The attachment which the people of Rotherham felt for the hospital and moreover, the ownership that they felt over it was demonstrated in the existence of Life Governorships. The position of a Life Governor could be purchased for £21. The membership meant that the Governor had a civic responsibility for the hospital; they had to authority to check that the hospital was being run correctly and was suitably fulfilling the needs of the people.
Mr Austin Torr was a 10inch Mill Roller employed at the Firm of Steel, Peach and Tozer. He lived, along with his wife and family, at 41 Eldon Road, Rotherham. In December 1935 Mr Torr made the donation of £21 to Rotherham to be created a Life Governor. £21 is the equivalent of £325 in today’s money, this would have been a significant portion of his yearly wage.
Mrs Marplebeck, Mr Torr’s daughter, said that the position of Life Governor was a position of importance in the community and was one which her father was very proud to hold.
Mr Torr was not alone in deciding to take up this position in the community. The dedication of the public in their time and money shows how significant the hospital was to the people of Rotherham and with what importance they valued it
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