Page 566 - Reading Mercury

for a long time from a severe and painful illness, but it was only during the last
fortnight that his condition had become critical. He passed away at 8.45 p.m. on
Sunday.
The late Mr. Hughes had resided in Wokingham for some fifty years. He had, by
energy and skill, built up the large business carried on at Albion Works, Wiltshire
Road. He was known and respected over a wide area, and the many important works
carried out by him included churches, schools, public buildings and good class
residences. Latterly he had purchased land in large quantity in Wokingham, and it is
to his energy and foresight that much of the development of the town has been due.
Work for Extension.
Of keen foresight, as long ago as 1913 he propounded and introduced a scheme for
the extension of the borough, which scheme, though apparently premature, was
actually accomplished 14 years later.
Mr. Hughes’ municipal career began in 1899, when, at his first bid, he headed the
poll. Till 1911 he served continuously as councillor. In that year he was made
alderman, which position he held till the time of his decease. He was for three
successive years (1900, 1901 and 1902) Mayor. His insight and experience were of
vast service to the council on the various committees on which he served, notably the
Gas Committee.

Varied Activities.
He was chairman of the Rating Committee, chairman of the Old Age Pensions
Urban Sub-committee, also chairman of the Charity Trustees of Wokingham,
conducting the business most efficiently and expeditiously, and managing director of
the Wokingham and District Water Company. Years ago he took great interest in the
Albion Works Football Club and the Wokingham Athletic Club.
He was a leading Freemason; he was P.W.M. of the Downshire Lodge, also P.P.L.
of the Downshire Chapter and Preceptor of the Wokingham Lodge of Instruction. He
was at one time a member, and always a generous supporter, of the Wokingham Fire
Brigade. His son, Major A.C. Hughes, was a member of the Wokingham (M.G.) “D”
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Coy., 4 Battalion Royal Berks Regiment. (T.), and rose from private to second in
command of the battalion. Alderman Hughes thus became closely associated with the
Territorial movement, and proved a kind friend to the company, providing grounds for
week-end camps, and prizes, under his own name, for shooting competitions.
He leaves a widow, one son, Major A.C. Hughes (T.D.), (assistant county surveyor
for Hampshire), and two daughters
The late Alderman Hughes was a vice-president of the Reading and District
Ironmongers’, Assistants’ Association, and at a meeting of the association on
Tuesday, those present stood in silence as a tribute to his memory.
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Sat 9 April
PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT-INSTRUCTOR TANNER
To mark the esteem in which he is held, upon his leaving the Territorial Company,
Sergt.-Instructor T.T. Tanner has been presented by the Territorial Club with a
Westminster chiming clock.

CHILDREN’S HOME AND ORPHANAGE
The annual effort for the National Children’s Home and Orphanage was made
recently in Wokingham. Mrs. W.P. Tucker, Langborough Road, was the organiser.
The house-to-house collection realised £16 12s. 11d. and the Daily Day collection £7
18s. 1d., total £24 11s.

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