Aug.14, at the market place, Newbury, Samuel Richard Perry, collector of tolls and town sergeant, aged 61

THE TOWN SERGEANT.

The Mayor having reported the Town Sergeantcy to be vacant, some conversation took place with regard to the " disestablishment " of the office. The Town Clerk remarked that they might blend the office with some other appointment, and Mr. Cave observed that the Town Sergeant was the Mayor's principal servant, he was also crier of the Court at the Quarter Sessions, and summoned and swore the jury.

Mr. Hickman stated that formetly there were two Town Sergeants in receipt of £10 each a year On the death of Mr. Weston the duties of both were merged in Perry, and his salary was increased to £15. At the same time it was ordered that when the Mayor attended church the other mace should be carried by Beck. The Mayor stated that application had been made to him by Mr. Walter O'Brien, Mr. Hugh Jones, Mr. Willis, Henry Lewis, Perry's son and Dodd, the hall-keeper. He was desired by Dodd to state that his weekly receipt as hall-keeper was only 13s . 4d., and out of this he had payments to make which reduced it still lower.

In the course of a general conversation it was admitted the money was low, still Dodd knew what it was when he entered upon his duties. Every one agreed in giving him a good name for the way in which he kept the place, and it was stated that not a single complaint had been made against him. One of the councillors who has frequent opportunities of seeing him said that Dodd always appeared to be dusting or sweeping. Mr. Lucas thought £10 was sufficient for a town sergeant, but it was thought that the £15 would raise Dodd's pay to about £1 per week, which it was the opinion he deserved, and on the motion of Mr. Penford, seconded by Mr. Adey, it was agreed that Dodd should be appointed at a salary of £15 a year.

COLLECTOR OF TOLLS.

Mrs. Perry was appointed to the office of Collector of Tolls; it was stated that for some time prior to her husband's death she had collected the same. It was stated that P.C. Justice, in addition to the above, applied for this office, but Mr. Lucas remarked Justice would never wish to take it out of the widow's hands.

Thursday 26 August 1869 Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser

COLLECTOR OF TOLLS AND TOWN SERGEANT.

A vacancy to these offices has been caused by the death of Samuel Perry, who has held them for 30 years. The Town Council has lost an official who was attentive to his duties and regular in their performance.

Thursday 19 August 1869 Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser

The offices of town sergeant and collector of market and fair tolls have become vacant by the death of Mr. Samuel Richard Perry, which took place this week at his residence in the Market-place. The deceased was chosen to fill the post of town sergeant between 30 and 40 years ago on the death of his father, for some time an officer of the Corporation. The appointment rests with the Town Council

Saturday 21 August 1869 Reading Mercury