WANDSWORTH COMMON CUTTINGS DATABASE

Sir, — I hope you will agree with me in thinking that the following facts ought to be made public.

This day, at about half-past 3 p.m., I was walking on Wandsworth-common with my sister and some of my children. Four persons, dressed in the uniform of a rifle corps, were practising on the common; one of them aimed at and shot a very handsome dog belonging to my sister; one of my little girls was close to the dog at the time. These four "gallant defenders" of the nation immediately ran away, leaving us in great distress at the moans of our poor dog, to seek aid from a couple of workmen who presently came in sight, and who showed no lack of sympathy with the victim, nor of indignation against those whom they scrupled net So call cowards.

The shot might be attributed to ignorance or awkwardness; the flight needs no comment.

href = "/years/1860/1860_03_dog.jpg" Target="_blank">

(Click on image to enlarge)

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. Sir, — I hope you will agree with me in thinking that the following facts ought to be made public.

The shot might be attributed to ignorance or awkwardness; the flight needs no comment.

I am, Sir. your obedient servant, E. G.. March 20.

[Source: link.gale.com/apps/doc/CS202544758/TTDA?u=whl_earl&sid=TTDA&xid=21204a37" target="_blank">Link,]

" 1860 3 ?

Sun — Thursday 29 March 1860

THE RIFLEMEN ON WANDSWORTH COMMON.

Lord ASHLEY asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention had been directed to a letter, signed E. G., which appeared in the Times of Thursday last, complaining that on the 20th of March four persons, dressed in the uniform of a rifle corps, while practising on Wandsworth Common, aimed at and shot the favourite dog of the writer's sister, immediately upon which fatal catastrophe they all ran away; and whether it would not be advisable to authorise the police to put a stop to sharp-shooting upon public footpaths ?

Sir G. C. LEWIS said that he understood the North Surrey Volunteers were drilled in the Neighbourhood in question on the day named, and that four men in the uniform of that corps were seen the same day on Wandsworth Common, but the police could not discover who they were. No sharp-shooting had taken place on the public footpaths. (Laughter.)

[BNA: Link.]

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 14 April 1860

EXTRAORDINARY PAROCHIAL PROCEEDINGS AT BATTERSEA.

The proceedings in this parish on Easter Tuesday are very likely to engage the attention of the ecclesiastical or civil courts of law. The members of the representative Vestry met in the Lammas Hall, Battersea, at nine o'clock on the morning of the above day for the purpose of electing a churchwarden for the ensuing year.

Mr. Hart and Mr. Allen, both members of the Ratepayers' Association, were respectively nominated, but the choice fell on Mr. Hart by a majority of one vote. This Vestry, since the Metropolis Local Management Act came into operation in the parish, a period of about four years, have always elected the churchwarden. In the usual printed notice, however, which is annually issued by the churchwardens, calling an open or public vestry of the inhabitants, and which was held at half-past nine o'clock of the same day (Easter Tuesday), for sundry purposes, it stated, in addition, that the inhabitants were also, "according to annual custom, to proceed to the election ot churchwardens, sidesmen," &c, thereby repudiating the previous election of Mr. Hart by the representative Vestry in the earlier part of the morning.

Accordingly, at half-past nine o'clock, a numerous meeting of the ratepayers assembled in public Vestry, at the Evening School Room, Green Lane road. The first business was to receive the report of the Auditors on the Churchwardens Accounts for the past year, and to make a rate or assessment for and towards the necessary repairs and expenses of St. Mary's and St. George's Churches for the present year.

H. S. Thornton, Esq., the vicar's churchwarden, presided.

Mr. Buckmaster objected to two sum 3 in the churchwardens' accounts, and stated that one of them especially had been illegally placed there. He read a clause in the act showing the consequences or penalties attached to such a procedure.

The Chairman: If anything illegal has been done you have a remedy at law. After considerable discussion the accounts were passed.

Mr. Pariss moved that a church-rate be levied at 3d. in the pound.

Mr. Sellars rose to second the motion. He had no doubt it would appear strange that a dissenter from the Church of England should adopt such a course, but when he considered that church rates would soon be abolished, and kuowing the present need of repairs at both the churches, together w- r the fact that those holding minor offices had to paid their stipends, ha thought on the score justice a rate ought to continue for another year. After a stormy discussion a divi. ion took place, and the rate was only carried by the chairman giving his casting vote.

Mr. Paris* then rose to move that Mr. S Ncnfe he elected churchwarden for the "ensuing } v which being duly seconded produced considerable excitement.

Mr. Buckmaster protested against such a dishonoiable course of proceeding.

Mr. Reynolds, and other gentlemen who acted in concert with him, attended the Vestry held that morning at the Lammas Hall, and thus" admitted its legality, but. now came to the public Vestry, and declared the previous proceedings in the morning tc be illegal.

Mr. Reynolds here denied the inference drawn, and a very considerable altercation took place, when The Chairman stated that he could stop longer, and called on the meeting to appoint another cnairman, whereupon Mr, Alder was unanimous')' requested to occupy the chair, to which propositi 11 he consented. .

Mr. Buckmaster continued"lt was the duty ot the rateyayers to set their faces against this laid stratagem. If the present motion was carried and the proceedings of the Vestry annulled, alt the efforts they had made to obtain parochial reform* for the last four years, would be rendered entirely nugatory. .

Mr. Bridge vindicated the course be had pursued and denied that he had expressed any opinion on the subject as imputed to him. He contended that they were now acting legally.

Mr. Reynolds pursued a similar course of argument, and said that they had been acting under a mistake.

Mr. Juer wished to know how it was that Mr. Reynolds had for four years sanctioned the select Vestry in electing a churchwarden? The proceedings must have been illegal.

Mr. Reynolds explained that having been ecclesiastically admitted into the office the elections were? legal. He then said he should move an amendment,, which was that Mr. Allen be elected churchwarden. He did so to show that he was not actuated by party feelings.

Mr. Bridge would second the amendment for the same reason.

Mr. Buckmaster said (ironically), and Ipropose Mr. Reynolds for churchwarden, in consideration of the great services he has rendered to the parish. (Great laughter.) f A scene of the greatest confusion here ensued, and Mr. Juer moved an adjournment, which was lost.

Mr. Alder, as chairman, asked the Vestry Clerk which of the elections would be legal.

Mr. Chadwin, the vestry clerk, said he was incompetent to answer the question.

Mr. Juer referred to the second section of the amended Metropolis Local Management Act, July, 1856, and said he should most certainly gi v in a written protest against the election.

Mr. Poupart considered the proceedings altogether illegal, and he should therefore protest against the course adopted.

The chairman put the motion in favor of Mr* Neate, but only two hands were raised. The amendment was next put and carried by a large majority of those present. He then officially declared that Mr. Allen had been duly elected, in open and public Vestry, as the churchwarden far the year ensuing. Thus terminated these extraordinary proceedings for the present.

[BNA: Link.]

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 28 April 1860

[BNA:
[BNA:

"J. Silva, Wandsworth Common,

South London Chronicle — Saturday 28 April 1860

ART-UNION OF LONDON.

The annual meeting the subscribers of thi* institution took place Tuesday in tlic New Adelphi theatre, Lord Montcagle occupying the chair. Mr. George Godwin, the secretary, read the report, the following are the principal portions: — 1

The Art-Union of London lias now been established 21 years. Exclusive of the current year's subscription, and the thousands added prizeSr., aS? i ' anJ distributed the sum of 251,143?., which 138,662/. have been paid to artists, anil for the production f statuettes bronzes, and other prizes; and 64,023/. to engravers, and for the supply of impressions to the subscribers. It has sent some hundreds of thousands of engravings over the world-to the gold-diggers Australia, the backwoodsmen of Canada, to New Zealand, China, the Indies, Egypt, the United States; in fact, to nearly every corner of the globe where there is an English settlement, as "!, cr — v cit y> towll > n village of the United Kingdom; and it finds itself, on the present occasion, with a subscription of 14,138/. The total sum which has been expended by the Art-Union of London on paintings, exclusive of the further large amount added by the prizeholders themselves, is 118,765/., while for bronze and porcelain statuettes, medals, works in iron, enaes, it lographs, and other pi oductions given as prizes, the sum of 19,807/. has beeu paid. the council have recently offered a premium of one hundred guineas for a series of designs in outline, or outline slightly shaded, illustrative of Tennyson poem, " The Idylls of the King." hey have further offered premium of seventy guineas for a group or statuette in plaster, representing some subject from English history, to be subsequently executed bronze or Parian, and thirty guineas for the work selected, as second in merit. They propose hereafter to invite designs for a vase, a tazza, or other similar art work. Ihe following a condensed statement of receipts and disbursements: — Subscriptions received £1-1,138 15 Printing, advertising, salaries, and other expenses, including reserve of 24 percent 3,393 16 0 Amount set apart for printing and volume of wood engravings . . 4,489 19 Amount allotted for prizes . . . . 6,255 18 The reserve fund now amounts to the Sllln of 9,383 Lord Monteagle, moving the adoption of the report, said that he never did so with greater satisfaction than at that moment. It spoke well of the past, and augured well for the future. His lordship went into the details connected with the laws and management of the Art Union, and referred to Mr. Labouchere having suggested a kind of National Gallery for themselves. He congratulated he members havings,, eh distinguished men a, the of St. Paul's, Mr. Monckton Milnes, and others of like eminence, added to their council (cheers) H e felt peculiarly happy in seeing that the Art-Union was able to illustrate that finest pro-I' f — " eate ' modern poet, Tennyson's i,n n i " £'_ ' Although he did not look 1 upon such undertakings as props to the line arts, for they wanted no props; he thought they were wing, to carry out abroad to the farthest corners of e ear 1 (cheers.) His lordship commented in evere terms upon the attempts now being made r, a nval ocety, having nothing in common w hthem, except unfairly appropriating their! So of the 6 reportf C e '"_* 1 Carried unanimously

Mr. Monckton Milnes, M.l'., said felt much whTrt.?' elc;? tl0 " which had connected him
The drawing was then proceeded with, the first prize of consequence being one of 100/., drawn for Miss Dunn, of e dale, Yorkshire; Commodore Hopkins, of Merthyr Tydvil, 200/ Mr Thomas Gallop, Albert-road, Regent's Park, the remaining 200/. prize. The other prizes occupied about an hour and a half ill drawing from the wheel, after which the proceedings were concluded.

