STEPHEN KNIGHT
The death of Alderman Knight has evoked a widespread expression of public sympathy and regret. The funeral was a remarkable demonstration of respect and esteem. It was not surprising, for, he was a man who touched public life at all points and in many aspects, civic, ecclesiastic, Masonic, political, business, institutional. He had done his best to serve his native town, and although it is often said the public man gets little gratitude in life, at any rate there was no lack of appreciation after death. Ald. Knight had had the satisfaction of witnessing the completion of nearly all movements with which he had been associated. His death leaves a gap in town life, and it is for the younger men to take up his work and copy his example of persevering efforts for the general welfare.

There are not wanting signs that the actual work of constructing the new station will soon be in progress. A number of men were engaged on Sunday in preliminary operations, and the fact that notice has been given of intention to apply for a license for the refreshment rooms shows that business is meant.

The people who delight in superstitious omens could not fail to connect the snapping of the flag-staff on Friday with the death of Alderman Knight. It is true the flag was hoisted in his memory, and that the staff was within his sphere of administration as chairman of the Estates Committee, but it is also a fact that the pole was rotten at the point where it snapped. The falling of the ceiling is also attributable to causes not acceptable in the superstitious world. It really was brought about by the rain dripping through the roof and rotting the beam. The workman's weight sent it crashing through the ceiling. Happily nobody was injured, but the cloud of dust caused rumours of an alarming kind to circulate.

DEATH OF ALDERMAN KNIGHT, J.P.
A LONG LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE
A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF CHURCH AND STATE
The death of Mr. Alderman Stephen Knight, J.P. Of Holland House, Newbury has evoked universal and sincere regret from all classes of the townspeople of Newbury, as well as a wide circle of friends in the surrounding district, by all of whom he was held in the greatest regard and esteem. Death occurred on Thursday evening at half past five, and the sad news was announced by the tolling of the knell at the Parish Church, the flags being lowered half-mast next morning at the Town Hall and St. Nicholas Church, a last honour to one who had been a faithful and zealous servant to Church and State.

Alderman Knight had been in failing health for several months, an attack of sciatica limiting his activities, and although he contemplated resignation of some of his public duties, in fact he did resign the chairmanship of the Estates Committee in November, it was with difficulty that he was persuaded to take a short holiday at Ventnor in the hope that a more genial climate that then prevailed in Newbury, would restore in some measure the good health he had hitherto enjoyed. Unfortunately the sunshine of the south did not have all the beneficial results desired, and the Alderman returned to Newbury just before Christmas. Although confined to his house he continued to take an active interest in the events of town life. His last appearance in public was at the Parish Church on Christmas morning when he drove down to attend the mid-day celebration. It was noticeable then that he was in a very weak state. With the new year came a severe attack of bronchitis, followed by haemorrhage, and although an extraordinary vitality enabled him to withstand this weakening of the constitution, he gradually sank, and passed away peacefully away on Thursday evening in the presence of his wife and sorrowing family.

SCHOOL AND BUSINESS
Mr. Stephen Knight was a Newburian born and bred, and with one short interval lived the whole of his life in the town, to the good government and best interests of which he devoted so much of his time and energy. His father was the late Mr. William Knight, who was agent for the Rennet and Avon Canal Company, during a period when the traffic between London and the West was either by coaches on the high road or by barges on the Canal. The Wharf was then a scene of busy animation and the agent's duties by no means a sinecure. Stephen knight was born at the Weighbridge House on the 28th February, 1833 and had he lived a few weeks longer would have celebrated his 75th birthday. He was one of the surviving scholars of that ancient pedagogue, known familiarly as "Dicky" Chance, who educated the Cowslade and Kimber boys, in the old school in Northcroft lane, and from which were turned out so many who have proved a credit to his training, and filled responsible positions in after-life. Mr. Knight was apprenticed to the late Mr. Edwell, of Bartholomew-street, and became an efficient workman as gasfitter, tin and copper smith. On completing his term, he went to London, but returned to Newbury, and started for himself in a small workshop in the Wharf. It was a proud boast that after he had paid for his outfit of tools and materials, he was left with the modest capital of the one half penny with which to start his venture. However, so persevering and industrious was he that he soon worked up a profitable connection, and shortly afterwards established himself in the premises in Cheap-street, which he purchased and twice altered to meet the growing requirements of his business and family. There was no better man at his trade than Stephen Knight, and the business prospered. In later years, the responsibilities were shared by his son, Mr. Stephen Knight, jun., and the father was able to enjoy some of the well-earned amenities of life at Holland House, a pleasant residence on the borders of the borough, where he had greater opportunities to indulge in his hobby of gardening. Still, up to the very last Mr. Knight's heart was in his business, and there were times not so long ago when special work having to be done, nobody was considered better able to do it than himself. Mr.Knight was in business for over half-a-century, and was a characteristic example of the man who had made a competency of his own, painstaking industry. He was never ashamed of the days when he shouldered a basket of tools and took his place at the workmen's bench.

