Mexborough and Swinton Times April 3rd 1909

The Elections

Mexboro’.

We have drawn to the close of perhaps the tamest election campaign we have experienced for some considerable time. The candidates are all excellent and worthy men, and, without exception, they are business men. The retiring members have very wisely allowed their actions to speak for them; while the three remaining candidates have contented themselves with a simple and direct appeal for support, together with an assurance that they will allow their actions to be governed by their intelligence and their Reuse of duty.

The Churches and the Parties have refrained from taking a hand in the election-which is precisely as it should be.

Although the ratepayers of Mexboro’ have but few candidates to choose from, it is essential that they should be extremely careful in their choice, with the important gas purchase scheme hanging over the heads of the Council. The four retiring candidates, Mr. Bayes, Mr. Wodd, Mr. Athron and Mr. Ward, have some good work to recommend them. Mr. Bayes has been chairman of the Markets Committee, and has had a good deal of responsibility in connection with the new scheme. Mr. Wood’s special forte has been sanitary work, and Mr. Athron and Mr. Ward have guided the affairs of the Cemetery and the Fire Brigade respectively.

Altogether it would seem that the election resolves itself into a contest between three candidates for one place, the fifth vacancy, left by Mr. Gill. Mr. J. T. Rowan is generally looked upon as the favourite for this vacancy, and, indeed, with the solid support of the Labour ranks, and a reputation for common-sense and broad-mindedness, Mr. Rowan’s chances are excellent.

But neither Mr. F. J. Law nor Mr. C. Lazenby are out of the hunt; and both have equal chances of success. If, however, they do succeed, we think it will be at the expense of one of the retiring  members.

Mr. Lazenby, Mr. Rowan, and Mr. Law have made unsuccessful appeals to the ratepayers before, and as all three are triers, there should be an interesting struggle for fourth and fifth places.