Hampshire’s New Mayors: Election Moved by Old Opponent: The new Mayor of Winchester, Councillor William Porter Richardson, the 754th on the roll, was duly erected on Tuesday. The election of Councillor Richardson was moved by Councillor C. G. Sankey, who said that, although a political organisation opposed the mayor elect at the recent municipal elections, that made no difference to the sincerity with which he put forward his name that morning. “The fight is over,” he said. “Private opinion now asserts itself, and I beg to move Councillor Richardson’s election. We have just recently had a most enjoyable scrap (laughter). As chief officer of the organisation putting forward the opponent I put my heart into the scrap, but it is over. Councillor Richardson can have the feeling that he has the backing of a majority of the voters. “Referring to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Sankey said that Councillor Pinsent was a gentleman and a sportsman. He had declined to serve a second year but had indicated his willingness to take office again if his services were required. The motion was seconded by Councillor R. L G. Irving, who was for many years a housemaster at Winchester College. His first acquaintance with the new Mayor dated from Mr. (Councillor Irving’s) earliest days as a scholar at the College, when he lost a ticket home. “I called at the house master’s door to explain what had happened,” he said, “and a large young man came to the door, explained that his father was working late the night previously, and was not up yet. I told him the position and he gave me a golden sovereign. I still owe Councillor Richardson that £l.” (Laughter.) The motion was carried unanimously and with applause. Councillor Richardson was then invested with the chain of office, and with the Mayor’s Jewel was given the signet ring and keys. He took the customary oath. The retiring Mayoress (Mrs. Pinsent) handed Mrs. Richardson the Mayoress’ badge. The new Mayor is a solicitor, and, like his predecessor, a Wykehamist. Alderman Walter Hamblin tendered his resignation from the Aldermanic Bench owing to ill-health. The resignation was accepted with regret. The Council selected the ex-Mayor, Councillor Major J. R. Pinsent as Alderman to the vacancy. The voting was: Councillor Pinsent eight votes, Councillor J. 0. Hodder, seven. Councillor C. G. Sankey three. Aldermen Miss Firmstone and F. M. Newton, retiring Aldermen, were re-elected.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0528 Devonport: John Ryland Pinsent: 1888 – 1957