Mexborough and Swinton Times April 22, 1927

Bolton Urban Council
An Interesting Innovation
A New Committee

Mr TH Barker was elected chairman at the annual meeting of the Bolton Urban Council yesterday, in succession to Mr G Taylor. Nominating him for the office, Mr G Probert said in Mr Barker they had “a public man with a public spirit,” and he would go a long way in that kind of work.

Mr T Vaughan seconded the nomination, and Mr JR Horn, supporting the nomination, said he was satisfied that Mr Barker have gained great experience in the work of the Council, and would be able to serve the public well.

Mr Barker hope no one would have a moment’s regret at the end of his years chairmanship. “I assure you I shall devote the whole of my time to the interests of this district, my motto will be ‘Fair Play’ in the spirit Bolton Council knows.”

The last 12 months have been one of the most trying times they had ever had.

Mr JR horn was elected vice chairman.

Mr Probert moved that the sanitary and child welfare committee be merged under the title of “Public Health Committee.” Formally the Sanitary Committee had sat for an hour and half a meeting, and often they have not been enough business to justify the calling of a meeting of the other committee. He thought it would be a step in the right direction if they merged them.

The proposition was carried

Mr Vaughan asked how that would affect the borrowing powers of the Sanitary Committee.

Another Bold Step

The Clerk (Mr JL Hawksworth) said the resolution opened a very wide question. He could see no reason against the formation of a Public Health Committee, but was doubtful about the propriety of incorporating the Sanity Committee in it.

Mr Hawksworth literal, after referring to the public health facts, that the Council will be quite in order in the new arrangement.

The Chairman know that for women co-opted onto the Public Health Committee. The time had come when there was need of their special knowledge in the work of the department.

Mr A Fouchard second, and said it was essential that women should be on such committees as that.

The resolution was carried, and four women, Mesdames JW Smith, Keaton, Martin and T Smith were co-opted.