This Memorial is erected in gratitude for public service given to this town by Joseph Chamberlain, who was elected Town Councillor in November 1869 Mayor in November 1873, and resigned that office in June 1876 on being returned as one of the borough of Birmingham in Parliament, and during whose mayoralty many great public works were notably advanced, and mainly by whose ability & devotion the Gas & Water undertakings were aquired for the town to the great and lasting benefit of the inhabitants.