Page 228 - Reading Mercury

of the first wagon went over his body, causing frightful injuries and instantaneous
death. Verdict, “Accidental death.”

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Sat 29 March
ELECTION OF ALDERMAN
On Easter Wednesday, pursuant to ancient custom, the members of our Corporation,
after attending divine service at the Church, proceeded to the council Chamber, for the
purpose of electing an Alderman and Chief Magistrate for the ensuing year, when
William Heelas, Esq., was re-elected to the honourable office.

DEATH OF A STAG
On Wednesday last, a hunted stag made its way to the farm buildings of Mr.
Ballard, at Beech Hill, and ran into one of the out-houses on the premises. The
gentlemen attending the hunt arrived soon after and directed that the stag should be
removed to a stable; this was accordingly done, and the door carefully locked. About
an hour and a half afterwards, a farm servant entered the stable, and found the poor
animal quite dead, but from what immediate cause, did not appear.

PIG STEALING
th
During the night of Tuesday, the 18 instant, of the following day, some thief
managed to steal a dark store pig, the property of Messrs. Simonds, from Sindlesham
Farm-yard. The Hurst Association has offered a reward of five pounds on conviction
of the felon, but we believe hitherto, without obtaining any clue to the guilty party.

THE WELLINGTON COLLEGE AT SANDHURST
We hear from good authority that Her Majesty has graciously signalled her intention
st
of laying the first stone of the above College on the 1 of May next; such is the
st
present arrangement, but as Holy Thursday falls this year on the 1 of May, it may
occasion some change. The site of this building is elevated, yet sheltered and
possessing an extended view—as far as Stratfield Saye. The soil is a sandy gravel and
exceedingly dry. On one part of the ground twenty acres will be excavated for an
ornamental sheet of water. The re-opening of the Sandhurst Station cannot be much
longer delayed.

th
Sat 5 April
PUBLIC PEACE REJOICINGS
The long expected intelligence that a treaty of peace has been signed on the previous
day at Paris reached us here on Monday morning last, and caused no little amount of
excitement. In a short time one or two active inhabitants set about collecting
subscriptions, which were liberally given, in order that a public demonstration might
be afforded of the universal feeling of satisfaction, which the happy news had excited
amongst all ranks. In the afternoon the bells were set ringing, the town band paraded
the streets playing patriotic tunes, and in the evening a burning of tar barrels, letting
off fireworks, firearms & C., took place in the Market-place and streets. The
corporation, by a donation to the funds, assisted towards the formation of a huge
bonfire (which must have been visible at a great distance) in the Langborough Cricket
Ground outside the town.

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