Some Things Never Change

Whatever the current political drama or debate over local government reorganisation, one thing seems to have remained constant: voter apathy and lack of engagement.

These issues have persisted for years—and likely will for many more.

Take this week in 1897, for example. In a report on the Farnham Urban District Council elections, The Weekly Herald and General Advertiser newspaper was already lamenting the public’s indifference to local politics.

"The Urban District Council election will scarcely bear the interest it once promised," he sighed, before continuing, "Out of 13 candidates, only eight – Messrs Fry, Bide, Kingham (the old hands), Robert G. Trimmer (who stepped into his brother’s shoes like a good family member should), G. Ransom, Chrismas, Chapman, and Lee – have decided to stand."

The writer wasn’t holding his breath for some of the candidates.

"Of the last three, we have nothing to say. We cannot for a moment believe they are likely to win a seat, but we admire their courage in coming forward and point them to the maxim: 'If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again.'"

As for the seasoned candidates, the competition was a "keen one," with the contenders each deemed highly qualified to sit on the council. However, the political leanings of The Herald were clearly on display.

"Mr. Fry ought to be elected," the writer declared, as if pencilling his campaign slogan. "During his three years in office, he has been a most regular attendant at the council meetings and has shown himself zealous for the town’s welfare.”

Mr Fry’s down-to-earth charm was another advantage.

"As the only representative of the working class, he proudly calls himself a humble workman, he has special claim to be supported," the writer opined.

Mr Bide was, by all accounts, was also industrious figure but was somewhat outspoken.

"Although many a time we we have had to differ from him... he has spent many an hour in the services of the town, for which the town ought to show itself grateful.”

Then there was the ever-present issue of Farnham’s level crossing. Mr Robert Kingham was the obvious choice to solve the problem.

"If any councillor was duty-bound to speak out boldly over the level crossing, it was him," the writer opined.

"Yet from first to last, Mr Kingham is a good councillor; he has always striven to make the council a more business-like body, and for this alone, he deserves a vote."

No ambiguity about Mr Robert Trimmer’s candidacy, though.

"As one of the largest property owners in the town, it is plain that what are the town’s interest are his," the writer assured us. "He certainly would not be party to anything which would...put the town to great and unnecessary expense. Nor would he oppose improvements which would keep the town behind the times."

Mr George Ransom, the businessman and artist, was described as "a gentleman" who would be "a most useful councillor." The writer added: "He has always shown himself to be an unusually strong adviser for economy," who is "withal as capable a businessman as the success of his business will show."

As for the other four candidates— let’s just say there was a lack of enthusiasm.

"We do not feel able to mention four of these gentlemen and recommend them to the electors for support,” the writer scoffed.

So, who won? As reported on April 10, 1897, the writer’s fervent backing clearly did the trick. Ransom triumphed with 439 votes, Kingham came second with 316, Trimmer followed with 315, and Bide secured 245.

But, as the writer lamented: "The election day lacked the excitement of previous contests. It’s evident that the more often electors are called upon to exercise their franchise, the less they care about actually doing it."

And, as always, the day was marred by the antics of "irresponsible small boys" and voters who, as "advocates of the solid, were unfortunately falling under the influence of the liquid."

Some things truly never change.