Prize 30/., J. Church, Walworth; prize of' 25/., W. Curling, Denmark Hill; prize of 20/., C. IGoocli, Camberwell;

prizes of 10/., F. T. Bntchelor. Newington Butts, H. Cristall. Uotherhithe,

J. Silva, Wandsworth Common,

and T. Stirling, Lambeth. Group of Venus and Cupid. — J. Jones, Batter-j sea; 11. S. Robinson, Greenwich: Miss Swaine. 1 Pcckhain.

[BNA: Link.]

Art Union of London

The Art Union of London, established in 1837, was an organisation which distributed works of art amongst its subscribers by lottery.

Art Union of London

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The Art Union of London, established in 1837, was an organisation which distributed works of art amongst its subscribers by lottery.

Contents

1 Art unions

2 Foundation

3 Membership and its benefits

4 Dissolution

5 See also

6 References

Art unions

Art unions were organisations created to function as patrons of art. Members would pay a small annual subscription. The union would spend the subscriptions on works of contemporary art, which were distributed among its members by means of a lottery. The idea emerged in Switzerland at the beginning of the 19th century, and was imitated in various German territories. It was introduced to England in the late 1830s on the recommendation of a House of Commons Select Committee on the Arts and Manufactures in the United Kingdom.[1]

Foundation

The Art Union of London was established in 1837, following the establishment of similar organisations in Edinburgh and Liverpool.[1] It described its aim as being "to aid in extending the love of the Arts of Design, and to give Encouragement to Artists beyond that afforded by the patronage of individuals."[2]

Its first meeting was led by four young social radicals: Edward Edwards, Henry Hayward, George Godwin and Lewis Pocock. By the end of the year a formal management committee had been formed, which included the architect Charles Barry, William Ewart MP, chairman of the 1835 select committee, N.W. Ridley Colborne MP, who had also been a member of the select committee and Lord Prudhoe, later Duke of Northumberland.[1] The committee was to prove stable, with nine of the original members still serving in 1857.[1]

In its first year, 1837, the union raised only £480; by 1842, however, annual subscription revenue stood at almost £13,000 a figure that would remain fairly stable for twenty years.[1] By 1876 there were more than 20,000 members.[3] The Union persuaded Samuel Carter Hall, editor of The Art Journal, to publish the Union's documents and reports in his magazine, and to promote the annual exhibition of its prizes.[1]

Membership and its benefits

Each member paid a subscription of one guinea a year. In return they all received a large engraving annually, said to be at least equal in value to their subscription. In addition they had the chance of winning a prize at a yearly draw,[3] initially either a proof copy of that year's print, or a painting.[4] The committees of earlier art unions had selected the prize works for their members, but the winners of Art Union of London prizes had a free choice of any painting, up to a given value, shown at any of the London exhibitions that year.[5] At a draw held early on in the Union's history, in 1839, there were 62 prizes. They consisted of 20 proof impressions of the annual engraving, twenty impressions on India paper; nine pictures valued at £10, two at £30, four at £50, one at £100 and one at £150.[4] At that year's meeting George Godwin announced the Committee's intention to hold the draw at an earlier date in the future, to allow the winners' selections to be made before most of the best pictures had been sold.[4] The annual engraving was, at least in the early years, selected from amongst the paintings chosen by the prize-winners.[4]

As the number of subscribers increased, so did the value of the prizes, totalling about £9,000 annually at the peak of the Union's success.[3] From the 1840s there were yearly exhibitions of the prize selections.[1]

In addition to paintings and proof engravings the Art Union of London began to offer various specially manufactured "art objects" as prizes. In 1842 it launched a series of medals illustrating the history of British art. Thirty of each were cast in silver as prizes, and bronze versions were offered as an alternative to the annual print.[3] In the same year the Union began to offer bronze statuettes as prizes. As a cheaper alternative they developed the idea of issuing sculptures in the unglazed porcelain known as "Parian Ware"; the first to be issued was John Gibson's Narcissus, produced by Copeland and Garrett in an edition of fifty in 1845 and offered in the following year's draw. The success of the venture led the Union to organise a competition for works that could be reproduced on a small scale in Parian.[6]

Dissolution

By 1895 the number of subscribers had fallen to below 5,000. The Union was wound up following a resolution passed in 1912.[3]

References

Sperling, Joy. ""Art, Cheap and Good:" The Art Union in England and the United States, 1840 — 60". Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide. Retrieved 4 May 2013.

"[Advertisement]". The Art-Union Journal. 1: 74. 1839.

Beaulah, G. K. "The Medals of the Art Union of London" (PDF).

"The Art-Union of London". The Art-Union Journal. 1: 82. 1839.

"The Art-Union of London". The Art-Union Journal. 1: 20. 1839.

"Art Union of London". Mapping the Practice and Profession of Sculpture in Britain and Ireland 1851 — 1951. University of Glasgow History of Art and HATII. Retrieved 4 May 2013."

"May 14, 1860 --- A Perjurious Charge

After two closely watched trials, featuring charges of "an indecent description," 11-year old Eugenia Plummer is convicted of perjury.

In the first trial, the Wiltshire girl's testimony had sent her former tutor to jail for four years with hard labor. The Rev. Henry Hatch, chaplain at Wandsworth jail (left), had sought companions for his adopted daughter by advertising as a tutor for young girls. The Plummers placed Eugenia and her 4-year old sister Stephanie with Rev. Hatch but the arrangement lasted only two weeks. Mrs. Plummer retrieved the girls, claiming that her daughters were unhappy sleeping on calico sheets. Within days, however, the Plummers complained to their Bishop that the girls had been molested.

Under the law of the day, neither Hatch nor his wife could testify at his trial. The jury was left with Eugenia's sordid tale, "narrated with steadfast countenance, with perfect mastery of the language descriptive of matters usually left in decent obscurity." Convicted, jailed and reviled, Rev. Hatch fought to clear himself from Newgate Prison. By filing perjury charges, he's now able to confront his accuser in court.

His lawyer dismisses Eugenia's tale as "entire fiction, the result of a prurient and depraved imagination." While the exact charges are "unfit for publication," Hatch admits that he and his wife did permit the girls to come into their bed, but only beneath the coverlet. Indeed, Mrs. Plummer had suggested that her daughters — who had been to several schools — needed "petting." Hatch denies parading half-naked or worse in front of the girls. Lawyers for the girl ask what motive had she to lie but Eugenia was overheard telling her sister, " Ihate the Hatches." Summing up, the trial judge admits the case comes down to "contradiction upon contradiction."

The jury finds Eugenia guilty but urges "the utmost mercy," given her "want of moral and religious education." The judge, placing much of the blame on the parents of the young liar, orders Eugenia to spend three weeks in a detention center. The child will then be placed in the care of "a lady of known benevolence and good judgement in the treatment of juvenile offenders." Hatch's career was wrecked and he ended his days as a rural clergyman in Essex.

[BNA: victoriancalendar.blogspot.com/2011/04/"

"POLICE COURTS

. . . parish of Battersea, for distress warranto against their goods and chattels, for the non-payment of precept issued by the board for the sum of los. as*ed upon the:r parish for the main drainage rate. Mr. Reynolds, solicitor, of Battersea, appeared for . . .

Published: Wednesday 23 May 1860

Newspaper: Morning Advertiser

County: London, England

[BNA: Link.]

Morning Herald — Friday 25 May 1860

WANDSWORTH. THE DERBY DAY SPORTELHenry _Letts, who was described as a clerk at No.B, Bartlett's-buildings, Holborn, was placed in the dock before Mr. Ingham, charged with wilfully throwing crackers in a public throughfare to the danger and annoyance of the public.lnspector Proctor, of the V division, stated that about eight o'clock in the evening he was on dutyat Clapham-common, near the Windmill, where therewere crowds of persons waiting to see the return of the carriages from the Derby. He saw several young gentlemen throwing a number of crackers at the persons in carriages as they passed along the road. He cautioned several of them, and passed on. He returned shortly afterwards, and he then saw the crackers thrown at the carriages in perfect showers; they were thrown by the score at a time by different persons. Be hurried up a number of constables, and gave directions for the parties to be taken into custody. He saw the prisoner throw three crackers into carriages as they passed.The prisoner was fined 10s., or seven days imprisonment. The money was immediately paid.Several other young gentlemen were also fined for a similar offence.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Chronicle — Saturday 26 May 1860

[BNA: Link.]

PAROCHIAL SQUABBLING IN BATTERSEA.

Mr. Corsellis -, the clerk of the Wandsworth district board, attended before Mr. Wandsworth Police Coart in support of summonses against Messrs. George Alder, G. Ayles, W. F. Cross, S. Seldon, J. C. Buckmaster, T. Reeve Oinny, . Hillicr W. Pickering, and H. Sykea Thornton, oTerseers for the parish of Battersea for di warrants against their goods and chattels for the nonpayment of a precept issued the board for the sum of 938/. 15s. assessed upon their parish for the main drainage rate. * The facts of the case were theseOn the of November last the board issued the precept to ail the defendants, with the exception of Messrs- Buckmaster, Hillier, and Denny, and it set forth that the mcney should be paid on or before the 20th of April. The rate for that order was not made until January last, and Mr. Corsellis showed that part of the money had been collected, and not any of it paid over. It also appeared that there was a sum of 600/. which had been drawn from the current account of the overseers, and placed to the private account of the late overseers, Messrs. Alders, Ayles, Cross, and Seldon, and that proceeding had given rise to dispute. The board complained that they had money to pay over, but would not obey the order.

Mr. Reynolds explained with respect to the 600/. He was formerly the legal adviser of the late overseers, and when the new ones came into power they thought that they could dispense with his services, the keeping of a lawyer was a dear article. He was in possession of certain papers which the new overseers called upon him to deliver up, but he declined until his claim was paid. Proceedings were taken, and the court ruled that the papers should be delivered up upon their paying his demand, something about 500/., and the overseers drew cheque from the current account and placed it to their own account in order to protect themselves.

Mr. Corsellis said the 600/. had nothing to do with these proceeding, and eould be only mentioned to show that the overseers were in possession of Mr. Ingham inquired when the new overseers came into office.

Mr. Reynolds. — On the 31st of March.

