THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Shankill Ward electors urged to triumphantly return candidate

City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast. Picture: National Library of Ireland

A large and enthusiastic meeting had been held in the West Belfast New Orange Hall in support of the candidature of Mr John Alexander to the Shankill ward of the Belfast Corporation, reported the News Letter on this day in 1898.

Mr Alexander was introduced by the chairman of the meeting, Mr William Sinclair.

He said that Shankill ward wished to have a public representative who would “obey the behests of those who placed him in office”.

He added that he believed that Mr Alexander was such candidate and that he would listen to his electorate and that he would be triumphantly returned to serve as their councillor on the Belfast Corporation and would work tirelessly to improve the welfare of the Shankill ward.

Mr Alexander, who was warmly received, said that he was pleased to appear before them that evening to state the views he held as to the duty of a councillor for the Shankill ward.

He called to their attention the programme which he had but before the electors of which the first concern that he tackled was the wages question.

He said that he did not employ many men himself, but that he had always paid them “the very wisest wages” to which they were entitled to.

He said that he considered that the same was the duty of every other employer, and especially the Belfast Corporation.

Mr Alexander then proceeded to allude in detail to the other matters dealt with in his address, and which he had referred to in his speech the previous evening at Ligoniel.

These included the purchase of the tramways by the Corporation, the introduction of halfpenny fares, electric traction, the carrying out of the sewerage scheme, improved sanitation, technical schools, free district libraries and “other necessary reforms” all of which he himself to support.

In conclusion Mr Alexander declared: “I believe every word of it [his election pledges] and there is not a pledge that I am not prepared to perform. I therefore trust in your support and that you will rally round me on Saturday so that I will be placed at the top of the poll.”