Goole history >Goole's
people>John William Pullon
From the Goole Times, 23rd September 1938.
This long newspaper article includes an extensive obituary,
funeral report and the town council's response to the death of
the Goole Town Clerk, extracts from which can be read below.
GOOLE TOWN CLERK PASSES - MR PULLON'S WORK FOR THE TOWN
We regret to record the passing of Mr John William Pullon, for
nearly twenty years Town Clerk of Goole. Mr Pullon had been ill
for some time, but despite the knowledge of the seriousness of
his illness the news of his death in a Harrogate nursing home
early on Friday afternoon came as a shock to the town for which
he laboured so long and so earnestly.
Mr Pullon was appointed clerk and solicitor to the Goole Urban
Council at the age of 41, and took up his duties on 1st October
1919. He had been for twenty-five years on the staff of the Leeds
City Town Clerk and was particularly concerned with town planning
schemes in Leeds, where he gained knowledge that was subsequently
of value to the Goole authority. He came to Goole well equipped
to guide its civic affairs.
In the immediate post-war years, Goole was very active municipally,
the war period having naturally been one of retrenchment. One
of the first big tasks, that brought the fruits of Mr Pullon's
organising ability before the public, was the preparations for
Goole's Centenary in 1926. The local authority took a leading
part in the celebrations, and there was much to be done in co-ordinating
the efforts of nearly every organisation in the town. Mr Pullon's
conduct of the arrangements largely contributed towards the striking
success of the Centenary.
That notable landmark in the municipal history of Goole, the presentation
of the Charter of Incorporation by H.R.H. Prince George (now the
Duke of Kent) in 1933, will always be associated with the name
of Mr Pullon. The undertaking took several years of preparation
and negotiation and Mr Pullon's skillful guidance resulted in
a successful issue. Charter Day must have been the crowning achievement
of his career.
The change-over from Urban to Borough status brought forth all
sorts of intricate and difficult problems. The Town Clerk's department
had a tremendous amount of work thrust upon it, and thanks partly
to his efforts the new Borough was safely launched.
Mr Pullon's work for the engineering of Goole's opposition to
the Humber Bridge Bill is another factor that must be mentioned,
as also must his labours for the two town's celebrations on the
occasions of the Jubilee of King George V. and the Coronation
of the present King. His sound rulings upon legal points were
greatly appreciated by the local authority, as well as his advice
on procedure. He was at all times very conscious of the responsibilities
of his office.
Sympathy will be expressed with Mrs Pullon in her bereavement.
They had no children.
Flags on public buildings in the town were flown at half mast
as a mark of respect to the late Town Clerk. A civic memorial
service was held at Goole Parish Church on Tuesday while the cremation
was taking place at Lawnswood (Leeds) Crematorium, where the Vicar
of Goole, the Rev. L. L. Knightall, officiated. The service at
the Parish Church was conducted by the Rev. F. Trow and the Rev.
C. W. Fulljames, while the Rev. H. Fox, of Carlisle Methodist
Church, read the lesson.
