The Committee, as chosen by the County Council, consisted of five Churchmen and one Free Churchman, one-sixth only of the representation for Nonconformists, though 450 of the 800 children in the Board Schools had Nonconformist parents. My firm and my relatives would be prepared to present a number of seats and trees for the recreation ground. The election of Joseph Rice as chairman of the East Grinstead Urban Council marks an entirely new departure on the part of that body. It is the first time a member of the trading community has been elected to that honourable position. By the choice made, the Council had recognised the claims of a class which really forms the very backbone of East Grinstead society and which is the chief contributor to the rates in the district.
Many people entertain fears for the future.
For my part, I have none. As a man who started life at the plough, to be called on to fill the highest post which a town could offer a person was a great honour. I am the first tradesman to occupy such a position. I have helped build up two of the largest businesses in the town and had been intimately connected with five. All my interests are vested in the town so I have its welfare at heart.