Mr. Ingham thought the order should have been made upon th overseers to pay within their term of office.

Mr. Corsellis contended that the duty was attached to the office and not to the officer.

Mr. Reynolds differed in that opinion, and said that supposing the late overseers had collected the while of the rate, and had absconded before the new overseers were appointed, the subsequent overseers could never be made liable for the deeds of their predecessors.

Mr. Ingham thought Mr. Reynolds was right. The question required consideration, more especially when he was asked levy a distress warrant. The late overseers might say that they had handed their books over to their successors perfectly correct, and on the other hand, the new overseers might say that they had not sufficient time to collect the money.

Mr. Reynolds said there were now seven rates under the Metropolis Local Management Act in the course of collection in Battersea, and argued that the proceeding was quite hostile on the part of Battersea, which had been in arrears very considerably with their rates, and hence the difficulty. Several of the overseers said the rate had been . made, and if a sufficient time were allowed the money would be paid. The summonses, at Mr. Ingham's recommendation, were accordingly adjourned for a month.

South London Chronicle — Saturday 26 May 1860

PAROCHIAL SQUABBLING IN BATTERSEA.

Mr. Corsellis, the clerk of the Wandsworth district board, attended before Mr. Wandsworth Police Court in support of summonses against Messrs. George Alder, G. Ayles, W. F. Cross, S. Seldon, J. C. Buckmaster, T. Reeve Oinny, . Hillicr W. Pickering, and H. Sykes Thornton, overseers for the parish of Battersea for di warrants against their goods and chattels for the nonpayment of a precept issued the board for the sum of 938 15s. assessed upon their parish for the main drainage rate.'

The facts of the case were these/ On the of November last the board issued the precept to ail the defendants, with the exception of Messrs Buckmaster, Hillier, and Denny, and it set forth that the money should be paid on or before the 20th of April. The rate for that order was not made until January last, and Mr. Corsellis showed that part of the money had been collected, and not any of it paid over. It also appeared that there was a sum of 600/. which had been drawn from the current account of the overseers, and placed to the private account of the late overseers, Messrs. Alders, Ayles, Cross, and Seldon, and that proceeding had given rise to dispute. The board complained that they had money to pay over, but would not obey the order.

Mr. Corsellis said the 600/. had nothing to do with these proceedings, and could be only mentioned to show that the overseers were in possession of Mr. Ingham inquired when the new overseers came into office.

Mr. Reynolds. — On the 31st of March.

Mr. Ingham thought the order should have been made upon the overseers to pay within their term of office.

Mr. Corsellis contended that the duty was attached to the office and not to the officer.

Mr. Reynolds said there were now seven rates under the Metropolis Local Management Act in the course of collection in Battersea, and argued that the proceeding was quite hostile on the part of Battersea, which had been in arrears very considerably with their rates, and hence the difficulty. Several of the overseers said the rate had been made, and if a sufficient time were allowed the money would be paid. The summonses, at Mr. Ingham's recommendation, were accordingly adjourned for a month.

[Source: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000443/18600526/018/0004" target="_blank">Link.]

"??

Weekly Mail — Saturday 1 September 1860

during the day shot for a handsome rifle, which l'3B carried off by William 'Page, the wearer of several medals,

. . . entry has most munificently offered the corps any portion of money. To be competed for with Enfield rifles, long or Wandsworth-common most saitable for the erection of a abort, government pattern. This cross was gained by Mr. b u t t . , Jahn teibb, of . . .

Published: Saturday 1 September 1860

Newspaper: Weekly Mail

County: London, England

Type: | Words: 3407 | Page: 5 | Tags: none

[BNA: Link.]

"Volunteer Service Gazette and Military Dispatch — Saturday 30 March 1861

SURREY. i The members of the Ist Surrey Hides assembled m the Oval, Kcnnington, on Saturday last. The first bugle sounded at cite>.m. After the brass band, under the direction of Bandmaster J. Callcott, the Ist Surrey Militia, had | nlaved selection of favourite, airs, the men, having pre- viously been furnished with five rounds of ammimition, were formed into seven companies, numbering about 300 rank and , file, with cadet corps of about 25; and, after undergoing light infantry drill, which was performed with much pre- ] cision, especially the wheeling, the corns left the Oval, and, commanded Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald, marched along the Clapham-road, Clapham-common, the men marching very steadily. On arriving at the common a few minutes before six o'clock, a company was detached to keep the -round, the number of spectators being large. The corps then throw out skirmishers in the face of an enemy supposed to advancing the suburbs from Wandsworth-common, 7

. . . ?

[BNA: Link.]

"The vengeance of JCB / JCB Avenging Angel

file:///Users/philipboys/Desktop/DESKTOP%20BUDA%2025aug2021/john-buckmaster/buckmaster_v_reynolds.html" target="_blank">Link.

Wandsworth Common

Buckmaster v Thomas Andrew Fitzgerald Reynolds

THOMAS ANDREW FITZGERALD REYNOLDS

This was the name of Buckmaster's (first) crooked lawyer (the second was Corsellis, of course)

September 2020

I told Keith, who got on with his own research, just as I did.

From John Buckmaster, A Village Politician:

A low, drunken, unprincipled lawyer, who had represented himself as a person connected with the aristocracy, very influential, with large expectations, began to interest himself about the parish charities; and nothing is so popular in a parish as doubts whether these charities go to the right persons. By corrupting the churchwardens and overseers and a few others he was appointed legal adviser to the parish. Everything was litigated, and his bills were cheerfully paid, and the man who questioned

[332]

them was threatened with a writ. Some of them were of the most shameful character, such as removals, making out summonses, advising as to rates, appearing before the magistrate to excuse certain defaulters. At last a few began to rebel; these he threatened with writs. He used to attend the vestry meetings half drunk with a horsewhip, and it was left to me to fight him. I knew he was a scoundrel, and I was not afraid of him.

I was at first in a minority, and could do nothing until I changed the minority into a majority, which I did at the next election, and which you can always do if you are in the right and will work for it. When he knew how the election was going he rushed into the room with five or six others and tried to take possession of the ballot-box, but they failed. He said, "That fellow," pointing to me, "has turned the parish against me by lying, and before I have done with him he and his children shall come to my house and beg a piece of bread."

Iresolved to have my revenge. It is better to have a thief for your enemy than for a friend.

[333]

The late Board of Churchwardens and Overseers had to procure a piece of land for a cemetery. Their legal adviser ran up a bill of upwards of seven hundred pounds, which was paid at a public-house the night before they went out of office. This bill was the most extraordinary piece of parish robbery ever known. Charges for supplying ten copies of the agreement, to superintending the drains, to meeting the inspector, to advising as to suitability of the soil. At the foot of this bill was written, " I have examined this bill. — W. Anderson." And this was represented as a taxation.

Ifelt this was a robbery, but my colleagues were not disposed to take any steps. We had got rid of him, and why trouble further. But as long as he was in the parish there was danger. Isuggested a meeting of the ratepayers, but this was not thought desirable because there was still a strong party in the parish who had profited in various ways by his companionship. At last Imanaged to have the bill referred to a well-known parish lawyer, who advised us to obtain an order for the taxation of the bill. The Vice-Chancellor hesitated because the bill was paid,

[334]

but we obtained the order. The lawyer said, as he left the court, "You can't get butter out of a dog's mouth," and more than half the charges were taxed off. Then an order was made for payment of upwards of three hundred pounds. He had previously sold his furniture and moved into another county and then there was further delay. Then he moved a long distance away, where he lived in grand style for a few months. Some of his old companions used to visit him.

I was determined to hunt him down for his insults, and, contrary to the advice of the lawyer and the Board, Iput an advertisement in the Telegraph asking for information as to his whereabouts. As soon as the advertisement appeared his house was besieged with tradesmen from a near town who wanted their money. He returned to the neighbourhood of London, when by accident a friend who had heard me speak of him gave information as to his whereabouts, and in a few days he was in prison, and there Ileft him. The parish thought I had done a greater service in ridding it of their legal adviser than in

[335]

saving the common, and I was presented with a service of plate. All this was going on during the common agitation, and it was he who had frightened Wrigsby and told him to tell the court all I had said to him. Plausible in his manner, with a pleasant smile, those who knew but little of his inner character thought him a nice kind gentleman and wondered why I should be so spiteful. I had not forgotten his threat — that was why I followed him.

[PB: MY FIRST SPECULATION, which Ishared with Keith: [Is it possible to find who this crooked lawyer was? "W. Anderson"? Was this his real name, or Buckmaster's creation? Where did Iget the name "Anderson"? Surely it wasn't James Anderson Rose, who was a lawyer, but a stalwart of the campaign?] Ilater realised it was Reynolds.]

1864: For ridding the parish of Reynolds, JCB is given a dinner service

" . . . by a few gentlemen, in acknowledgment of services rendered in the parish during period of great trouble and difficulty "

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 13 August 1864

[NEEDS EDIT]

Testimonial to Mr. Buckmaster.

The great parochial battles of Battersea are now ended. There will, however, lively discussions in the Vestry whether a lamp-post should be 8 feet or 8 feet inches, or whether it be more economical to use Purbeck or granite for kerbing footpaths, or whether it be possible to do things which are impossible. These vital questions will occasionally occupy the serious attention of men rated at 25 a year.

Happily no one now suspects the parish officers of any misappropriation of parish money, and the great man, before whom all small men were terrified, and parish officers worshipped, now in prison; but Mr. Buckmaster, against whom lawyers on both sides of the river have times sworn vengeance, has achieved a great victory. For years he exposed the chicanery, the deceit, and falsehood of a party now defunct.

Extracts from lawyers' bills were printed and circulated for the edification of the ratepayers; affidavits and opinions of counsel for a time defeated his efforts; but a man waits the truth and justice of his case will the end receive its proper and just reward; and although we cannot endorse all Mr. Buckmaster's opinions, we believe he deserves well of the parish, and this recognition of his services must be as agreeable as, we understand, was unexpected.

the anniversary of his wedding-day he received a polished oak box, containing the following inscription: "St. Mary, Battersea. — This box, containing 64 pieces of plate, was presented to Mr. Buckmaster, by a few gentlemen, in acknowledgment of services rendered in the parish during period of great trouble and difficulty. — August, 1864."

Keith

Thanks for the latest hare to pursue through the archives, Philip — a really interesting one.

