4th
April 1974
Sadness as 500-Year-Old Borough
COMES TO AN END
"A
death blow to democracy" was how the last Mayor of Pontefract,
Councillor E. Tonks, described local government reorganisation at the
final meeting of the Town Council.
But
he added that he sincerely hoped he would be proved wrong.
"If
the people who brought about reorganisation were to have visited
districts with a Mayor they would have changed their minds. I am sorry
that members who have given sterling service to the town will not be
able to go on doing so."
Councillor
Tonks said he was honoured to have the privilege of being last Mayor and
described his ten months in office as "fantastic" marred only
by the deaths of Councillor Violet Pritchard and Alderman J. Blackburn.
In
presenting memento’s to Aldermen, Councillors, officials, mace-bearer,
Mr. W. Parkes, and the chaplain, the Reverend E. Fowkes, Councillor
Tonks said it was a historic, but sad occasion because it marked the end
of a mayorality and Pontefract District Council, which had existed for
more than 500 years.
Thanking
all Council employees, organisations, shops and industries in the town
for help and co-operation, the Mayor made a special reference to the ‘Express’.
He said that over the years, the newspaper had enabled the public to be
kept in touch with Council business in recognition at which he presented
on behalf of the Corporation, a plaque bearing the town’s coat of
arms.
Councillor
K. Millet emphasised the importance of the role of the Press in
reporting public affairs. It was vitally necessary for details of
meetings to be published.
"There
are some people who don’t like what they read, but if it is a fact, it
is right it should be published."
On
behalf of Council members he presented both reporters present with
Papermate pens "in appreciation of press liaison". Echoing
those sentiments, Alderman R. Egan said communication would always be of
a tremendous importance. He urged townspeople to support its
representatives on the Wakefield Metropolitan Council. "No man or
men can do without the help and support of the people. I bemoan the fact
that only a handful of people from the general public have turned up to
witness the last meeting of the Council."
Councillor
G. Lofthouse paid tribute to the Town Clerk, Mr. L.A. Tawn, who had
worked so hard while bearing the added responsibility of secretary to
the new Metropolitan Council. He thanked the Mayor who had carried out
his duties with ability and energy, and said he knew of no better man to
have occupied the Mayor’s seat for the last time.
[
1974 Index ]
