Page 310 - Reading Mercury

William Hill, brother of the deceased marquis. A large number of people assembled at
the Donegal quay awaiting the arrival of the vessel, and during the day the cross-
channel steamers in harbour kept their flags half-mast high.
Lord Downshire is the fourth Ulster nobleman who has been interred within a
comparatively limited period, the other three have been the Marquis of Londonderry,
Lord de Ros, and Lord Rossmore. The remains of the late Marquis were interred in
the family vault at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday. The chief mourners were
Viscount Comber ere, Lord George Hill, the Marquis of Hertford, the Earl of Bective,
Lord Arthur Hill, Lord Greville, Lord Edward Hill Trevor, Mr. Hill Trevor, Captain
Hill, Mr. Balfour, Captain Balfour, Mr. T.R.J. Balfour, and Captain Hood. The
religious rites were performed by the Rev. Dr. Knox, Bishop of Down and Connor,
assisted by Archdeacon Gibbs and the Rev. H. St. George.

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Sat 18 April
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
In pursuance of the order of the Local Government Board the summoning officer
has convened a meeting of the ratepayers within the district for Thursday next, at
three o’clock, at the Town Hall, to determine the number of members the Board shall
consist of. The election of those members will have to be carried out afterwards, but it
is necessary first of all for the Vestry to fix the number, As the Board’s order is silent
on the point.

FAIR
The Gazette of last Tuesday contains the official notice from the Secretary of State
for the Home Department, that a representation having been made to him that the
annual November Fair held at Wokingham, might be abolished with advantage to the
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public, he will, on the 13 of May next take the same into consideration, and that all
persons are to intimate to him before that day any objection they may desire to offer
to the abolition of the Fair. If no sufficient cause be shown in the meantime, we
apprehend that at the above date the secretary will issue his order abolishing the Fair
for ever.

EARLY CLOSING
On Wednesday afternoon last the tradesmen of Wokingham resumed the excellent
practice they have adopted the last few years of closing earlier every Wednesday
during the summer months. This year they close at four o’clock, and we are glad to
observe the movement very generally followed in our business establishments. The
boon is much appreciated by those who receive the benefit, and, as the public are
aware of the custom, but little inconvenience can result.

FIRE
About half past eight in the evening of Friday, the10th instant, part of a stack of hay
near Sandhurst Rectory, property of the Rev. Henry Parsons, was discovered to be on
fire. An alarm being given, a number of willing hands were soon on the spot, who
succeeded in preventing the fire extending to the adjoining ricks, one of which was
within six feet of the burning stack. It is feared the fire was the act of an incendiary, as
it is difficult to find any reasonable accidental cause. The quantity of hay consumed
was about five tons, and we are happy to hear Mr. Parsons is insured.

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Sat 6 June
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