IN our dip into the news 100 years ago, we unearthed an election address from Charles H Seabrooke
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have again been nominated as one of the candidates to represent you on the above Council, and I BEG TO SOLICIT YOUR INTEREST AND VOTES.
TOWN PLANNING- The Town Planning Scheme, of which I was an advocate at the last Election, has matured and is now in its initial stages. I am anxious that the Scheme should progress for the better development of the town {also] what time such development will take place.
AMALGAMATION- Should either or both of the parishes of Little Thurrock or West Thurrock deem it advisable to approach Grays with an eye to amalgamation, I shall be pleased to give the matter my close attention and assistance.
RECREATION GROUND-It is desirable that the Recreation Ground in the Bridge Road should be kept clear of all buildings and RETAINED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SPORT GENERALLY. I am prepared to support any action which may be considered necessary to attain that object.
TRAIN SERVICE- Better facilities for the Workmen proceeding to and from Tilbury Docks and an improved and punctual train service between Grays and London for business men IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY if the town and district is to thrive. If elected I shall continue to urge the Council to approach the Railway Company to remedy this defect.
MUSIC IN THE PARK- I am fully convinced that additional music would be appreciated by the inhabitants generally. As the finances of the town allow, I shall endeavour to keep this fact to the front and favour the further employment of our Local Band on Sundays and Holidays during the Season.
AMBULANCE- I consider the time has arrived when the town should possess a Carriage Ambulance, which would be available in cases of accident and non-infectious illnesses REQUIRING IMMEDIATE AND DELICATE OPERATIONS, such as can only be performed in our leading London Hospitals, and will advocate the acquisition of such a vehicle.
SEWERAGE SCHEME-At present I am one of your representatives on the Joint Sewerage Board, and the experience I have gained since the inception of this Scheme, and the efforts I have made to RETAIN ALL WORK that could possibly, and efficiently be done in LOCAL HANDS , entitles me, I venture to say, to your support.
All other matters affecting the future welfare, prosperity, and improvement of the town generally, with due regard to efficiency and economy, will receive my most careful consideration.
I trust my past services are worthy of your support, and that you will GIVE ME YOUR VOTES on the Polling Day.
I have the honour to be Your obedient servant, CHARLES H. SEABROOKE.
TO THE ELECTORS
THE GRAYS AND DISTRICT TRADERS ASSOCIATION WISH TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF ALL ELECTORS RECORDING THEIR VOTES AT THE FORTH COMING ELECTION, which takes place on SATURDAY, APRIL 4th.
They also desire to secure your Vote for the following Candidates, each of whom has the full and undivided support of this Association, viz:- MESSRS. H.E. BROOKS, G.I. RHODES, C.H. SEABROOKE. The Association strongly desire to secure the return of business men to this Council, irrespective of Creed or Politics. They feel that the best interest of the town generally can only be secured by the election of such men.
DESERVE YOUR VOTE BY USING IT!
BY THE WAY
Saturday [4th April,1914], is polling day for the Urban Council elections at Grays and Tilbury. At the latter place the Labour Party are likely to hold their own fairly easily. At Grays, however, the issue is full of doubt.
The Labour men are working hard and enthusiastically and command a solid body of support. It will be interesting to see how far the splitting up of the voting will affect the solidarity of their backing. The four retiring members are certain to poll well, as they deserve to do so. They have worked hard for the public good. I don’t care what their imperial politics are; soundness of view in respect of local affairs is the supreme test.
If a careful resume is made of policies of the candidates so far expressed, it will be found that upon the main questions there is very little between the candidates, and in those circumstances it is only right and proper that men who have done the work well should obtain a renewal of confidence.
I hope I shall not be deemed to unduly interfere with the judgement of electors if, as a final word, I ask for consideration of the claims of the absent candidate Mr Herbert Brooks. His work, his personality, his undoubted love of the town ought to make certain his return. Without doubt most of us have some point or other of disagreement with the leading public man of our locality but none can assert he has not been of immense assistance to the town, and that his retirement would be a distinct loss. He can do much good, he deserves to be returned and the appeal of the Committee which has been formed on his behalf, “Vote for whom you please, but give one to Mr Herbert Brooks.”, should meet with a generous and victorious response.