His grandfather, Thomas Reynolds, one time tenant of Kilkea Castle in Co. Kildare, was a United Irishman whose life in an exhaustive 2-vol. biography (750pp plus) by his son Thomas (TAFR father; b.1798) was published in 1838 and is on Google Books if you've got the odd few weeks to spare!!!

To cut a long story short, TAFR was born while the family were in Copenhagen (1819), thence to Paris where the grandfather died of cholera in 1832. TAFR married Anne Raikes at Paris in May 1840 — she came from Yorkshire. He soon came to London and was indentured in Sept. 1840 to A Queen's Bench lawyer.

In 1851 he described himself as Solicitor's Fundholder and lived at Devonshire St. Finsbury. In 1856 his office was in Chancery Lane and home at 3 Farnborough Tce Westbridge Road (quite close to the "gothic villas) at the east end, north side. He dubbed the house "The Poplars" and was there in 1861, 'attorney-at-law' with his wife and adopted daughter Jessie.

[PB: Where was "The Poplars" — marked on any maps?

Anne Reynolds died in 1864 at Beaumont St Marylebone, leaving 7,000. The fact that her sole executor was her brother Robert Raikes of Crickhowell is suggestive to say the least. No trace of him in 1871 though he didn't die until 1/1/1878 at Milman Street (Chelsea??) leaving <100.

Not surprised he got up the nose of a man like Buckmaster!!

[ Ireplied with 3 successive long emails.]

I

Splendid, Keith — many thanks for following up

I'd got some of it myself — and I was just about to send you a summary & some links, because I knew you would find it interesting

I had downloaded the 2 vols about Thomas Iby Thomas II, but yes they were too much even to skim — and of course, as the work of his son (i.e. our man's father) not entirely, er, objective.

On the other hand, nearly all the articles published in Ireland are committed to damning him — he's nearly always styled "Thomas Reynolds, Informer". Not surprising of course.

But my goodness how interesting ! My knowledge of the United Irishmen movement is sketchy, and sadly is likely to remain so.

I thought this summary looked good. It also helps explain how Thomas II I(our Thomas) was born in Copenhagen and married his wife in Paris:

REYNOLDS, THOMAS (1771 — 1836), informer, was born on 12 March 1771 at 9 Park Street, Dublin, in which city his father, Andrew Reynolds (1742 — 1788), had acquired a considerable fortune as a manufacturer of poplins. His mother was Rose (d. 1797), eldest child of Thomas Fitzgerald of Kilmead, co. Kildare, and it was at Kilmead that Reynolds spent the first years of his life under the supervision of a Roman catholic priest.

At the age of eight he was sent to a protestant school at Chiswick, near London, where he remained till the beginning of 1783, when he was removed to a jesuit seminary at Lige.

He returned to Ireland in the spring of 1788, and, his father dying shortly afterwards, he inherited considerable property from him. But falling into dissipated habits, in consequence of which he became seriously ill, he went for the sake of his health by sea to Rotterdam.

From Rotterdam he proceeded to Paris, and in the spring of the following year he made a journey through Switzerland into Italy, returning to Paris in July. Becoming alarmed at the progress of the French revolution, he returned to Dublin, where he speedily relapsed into dissipation.

In March 1792 he came of age, and, according to his son's account, into the possession of a fortune of £20,000, exclusive of his share in the capital and profits of his father's business. Living thus in affluence, he passed his time idly and agreeably to himself. He represented the city of Dublin in the catholic convention of 1792, and continued to be a member of the committee till its dissolution, after the passing of the relief act of 1793.

On 25 March 1794 he married Harriet Witherington (1771 — 1851), whose sister Matilda was the wife of Theobald Wolfe Tone [q. v.] But, in consequence of the dishonesty of a partner, his business had at that time so far declined that he found himself in serious pecuniary embarrassment. His principal creditor was a wealthy Dublin merchant of the name of Cope, to whom his firm stood indebted for 5,000l.

Hitherto he had avoided politics, but in January or February 1797 he yielded to the solicitations of his friends, and became a United Irishman.

Shortly afterwards he obtained an advantageous lease of Kilkea Castle in co. Kildare from the Duke of Leinster, through the good offices of Lord Edward Fitzgerald [q. v.], by whom he was in November induced to accept the post of colonel of the so-called Kildare regiment, and subsequently, in order to enable him to attend the provincial meeting, that of treasurer of the county.

On 19 Feb. 1798 there was a provincial meeting of the Leinster directorate at Oliver Bond's house in Dublin, and it was only then, according to his own account, that he became for the first time acquainted with the real designs of his fellow-conspirators, and of their intention to seize Dublin and to subvert the government by force of arms. In terror — real or feigned — at his discovery, he consulted his friend and creditor Cope, and, having disclosed enough to arouse Cope's curiosity, he was invited to play the part of informer.

Cope, who was subsequently rewarded with a pension, was authorised by Cooke, the under-secretary, to stick at no sum — not even 100,000l. — in order to induce him to turn approver. Reynolds was willing to assent on less exorbitant terms. His name was to be kept a secret, and he was to be substantially indemnified for any loss he might sustain. Whether his readiness to reveal the conspiracy was due, as his son and biographer argues, to a desire to save his country from the horrors of a bloody revolution, or to less honourable motives, it is beyond a doubt that he was at the time, except for his lease of Kilkea Castle, practically a bankrupt.

In consequence of information furnished by Reynolds, government was able to arrest the provincial committee at Bond's house on 12 March, and so practically to kill the conspiracy. That Reynolds had betrayed them was certainly the opinion of some of the United Irishmen, and it is said that only his coolness and intrepid bearing on being challenged with his perfidy by Samuel Neilson [q. v.] saved him from being shot dead on the spot. Others were not so credulous as Neilson, and more than one attempt seems to have been made to assassinate him; and, in order to disarm suspicion, he took an oath before a county member that he had not betrayed the meeting at Bond's.

For a time his secret was so well kept that his property at Kilkea suffered severely from the military, who were freely quartered there, in consequence of his supposed 'croppy' politics. On 5 May he was actually arrested on a charge of harbouring Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and it was not till he had been taken to Dublin, and his identity revealed to Under-secretary Cooke, that he was set at liberty. It was impossible to return to his house, and so, having promised to give evidence at the forthcoming trials, he was accorded shelter in Dublin Castle till the storm had blown over.

The terms of the bargain were arranged by his wife, and, in addition to a pension of 1,000l. a year, to commence on 25 June 1798, with 5,000l. in hand, it was agreed that he might settle in any part of England he liked, and receive from government letters of introduction, recommending him and his family to the particular attention of the gentry of the place. He was the principal crown witness at the trial of John McCann on 17 July, but it was said that under the fierce cross-examination of Curran, it was rather he than McCann who was on his trial. He was, again, the principal witness at the trial of William Michael Byrne on 21 July, and of Oliver Bond on the 23rd, and was on the last occasion scornfully denounced by Curran.

After the suppression of the rebellion and the restoration of the metropolis to some degree of tranquillity, Reynolds emerged from his quarters in the castle and took a house in Leinster Street. By the influence of government he was on 15 Oct. made free of the guild of merchants of Dublin, and on 19 Oct. received the freedom of the city. But the feeling of the populace was extremely hostile to him, and one night, when Major Sirr was dining with him, his house was attacked by the mob. The assailants were driven off; but Reynolds, not feeling secure, removed shortly afterwards to England, going in the first place to Allonby in Cumberland, and subsequently to London.

After a short time he was compelled, by his habitual extravagance, to retire to Usk in Monmouthshire; but, returning to London, he eventually, in 1810, succeeded in getting himself appointed postmaster or packet agent at Lisbon. The emoluments of the office during the four years he held it amounted to 5,600l., but on the withdrawal of the British army from the Peninsula they sank so low that he resigned it, and in September 1814 returned with his wife to London.

Early in 1817 he was offered the post of British consul in Iceland, and after some hesitation, and stipulating that he should not be obliged to reside there, he accepted it. The appointment occurred about the time of the trial of Wilson and others for high treason in connection with the Spa-fields meeting. True bills were found against the prisoners by the grand jury of Middlesex; but, Reynolds's name appearing on the panel, public feeling was greatly aroused against government. 'He should retire,' said Curran, 'from public view, hid beneath the heap of his own carnage.'

Lord Castlereagh, who suffered acutely from the untoward incident, evidently took this view of the situation, and in July Reynolds was quietly shipped off to Copenhagen to take up the duties of his consulship. The salary attached to the post was barely 300l., and after a brief trial, including a visit in the summer of 1818 to Iceland, he determined to resign it.

Returning for that purpose to London, he was allowed to transfer the consulship to his son, and to travel for his health on the continent.

After Lord Castlereagh's death in 1822 he was informed by Canning that government desired to have as little to do with him and his family as possible, and that the consulship would be abolished but an adequate allowance allotted him. He retired permanently to Paris, where he loved to parade his pompous person in the Champs-Elyses.

He is said to have undergone a religious conversion in 1831. In the following year he was attacked by cholera, to the effects of which he eventually succumbed on 18 Aug. 1836. He was interred in the family vault in Welton church, Yorkshire.

In 1839 his younger son, Thomas (d. 1848), undertook the task of vindicating his father's character; but the investigations of Madden, and more recently of Fitzpatrick, do not tell in Reynolds's favour. A more judicial and less hostile view is taken by Mr. Lecky.

[Reynolds's Life of Thomas Reynolds, to which is prefixed an excellent portrait; Madden's United Irishmen, vol. i.; Curran's Life of Curran; Fitzpatrick's Secret Service under Pitt, containing much curious information; Howell's State Trials, vol. xxvii.; Lecky's Hist. of England in the Eighteenth Century; Webb's Compendium of Irish Biography.]

[Source: Link]

Isn't it interesting how Thomas II Ialways insists on his connection with Kilkea or Kilkee Castle — he's not embarrassed — even this brief death notice makes it central:

For example, in the report of his death in the London Evening Standard — Thursday 10 January 1878

Thomas Andrew Fitzgerald Reynolds, Jan 1, Thomas Andrew Fitzgerald Reynolds, Esq. aged 59, late of Kilkee Castle, Kildare, Ireland.

[Source: Link]

Morning Advertiser — Friday 26 April 1850

(Before Mr. Commissioner Law.)

