Page 666 - Reading Mercury

Although between 150 and 200 forms had been received from the authorities, this
number had not been sufficient to meet all the demands. Extra copies were sent for,
and these were received on Saturday, thus the officer was unable to present the full
number of applications on Monday. Mr. Heath asked for authority to grant these
licences when the applications were received. This was granted.

st
Sat 21 Oct
DEATH OF MR. H.E. HALL
Founder of a Wokingham Business
AN ACTIVE PUBLIC LIFE
We regret to record the death on Monday of one of the best-known and most-
respected residents of Wokingham in Mr. Henry Edgar Hall, of “Warneford,”
th
Wellington Road, who passed away in his 88 year. The deepest sympathy is felt for
the aged widow and the members of the family.
Mr. Hall, who was a native of London, celebrated his diamond wedding on March
th
14 , 1938, when a telegram of congratulation was received from the King and Queen;
there were other messages from the Mayor and Corporation of Wokingham,
Postmaster and staff etc.
From the first, during his residence in Wokingham, Mr. Hall was actively connected
with its public and civil life. In the same year as his marriage he commenced business
as a bookseller, stationer etc., at the premises opposite the drill Hall in Denmark
Street. Later removing to the Market Place, now Messrs. Boots’ chemists, he
embarked with success upon photography. Subsequently he became income tax
assessor and rate collector for the whole of the parish, and registration clerk. He was
also clerk to the Wokingham (without) Parish Council.
He founded the business of auctioneer, house and estate agent (now H.E. Hall and
Sons), with which he was connected for upwards of fifty years. Other offices he filled
included chairman of the Wokingham Water Company, since absorbed into the
Wessex Water Company, and secretary to the Wokingham Fire Brigade. He was
Liberal Agent for East Berks for several years, and acted at the contest of 1892.
In 1885, upon the granting of the Town Charter, Mr. Hall became one of the twelve
members of the first Wokingham Borough Council, of which he was at his death the
sole survivor. Re-elected in 1886 to establish the rota, he retired before his period was
up, and in protest against the then high gas charges lit the town with oils lamps.
For upwards of fifty years Mr Hall was a member of the Wokingham Club, being the
oldest member. He was a keen supporter of the Reading Football Club.
There are three sons living. Mr. A.E. Hall carries on his father’s local government
appointments, and Mr. A.G. Hall the auctioneer’s and house agency business.
Commander Sydney Hall R.N., who is retired, settled in New Zealand; on the
occasion of his parents’ diamond wedding he sent over a large wedding cake. Mr. and
Mrs. Hall’s daughter, Mrs. A.C. Hughes, is the wife of Brigadier-General Hughes,
th
formerly commanding the 4 Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment. One son lost his
life during the war of 1914-18.

rd
Fri 3 Nov
HOW TO MEND THE MUDDLE OF EVACUATION
Now that the Evacuation Scheme of Children and Teachers with all its muddling-
has been in practice, it is apparent that its many mistakes must be corrected.

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