The Bucks Standard, March 14th 1896

PARISH MEETING. The Parish Meeting for the election of parish Councillors was held in the Board School on Monday, the 9th inst., at 7.30 p.m. The chairman of the Council, Mr. J. Onley, in opening the proceedings called upon the clerk, Mr. T. Osborn, to read the minutes of the last Parish Meeting, after which he briefly reviewed the work of the Council during the term of office. He said that the Council was still in its infancy as there was difficulty in finding out the extent of their powers. They had attempted more than they had actually accomplished, for the simple reason that other interests were involved, which prevented smooth sailing. He claimed credit to the Council for carefully handling the ratepayers money. There had been a few improvements brought about through their labours, and he hoped as time went on there would be more useful work done for the village. He then invited those who had nomination papers to hand them in, and explained that as he was a candidate it was his duty to vacate the chair in favour of one whom the meeting might elect to continue the conduct of business. Mr. Geo. Rainbow therefore proposed, and Mr. S. Baugh seconded, that Mr. Jos. Pike, D.C., take the chair, this was carried nem cen. Nomination papers were then carefully scrutinized, and arranged alphabetically by the Chairman and pronounced to be valid. The names of the candidates were then read out, together with the names of the proposers and seconders, after which a show of hands were taken for each one in order as they had been given in. The result of the show of hands was as follows: Mr. Geo. Cook Nichols (7), Mr. John Luing (14), Mr. D. Cowley (13), Mr. C. Whiting (15), Mr. John Onley (16), Mr. Thos. Rainbow (16). As there were 6 candidates nominated and only 5 persons to be elected, the first named gentleman therefore withdrew. In doing so he stated that he had been nominated without his consent. He had no wish to put the parish to the expense of a poll as he was satisfied with the work of the Council, especially with the financial part. He believed they were actuated by good motives and wished them success in the future. The action of Mr. Nichols in withdrawing was commended by all present. J. Luing, W. Cowley, C. Whiting, J. Onley, T. Rainbow, were declared by the Chairman to be duly elected. There is therefore no change in the composition of the Council, as the above gentlemen have all been re-elected. A vote of thanks to Mr. Pike for presiding proposed by Mr. Geo. Nichols, seconded by J. Harris, and carried with acclamation.