HORTICULTURE AS A HOBBY
As a public man Mr. Knight's record was a remarkable one. Few institutions in the town but did not at some time or another enjoy the benefit of his active and zealous support. Indeed, he enjoyed the local reputation of being a "champion committee-man," being a member of some thirty different bodies, and giving to each a punctilious and conscientious share of attention. His love for gardening led to an early association with the Newbury Horticultural Society, first as an exhibitor and for several years he took the first prize of 5 for floral device. Subsequently he became a member of the executive and until the last year or so was among the most energetic workers on the day of the annual fete. He continued to be a successful exhibitor, and the prizes awarded for garden produce afforded him great gratification.

MASONIC HONOURS
It was in 1882 that Mr. Knight turned his attentive more directly to municipal

matters, being in that year elected a member of the Town Council. To the civic work he brought to bear that scrupulous attention to detail and diligent discharge of duty which were the leading characteristics of his life. After an apprenticeship of some eight years as Councillor he was elected Mayor in 1890, and it was a proud day when he became Chief Magistrate of his native town. He carried out the duties with dignity and great credit. On the death of Alderman Hall Mr. Knight succeeded to the chairmanship of the Estates Committee, a position which afforded scope for his business ability. He was elected alderman in 1906, and having some years previously been appointed Justice of the Peace, he appeared to have attained the summit of his civic career. Mr. Knight took an active share in the general work of the Council, and the town owes several public improvements to his persistent advocacy. Notably the Post Office was largely the result of representations made by him as to the inadequacy of the old premises. More than any other did he "peg-away" in the agitation for a new railway station, and although he did not live to see the fruition of his efforts, he had the satisfaction of knowing that they had been successful, the plans of the building shortly to be erected being inspected by him a few days before death. In his membership of the Corporation the late Alderman gave to the town of his best, and his death creates a gap in public life not easy to fill.

Society, treasurer of the Coronation Celebration Fund, manager of the Newbury Savings Bank, member of the committee the Newbury Savings Bank, member of the committee of the Newbury Dispensary, trustee of the Church Almshouses, manager of the National Schools, member of the committee of the committee of the Newbury Conservative Club, trustee of the Guildhall Club, were among the other offices held by him.

Alderman Knight was twice married, and by his first wife had a family of five children, of whom one only survives, Mr. Councillor Stephen Knight.

The foregoing sketch of the Alderman's career amply demonstrating the prominent and useful part he has played in the affairs of the last half-century.

Conscientious in all his dealings, a man of integrity, devoting himself to the public welfare with unselfish zeal, sparing himself no trouble, punctual and regular in all his engagements, carrying out whatever he undertook, he has rendered invaluable service to his day and generation. It is to men like Ald. Knight that local government is able to be carried on with the efficiency and economy. Only when such a one is called away is it that realization comes of the enormous amount of honorary labour which is so freely and willingly given for the general good.

SERVICES AT PARISH CHURCH
On Sunday at the Parish Church the decease of the church warden was marked by the ringing of three-quarter muffled peals, appropriate hymns and pulpit references. The pew occupied by the late Mr. Knight was marked off with black material, and a bow of crape was arranged on the church warden's staff of office, while a wreath of yew was placed in his seat. The organist, (Mr. J.S. Liddle, Mus Bach.), played funeral marches by Mendelssohn and Beethoven, and at the evening service the " Dead March" in " Saul" was impressively rendered, choir and congregation standing meanwhile. The anthem in the evening was " If ye believe that Christ died" (Goss), and the hymns were " Brief life is here our portion," and " For all they saints."

