Page 540 - Reading Mercury

When it was thought that everyone was saved the firemen were suddenly told that
one girl was left inside. A fireman put on a smoke helmet and was about to enter the
house when the girl appeared from among some neighbours.
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY AVERTED
A graphic account of the outbreak was given to the “Reading Mercury” by Second
Officer Knight, who said: ”It was just a matter of minutes, or there would have been a
terrible tragedy. As we got the people out the flames were just coming through the
floor. The smoke was dense—in fact there was far more smoke than flames, but the
chief danger was the gas. The people were hanging out of the windows in despair. In
another few seconds they would have fallen back inside, and it would have been
extraordinarily difficult to get to them. It was all over very quickly, but while it was
going on there were some thrilling moments.”
WOKINGHAM CHILDREN’S PARTY
Fancy Dress Competition
Many Wokingham children spent a happy evening at the Town Hall on Wednesday,
when the second annual children’s fancy dress party, organised by the Wokingham
Conservative and Unionist Association, was held, the arrangements having been made
by the entertainment sub-committee of the association, under the chairmanship of
Mrs. Chapman.
The Council Chamber of the Hall, underwent a delightful transformation for this
event. The lights were shaded, and multi-coloured streamers hung down from the
ceiling. In the work of decoration the committee had the help of three members of the
Fire Brigade—Messrs. Maddams, Hawkins and Davis.
Dancing and games occupied the time, and to add to the fun crackers were
distributed. The music was provided by the Harmony Dance Band, of Wokingham.
Among those who visited the gathering were Captain Henderson (chairman of the
association), Mr. Lyddington, the Misses Finch, Miss Curl, Mrs. Watts, and Sir Leslie
Wilson, the last-named expressing in a brief speech thanks to all helpers.
The M.C.s were Mr. E. Maris (organising secretary) and Mr. L.S. Parsons. The
winning costumes in the fancy dress competition were as follows:-
Boys (under 7 years): 1, Indian; 2, Drummer; 3, John Bull.
Girls (under 7): 1, Dutch Girl; 2, Penguin; 3, White Rose.
Boys (7 to 10): 1, Nigger; 2, Pirate; 3, Red Indian; consolation Huntsman.
Girls (7 to 10): 1, Victorian; 2, Umbrella; 3, Pierette; consolation, Fairy.
Boys (10 to14): 1, Crusader; 2, Red Indian; 3, Page.
Girls (10 to 14): 1, Egyptian (green veil); 2, “Help yourself”; 3, Cracker;
consolation Spanish Girl.
The judging was done by Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Hooper and Mrs. Coston, and the prizes
were distributed by Mrs. Chapman. Refreshments were served by a committee of
ladies, under the management of Mrs. Pither, and at the conclusion each child was
handed a gift of fruit.

th
Sat 18 Jan
DAMAGE TO A PUBLIC HOUSE AT WOKINGHAM
Reading Man buried in Debris
While the gale on Sunday night was at its height, at about 8.30, two chimney stacks
at the Dog and Duck public house, Embrook, near Wokingham, were blown down,
and considerable damage done to the house, and a man who was in the kitchen was
hurt.

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