Leeds Mercury (01/Jun/1867) - The Incorporation of Huddersfield

The following is a transcription of a historic newspaper article and may contain occasional errors. If the article was published prior to 1 June 1957, then the text is likely in the Public Domain.

The Incorporation of Huddersfield.

On Wednesday a public meeting of the ratepayers of Huddersfield, within the Improvement Act boundary, was held in the Theatre, to consider the question of applying for a charter of incorporation. The chair was occupied by Mr. Joseph Turner, the chairman of the Improvement Commissioners.

Mr. W. Keighley moved the first resolution, — "That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to obtain a charter of incorporation for Huddersfield, and for the adjoining districts." He spoke at some length on the benefits to arise from a charter of incorporation, pointing out mainly the advantages of an extended district going for an increased water supply. Mr. Jere Kaye seconded the motion, and said he was convinced that the time had fully arrived when the town ought to be incorporated, and he remarked on the importance of immediate action in the obtaining of an increased water supply.

Mr. T.W. Clough supported the motion.

Mr. H. Brown alluded to the management expenses of Halifax and the amount of rates in Leeds, which ho stated at 4s. 9½d. in the pound, and to test the meeting moved an amendment to the effect that sufficient information had not been given to the meeting to justify it in incurring the additional expense of a charter of incorporation. Mr. Jas. Brook supported the motion.

Mr. Joseph Hirst stated that the rates at Halifax were only 2s. 6d. in the pound, and that exceptional circumstances had this your caused the rates of Leeds to be higher thin usual, and pointed out that high rates and municipal corporations were not of necessity joined.

The amendment was not seconded, and, on the vote being taken, the motion was carried, with only five dissentieuts.

Mr. E. Armitage moved the second resolution:— "That this meeting approves the steps taken by the Huddersfield Improvement Commissioners towards obtaining a charter, and in ascertaining the opinion and inviting the co-operation of neighbouring local boards, and requests and authorises such committee to undertake the further proceedings requisite to obtain the charter, in conjunction with the committees of other local boards, and with a committee of ratepayers to be appointed by this meeting."

Mr. C. Hirst seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr. Joseph Benson remarked on the advantages of the ward system under inspectors as tending to cause each part of the town to be properly attended to, and moved "that the following gentlemen be appointed a committee of ratepayers to act in conjunction with the Improvement Commissioners and the committees of the Local Boards, as a general Incorporation Committee to promote the obtaining of a charter, viz.:— R. Skilbeck, Esq., constable; Wright Mellor, Esq., Capt. Graham, and Messrs. Edwd. Armitage, H.B. Taylor, Joseph Crosland, David Sykes, and J. Wrigley, jun."

Mr. James Blackburn seconded the motion, which was adopted