DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION AT BADSEY
The poll for a member in the place of Mr J F M Woodward took place at Badsey Board Schoolroom on Thursday. The number on the register of voters was 161. The number of votes recorded was 123. The poll was open from 12 until 8. The result was declared by the Returning Officer (Mr Edward Wadams) at 8.15 as follows:
- Richard Pendlebury (C) 77
- Joseph Knight (L) 46
Mr Richard Pendlebury is therefore elected Rural District Councillor for the parish until March 1898. The election was contested upon party lines and caused considerable interest. Mr Woodward’s majority at the former election was 11.
In a separate section of the paper, the following comment was made:
I fancy the figures polled at the election for District Councillor at Badsey, will prove a rude awakening to the Radicals in that “model” village. A majority of 31 in a total poll of 123 is a conclusive sign of the rapid spread of enlightenment in that once Radical hotbed. One must pay for one’s luxuries, but perhaps the good people of Badsey will come to the conclusion that they are paying very dearly for the luxury of possessing Mr Joseph Knight. Since that enterprising individual has taken up his abode there, some £40 or £50 of the ratepayers’ money has been frittered away in his endeavours (mostly fruitless) to thrust himself, by hook or by crook, into public offices. It is true that at the recent School Board election, owing to the inaction of the members of the old Board, Mr Knight and a few of the so-called “economical” party did secure several seats in that assembly, for which midsortune the ratepayers will probably have to suffer in the near future. However, the triumph of Mr Pendlebury is a gratifying proof that there is plenty of common sense in Badsey, so good luch to the new District Councillor. But it is a misfortune for Badsey that the village should be put to constantly recurring expense to satisfy, or rather attempt to satisfy the ambition of Mr Joseph Knight and his fraternity.