Yesterday
morning week, the day after the Pontefract election, the people of
Ferrybridge and Knottingley gave expressions to their feelings by a
monster procession. It was ascertained by the workpeople in the employ of
Mr. Woolfe (one of the victorious candidates) that he would arrive at
Ferrybridge House at about 11.30. The London Road to the toll-bar was
literally lined with spectators who assembled at this junction by many
hundreds.
About 12 o' clock, the Mayor of Pontefract, with Mr.
Arundal,
solicitor, and Mr. Woolfe, M.P., were seen in the distance. As they
approached the four lane ends, a large motto was placed across the
highway, printed in large letters, ‘Welcome Home’, and the Knottingley
Brass Band struck up ‘See the Conquering Hero Comes’.
At Ferrybridge
the crowd had grown into thousands of men, women, and children. The Mayor
took away the horses from the carriage and proceeded through Ferrybridge
to Hilltop, passed on to Knottingley, and passed down the lower part of
the town and called at Messrs. Bagley and Wild's Glassworks. Messrs.
Chilsers and Woolfe addressed a few words of congratulation and the
procession moved on, led by the band, to the residence of Mr. Woolfe,
Ferrybridge House.
Mr. Childers here again on behalf of Mr. Woolfe and
himself, expressed to the crowd their gratitude for the noble way they had
worked for the victory they had gained, and the reception they had that
morning given them. Three cheers were then given for Mr. Childers, Mrs
Childers, Mr. Woolfe, Mrs Woolfe, and the Queen, and the procession
dispersed.
