Triennial Election – West Riding County Council

February 1922

Mexborough and Swinton Times, February 1922

West Riding County Council.
The Triennial Election
Conisbrough.

Arthur Roberts (Labour)1629
William Appleyard (Independent) 788

There was very little interest taken in the election, but towards the close of the polling hours a “certain liveliness was manifested”, and a small crowd awaited the results. The only meetings held prior to the day of election were those of Mr Roberts. Not 50% of the electorate voted, 2,433 papers been issued at the various booths. Of these 1629 votes were recorded from Mr Roberts and for Mr W Appleyard 788, there being 16 spoilt papers.

The returning officer, Mr H.M.Marshall, declared the results a few minutes after nine. In proposing a vote of thanks to the returning officer, the successful candidate spoke of the efficient manner in which the election had been conducted. He also congratulated Mr Appleyard on the manner in which the election had been conducted, stated that all the supporters Mr Appleyard thathe hadcome into contact withbehaved most gentlemanly and sportsmanlike, and that as a result of the election they would be better friends. Mr Appleyard seconded the vote of thanks.

Speaking to the crowd after the declaration, Mr Roberts thanked the electors for the confidence they had reposed in him as a working man, and regretted that more people had not voted, though he naturally, was satisfied with the result.

He stated that the election was a triumph for those progressive principles of education, public health, and housing, and he promised not to betray the confidence of the electors. (Applause.)

Mr Appleyard thanked those who had voted for him, and said that he had been a public servant for 21 years, and that he still continued in two capacities, representing, Conisbrough Parks on the Doncaster Rural District Council and the Board of Guardians.

He stated that he had known Mr Roberts for a considerable time, and he had always found him in public life to be a straightforward and honest man. (Applause.)