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manner. They could not listen to his words without feeling a great deal more enthusiastic
than they did before about this undertaking. It was a credit to them to get Sir John to
Shoreditch, because he had given great attention and much useful service to the public in the
reading of books and in guiding them in their reading. Every man and woman connected
with the parish was part proprietor of these municipal undertakings; they were not pushed
upon them, but the product of their own labour, industry, and good sense; and the crown of
them was the library. (Cheers.)
Mr. John LowleS, M.P., cordially seconded the vote of thanks, observing that Sir
John was always willing to assist every good movement, moral, intellectual and social. The
interest in the combined scheme had reached to Australia, and while there he was asked to give
an address upon the subject. He hoped Shoreditch would continue to hold its place as one of
the most intelligent and Progressive parishes in the Metropolis. (Laughter and cheers.)
Sir John Lubbock expressed his gratefal thanks, remarking that he had been a Londoner
all his life, and he was therefore not a stranger to Shoreditch or any part of the Metropolis.
On the motion of Mr. W. R. Cremer, seconded by Mr. H. T. Sawell, L.C.C., a vote of
thanks was passed to Mr. Trowbridge for presiding, and for the zeal which he had thrown into
the Chairmanship of the Library Committee.
Light refreshments were excellently served by Mr T. Burnell, of 249, Old-street,
assisted by a staff of courteous waitresses, and an interesting half-hour was spent in social
intercourse, or in looking over the library and its treasures under the guidance of the Committee:
Messrs. J. J. Trowbridge (chairman), H. T. Sawell, L.C.C. (vice-chairman), E. J.
Wakeling, J.P. (chairman of the Vestry) C. J. Bouchard, J. G. Bowton, J. Cox, H. C. Dewell,
H. E. Ellis, T. Errington, S. Fordham, W. R. Graham, C. H. Helsdon, J. Hurlin, T.
Martindill, E. Moffatt, H.Morris, T. Noble, T. H. Pawley, It. A. Reeve. J. W. Vandy, Major
F. M. Wenborn and Dr. H. Mansfield Robinson, Solicitor and Vestry Clerk.
Amongst the company present were Mr. Nathan Moss, J.P., Rev. W. Cuff, Mrs. and
Miss Cuff, Rev. F. E. Spencer, Mr. R. Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Grout, Mrs. Sawell, Mr. and Mrs.
Garrard, Mr. and Mrs. Pearce, Mrs. Bouchard, Mr. and Mrs. Steel, Mrs. Fordham, Messrs.
J. J. Clark, J. J. Freeman, Hall. Loder, Simpson, Field, Verinder, Brabner, Kershaw,
Clement, Degerdon, J. T. Clark, Hinton, Winkler, Croucher, Hazell, Elsdon, Elven, Hepburn,
Ravey, &c.
The arrangement and fitting of the building were greatly admired and hearty congratulations
bestowed upon the architect, Mr. Hare, the Committee, and the library staff
(whose energies have lately been taxed to the utmost). The new bust of Charles Bradlaugh
in the news room also attracted a good deal of attention, the general opinion being that the
sculptor, Mr. Verheyden, has produced a life-like model of his subject. The work is executed
in white marble, and on the pedestal is an inscription showing that Mr. Bradlaugh was born
in Shoreditch on September 26th, 1833. The bust has been erected by subscripton Music
was supplied by the band from the Cottage Homes, Hornchurch, under Mr. M. Larter, and the
boys won all-round praise for their excellent playing, as well as for their healthy appearance.
Reprinted from the " Hackney Express and Shoreditch Observer,"