IN RE THOMAS ANDREW FITZGERALD REYNOLDS.

This insolvent, an attorney, who applied under the Protection Act, was heard a year ago. He had been to France, and was now in prison.

He applied for further hearing, when Mr. Dowse appeared for Mr. Nichols Alfred May hew, with whom the insolvent had been in partnership, and Mr. Cooke for the insolvent. The other parties in the matter were represented by Mr. (of the Chancery bar), and Mr. Wood and Mr. Cooke.

The case occupied several hours on the present occasion, and ended in an adjournment, with the view to settle some matters, rather than continue a suit in Chancery. All parties expressed themselves anxious to avoid proceedings in equity.

The Court refused to grant protection to the insolvent.

[Source: Link]

And just LOOK at what happens next, i.e. well BEFORE his Battersea days

Morning Post — Thursday 18 July 1850

(Before Mr. Commissioner Law.)

IN RE THOMAS ANDREW FITZGERALD REYNOLDS.

This insolvent, whose case had been before the Court on several occasions, appeared for his final order. In the course of the case he became excited, applied several offensive epithets to the parties before the Court, complained of his treatment, and expressed his determination to rot in prison rather than again apply.

Mr. Commissioner Law, who had bestowed great pains on the case, could not prevail with the insolvent to restore order, and he was remanded to prison for an indefinite period.

[Source: Link]

And yet and yet here is just 9 years later:

London Evening Standard — Wednesday 9 March 1859

Whitehall, March 2. The Lord Chancellor has appointed Thomas Andrew Fitzgerald Reynolds, of Battersea-square, Battersea, Gentleman, to be a London Commissioner to administer oaths in the High Court of Chancery.

[Source: Link]

Blimey!

Yet clearly he just can't help himself, so just a few years later:

London Evening Standard — Wednesday 26 October 1864

BANKRUPT. (To Surrender at the Bankruptcy Court London.)

Thomas Andrew Fitzgerald Reynolds, Cecll-st. Strand, solicitor, Nov. 14, at 12: sol. Mr. Aldridge, Moorgate-st ; off. assig. Mr. Cannan, Basinghall-st.

[Source: Link]

You couldn't make any of this up.

I've also got lots of material about the ding-dongs between Buckmaster and Thomas II Iin the vestry.

I'll send them separately.

All best

Philip

III

Hello, Keith

Just for kicks, here are some of the articles Icame across re Buckmaster v Reynolds

I've yet to find out how/where Buckmaster tracked down Reynolds. Or the court case that led to his imprisonment (again).

Perhaps you've had more luck?

(Curiously there are FAR FAR more articles about Buckmaster v Corsellis — and even more explicit. I wonder why Buckmaster doesn't mention this civil war — or was he perhaps rolling both lawyers together?)

Anyway, for your sake and mine I'd better stop this self-indulgence straight away

All best

Philip

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 29 May 1858

STORMY VESTRY MEETING AT BATTERSEA.

A public meeting of the ratepayers of Battersea, was held in the Infant School, Green-lane-road, Battersea, on Thursday evening, for the purpose of electing nine members for the Vestry, and five auditors of accounts . . . .

[Source: Link]

London Daily News — Thursday 9 September 1858

WANDSWORTH.

[PB: Ibelieve this and some other references may have been copied in full to the WC Database.]

London Daily News — Thursday 9 September 1858

WANDSWORTH.

William Wilcox, a labourer, appeared before Mr. Ingham, to answer a summons charging him with having used abusive and insulting language to Mr. T. A. F. Reynolds, a solicitor, of Battersea, whereby a breach of the peace might have been occasioned, The defendant pleaded not guilty.

The complainant stated that there had been a great deal of excitement in the parish of Battersea, in consequence of certain proceedings at the vestry meetings. Witness, who was solicitor to the parish, had been carried about in effigy, ye and afterwards burned and buried.

On the afternoon of co Thursday, the 26th ult., he was walking along the High- C, street, with Mr. Smith (a late overseer), and another Ci gentleman was following behind, when he heard a person, who was identified by Mr. Smith as the defendant, call out, "There goes two rogues, and there is another P(?? words waco ceuplc d with most offensive H expressions,of the took no notice on that occatriccui, but on the Sc following Saturday evening, while returning home with his P mother and a large Australian dog, the defendant repeated I the language, — which was of worse description.

He then returned to where the defendant was standing with a number 2( ef other men, and upon getting his rame bie found that it Cc was the same person who had insulted him on the Thursday. 9id

The defence set up was that Mr.?? was under the Iinfluence of liquor on the Saturday, cand that hi dog run against his (the defendant's) wifle, an,, frightened her. Mr. Reynolds denied that he Wats intoxicated, or that his 3" d,,g tan against the wife. It wccs frees these annoyances B that he wished to be protected, fir he did not know where l~ they would end. He had mcidog-with him on the Thursday. 4, Mr. S. Smith, the late overseer of Battersea, was called to prove the use of the insulting language on the Thursday, and a man named John Taylor was examined by the defendant to show that Mr. Reynolds was intoxicated on the bc Saturday, and that his dog frightened the wife. Air. Ingham asked the last witness if he assisted to burn B Mr. Reynolds in effigyF Taylor said he never saw it. at Mr. Ingham then asked if he saw Alr. Reynolds's effigy dragged about in a cart? Taylor answered that he did not help to do it, as he was b- in town that clay. Mr. Ingham said it was clear the dog had nothing to do 0 with the matter, and that fthe feeliicgs exhibited by the de- P fendant arose out of the Parish aff~ira This kind of conduct moont be put a stop to, but if the defendant promised not to ri repeats it, he would only order him to enter into his own recognisanee to keep the peace for six months. a The defendant consented, and was then bound over, but was lucked up in default of paying 4s. costs.

[BNA: Link.]

[Source: Link]

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 11 June 1859

BATTERSEA OVERSEERS' ACCOUNTS.

Startling Parochial Disclosures.

1859 REYNOLDS BUCKMASTER

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 11 June 1859

Startling Parochial Disclosures.

BATTERSEA OVERSEERS' ACCOUNTS.

J. C. Meymott, Esq., the Poor Law Auditor, resumed his investigation into the accounts of Mr. Reynolds on Tuesday morning last, in the Board Room of the Union Workhouse, relative to the law charges made by him in connexion with the enge proceedings, which has for some time past created very great dissatisfaction in the parish. The Auditor, after a minute investigation of some of the late Overseers' receipt books, inquired whether Mr. Reynolds was present, when his clerk stated that he was unable to attend in consequence of illness, but that a gentleman would shortly arrive who would act as his representative.

Mr. Lvth wished to know bow long Mr. Reynolds had been unwell, had passed him that morning on the road, and he then appeared in perfect good health. This statement was corroborated by other ratepayeis who had also seen him. The Clerk — He has been unwell for some days, and I can vouch for the truth of it. The Auditor stated that it appeared that the sum paid, and that was the amount of the bills. very important communication had been, made to him, by Mr. Buckmaster, which contained an objection the accounts that must once decided. It slated that the terms made Mr. Reynolds was to the following effect undertake to carry on the action, and if succeed will make the legal charges, but if unsuccessful Iwill then only bring in a bill for costs out pocket."

Mr. Biet ley, the gentleman previously referred to, said that he had been suddenly requested by Mr. Reynolds to attend that occasion, and he would commence by reading an explanatory letter from him, which might also be considered au apology for his absence. The Auditor — But what do say is the cause of his non-attendance to-day?

Mr. Bierley had not seen Mr. Reynolds, and he could therefore only read the communication, as at that time he was almost entirely ignorant of the facts of the case. He proceeded to read the letter, which stated that such was the state of his health that he had been advised to avoid any excite.nent, and consequently he was prevented from attending the audit. It then purported to detail the whole of the proceedings connexion with the law-suit. He had been appointed solicitor to the Overseers, &c. and intimated that the course now pursued towards him was not fail or just. It likewise stated that he believed there had been some tampering with the minutes, and that there was some power at the Board which was inimical to him, hut the whole art'air viewed as intended to embarrass the late Overseers.

The Auditor — l cannot entertain the question in reference to the motives of individuals. Have you any documents? What you have read can only be considered as a statement or a speech.

Mr. Bierley — l have not any with me such as you require. Ihe Auditor expressed his willingness to hear any statement from those persons wdio were present when the a.leged conditions were made.

Mr. Hart said that Mr. Reynolds guaranteed the ratepayers that ho would not charge more than costs out of pocket if was unsuccessful. This declaration wa-. made in the open Vestry.

Mr. S. Poupart jemembered perfectly well the Vestry at which the agreement was made. There was a strong objection made to the Penge lawsuit, and a poil took place.

Mr. Reynolds distinctly made the conditions, as stated, and it was only on that assurance that he had voted for thi legal proceedings for otherwise he should most certainly not have acquiesced.

Mr. G. Bass confirmed the previous testimony.

Mr. Reynolds said it would be a great advantage to the parish if he succeeded, and, not, the expense would be but trifling.

Mr. Chadwin, the vestry clerk, spoke to the same effect as regarded the conditions made at the public Vestry. At a subsequent meeting the Overseers, Mr. Reynolds said that he should withdraw his former proposal. The Auditor — Was the subject then regularly brought forward? Mr. ( hadwin — It was conversational, and the Overseers replied that that was understood, and he (Mr. R ) added that there must be no interference with him.

Mr. Green gave similar evidence to the conditions, but he voted against the proceedings. The Auditor read aloud Mr. Reynolds' letter, and said it conflrmed the evidence given. Considerable discussion here took place respecting the taxation the bills, &c., which was stopped (he Auditor referring again to the letter, wherein it stated that the conditions were superseded in consequence of his having been prevented, by rule obtained, from acting as the attorney the Pengc proceedings. But the ratepayers were not to suffer on that account. Because there was another attorney that did not affect the original agreement, and the proceedings might have been continued.

Mr. Merriman, who appeared for the present Overseers, said that the difference in the amount would be very considerable. The parish documents relating to the proceedings were not now produced, nor was it known who possessed them.

Mr. Montague read a notice which he had sent to the Churchwardens and Overseers, intimating that he should appear at the next audit and oppose any further payment on account of the Penge lawsuit, but notwithstanding they had since paid 500 to Mr. Reynolds.

