Page 588 - Reading Mercury

A presentation has been made to Alderman A.E. Priest, and Mrs. Priest by the
Wokingham Hospital Committee in recognition of their splendid services to the
committee, especially during Mr. Priest’s four years’ Mayorality.

BOROUGH COAT OF ARMS OVER THE BED
The meeting of the Wokingham Hospital Committee was held in the Committee
Room of the Wokingham Town Hall on Tuesday evening, and was largely attended
Expressing pleasure at having their president (Alderman Priest) with them, Counc.
W.C. Fullbrook, the chairman said: ”We intend to tell him what we think of him.”
(Laughter). He remarked that to have secured the hospital bed would have been, but
for the wonderful help of Alderman Priest, impossible for at least several years. They
could not let his work pass without presenting him with something “to keep and
remember us by in the future.” (Applause). He would ask their oldest member, Mr.
G.R. Frift, to make the presentation, but would first allow time for any remarks from
members.
Mr. W.H. Lee expressed deep appreciation of the wonderful work their president
had done for the committee in the last four years. He had stood by them, working
men, and by his loyalty, leadership and comradeship, had gained, he might say, their
love. The older-members felt more than they could express. To the younger ones
Alderman Priest had set an example and had given a lead as how to go through life,
and fight for the right end. Other members who spoke with similar strain were Mr. G.
Gough (hon. secretary), who thanked Alderman Priest for his help on many occasions,
and Mr. F. Mole, (vice-chairman).
GIFTS FOR ALDERMAN AND MRS.PRIEST
The chairman then produced a handsome silver-mounted walking-stick, inscribed
“Presented to Alderman A. E. Priest, Mayor of Wokingham, 1929-1933, by the
Wokingham Hospital Committee.” The gift was accompanied by an autographed book
of names. Mr. Frift made the presentation.
Alderman Priest was obviously much moved by the tribute, and said he found it
difficult to speak. They had sprung a surprise on him. The pleasure of being
associated with them in the work for the hospital was one of the greatest which had
come to him during his four years of Mayorality. No president could have had greater
loyalty shown him than he had received from members of that committee, and it had
now been crowned by this great act of more than friendship. They had kept the secret
well. He should treasure their beautiful gift all his life, and, still more, the words of
their chairman and others that evening. “I hope it will be my great privilege to count
every one of you my friends as long as I live,” he added. (Applause).

SERVICES OF MRS. PRIEST.
The chairman paid a graceful tribute to Mrs. Priest, who had so loyally helped
Alderman Priest, and asked him to convey their gift to her (a handsome silver cake
tray), wishing her long life and happiness. (Applause).
Mr. A.H. Jones (hon. treasurer) remarked that but for the magnificent work of
Alderman Priest the completion of the bed scheme would have been much longer
delayed. (Hear, hear and applause). The good people of Wokingham and the carnival
Committee were deserving of thanks, but the foundation was laid years ago by the
Wokingham Hospital Committee. He had been asked to hand the gift to Alderman
Priest and ask him to present it to Mrs. Priest on their behalf. (Loud applause).

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