Page 294 - Reading Mercury

We shall watch the result with much interest as the future position of the town will
be greatly affected by the result.

POTATO DISEASE
We regret to hear from various places in this neighbourhood that the disease has
shown itself, and fears are entertained for the safety of the crop, which otherwise
promises to be unusually heavy. The early date at which the blight has been developed
and the showery weather which favours its extension causes much anxiety for the
safety of the crop, still dry and warm weather would rapidly ripen it, and by raising
the potatoes early the greater part it is hoped may be preserved.

th
Sat 16 Sept
THE CAMP
During the past week our town has maintained its wonted quietude notwithstanding
various rumours of attack, siege, night surprise, and other military operations; indeed,
the belief begins to be entertained that after all we may not even be invaded at all.
Many persons have paid visits to Hartford Bridge Flats, and have been much
interested in the scenes of camp life there, and have inspected the Cavalry Brigade at
Bramshill and Hasely Heath, the beautiful condition of their horses and the equipment
of the various regiments being much admired. The exercises of the past week have
been chiefly directed to inure the troops to out-door life, and bring the various
branches of the service into contact with each other, preparatory to the real work of
the mimic campaign of next week, when the manoeuvres of the whole force will take
place, and a grand display of military tactics practiced never before seen in England.
It is extremely difficult to obtain reliable information beforehand of the intended
movements, it being necessary to avoid too great an assemblage of sightseers at one
point, which might interfere with the perfect action of the forces, and them perhaps
near the effect of the day’s plan.
Among the officers of the Reserve Forces who have received certificates of
proficiency in their duties after examination by Boards of Examiners appointed by the
th
Secretary of State for War was Ensign Fry, 7 Berkshire (Sandhurst) Rifles.

POST OFFICE
After holding the office for nearly thirty years, Mr. Spencer has resigned the
Postmastership, and the appointment has been given to Mrs. Barford, of the Market-
place. We trust that increased accommodation will be afforded the public in the new
office, as it has long been a matter of complaint that the old office was much too small
for the increasing business of the Post Office and the telegraphic services combined.

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Sat 11 Nov
FAIR
rd
nd
The annual November pleasure fair was held on the 2 and 3 inst, when,
fortunately, the weather was beautifully fine. There was, as usual, a large attendance
of stalls, shows, shooting galleries, roundabouts, & c. The roundabouts (two driven by
steam) especially seemed to attract a large share of patronage. Superintendent Millard
and several constables kept such a vigilant eye on the few suspicious characters
present that we heard of no robbery or disturbance, and it is a subject of

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