Mr. D. Jones referred the circumstance of the parish officers, after receiving the above mentioned notice, expending a sum of money to ascertain how they were proceed under such circumstances.

The Auditor said he should now go into an examination of the bills, and the sum of 56 at once disallowed an old account, with observation from the Auditor that Mr. Reynolds had received a great deal more than costs out of pocket on those bills.

Some other charges were reduced. ordered the other accounts to be amended, which the Clerk, with Mr. Bierlev, immediately did. The following was the result of the Auditor's decision:

The amount bills 17 8 Reduced auditor to . . . . 1448 0 Disallowed 17 Struck off on the Ist day of audit 22 16 6 Total amount disallowed 0

The next general meeting the Battersea Ratepayers' Protection Society will be held at the Lammas Hall, on Tuesday evening next, June 14, at seven o'clock, when the Committee invite all members to attend.

[Source: Link]

West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 14 April 1860

EXTRAORDINARY PAROCHIAL PROCE" 1862

"POLICE INTELLIGENCE

. . . Election Battersea. Mr. Reynolds, the solicitor of Battersea, accompanied by Mr. Eyerly, another solicitor, attended before Mr. Ingham, at the Wandsworth Police-court, with reference to the late proceedings in that court against Mr. . . .

Published: Saturday 21 June 1862

Newspaper: West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal

County: London, England

[BNA: Link.]

"[BUCKMASTER HEADS THE "WHITE" PARTY v Reynolds's RED PARTY]

London Evening Standard — Saturday 15 November 1862

BUCKMASTER (APPELLANT) V. REYNOLDS (RESPONDENT.)

This was an appeal from the decision of magistrates. An information was preferred by the plaintiff, who was one of the inspectors of votes for Battersea, against the defendant, a solicitor, for interrupting and preventing the polling for the election of eight vestrymen for the parish of Battersea, and trying to get possession of the balloting-box.

It appeared that a poll took place for the election of eight vestrymen for the parish of Battersea, when there [sic] two balloting-boxes, one for the "red" party and the other for the "white" party. In the polling-room policemen were placed to prevent disorder, and it was alleged against the defendant that he being at the head of a number of persons in favour of the "red" party (who were losing the poll), broke into the room, declaring that it was after eight o'clock, sat on the table, tried to get possession of the balloting-boxes, and obstructed the voting for ten minutes.

The magistrate refused to convict, and the question now came before this Court. The Court were of opinion that the matter should be remitted back to the magistrate.

Mr. Watkyn Williams appeared for the appellant, Mr. Day for the respondent. Judgment accordingly. (Sittings at Nisi Frius, before Mr. Justice Willes and a Common Jury.)

[NB In the same paper, same page, money is announced that will be sent to relieve "THE DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE", because of the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR.]

[BNA: Link.]

Sun — Wednesday 18 February 1863

DREADFUL SUlClDE.Yesterday morning the police authorities at Scotland-yard received intelligence of a dreadful suicide committed near the Patriotic Asylum, Wandsworth. common. It appears that on Monday Wm. Cedes, a postmaster, carrying on business as a baker in York road, Battersea, was seen by two platelayers loitering near the West-end and Crystal Palace Railway at Wan dsworth -common, and on the approach of the Brighton express train he ran down the embankment and placed his head upon the metals. The train immediately passed over it, smashing it in a most dreadful manner. To such an extent was the poor man's head crushed that he could only be identified by his clothes. His remains were carried to the workhouse of the Wandsworth and Clapham Union, to await an inquest.

[BNA: Link.]

The BNA records about 30 similar (typically verbatim) reports over the next week, from all over the country, including

Barrow Herald

Irish Times, Dublin

Cork Daily Herald

Birmingham Daily Post

Chelmsford Chronilce

Hull Packet

Manchester Courier

Coventry Herald

Some introduced the item with the phrase

"Suicides in London are becoming alarmingly frequent."

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 22 February 1863

Dreadful Suicide.On Tuesday morning the police authorities at Sootlaud-yard received intelligence of a dreadful suicide committed near the Patriotic Asylum. Wandsworth Common. It appears that on Monday William Cades, a postmaster, carrying on business as a baker in York-road. Battersea, was seen two plate-layers loitering near the West End and Crystal Palace Itailway Wandsworth Common: and on the approach of the Brigh ton express train he ran down the embankment and placed nis head upon the metals. The train immediately passed over it. smashing it in most dreadful manner. To such an extent was the poor man's head crushed that could only identified byhis clothes. His remains were carried the workhouse of the Wandsworth and Clsphsra Union, await inquest. From the inquiries made of his friends it appears that the deceased had been in desponding state for some time.

[BNA: Link.]

[BNA:
Illustrated Sporting News and Theatrical and Musical Review — Saturday 18 April 1863

WANDSWORTH WORKING MEN'S REFORM TEETOTAL CLUB v. CHELSEA TEETOTAL CLUB

This match was played at Wandsworth Common on Easter Monday, April 6.

Score: — Wandsworth 111 and 47, obtained thus; W. CarRY 4 and 0, G. Brooks 19 and 4, Robinson 13 and 0, 11, Lucas 3 and 18, B. 5 and 1, W. Street 0 and, W. Whitby 21 and 6, Mr. Fry 5 and Mr. Jaw" 19 and 9, C. White 11 and 8, F. Thomas 6 and 1. Chelsea United 112 and with eight wickets down; Eller 8 and 0, W. Dyke 8 and 8, 0, Hill 32 and 4, Drockland 3 and 4, bongworth 11 and 18, J. Dyke 2 and 6, Tiptaft land 8, 5 and 1. Collins 13 and (not out) 5, G. French 15, Hervey 7; extras 9.

[BNA: Link.]

WANDSWORTH WORKING MEN'S REFORM CLUB

NB Icame across articles in which the WWWMTC show their support for Poland liberation

On Working Men's Clubs more generally — with speaker Henry Cole! — see e.g.

Birmingham Daily Post — Thursday 2 April 1863

SEARCH e.g.

"wandsworth working men's club "

[BNA:

"[WORKING MEN'S CLUBS]

London City Press — Saturday 18 April 1863

CLUBS AND KITCHENS FOR WORKING MEN.

We are in the habit of laying that the world grows wiser, and the race of mankind better. Whether these postulates sound or not, we can at least say with truthfulness that philanthropist! are much more practical than they used to be, and nprhaps much more tolerant and unostentatious. The long- talked of millennium that was to ushered in to the trickling of pure water over the face of the eartb, and the repressing of all human passion and pride and paltriness, is still somewhere beyond the horizon of reasonable hope, and nobody expects to see it the ripe product of mere speechmaking and dreaming. From the earliest saints and sage* have given men good advice about the evils of intemperance and anger, improvidence and lust, but we are still in need ol hospitals, and prisons, and workhouses, and penitentiaries, and if there remained for us no bettei sort of efforts than oratory and inditing tracts, we might as well give it up as a bad job, and leave flie human race to work out its destiny, only possessed of physical capacities, and destitute altogether of the moral and the spiritual.

A day's work is belter than a lifetime of talk, and fortunately many of the most hopeful of the Eclectics begin to pursuaded that much more good mav be accomplished directing the appetites, and fn-iiishing them with wholesome diet, than telling people that their desires are wicked, and should be put under moral restraint or corporeal lock and key. Cheap newspapers have solved the problem of how to make the people think for themselves the appetite for news is found to be useful as a means of supplying intellectual food of lasting value, and aiding self-culture among the masse", without the help of Government grants or Exeter Hall meetings. The teetotallers are likely to be superseded by agencies that step in between a man and the drink might covet, and effect a reformation by giving him the very amusement he desires, without any taste of the poison of the bowl or any of the temptations that accompany alcoholic excitements. Working men's clubs are doing wonders for the people for whose good they are especially designed, and there is a promise of similar pood results the establishment poor men's kitchens. must be evident to anyone moderately acquainted with human nature that it is not the love of vice which leads men to drink in the first instance, however the love vice may predominate in the end. It is simply the desire for enjoyment, and the tavern provides a species of enjoyment that is very enjoyable, and that will be participated in so long as there are no other enjoyments equally cheap, acceptable, and accessible.

Lectures, concerts, religious services, and all sorts of schemes have been devised, and all good in their way, but not so generally attractive as to influence large bodies, nor so permanently impressive as to modify the habits and make excesses all kinds obnoxious as they shonld be. All these things have done good in their way, and the teetotallers have played their part bravely, and have a good account to give any day of the blessings that have their labours. But all these agencies are partial. They begin by accepting the conditions imposed Mrs. Glasse on the cook ambitious of excelling in certain department of his art. You must first catch your hare; you must get your folks to come to the meeting before you can hope to reason with them of temperance, and righteousness, and judgment to come. This difficulty has been acknowledged, and to diminish it to the least possible extent all sorts of attractions have been devised — teetotallers have olioirs that sing delightfully, the religious folks have descended occasionally to sensationalism, and the musical people have added tea and crumpets to the attractions of lutes and trumpets. We beg the question as to the attractiveness of social comfort, in a perfectly free-and-easy way. But it does not follow that free-and-easy should be only another name for bad music, ribaldry, and guzzling. What is a downright good family party but a free-and-easy, without a taint of vice, or a temptation to wrong? the people drink wine while they chatter and $iag, what is that to any. body, if they can afford to pay for itf So if you want to see working men in their element, and yet out of danger, let them have the free-and-easy, compounded, not of poison and bagpipes, but of books, pictures, newspapers, chess-boards, opportunities for gossip, discussion, and merry-making, and with something good to eat and drink, while engaged in rest and recreation.

We imagine it is for such purposes as these that working men's clubs have been established. The greatest charm in life is society, the best exhibition in the world is a lot of human faces; if handsome and happy faces all the better; but, anyhow, plenty of faces and unquestionably the faces should be of both sexes, or the affair is onesided and very nearly a sham. Everybody has heard of the movement in Glasgow for providing the working-classes with cheap and good food, and the progress of that movement in London, and in other cities and towns. It is to the working men's clubs movement as Hyperion to a satyr, and we are bound to wish abundant success, and hope to see it spread its benefits far and wide wherever there are stomachs to be filled and narrow purses to pilot provender to its proper destination. The working classes are made of the same stuff as is the rest of mankind. Peers, millionares, middle-class traders, even sectarians and devotees, want recreation, and those who repudiate that impeachment own. to needing bodily sustenance. Has it not often puzzled the reader how a man earning, it may be, pound a week, manges thereupon to keep a wife and twelve young children ? There is one thing certain : the money all goes in bread, and if these people want aught else than bread they must get in debt for it. Twenty shillings will only buy forty loaves at the best of times ; yet, everybody who has attempted devil a kidney or cook a I'nib's heart, knows that it is possible to waste money in bread, and that there are many viands, "holesome and less costly; available to satisfy appetite and nourish the body for people who ) where to get them and how to cook them.

