Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Wednesday 16 April 1919

42 Years of Public Life.

At a meeting of the Mexborough Urban Council, the Chairman, Mr. D. S. Humphreys, paid an eloquent tribute to two members who had decided not to seek re-election.

Speaking of Alderman J. H. Watson, he said that gentleman had had the proud distinction of serving continuously on the Mexborough authority for 42 years, and had been steadily returned triennialiy throughout that long period. That was an achievement which all public men could appreciate.

Mr. Watson had also served continuously as a member of the West Riding County Council, and was one of the three original members of that authority. He had done splendid service for Mexborough.

Mr. W. Frow (the other retiring member) had also given eight years’ conscientious service to the town.

Mr. J, W. Hattersley, clerk to the Council, said would like to acknowledge publicly his personal debt to Mr. Watson.

Alderman Watson said he was satisfied that he had done right to retire. He could claim that during all his public career he had recognised only one master —the public.