Page 378 - Reading Mercury

An examination was held on Wednesday, in St. Paul’s Schools, by H.M. Inspector,
for the purpose of granting Labour Certificates to children between the ages of 11 and
13. Over sixty children were examined.

ALARMING FIRE IN FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD
Great alarm was caused in Wokingham on Sunday evening when it became known
that a large storehouse belonging to Messrs. Isaiah Gadd and Co., Limited, in the
Finchampstead Road, was on fire. The Brigade was called at 7 p.m. by a man named
Sadler, many of the firemen being either at church or chapel. They were, however,
promptly on the spot, and their united efforts subdued what appeared at first sight to
be a most alarming fire, as the storehouse was in close proximity to the Corporation
Gas Works and a long row of cottages. A very strong wind was blowing at the time,
and fortunately carried the flames and sparks away from the Gas Works. Carey
Cottage adjoining was soon in a blaze, and few articles of the householder’s furniture
(uninsured) were rescued. The storehouse being filled with oilcake, hay, straw, corn,
and implements, burnt with great fury, and the wooden sheds adjoining were quickly
in flames, and for a long time the greatest excitement prevailed.
At 10 p.m. the fire was subdued, but the members of the Brigade were not able to
leave until 1 a.m., when three of their number were left in charge of the smouldering
debris. At 1 o’clock on Monday, the Brigade left the scene of the fire. The sight from
the S. W. Railway line presents a melancholy spectacle. There was plenty of water
available from the main, the pumping engine at the water works being in motion. It is
understood that the property of Messrs. Gadd and Co. was insured.

st
Sat 21 Dec
WOKINGHAM MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
The first season of the present season was brought to a close with a “Coffee Supper”
and entertainment on Wednesday evening at the Wesleyan schoolroom, in Rose
Street. There was a good attendance and the musical programme was much enjoyed.
Those taking part were Misses Spear, Godwin, Lewis, Gadd and Durdle, and Messrs:
Lunn, Paul and Hawkins. Votes of thanks to the President (Mr. Grey), the ladies for
the preparation of the refreshments, and to the performers, were heartily carried.

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
Messrs. Gadd and Co. Limited, have written to the Secretary of the Volunteer Fire
Brigade thanking the Brigade for their services at the late fire, and enclosing a cheque
for two guineas as a donation to the funds of the Brigade.

SATURDAY EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
The usual Saturday evening entertainment was again a great success, and Mr.
Seaward’s efforts in this direction are greatly appreciated. Songs were contributed by
Misses Ifound and Hallaway, Messrs Lunn, Jeynes, Maynard, Cooper and Webb. Mr.
Thorpe, of Reading, sang songs which were much appreciated. The Misses Player and
Ifould played pianoforte solos, and Mrs. Day and Miss Davis contributed recitations,
and Miss Carter performed a graceful dance. The accompanists were the Misses
Ifould and Pigg. The room was crowded.

1896

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