3rd March 1915

Lest We Forget [Death of Dr James Myrtle]

The death of Mrs James Myrtle took place at Park Place, Harrogate, on Sunday. To many Harrogate people acquainted with the town's history this simple announcement must bring inexpressible sorrow. Other of our readers will fail to appreciate the deeper significance it carries. The greater portion of the deceased's young life was devoted to Harrogate's interests. In girlhood she came to the town as a regular visitor, presiding over, her uncle's temporary establishments. Even then she was destined to take a prominent part in the development of this town. Mush to the satisfaction of the community, she married one of Harrogate's most energetic, progressive, and respected sons, Dr James Myrtle, eldest son of the ever-to-be-remembered Dr Andrew Scott Myrtle. Dr James became the Mayor of the borough. During his connection with the Corporation, and particularly whilst in the civic chain, the social and business life of Harrogate was remarkable for its brilliance. Mrs James Myrtle, the wife, was a lady endowed with extraordinary gifts. Graciousness, tact, sympathy, generosity, were all hers. In addition she had initiative, energy, and a buoyant optimism which precluded failures. Husband and wife were in closest sympathy in all things. In their loving devotion towards Harrogate they were again as one. Dr James' professional duties did not permit him too much leisure, and so the wife devoted most of her time to local causes. If an important charitable, social, or entertaining undertaking were demanded, it was Mrs James Myrtle's special gifts that were first sought by the promoters. She worked untiringly, always with that cheerfulness, spirit, and ingenuity which ensured success. The lady had not only a charitable, but a generous heart. Herein lies a distinction. Her generosity was extended in other and more delicate ways than through the channels of charity alone. Her courage, brightness of manner, and lovable disposition seemed to clear away every obstacle and to put new heart into the promoters of difficult public enterprises. Then there was Dr James at hand when wanted to countenance his wife and to give life to the movement. It may be inferred what a severe blow descended upon Harrogate when Dr James Myrtle passed away. The particular gap created has never since been filled, yet Harrogate is blest with many patriotic public workers, who later have done wonders by different means and in other directions. The death of Mrs James Myrtle opens an old wound and plunges many residents of Harrogate into unspeakable sorrow, yet we have still the memory of the rare couple as a solace and an incentive. From such examples Harrogate has derived a rare stimulus. It is well that our minds would revert to their labours lest we forget.

Authority and Freedom [Closing of Valley Gardens at Sundown]

From childhood upward there is a tendency to rebel against authority, particularly when we fancy it encroaches upon our freedom. We are apt to forget even in mature age that upon the stability of authority depends our freedom. Laws are not made for the purpose of restricting the liberty of well-conducted persons. Regulations laid down by our local rulers are intended to prevent abuses of public privileges. Without laws and proper regulations there could be no real enjoyment of comfortable freedom. Rules and regulations preserve and equitable balance of things amongst individuals. There are always some more aggressive and greedy than others. It is in order to see that the public share alike in all advantages that rules and regulations are necessary. For reasons which will be obvious to all thinking men and women the Valley Gardens are closed at sundown. Herein all are treated alike. But a greedy individual now and then attempts to secure for himself something denied to all. To carry out the Corporation's rule of closing the Valley Gardens at sundown it is necessary to have attendants to lock the gates and see that rules are observed. When persons find that they have outstayed their time, occasionally some of them rebel against the regulation. They look upon it as an attack upon their rights. They are not generally then in an equable state of mind. Under these circumstances scenes have occurred, insulting language has been used towards the attendant, who has had to withstand all attempts to provoke him to discourtesy. The lot of a Valley Gardens attendant is not always comfortable. The Corporation, however, understand all this, and recognise the necessity of supporting their official in the discharge of their duties. We appeal to the public to help them and the attendant in their efforts to carry out a rule which is necessary, for reasons quite obvious to a thoughtful public.