New clock may mark mayoral milestone

The office of lord mayor was established on June 26, 1914, and was announced by King George VI when he opened King George Dock that day.

Although the centenary is more than three years away, the council’s civic committee is already considering forming a working party to develop a programme of events to celebrate.

A report to the committee says there is unlikely to be any additional funding available to deliver the programme, but a number of suggestions have been made, including the installation of a clock at the transport interchange in Ferensway, and a reproduction and display of the letter patent which created the title in 1914.

The report said: “Starting preparations early provides the opportunity for proper consideration and consultation regarding events and means of celebrating the anniversary.”

The first mayor was John Henry Hargreaves and the present incumbent, Coun David Gemmell, is the 98th.

The mayor is elected by the full council at its annual meeting in May and it is customary for the honour to be bestowed upon a senior councillor who has not previously held the post.

He or she is assisted by a deputy who usually becomes mayor the following year.

The mayor is also elected as Admiral of the Humber, a title which carries no responsibilities or privileges, but has significance when any visits are made to the mayor by captains of visiting vessels, both merchant and naval.

As a reciprocal courtesy but not a right, the mayor’s flag is flown by ships he visits, and he is usually piped aboard.

As first citizen, the mayor has a diplomatic role and offers an official welcome to visitors to the city, presiding over civic dinners, luncheons and other civic functions.