Page 320 - Reading Mercury

An advertisement announces that an entertainment will be given by Mr. Frank
Attwells, in the Town Hall, next Thursday evening. The entertainment will include a
short lecture upon the Paris Exhibition, illustrated by dioramic dissolving views,
exhibited by means of oxy-hydrogen lime light. Selections of vocal and instrumental
music will also be given during the evening.

WINTER ENTERTAINMENT
There was a crowded audience at the Town Hall on Tuesday, on the occasion of one
of the fortnightly entertainments. The performers were Miss Carroll, Miss Easton,
Miss Gates, Misses Mary and Edith Brown, Misses Laura and Florence Walter,
Messrs Henderson, Harvey, J.E. Carroll, E.R. Carroll, and Allen, Mr. Elwin, and the
Rev. Joseph T. Brown. After the programme was gone through, Mr. Elwin, in addition
to the songs which he had given in the most admirable manner, favoured the audience
with his wonderful powers as an amateur ventriloquist. The company separated at 10,
highly delighted with their evening’s entertainment. The chair was well filled by Mr.
Murdoch, of Buckhurst.
The Corporation have had two handsome lamps placed over each entrance door.
They were lighted for the first time on that night, and proved a great convenience to
the public.

nd
Sat 22 March
FIRE
Yesterday at 3 a. m., the town was alarmed by the bugle call of the Fire Brigade, a
fire having been discovered in a back room at the Welcome Inn, Peach-street,
occupied by Mr. Richard Herring. The brigade was promptly on the spot with their
powerful engine, and when a supply of water was obtained soon extinguished the
flames. The room in which the fire broke out was destroyed, but the rest of the house
was saved. The fire originated through an old beam in the chimney igniting. The
property is insured. Had it not been for the prompt exertions of the brigade much
damage must have ensued, as the property on fire was situated in a row of houses of
very ancient construction.

th
Sat 26 April
THE ROYAL DISTRICT BICYCLE CLUB
This club had their opening run on Easter Monday.

nd
Sat 2 Aug
GAS AND COKE COMPANY
The annual meeting of the shareholders in this company was held in the Town
Hall on Thursday afternoon. Mr. J.L. Roberts was unanimously elected chairman, and,
before submitting the report of the directors, congratulated the meeting on the
improved position of the company as contrasted with former reports he had laid
before them. The Secretary, (Mr. W. Ifould) then read the following report:-
th
The Directors in submitting the statement of accounts for the half-year ending 30
June last, have the satisfaction to report that the business of the Company has been
conducted and has progressed entirely to their satisfaction during the said period. The
make of gas per ton of coal has been greater and the percentage of loss by waste &c.,
less than has been previously recorded. The reports of Mr. Baker as to the
illuminating power and the purity of the gas supplied have also been quite
satisfactory. The ordinary business of the company has been conducted to the entire

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