Page 436 - Reading Mercury

Messrs. G.A. Belcher, E. Garrard, E. Ifould, F. Martin, G.T. Phillips, H.G. Powell,
with Messrs A.T. Heelas and F.P. Hatt as Hon. Secretaries.
The first step taken was to start a fund to assist local widows and orphans of our
soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in the Transvaal War. Feeling in the town at
the time was strongly against so much money being collected and sent away to the
large national funds, so this local fund was started to give immediate assistance to
those living amongst us who did not appear to be satisfactorily covered by the other
funds. The idea proved a popular one, especially among the poorer classes, as was
proved by the generous way in which they supported it through the medium of
th
collection boxes, etc. On November 14 , 1899, a grand patriotic concert was given in
the Drill Hall in aid of the fund. H.R.H. Prince Christian, who was also a subscriber,
supported by all the gentry of the neighbourhood, was present, and the concert proved
a great success financially. Private subscriptions were raised to defray the expenses of
the concert in order that the whole of the profits might be given to the fund. In
addition, about fifty collection boxes and a few subscription lists were distributed, and
when the fund was closed in 1901 there was a balance in the bank of £201 8s. 4d., all
nd
the accounts being duly audited by Mr. J.J. Evans in October 22 of that year.
It so happened that our married local soldiers and sailors came through the war well,
and there was not a single claim on the fund. Then arose the question as to its
disposal. Seeing the money was collected conditionally for the distribution to local
widows and orphans, the Committee did not feel justified in handing it over to any
outside fund, as it would have been lost to the town, and at the same time would not
have fulfilled the conditions given at the time of collection.
It was then decided to appoint three trustees: Messrs Ifould, G.T. Phillips and A.T.
Heelas, to manage the fund, with Mr. James may as honorary legal advisor. The
money was promptly withdrawn from the bank and invested with the result that we
now have a fund starting at £334 0s. 0d., which I trust will be utilised for relieving the
families of our brave soldiers and sailors who are gallantly fighting for their King and
Country. A meeting will be shortly held to elect a new trustee in the place of Mr. E.
Ifould, who has resigned, and to make arrangements for the distribution of the fund.
(Signed) Arthur T. Heelas.
th
Aug. 12 1914.

th
Sat 29 Aug
CIVIL GUARDS
At a meeting held in Friday of last week, the Mayor presiding, the movement of
enrolling “loyal citizens and inhabitants” so as to guard life and property was carried a
stage further. Members had given in their names as being willing to act as a special
police reserve. The Mayor was supported by Admiral Eustace and General Fasken. He
pointed out the need of home defence in the matter of spies and spoke of the value of
drill. He had asked General Fasken to take command. General Fasken who said he
had served for forty years and had again volunteered-(Applause)-accepted the
position. He said the special police reserve were not sworn in until they were wanted.
Mr. Garry enquired if the men were to drill and prepare as a kind of irregular force.
Admiral Eustace said their duty would be to assist the police. It was decided to hold
the first drill on Langborough Recreation Ground on Wednesday afternoon.

434