Page 735 - Reading Mercury

comes from a long line of public servants. His uncle was a member of the original
Council, elected in 1805.
He then dwelt upon Ald. Martin's business career.
“At -the early age of 16, when children today are leaving school, Ald. Martin
became the responsible head of a business in this Borough and he was blessed with
good parents, to whom he was very greatly attached.
He has over 40 years' service to his-credit, services of diligence and devotion, free
from all selfishness, and his efforts have always been for the welfare of this, his native
town. In all his work, he had a great and worthy helpmate, in his dear wife, whom I
knew and respected.”
After dwelling on Ald. Martin's efforts in connection with the sale of the Gas
Works, Ald. Sale concluded “As I say, he has served us generously and well, without
a thought to himself, and without a pound profit, and therefore I have the greatest
pleasure in proposing that Ald, Martin be admitted an Honorary Freeman of the
Borough for his services. Faithfully rendered as Councillor, Chairman, and four times
Mayor of this Borough.”
The proposal was seconded by Ald. F.T. Barrett, who also
Cllr. Barret; concluded with the remarks, “The honour which we bestowing upon
Ald. Martin today, is one that is richly deserved, but which should have been
conferred when he accomplished the valuable work in connection with the Gas
Company, many years ago.”
The Mayor, in presenting the Scroll, and the inscribed walnut Casket to Ald. Martin,
congratulated him on behalf of the Corporation and citizens of the Borough. In
accepting the conferment, Ald. Martin said what a great honour it was for him to
receive this appointment. He said that he owed everything to his dear wife, whom he
had known as a girl, at the age of nine and from whom he had never been parted, until
four years ago ”She, to me, was a great part of my life, her words and guidance on
many things, have helped me to do what was right.”
DR. WARD M.B.E.
Ald. A. E. Priest, was called upon to propose the conferment upon Dr. E. Ward, and
in the course of his eloquent address, he spoke of the pleasure it gave him to be
speaking of .a person whose name has been for the past fifty years or more, and is
still, a household word, in all the homes in Wokingham and district; a name which is
held in high esteem and affection by all.
(rest missing)

th
Sat 24 June
KILLED IN ACTION
Lieut. Edward Charles Sidney Smith, of 49, London Road, Wokingham, has been
killed in action. Lieut. Smith who was,24, and a was previously a clerk at the
Southern Railway Goods Depot at Reading. A keen athlete, he played football for
Wokingham Town, and cricket for a local club.

th
Fri 30 June
WOKINGHAM AND DISTRICT EXCEED THEIR TARGET
'The Soldier Saluted With £460,000
[and still more coming]
Wokingham and District ‘Salute the Soldier’ campaign has been successfully
accomplished, and the final figures at present available, show that £460,000 has been

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