Mexborough & Swinton Times, April 26, 1919

New Chairman

Mr. W. H. Hughes.

Swinton Urban District Council.

Mr. Wm. Hy. Hughes will occupy the chair for the first time, though he has held the position of vice-chairman for the past two years.

He is a “diamond in the rough,” and a true son of Labour. He was born in South Wales, and came to Swinton when he was about six years old.

He commenced work before he entered his teens at the old Don Pottery, and after leaving there, with the exception of a break of about four years at the Thrybergh Hall Colliery, he has worked continuously for about 30 years down the Manvers Main mine.

He has been secretary to Manvers Alain No. 2 Branch of the Y.M.A. since 1904 and in 1910 was appointed relief checkweighman, a position he relinquished a few months ago.

He was for three years a member of the Swinton School Board, and was first elected as a Labour representative to the Council in 1903, but found the duties too ardous and retired voluntarily after he had served for six years. In response to a pressing request from the local branch of the Labour party he agreed to stand again and was elected in 1911.

Mr. Hughes has served on numerous committees in connection with the Council and bas been chairman of the General Purposes Committee for two years.

He is a member of the Rotherham Board of Guardians, having served on that body for about twelve years. In connection with that authority he is chairman of the Outdoor Relief Committee.

Mr Hughes has the whole hearted confidence of the miners of the district, and during the war has worked hard in the interests of the men who left the Manvers Main Colliery to serve with the Forces.

Since 1914 he has been treasurer to the Manvers Main War Relief Committee.