Page 246 - Reading Mercury

accommodation for those attending the markets. The materials of the old building,
together with funds at the command of the corporation, will supply one third of this
amount, but they must understand that the corporation will dip their hands in their
pockets to raise that one third, and they earnestly request the co-operation and
assistance of their fellow townsmen and the residents in the district in raising the
remaining portion for so desirable an object. The meeting was called for considering
the subject, and raising subscriptions in aid of the required fund.
J.L. Roberts was called upon to move the first resolution. After a preamble about the
High Steward, which had nothing to do with the Town Hall, he came to the principal
object of the meeting. The circular issued by the corporation informed the town of the
position in which they were placed as regarded that hall. It was not at all adapted for
the increasing wants of the town. He proposed that it was desirable that the offer of
the county to co-operate in rebuilding the Town Hall in connexion with the County
Police Station be accepted. This was seconded by Mr. Weeks. The resolution was then
put to the meeting and carried.
Mr. Heelas proposed “That a subscription list be forthwith opened to carry that
object into effect.” He said they had not begun without funds. The county had made a
grant of £2,000; the Corporation had £200 at their command; the old materials would
realise £200; in addition to that , they had got, or hoped to get, from the surplus fund
of the Savings Bank £150; and their Lord High steward had that day given £100.
(Applause). The Corporation, feeling themselves bound to do what they could, offered
£100. Then their highly-respected county Member, R. Palmer Esq., had given them
£50. (Applause). There was no doubt that the new building would be a great
advantage to the town and neighbourhood. Mr. Dunning seconded the motion and it
was carried unanimously.
Mr. Wheeler proposed the next resolution:- “That a committee, consisting of the
corporation, and six other inhabitants of the town, with power to add to their number,
be appointed to collect subscriptions. Mr. John Heelas seconded the motion, and it
was agreed to. The committee for the town were: Messrs. Gotelee, Dunning, Weeks,
W. Ifould, George and J. Heelas.
Mr. Dally proposed that the plans before the meeting be adopted. They had been
looked through very carefully and found to embrace all that was wanted. Mr. T.
Cooke seconded the proposition.
A little discussion took place as to whether it was not premature to adopt the plans
without time being given for their inspection by the public. On the motion of the Rev.
C.H. Harcourt, it was arranged to adjourn the meeting until Monday next, so that the
plan, may, in the meantime, be inspected by the public.
The following subscriptions were given at the close of the meeting:-Robert Gibson
£20; J.L. Gower £25; R. Falconer £10; Messrs Heelas & Son £50; Mr. T. Dunning
£10; Mr. Goodchild £10; Messrs. Soames & Cooke £5; Messrs. Weight & Barford £5
5s. The subscriptions, including the munificent donation of £100, from the Lord High
Steward, amounted to £400.
In the evening about 60 of the principal, professional gentlemen and tradesmen of
the town met in the hall and enjoyed a few hours together in the most convivial
manner.

Sat 29th May
INSTALLATION OF LORD BRAYBROOKE, AS HIGH STEWARD OF
WOKINGHAM

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