Page 256 - Reading Mercury

Anderson, and thought it must have been coined somewhere else. However, from the
researches of the clergyman in the parish register, it was found that William Anderson
died in 1691, he being a person of great consideration, and from the inscription on the
token it was also seen that he was an eminent grocer—so that beyond the other
incidents he had enumerated, he had also given them credit for having a mint
(applause).
The old hall stood well for 250 years. He hoped the career of the present building
would not be so brief, because he had been in many halls of double the antiquity, and
in quite good condition as when first erected. He thanked them for the attention they
had given him, and congratulated them on having so handsome a building not only for
municipal, but all other purposes (loud applause).
Alderman J. L. Roberts, said as the suggestion of rebuilding their town hall
originated with himself, as he had taken great interest in the progress of the work, they
would allow him to offer them a few words of congratulation on its final completion
(hear hear and applause).
It was not to be supposed that they could have parted with their picturesque old
building, which as the recorder had told them, was worn out, without a sigh (hear
hear). But when they found out it was so worn out, and that it was impossible to make
it adequate to the growing wants and interests of the town, then he thought that they
should feel themselves highly benefited by the change effected (cheers). Some
persons had raised an objection as to their having united with the county in the
erection of this building; but when they considered that in the first place it afforded
material aid to the funds—in the second place that it ensured the concentration of all
the public business in the centre of the town (hear hear), and lastly, that it gave them
the protection of the police—and as a magistrate of the town he might here observe
that he could vouch for their most efficient and judicious care (hear hear)—then
looking at these considerations it must be seen that the benefits accruing to them far
outweigh the objection raised to that respect (hear hear); and looking at the
advantages they had gained, they might dispense with all regret and objection
(applause).
But there was one other objection to their proceeding with this building, and that
was their funds, both public and private, being limited to a very narrow compass, they
were therefore obliged to ask their neighbours to assist them in the undertaking. And
it gave him very great pleasure to see present, not only his lordship, but so many other
of the neighbouring gentlemen to had so kindly responded to their call, and he begged
to express to them on the part of himself and the members of the corporation the deep
sense they entertained of their kindness and liberality (loud applause).
He could only hope that they, as well as the magistrates of the town would find that
hall adequate in all respects for the administration of justice; and he would also hope
that the neighbouring gentry would continue to aid them in their endeavours to make
that building conducive not only to the material prosperity of the town, but also to the
moral and intellectual advancement of its inhabitants (loud and continued applause).
The High Sheriff, (Sir C. S. P Hunter, Bart.), then declared that the opening
ceremony was concluded, and accompanied by the Recorder and Alderman and other
gentlemen, proceeded to inspect the hall and other compartments of the building.
A large party then adjourned to the Alderman’s house, where an elegant luncheon
was provided; while the Grand Jury and others also sat down to luncheon at the Rose.
Although the morning was gloomy and threatening, yet the sun shone out brightly,
and the weather was all that could be desired during the ceremony.

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