South Yorkshire Times, April 7th, 1939.
The fact that only two wards where being contested drained much of the interest out of the Swinton elections, and they were described as the “quietest and tamest” of recent years. The declaration of the poll was made almost exactly at 9 o’clock. Only the officials the candidates and the immediate supporters where present. There was no sign of public interest outside. Perhaps the drizzle had driven a few away anyhow, the results were posted outside the Town Hall and they were there twenty minutes before anyone appeared to examine them.
The contests where in Bridge and in Kilnhurst Wards, and in both instances the retiring members. Independents, were re-elected. In Kilnhurst a keen fight was anticipated between Mr. Ernest Vicars. Who was elected to the council a year ago, and Mr. Albert Newsam, The secretary of the local branch of the Labour party. However Mr Vicars had a margin of 50 votes. There are 1,131 voters in this ward and 561 went to the poll.
Mr. Frank Tingle was returned in Bridge Ward with a majority of more than 80 votes. His opponent was Mr Tom Ling., a well-known Trade Unionist, for twenty years a prominent member of the bakers union. Mr Tingle joined the council seven years ago. There are 850 voters in the Ward and 596 votes were registered. There was one spoilt paper in each ward, in each instance votes were recorded for both candidates