Cotmania. Vol. X. 1934-5

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AN OXFORDSHIRE NOTEBOOK.
KIDLINGTON AND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Mr. Frank Gray's death will create a gap in many circles. He had, before his return from South Africa, announced his intention of retiring from the County Council. It will be interesting to see who is nominated as Mr. Gray's successor in the representation of the Kidlington Electoral Division. Kidlington is becoming a pivotal place in matters related to local administration. From a more or less sluggish village Kidlington has, during the last ten years, grown into something like a satellite town with a population largely composed of men and women whose occupational, cultural and recreational centre is in Oxford. With this urbanisation going on there is a need for a County Council representative who is alert and progressively minded. Mr. Frank Gray was just the type of man to represent a developing area, and he will not be easy to replace. There are, however, one or two possible entrants for the Kidlington County Council Stakes.
Frank Gray's Successor.
Mr S.D. Kitson would make a useful member of the County Council. His wide experience in planning and public administration would make his cooperation particularly helpful at the present time. It is doubtful, however, whether Mr. Kitson would desire to add to his many existing public responsibilities. Mr. D.A. Wynne-Wilson, who is the County banner-bearer where playing fields and open spaces are concerned, would have his backers should he decide to enter the electoral competition. So would Mr. Richard Cox, who made way for Mr. Frank Gray some four years ago. Mr. Cox is one of the most respected of the older type of Kidlington residents. I should imagine that Mr. Frank Wise would meet with much support and little opposition should he decide to offer himself as a candidate for the County Council vacancy. Mr. Wise is one of Kidlington's representatives on the Ploughly Rural District Council. He has been mainly responsible for focussing local opposition to the suggestion that Kidlington should become a vagrancy dumping-ground. He has courage, imagination and plenty of good sense. It is understood that Mr. Frank Gray had himself suggested that Mr. Wise should come forward to take his place at County Hall. The County Council would certainly not suffer from the infusion of such new ideas as those which a man like Mr. Wise might be expected to contribute should he land up at County Hall.