MANSION OR COTTAGE?

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14829, 21 November 1913, Page 14

MANSION OR COTTAGE?

Alderman J. H. Hartley is the first representative of the Labour Party (says the London "Daily Telegraph'") to have an invitation extended to him to accept the Lo d Mayoralty of York. He was born at Sinnington Village, about four miles from Pickering, on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors, and is of humble parentage. His father and mother are still alive and resident in York, the former being originally a platelayer on the Nortii Eastern Railway, and now employed at York station.

After doing some work as a farm labourer, Aiderman Hartley became fc&asou porter at Scarborough, subsequently ' a platelayer, and finally a shunter, which occupation he foilows at the present time. Ho is 39 years of age, and took up his abode at York in 1892. His entry into public life took place in 1903, when ho was elected councillor for Micklegate Ward, his candidature being promoted by the local labour associations. He has represented that ward without break since that time, and was made a magistrate last year, being elevated to the Aldermnnic Bench a few months ago. He has been a courageous and straightforward representative of the views of his party, and a distinctly useful member of tho Council. Proof of the trust placed in him by his fellow trade unionists is forthcoming from the fact that at the great railway strike two years ago he was chairman of the local strike committee. He has held other important positions in connexion with local labour organisations, and devotes all his leisure time to this work and his duties as a public servant. CIVIC HOSPITAIITf Interviewed at his home in Swinnerton avenue, which is situated in the purely working-class district known as Leeman road estate. Alderman Hartley said he was at present undecided whether he should take up his abode at the Mansion House. He intended to do so if the City Council made it possible, which meant that, in addition to providing for the upkeep of the Mansion House, which includes the wages

of the servants, tho Corporation should also provide the servants" board. Incidentally, it. may be mentioned, a sum of £80i) is allocated yearly for the upkeep of the official residence of tho Lord Mayor, but none of the money passes through his lianas. It has on occasion reached close on £1000.

Asked as to what, hospitality ho would dispense, xYlderman Hartley replied that this also depended upon tho attitude of the City Council upon the matter. Instancing the visits of important public bodies to the city, he, said, "I look upon any Hospitality dispensed to them as entertainments by the citizens, and, being such, tho cost should be borne by the city. I should be quite prepared to welcome them in the name of the city, out any entertainment which is provided should bo a charge on the city. No Lord Mayor, however wealthy, should Dβ expected to provide it out of his own private purs©." The same remark, he added, applies to the judges' Dreakfasts given at assize times. Alderman Hartley is married, and has a family of four children —two boys and two girls. Hβ expressed his intention of accepting office, even if lie is only finally elected Dy a single vote. . » The lord mayoralty dates from tho reign of Richard 11.