Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 August 1929
Throat Cut.
Swinton Man’s Plight in London.
Last Thursday night a man was found with his throat cut in the St. Martin’s Hotel, London, and in an interval of consciousness later in a London hospital he gave his address as 7, Slade Road, Swinton. He gave the name Henry Tucker.
No. 7, Slade Road, Swinton, is the address of Mr. Herbert Clifton, rent collector to the Swinton Urban Council s who had been missing from home since Wednesday morning. As he had often gone away for a few days his family did not report the matter till Friday morning, when the police were informed. Later Mrs. Clifton identified the man in Charing Cross Hospital as her husband.
Clifton left on Wednesday morning about eight o’clock, ostensibly to join his son, Dan, who was spending a holiday at the seaside. Dan returned home on Wednesday afternoon, but nothing was beard of Mr. Clifton till the news arrived from London of the St. Martin’s Hotel discovery. The last person who had word from Mr. Clifton was Mr. Frank Jones, rating officer to the Swinton Council, who had a telephone message from him on Wednesday morning, from Mexborough, to the effect that he was going to seek his son.
Neither Mr. Clifton’s family Mr. Jones could account for the occurrence, as they knew of no troubles to worry Mr. Clifton.
Yesterday, Mr. Clifton, who has been removed to St. Steven’s Hospital. Fulham, was reported to be in a serious condition.
Mr. Herbert Clifton is a Manchester man and went to Swinton about 31 years ago to take over the Roman Hotel, of which he was licensee for 16 years. During that time he was secretary of the Mexboro Licensed Victuallers’ Association. Before that he was landlord of the Railway Hotel, Handforth. Cheshire.
When he gave up the Roman Hotel he worked as a weigh clerk at the Manvers Main collieries tor 12 years. He was one of about 100 applicants for the post of rent collector to the Swinton Council, and got the appointment in March of last year.
Mr. Clifton particularly well known among anglers and members of the R.A.O.B. He is a K.O. M. of the Order.
Swinton Council Statement.
Books in Perfect Order.
A special meeting of file Swinton Urban was held last night to discuss the situation which has arisen since Mr. Herbert Clifton, the rent collector, was reported to have been admitted to Charing Cross hospital suffering from a throat wound. There was practically a full attendance of members, with the Rating Mr. Frank Jones and the Clerk. Mr. B. Bower.
Mr. M. Creighton, chairman of the Finance Committee, presided, and after almost an hour and ½ in committee, the following statement was issued by Mr Creighton
“I think it is very necessary that the Council should make some sort of statement. We have made a thorough examination of the books this evening, and find them in perfect order. Until an order had been taken, no appointment will be made. No, not even a temporary one. The present staff have agreed to carry on for the time being. I think we can say no more.”