In the evening, the Rector (Rev. Lionel Majendie) preached on the subject of " The reward of faithful service," taking as his text, " His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of the Lord" (St. Matthew xxv, 23). Dealing with the general teaching of the parable of the Talents, the Rector said faithfulness to a trust was the test of service here on earth, and the reward was transference to a higher and nobler sphere of usefulness in His nearer presence. Continuing he said " We are met here tonight under the shadow of a common sorrow, with our hearts full of thankfulness for the life and example of one whom we have all known, and respected and loved, our dear friend and churchwarden, Stephen Knight. I venture to quote to you the words of our beloved Bishop of Reading, from whom I heard yesterday, and who says what I think must be in all our hearts, " There are few men for whom one could confidently expect the sentence, " Well done, good and faithful servant"." Yes, that is what he has been in very truth. We all know him to be a good man; thoroughly conscientious, scrupulously upright, a real hard worker in whatever he undertook; a good man at home, a good servant of the State; a good servant of the Church of God." We all knew him to be a good man; thoroughly conscientious, scrupulously upright, a real hard worker in whatever he undertook; a good man at home, a good servant of the State; a good servant of the Church of God. We all knew something of his true courtesy and kindly heart, and I may be allowed to speak of myself, I would say that I have always experienced from him the greatest kindness and encouragement and forbearance in my work in this place. In this church we have worked together as brethren. Never, as he was fond of saying, has there been the least shadow of difficulty in the relations which existed between him and his brother church wardens and myself. It was always a pleasure to be with him, he was always ready with his unfailing kindness, tact and sympathy, and I feel that I have lost in him a real and true friend. And whether we think of him as a good citizen, as the holder of many important positions in this borough, as a Councillor and Alderman, as a Magistrate, as a Mayor, as an old and honoured of this great Society of Freemasons, it is the same verdict, " Well done, good and faithful servant".

For many years he has served the State with real labour and thoroughness of purpose. The most regular at committee meetings of all your councillors, the most through and conscientious worker, we owe to him, as indeed we owe to all our Town Councillors, a real debt of gratitude for his good and useful work. But it is as a Churchman that we desire especially to think of him. In this House of God tonight. A life-long worshipper, a regular communicant, a bell-ringer, a sides-man, and for nearly thirteen years churchwarden, he has done for this church the work which God gave him to do. He loved the Parish Church with a real deep love; he was always in his place as a worshipper and as a church officer, nothing could keep him away. He was full of courteous consideration for people's feelings, full of tact and wisdom in dealing both with the regular members of the congregation and with strangers. He was a beloved and honoured figure amongst us, and we have missed him deeply since he has been absent from us. On Christmas morning he came here for the last time to receive the Holy Sacrament; it was a real and painful effort for him, but he felt that Christmas would not be Christmas without it, and on Wednesday last in the sacred circle of home, he received his soul's refreshment and strengthening, to be the food for his journey from this world to the next, " the most comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ," Yes, my friends, he was a good man, a good citizen, a good Churchman, and with all his offices and appointments he remained to the end a truly humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many men would have been spoilt by such honours as his, but in his heart there was constantly the thought of the wondrous mercy of God, a mercy of which, whatever we may do, we must to the end remain truly unworthy. Our good friend has been taken from us, away from the trials and sorrows of which he had a large share here, to the rest and peace and refreshment of the presence of his Master. We think of him with sorrow for ourselves, but not for him; and as we remember what he was and what he did, we thank God and take courage.

THE FUNERAL AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY
The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, and was attended by representatives of all classes of townspeople, as well as the many institutions with which the deceased alderman was associated. The first part of the service was held at the Parish Church, and proved an impressive ceremonial. The flag hung at half-mast and a muffled peal rang out on the fog laden air with solemn effect. The church was filled with a sympathetic congregation, the seating arrangements being superintended by the churchwardens and sides men. The funeral procession left Holland House shortly after two o'clock, and on the way was joined by the Mayor and Corporation, the Freemasons, and representative townsmen. Arriving at the western door of the church, the procession opened out, and the body, in its florally-covered coffin, was home through the ranks into church. At the churchyard gate the Rector of Newbury commenced the reading of the Burial Service sentences. In waiting at the entrance were Mr. Churchwarden Davis, carrying his official stave, veiled in crepe, and accompanied by the church officials. The choir and clergy led the way up the aisle, the churchwarden walking immediately in front of the coffin. The organist (Mr. Ernest Watson), who was doing duty for Mr. Liddle, unable to be present, meanwhile played the beautiful air, " O rest in the Lord" The body was temporarily deposited in the aisle, and the choir having reached their places in the church, the hymn, " Ten thousand times ten thousand" was sung. Then followed the chanting of the 9Oth psalm to Barsby's plaintive setting, the reading of the lesson by the Archbishop of Berks (Canon Ducat), the offering of prayers by the Rector and the singing of the hymn, " The saints of God, their conflicts past."

