Page 423 - Reading Mercury

quite formal. Those attending were the Mayor (Councillor H.C. Mylne, the Deputy-
Mayor (Ald. D.N. Heron), Councillors: E.C. Hughes, T. Dowsett, and H. Hammond,
the Town Clerk (Mr. James May), and the Borough Surveyor (Mr. C.W. Marks).
The Town Clerk informed the inspector that the population of Wokingham at the
last census was 3,551, and the present estimated population nearly 5,000. In 1909 the
Medical Officer estimated that the parish immediately surrounding the Borough
contained a population of 3,830. The assessable value of Wokingham was £20,688,
and the balance on outstanding loan £1,464. There was no loan sanctioned but not
raised. The area was 557 acres. The general district rate last half-year totalled 1s.
1½d., there was a special school rate which averaged 2¼d. and the last Borough rate
for urban purposes was 1s. 8d.
At the present time there was only one public convenience in the Borough which
was much complained of both as to its condition and position. Certain outbuildings
adjoining the Municipal Buildings could be adapted to the purpose being now used as
stores.

th
Sat 25 March
EMPIRE DAY
Wednesday saw flags flying at the Church of All Saints’, the Municipal Buildings
and private homes. Special lessons were given in the elementary schools while the
National Anthem and patriotic songs were sung. A parade of all the lads’
organisations was held as usual in the cricket field in the Wellington-road.

OPENING OF THE NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
The new R.C. Church at Shute End, Wokingham, was opened with the customary
ceremony on Sunday, having been privately “blessed” the previous day. At 11.45 on
Sunday morning High Mass was celebrated by the resident priest, Father J. Doran,
Father Galton, S.J., being deacon and Father Joseph, sub-deacon. Mr. W.J. Cusack
was thurifer and there were two acolytes. The choir was composed of monks for
Farnborough with one of the order at the American organ. There was a large
congregation including sisters from the Convent, the school children, and visitors
from other Churches. Father Galton preached in the morning and Father J. Doran in
the evening, the latter giving a short history of the mission in Wokingham.

WESLEYAN CHAPEL
Sunday was the Anniversary of the chapel. Sermons were preached in the morning
and evening by Mr. Percy W. Pocock. A Meeting was held on Wednesday evening
over which Mr. Dunnett, of Hartley Whitney, presided. The speaker was the Rev. T.
Caddy, of the same place. Mrs Cusden, of Ascot, was the soloist. Mr. Franklin, the
Steward, read the report which was very satisfactory.

ACCIDENT
On Monday a horse attached to a laundry van was frightened by a traction engine
and bolted. The van damaged the two large lamps of Messrs. Nelson’s shop in Peach
Street.

CORONATION FESTIVITIES
OFFICIAL DETAILS

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