillors at present in office were members of the first Conisbrough Council. There was a great deal to do in spite of the numerous Questions which had been successfully dealt with.
Coun. B. Roberts said he had served over twelve years, and the work done by the Council even during that period would live long after its members had passed away. Although hundreds of people were in need of houses, the Council had decided that it could not afford to build more houses. Housing was the one main thing for future consideration by the Council.
Coun. R. H. Shephard, who has served eleven years on the Council, said they owed an immense debt of gratitude to the County Council for improving the educational facilities for miners and the children in the district. He criticised the letter in last week’s “South Yorkshire Times” from Mr. R. E. Horrox, and said the miners were the worst paid men in the country, and were not receiving an additional ration of soap. Only those intimately concerned know how hard the miners were working. These men were pulling their weight in the war but they did not want the aftermath of the last war, when the pits were working three days a week.
Coun. D. Sheldon said that the work of the men who had played a great part in the inauguration of the Council ought to be remembered and recognised. He paid tribute to the work of ex-members of the Council.
Coun. J. Humphries said from 1886 up to 1921 when urban powers were granted, nothing was done to improve the district. and the streets were then a disgrace.
The Surveyor (Mr. H. Thirlwall) thanked the Council for their remarks and their past support. He had been connected with the district for 31 years in an official capacity, and had been Surveyor since the inception of the Urban Council. His motto had been “If a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well.” and he had found that by putting this into practice maintenance costs were largely reduced. The district was of a very low assessable value and consequently the burden was heavier on every individual ratepayer. The sewage disposal works could not be described as beautiful, but were of immense value and a great improvement. It was hoped that the Denaby works would be likewise improved when conditions made such work possible. The work he had done could not have been carried out so successfully without the wholehearted support of the Council.
Mr. R. W. Birch (Clerk) associated himself with these remarks.
Mr. Thirlwall reported that the British Restaurant was almost ready and a public opening would take place on May 13th.