Page 281 - Reading Mercury

constructed by Mr. Tucker of Theobold Road, London on the horizontal bed principle
and embraces all modern improvements.

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Sat 27 June
WINDSOR FOREST TURNPIKE
The proposed abolition of this turnpike Trust is the source of considerable discussion
in the parishes through which the road passes. The mortgage debt being nearly paid
off; it is the wish of some of the trustees to abolish the trust, whilst others are of
opinion that the time has not yet arrived to do so, and we hear that a resolution has
been sent to the Home Secretary, asking him to omit the trust from the annual
Turnpike Continuance Act, and also that a protest against that course has been
forwarded. However, the Home Secretary wishes to ascertain the feelings of the
several parishes on the subject, and vestry meetings are about being held for that
purpose. While turnpikes are generally felt to be a nuisance, and their abolition is
regarded as a public benefit—it must also be borne in mind that if the road is thrown
open , the repairs will fall on the ratepayers, and as Wokingham Parish will have
nearly four miles of road to keep repaired, many think the present system the fairest,
of making those who travel on the road support it by the payment of a toll is
preference to taxing ratepayers (the greater part of whom never use it), for the benefit
of the travelling public.

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Sat 13 July
TURNPIKE
The Vestry Meeting of the inhabitants of Wokingham called in accordance of the
wish of the Secretary of State to ascertain whether the parishes on the line of the
Windsor Forest Turnpike Road were in favour of the abolition of the Trust, was held
in the Town Hall on the ??? inst. and was well attended. After considerable discussion
a resolution was carried that it would be a hardship to the ratepayers if the
maintenance of the road was thrown on the parishes, and if turnpikes were to be
abolished provision ought to be made for their repair at the public expense; and as the
question is now before Parliament, the meeting considered the act should be continued
until the question had been finally determined.

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Sat 27 July
ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS
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Court “Leo” in connection with the London United District, was opened on the 17
inst., by Brother Cotton, the District Chief Ranger, at the “Hope and Anchor” Inn,
Wokingham, assisted by the Brothers Hancock, Herbert, House, Moultry, Aldridge
&c. The favourable state of the weather enabled the Brothers and members of the new
Court to march in procession through the streets, headed by the town band playing
popular airs and halting at the residences of several gentlemen who promote the
welfare of the Order. On their return everything was admirably arranged and the new
Court was formally opened by the District Chief Ranger and Brothers when twenty-
five members were made and ten propositions received after which Brother Cotton
delivered an interesting address to the new members upon the principles of Forestry,
its rise and progress, and its present position as compared with other societies,-its
amalgamated number of Courts and members and its sound financial position. At the
conclusion the room was thrown open and a large party assembled and spent a
pleasant evening.

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