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Mr J Roe
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Mr. James Roe, principal of the firm of Messrs. Roe Bros., drapers, of High-street, Rushden, who has been unanimously elected to fill the honoured position of chairman of the Rushden Urban Council for the coming year, has a useful record of seven years’ service as a member of the local authority, and has, for the past twelve months, served an “apprenticeship” to his new office by carrying out the duties attached to the vice-chair.
Mr. Roe became a member of the Council in 1925, and has sat for the East Ward as a nominee of the local Conservative Association ever since that date. The year 1925 was the first occasion upon which Mr. Roe had stood as candidate, and he was placed second on the poll. He was again returned in the 1928 election, when he occupied the third position, and last year returned to second place, his excellent poll demonstrating the continued confidence that the electors of that Ward have in the new chairman after his several years of public work on their behalf.
On the Council, Mr. Roe has served on several committees, but his aptitude for comprehending local government finance has made his services on the Finance Committee particularly valuable, and he has been a member of this committee since first being elected to the Council. He was chairman of the Finance Committee until a year ago, and, incidentally, recommended to the Committee the purchase of the Rushden Hall Estate, in which he maintains particular interest.
Although sitting as a nominee of the Conservative Association, Mr. Roe is by no means a keen politician so far as local administrative affairs are concerned, and he has stated that he believes it would be desirable if politics could be eliminated from local elections altogether. The new chairman has the confidence of the whole of the members of the Council, as his election, carried unanimously, to the chair proves. His interest and efficiency in all work appertaining to the Council is recognised and appreciated by his fellow members, and he will have their full support during the coming year of office. He is not noted for speechmaking at the public meetings of the Council but his observations always command attention for he brings to his work the experience of many years activity in the town.
Mr. Roe came to Rushden 27 years ago, when, with his late brother, Mr. W. Roe, he took over the business of Mr. H. F. Robinson, draper, of High-street.
For a number of years past his interests have extended in several useful directions. He is a well-known member of St. Mary’s Church, and has been one of the sidesmen for many years past, while at the present time he is treasurer of the Parish Church Central Fund.
Mr. Roe is a member of the Rushden Conservative Club, but has held no office in that connection. The new chairman is also a prominent Freemason and a Past Worshipful Master of the Pemberton Lodge.
Mr. Roe is a director of the Higham Ferrers and Rushden Gas Co., Ltd., an office to which he was elected at the last annual meeting.
When the Rushden Chamber of Trade was in existence he was an enthusiastic member and ably filled the office of president at one stage. Mr. Roe takes a great interest in sport and is particularly fond of shooting.
His many friends in the town will extend to Mr. Roe their wish that he may have a pleasant year of office, and that the work of the Council, in which he takes such a deep interest, may go forward harmoniously, so that by this time next year he will be able to reflect on a progressive year of useful work.
On his part, Mr. Roe will maintain the dignity of his office, and the townspeople may look confidently to him for wise guidance in the coming twelve months.
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