Page 329 - Reading Mercury

unanimously re-elected for the present year. Owing chiefly to the increase of
members, the honorary funds were found insufficient by £2 13s. 2d to discharge the
expenses for which they were intended. This deficiency was generously paid by Mr.
Hankey, the chairman of the branch.

ENTERTAINMENT
The “Wokingham Blackbirds” gave an entertainment in the new Drill Hall on
Monday evening, in aid of the Volunteer Prize Fund. The fact of this being the first
public entertainment given in the new hall, combined with the well-deserved
popularity of the troupe, brought together a large and appreciative audience. The
programme mainly consisted of songs, &c., given at previous entertainments, but the
old favourites were heartily welcomed and applauded. Captain A.F. Walter and other
resident gentry of the neighbourhood who take an interest in the volunteer corps were
present.

SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army continue their services in the Barracks, Rose Street. The
processions through the streets have of late been almost dispensed with.

WOKINGHAM LOCAL BOARD
The monthly meeting of this board was held on Thursday, when there were present
Messrs. T.B. Martin, Moorcock, Goodchild, Knight, Clark, Chambers and Watts. Dr.
Shea, the medical officer of health, and Mr. Lane, the surveyor, also attended the
meeting. Mr. Martin having been elected chairman, the treasurer’s accounts were
produced, showing that he had received £95, and that the balance in hand amounted to
£138 17s. 1d. The usual monthly accounts were presented and allowed. Dr. Shea then
laid before the board his annual statement as to the health of the town during the past
year. Among a number of other statistics the interesting fact was recorded that the
death-rate of the town had stood at the low average of 15 per thousand. The thanks of
the Board were passed to Dr. Shea for his able report, which was ordered to be
circulated. The following officers of the Board, viz., Mr. Edward Frankum; clerk; Mr.
Edward Lane; surveyor; Dr. Shea, medical officer of health and gas examiner; Mr.
T.S. Brown, collector; and Mr. W. Simonds, treasurer, were unanimously re-
appointed. A long discussion ensued as to the proposed new roadway into
Langborough and the drainage scheme, after which the proceedings terminated.

th
Sat 9 Sept
LOCAL BOARD
A meeting of this board was held on Thursday. Present:--Mr W. Goodchild,
chairman, and Messrs. Martin, Moorcock, Sale, Clark, Chambers, and Knight. A
correspondence was read between the guardians of the Union and the Local
Government Board in London as to the erection of an infectious hospital near the
workhouse. Mr. J. Bottrill, of Reading, attended and entered into a contract to execute
a portion of the drainage works for the sum of £190. The works will be commenced
the beginning of next week. Several bills were passed for payment.

THE INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL
The tender of Mr. Partlow for the erection of a new Infectious Diseases Hospital, at
a cost of £473, has been accepted. There were in all twelve tenders, the figures
ranging from £905 down to the above amount.

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