When Mr. Corbett started working men's kitchens Glasgow, it was one of his first objects to introduce wholesome dishes that could be produced at a very low rate, in fact, to turn to useful account some of those ambiguous materials which the world dignifies with the name of offal. We confess that we do not kuow the constitution of a " haggis " or a dish of collops, but we accept the testimony of those whom we know to be judges of such matters that such things are good, and that openly recognizing them, a good dinner may be furnished for a few pence, which will be as enjoyable and as rourishing as one costing a few shillings. Now, why should the children's bread be cast to the Why should we cast out from our markets, " offal, " materials capable furnishing many man with a good meal, who, without such to digestion, must hope for mere bread and ' hing more, or make a change once a-week r -h a joint badly cooked, and vegetables boiled brown. It has often been said that good cookery the beat advocacy of temperance; but well-tort') workmen carry their steaks to the capacious gridiron at the Pig and Whistle, and make one turn deserve another, because there they can, the help of the genius called "potman, " and 1 the society of their companions, and with a good b'i to warm their toes, do better for a meal than 1 home, because their wives worked at trades like themselves till they were married, and then were either lying-in, or had wrong notions of the. . ce of cookery. No doubt there was much >iih this, but there are bachelors as well as edicts among working men, and, married or ; . th e y must eat; and if they can be provided 1 dinners for sixpence each better than can be '> shilling, why, let it be doue; and, instead cookshops that sicken passers-by in sultry ta with the odour of tallow and cinnamon, w. "". . to " cookin depdts for the working Wherever the working classes congre-0 lere 13 fair proportion of hungry and humble passers-by, and there will nerer be lack of business if good food is served in cleanly manner.

Mr. Alexander Burrell has lately visited the cooking depots in Glasgow, and reported thereon the Society of Art, of which he is an active member. In this report, Mr. Burrell makes a very curious comparison, and we commend that to the consideration of philanthropists of all classes. It is to this effect; that convicts are in many in stances better fed than labourers, and in all cases, have enough not only to support life, but to sustain them in full health and vigour, so that when sent away on tickets-of-leave they are in "good fettle " (we believe that the word) for breaking open doorways, cash-boxes, and for the gentle art of midnight garotting. The average cost of a convict's diet is less than 4d. per man. At the Ely House of Correction the charge 3id. each ; at the Salford New Bailey the daily cost of food is 2|d. head; for the whole of England the average cost of each prisoner's diet is 3|d. per day. Now, if vagabonds who scarcely deserve food, and who are fed simply because, for the sake of humanity, we dare not starve them outright, can be kept well at this price, why should not honest men be well fed at the same rate, or a trifle more? It all turns upon how to do it, and that problem is being solved by the establishment of " cooking depots. "

The sooner we see a movement made in the City for the establishment of cooking depots, the sooner we shall believe that the friends of temperance — or, rather, the real philanthropists — are on the alert. Nowhere are workmen's homes, workmen's clubs, and workmen's kitchens more needed. The carpenter and mason are not wanted at the bar of the Bay Tree. The ready-cut joints of cold fowl, and the hot sausages, and rumpsteak puddings, so nicely dished up at a moment notice, like a feast in a pantomime, are not the things to suit men whose secular mission it is to use their bones and sinew 9; and if the fare suited them the prices are beyond their means, and the neat gentlemen who " lunch " at such places do not wish to have their cloth variegated with white marks by contact with chalky fustian. Nowhere in the world is there greater need of all such things as these than in the City of London, where there are daily amongst our well-dressed crowds myriads of hungry and fatigued labourers who want food, and rest, and recreation. Satisfy the natural wants of the body and mind, and there will be little desire for artificial stimulants, or for recreations that have at their core the seeds of moral degradation.

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"[WORKING MEN'S CLUBS]

London City Press — Saturday 18 April 1863

WORKING MEN'S CLUBS,

Under the impulse and guidance of the Working Men's Club and Institute Union, the movement for the formation of clubs and institutes for the industrial classes makes steady progress. Additional clubs are almost daily being estab. lished, and there is a growing desire among the managers of mechanics' institutes to modify their constitution so as to allow of the adoption of the club features. The council of the Union have just issued the firstb of a series of "Occasional Papers" on the formation, progress, and results of working men's clbs, halls, and institutes and in which short statements are given relating to clabs Charlton Marshall, Blandford, Lictlemore, Iffily, Notting Hill Salford, Keensington, Potteriea, Duck Laneo( Vestmnn. stern, and Southampton. These papers are designed to afford practical illustrations and ecouragemlent of the ob. jects and principles of the movement, and to enlist a more general sympathy in the public mind for these useful asso- ciation S.

A most interesting experiment is being tried at the pre. sent time in the vicinity of Soho Square, where a number of men employed in the building trades are heartily engaged in starting a dtub. The rent of a house for the first year has been guaranteedby a member of the council of the Union, and a body of carpenters, plasterers plumbers, &c., are at. tending to the necessary repairs, matmng furniture, &o,, for the club. A subscription has been opened in the locality for the purchase of the wood and the other materials, and the labour is thankfully given by those who are desirous of having such a club in their neighbourhood.

An effort of a similar character, but conducted on a larger scale, was carried to a successful issue recently in Bearborough, where a club has been open during a month or five weeks, and has already attracted 1,250 weekly members, all classes joining in generous rivalry to give lbbonr or At Forest Hill a meeting was held on Monday evening for the purpose of forming a working men's club and insti. tute. The chair was taken by Henry Cole, Esq., and addresses were given by the Rev. Henry Solly and E G. Clarke deputation from the Working Alen's Club and Institute Utnion), J. M. Rare, Eqq., Charles Herbert, Esq., several of the leading local gentry, and a working man, a carpenter.

The building will hold from 800 to 400 persons, and has in connection with it a class room and a basement-floor, suitable for refreshmert and smoking-rooms, and for various recreations. The premises have been taken by V. T. Haynes Esq., for three years, and are given by him, free of cost, for the use of the club. The working men of the district seem disposed to rally round the promoters of the club, and express their satisfaction at the extent to which the management will he left in their hands; and cordial promises of support to the effort are given by several gentlemen and ministers of the neighbourhood.

The fol. lowing resolution was carried by the meeting with great enthusiasm: " That the liberal and advantageous offer of Mr. Haynes to place these premises, under certain con. ditions, at the disposal of the work;ug men of the neigh. bourhood, for the formation of a Working Mlen's Club and Institute, deserves the warm and grateful appreciation of all classes in the ?? proceedings terminated with hearty votes of thanks passed to the deputation frona the council of the Union and to the chairman. Similar progress is reported at about twenty other places in town and country.

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"George Rough's haystack in Streatham burned by 3 children

Weekly Dispatch — Sunday 19 April 1863

LAMBETH. CHARGE OF INCENDIARISM AGAINST CHILDREN.On Monday, George Dymock. aged 10, Henry Sharp, 9, and James Hedgecoek, 9, the children of decent parents, residing at Norwood, were charged with wilfully setting fire to and destroying a haystack, the property of Mr. George Rough, a tradesman residing in Wandsworth- ' common. Police-constable Mathews, 358 P, said that on the preceding evening, about 4 o'clock, he was informed that a stack of hay, the property of Mr. Rough, in a field close to Leighamcourt-road, near Streatham, was on fire, and he hastened to the place as fast as he could. On reaching the spot he found all of the stack in flames, so that it wax impossible to wive l any portion of the property. From inquiries he (witness) was informed that the three prisoners were the persons who set fire to the stack, and he subsequently went in search of them. He first saw Sharp, and on charging him with the offence he said he did it, but that he had the matches from the other boys. He next saw Dymock, and he said his cousin Sharp did it; and Hedgecock said the same; and he took them into custody. Mr. George Rough said the stack of hay was his property, and that, on going to the place next morning, he found nearly the whole of it consumed. The value of the stack was from 7B to kW. Dymock said he tried to put out the fire, but could not. Sharp said his intention was to make a fire in the field of the loose hay, and that the wind carried the sparks to the stack. The three boys were remanded, and Mr. Elliott refused to accept any bail for them.

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West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 25 April 1863

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ALCOHOL IN WORKHOUSES.

To the Editor of "The West Middlesex Advertiser"

Sir. It must be a source of satisfaction to the ratepayers of Chelsea, to learn from your report on a pvevious week that the management of their workhouse like that at Kensington, is so admirable. But to adopt a favorite test of mine referred to the published accounts to see what was the consumption of alcoholic articles in the workhouse. I found that in the year to the 25th March, of last year the cost of beer, wine, and spirits consumed by the inmates was 249 15s., and taking the average number of inmates throughout the year as 490, the average cost per head for man,} womun and child was 10s. 2d. But assuming that only one-third of the inmates would be consumers of these articles it would give 30s., per head annually.

For curiosity sake Ilooked into the published accounts of the Wandsworth board of guardians for the same period,to how much less that rural district, (which includes Putney .Tooting, Streatham, &c.,) expended in stimulants, to my great horror and surprise I found the following charges, for their average number of inmates of 508, housed on Wandsworth common ale and porter 626 2s. 10d., wine and brandy 139 18s., gin 56 14s., tobacco and snuff 63 14s, 6d., total 886 9s. 4d., or 35s., per head for man, woman and child, or taking one-third as the consumers, 5 5s., per year or 2s., a head' per week.

Ifelt inclined to ask you Sir, how to account for it that in a close and therefore more depressed locality like Chelsea a less quantity of artifical stimulant would suffice, than in the salubrious and open situation of the Wandsworth workhouse. The first question that occurred to me, whether the guardians themselves gave "a liftf'to consume some(8000 gallons of beer, and about 22,000 " screws" of tobacco in the year in their workhouse, I could not conceive that to be the case. Then was it, that like Sir J. Jebb, the guardians made " pets" of the pauper lambs" by pampering and quieting them. This also seemed questionable.

