Page 279 - Reading Mercury
P. 279
On Tuesday night the hills on the farms held by the tenants of Castlereagh Estate
were illuminated with tar barrels, bonfires etc. The Craighah Hill was rendered
conspicuous by a grand display of fireworks consisting of several flights of rockets
with various smaller pieces. For miles around the illuminations were visible several
farm houses being brilliantly lighted.
1866
th
Sat 13 Jan
THE COMING OF AGE OF THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH
The festivities at Hillsborough Castle in celebration of the coming of age of the Earl
of Hillsborough continues—
On Tuesday evening the tenants of the Kilmarlin Estate to the number of 600
partook of the hospitality of the Marquis of Downshire and amongst the enjoyments
provided for them witnessed a private theatrical performance in an elegant little
theatre expressly fitted up in the mansion. Other amusements are in contemplation.
th
Sat. 24 Feb
On Thursday last the Churchwardens and Overseers of Wokingham distributed
nearly forty tons of coal amongst the poor parishioners from the funds realised from
the fuel allotments--a most acceptable gift just now when the weather is colder, and
from the long continued wet weather the poor have not been so fully employed as
usual.
rd
Sat 23 June
GENERAL HOLIDAY
In the early part of the past week a requisition was set on foot by a number of the
inhabitants who were desirous that a general holiday should be kept on the Coronation
Day, which very quickly received the appeal of all the principal tradesmen of the
town, and on Thursday it was presented to the Alderman, Mr James Skerritt, who
promptly issued a hand bill, in which he recommended his fellow townsmen to carry
out the proposal on Thursday next by closing their shops and suspending business as
far as practicable.
We shall hope to see so reasonable request very generally complied with and thus
enable the employer and employed to enjoy the rare treat of a day of recreation in this
beautiful summer season, a boon, the value of which can only be realised by those
whose duties tie them daily to the counter or desk.
REMOVAL OF NUISANCES
The authorities are taking measures of a precautionary nature, with a view to the
sanitary improvement of the town and neighbourhood, the board of Guardians having
recently appointed Supt. Millard, inspector of nuisances for the south district of the
Wokingham Union and Mr. Edmond Herrington, of Twyford inspector for the north
district. We trust all parties will endeavour to assist the inspectors in the discharge of
their duties, as far as practicable by the removal of all causes of complaint and
especially during the hot season and in the suppression of these evils which are the
sure forerunners of disease.
th
Sat 7 July
277