Then the body was again home out of church, during the playing of the " Dead March" . The pathway was kept by a detachment of Berkshire Constabulary under the command of Supt. Gamble. The body was replaced in the Washington car, and the procession started on its way to the Cemetery, followed by the carriages containing the mourners, and a long line of townsmen, probably the largest number which has ever attended a funeral in Newbury. The interment was in the family grave on the eastern borders of the Cemetery, where rest the remains of the first wife and four children. The solemn committal by the Rector was witnessed by a large and sympathetic crowd. After the Blessing, came the final glance into the grave by the mourners, and then the Freemasons, in accordance with the time-honoured custom, dropped the sprigs of acacia which they had been carrying on to the coffin containing the mortal remains of their deceased brother.

The mourners were Mrs. Knight (widow), Mr. Stephen Knight (son), Mrs. Stephen Knight (daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Knight, Reading (brother-in- law and sister), Mrs. W. Hall (niece), Master Bernard Knight (grandson), Master George Hall (grandnephew), Mr. T. T. Knight, Crowthome (nephew), Madame Doulmin, Mr. W. Stacey, Mrs Sidney Knight, Mr. J. Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Flint, Mr. and Mrs. W. Lillingston.

There follows a very extensive list of Members of the Corporation who attended, followed by another list of the Freemasons who attended.

The body was enclosed in an elm shell, with polished oak coffin, with brass furniture, and plate engraved

STEPHEN KNIGHT, J. P.
Died January 16, 1908
Aged 74 years.

There follows a list of those giving floral contributions; the family, followed by Provincial Grand Lodge of Berkshire, and then a long list of church officials, followed by contributions from clubs and associations to which the deceased had belonged.

The bell was tolled at St John's Church during the procession of the funeral procession, and subsequently a half-muffled peal was mug on the bells of the Parish Church.

Sergt. Lawrence acted as marshal of the funeral procession.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. T. Plumb, of Greenham-road.

STEPHEN KNIGHT Senior
ACCIDENT AT TOWN HALL
FLAGPOLE SNAPS. CEILING FALLS
An alarming accident happened at the Town Hall on Friday. The flag had been hoisted half-mast in respect to the memory of the late Alderman Knight. Shortly before noon the pole snapped in the middle, and came crashing down on the roof. Fortunately the rope held, and the broken half of the pole was stayed in its downfall. It dislodged a number of tiles, which clattered into Mansion-house-street, several passers-by having narrow escapes.

In the afternoon several men of the Surveyor's staff went up into the roof to take down the remaining half of the pole and repair the roof. During the operation one of the men stepped on a beam, apparently substantial and strong. But no sooner had his foot touched it than the beam disappeared through the ceiling, and the man had to cling for his life to the nearest support. The beam, in falling carried away a big portion of the ceiling at the western end, and a heap of plaster and wood fell on to the Town Hall floor.

A dense cloud of dust arose, and the men up in the rafters for a time scarcely knew what had happened. Subsequently it was found that the fallen beam had rotted in the joints, the result of rain coming through the roof at the point where the flag-staffed projected.

The pole, which was fifty feet in length, and this had also unaccountably rotted in the centre. Fortunately there was no injury to life or limb, but the damage to the hall ceiling is serious. The break occurred just where an elaborate heraldic design had been placed, and as it probably means the renewal of the whole ceiling, as well as to repair to the roof-timbers, considerable expense may be involved

The hall was erected in 1742 and various repairs have been necessitated to the roof from time to time. It will not be available for public gatherings for a couple of months.

Stephen Knight (I) (1833-1908).

Conservative. Gasfitter, tin-smith and copper smith. Ironmonger.

From being a working apprentice, he built up his own business in Cheap Street. Elected to the Council 1882.

Instrumental in the building of Newbury Post Office 1896. Alderman 1906. Churchwarden at St Nicolas. Director of the Literary and Scientific Institution. Mason 1875; Master of the Loyal Berkshire Lodge of Hope 1880; Master of the Porchester Mark Lodge 1886.

Brother of George Knight, Mayor in 1888. Stephen’s son was also Mayor (1911).