The only conclusion I could therefore come to, is this, that in the case of Chelsea, the bull's eye'' of the press penetrates the proceedings of the' board of guardians, as of all the parochial boards. You Sir are not only allowed to report all their proceedings, but have every facility given you of inspecting the workhouse and to catechise the inmates in your character as public journalist whilst as Iunderstand in the Wandsworth union, the press is not allowed footing on the threshold of the board room, much less the opportunity of putting the unfortunate inmates in the "confessional." Yours &c, CONSTANCE.

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West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal- Saturday 25 April 1863

ALCOHOL IN WORKHOUSES. To the Editor of "The West Middlesex Advertiser" Sir. — It must be a source of satisfaction to the ratepayers of Chelsea, to learn from your report on a pvevious week thatthe management of their workhouse like that at Kensington, is so admirable. But to adopt a favorite test,pf mine referred to the pubilshed accounts to see what was the consumption of alcoholic articles in the workhouse. I found that in the year to the 25th March, of last year the cost of beer, wine, and spirits consumed by the inmates was 249 15s., and taking the average number of inmates throughout the year as 490, the average cost per head for man,} womun and child was 10s. 2d. But assuming that only one-third of the inmates would be consumers of these articles it would give 30s., per head annually. For curiosity sake Ilooked into the published accounts of the Wandsworth board of guardians for the same period,to how much less that rural district, (which includes Putney .Tooting, Streatham, &c.,) expended in stimulants, to my great horror and surprise I found the following charges, for their average number of inmates of 508, housed on Wandsworth common — ale and porter 626 2s. 10d., wine and brandy 139 18s., gin 56 14s., tobacco and snuff 63 14s, 6d., total 886 9s. 4d., or 35s., per head for man, woman and child, or taking one-third as the consumers, 5 5s., per year or 2s., a head' per week. Ifelt inclined to ask you Sir, how to account for it that in a close and therefore more depressed locality like Chelsea a less quantity of artifical stimulant would suffice, than in the salubrious and open situation of the Wandsworth workhouse. The first question that occurred to me, whether the guardians themselves gave "a liftf'to consume some(8000 gallons of beer, and about 22,000 " screws" of tobacco in the year in their workhouse, I could not conceive that to be the case. Then was it, that like Sir J. Jebb, the guardians made " pets" of the pauper lambs" by pampering and quieting them. This also seemed questionable. The only conclusion I could therefore come to, is this, that in the case of Chelsea, the bull's eye'' of the press penetrates the proceedings of the' board of guardians, as of all the parochial boards. You Sir are not only allowed to report all their proceedings, but have every facility given you of inspecting the workhouse and to catechise the inmates in your character as public journalist whilst as Iunderstand in the Wandsworth union, the press is not allowed footing on the threshold of the board room, much less the opportunity of putting the unfortunate inmates the "confessional." Yours &c,

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Morning Advertiser — Tuesday 2 June 1863

ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM,

On the question that the house resolve itself into a committee of supply

Mr J. ABEL SMITH rose, pursuant to notice, to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been drawn to the report of the Patriotic und, and the causes of the resignation of the majority of the members of the Ladies' Committee of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, appointed in January, 1862; also to notice the admission of the late Sir George Cornewall Lewis, that a girl of{ sixteen years of age had been flogged in that cstablishtaken out in a year. There were 19,000 or 20,000 publicans | d further that the conduct of thc officials who had in England, and the licences issued did not, in consequence coinm e< this act was condoned by the executive comaverage average two or throe licences per week but the publican the recurrence of such practices. Before putting the question said it was not worth liis while take out two or three he would briefly state the circumstances. The Loyal comiiccnccs a-week for perhaps only small gatherings, and commissioners appointed Royal charter for the management sequent!? many cricket clubs were in danger ol dying out. of the Patriotic Fund applied a portion of the funds which He begged, under those circumstances, to move, as an were furnished by the patriotism and munificence of tns amendment to the clause, to reduce licence -ss. to nation thc establishment of two schoolsone for boys, the crown. other for girls. The girls school was called the Royal The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he did not Viet oria Patriotic Asylum. It was opened in 1809, for a limited think tho hon. gentleman had made out a case. If thc number of inmates, afterwards increased to 208, and it was cricket club mentioned was in danger extinction, how intended, if it had not been already done, to increase the did those cricket clubs get on before there were any occa- number to 300. Thc commissioners devoted a very large sional licences at all 'r The question was upon what prin- and handsome sum to the establishment the school cinlo charges of this kind wore made. Thc change for thc 203,000/., at Wandsworth-common. At this school a girl, annual licence was about 17/. a-year, which was about la. named Bennett, was subjected to military confinement, foe a-dav; and charge for occasional licence os., going over two days, by order thc chaplain, for some act of mr.iborthree days, was Is. Sd. a-day; but the hon. gentleman pro- dination. That is, she was locked for two days, but posed that the occasional licence should only lOd. a-day. allowed to leave the room in order to go to bed. the Mr SEYMER thought the amendment a reason- evening of the second day, about eight clock, a girl able one, and hoped the right hon. gentleman, the Chancel- went to release her for that purpose found her bimit te lor of tho Exchequer, would assent the proposal, because death. She was the daughter of a soldier, but being too oia when there were only small gatherings of people the publican to admitted as pupil she was taken as servant, tcougn could not afford pay so high a price for a licence. he believed without any wages. She was servant, anduot Sir JOHN SHELLEY said he had been a cricketer all his pupil, and believed the chaplain had more right life and he never knew case where they were not supplied subject her t< confinement than he had a right to shut up with beer It was illegal to supply it without a licence, but member of that house. He thought it right to say that the it was done. lady superintendent had nothing do with this lamente Mr. D. GRIFFITH considered it his duty to support tbc able transaction. A committee of ladies had been apamendment, to which hoped thc right hon. gentleman pointed to assist the management of the school, and would agree. alter some inquiry they found that there had been Mr. HENLEY thought it would wise in the right hon. mismanagement and irregularity. It appeared that "cntleman to reduce thc -is. licence, which revenue about years of age, had been flogged with birch, undec would get something, whereas by keeping up thc high licence the direction of thc chaplain ; and that thieving and thev miehtget nothing.(Laughter.) People would have sorts of dishonesty prevailed throughout the establishment, beer, and not all thc Chancellors of the Exchequer in thc and that nothing of what had been going on had cornworld would prevent them. (Laughter.) Where there was municatcd to thc executive committee. On one occasion it a gathering in a small village there might not be more than was found that two young girls had been sent to Lonhalf a barrel of beer consumed at os., and that would he a don alone, by Captain Fishbournc, the hon. secretary. Oirifl heavy tax upon tho article. , , school were frequently allowed to go about the tewn Mr. HUNT suggested that thc case might be met thc with servants without being under proper control, xqo&b right gentleman consenting to thc tax being half a ladies also found that the conduct of the girls who had crown a-day, which arrangement, if the gatherings quitted tho asylum hud been far from satisfactory. Having should extend to three days, he would get 7a. Gd. instead of reported to the executive committee that the institution had half a crown. been entirely mismanaged, that the chaplain had exceeded The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he con- powers, that his punishment tho girls was severe eidered the suggestion of thc hon. gentleman very good revolting, and that the lady superintendent did not P<9 one, and, perhaps, the best way would be to allow the sufficient judgment. They made some suggestions clause to stand over until a future day. were adopted in modified form ; but the execuave com- Mr. HUNT thought tho better way would be to re-commit mittee positively refused to dismiss the chaplain urn tho bill on future day in order to insert the amended lady superintendent, of whose conduct the committee ox clause. ladies complained. It appeared to him that excellent rca- CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER assented. sons were afforded for removing Captain Iishhournc from The amendment was then withdrawn, and tho clause was his place. He occupied a singular and anomalous position, agreed to. He was called honorary secretary, but he received a salary The CHANCELLOR the EXCHEQUER moved thc of 700/. a-year. The decision of tne executive committee insertion of clau.se enable thc Commissioners of Taxes not to discharge him and the chaplain was contirmea tm in any county hold their meetings within adjoining commissioners. After that decision the ladies comm_ county or other place of jurisdiction. reconsidered thc matter, and seven them resigned. y Thc clause was agreed to. agreed to a resolution that, being powerless for _' The CHANCELLOR of tho EXCHEQUER .aid had thought it hotter to retire than responsible for coarca other clauses to propose. The Income-tax Acts provided of proceeding of which they could not approve, . that the income tax should not be deducted from dividends Chester, who also had taken great interest in the . in the funds where a dividend was under oos. That pro- resigned his position as chairman of the commissi vision was well adapted to the state of the law with incomes assigning as his reason that the executive committee less than 100/. a-year; hut when they adopted the prin- come to a unanimous vote eanctionmg punislmentwi ciple of stock certificates the rule was entirely altered, and cane at thc uncontrolled discretion of thcschoojn oven the largest holders funds would receive their dividends The hon. member concluded by repeating the question oi i small amounts. He, therefore, proposed clause autho- which given nonce. _. _ rising a deduction in the income tax on all amounts received The Marquis of HAITINGTON -aid the manage Stock certificate the Patriotic Fund was in no way whatever under the coagreed to trol of the War Department, and as thc Secretary for War Mr. HUNT said he had a clause to propose which he be- had power to interfere with the management of the lieved would remedy what was omission in the act of fund, it would to hold for last session. clause which he begged propose would what had been done the mstitution referred to. fine, exempt from stamp duty the instruments of appointments of however, any responsibility matter fie surveyors of highways, and thc securities given by them, had .had his attention directed to it, he tbougfit He considered that such exemption would just, and the right hon gentleman opposite (Sir J Iakington% fiO that it ought to be agreed to in principle and in precedent, was one of the Royal commissioners, would give the hon. The tax was virtually a new one, and at the time; was en- gentleman in a more satisfactory manner the information acted no such appointments existed under the Highway Act. which he sought, Ha found that in the new Poor Law Act clauae wa. reteo- Sir J. PAKCTOTON, one the Royal Commissonc duced which every kind instrument for carrying the 1 atnqtio Pond, .aid had some reason complamM out the law from stamp duty, and why should not such the manner which the hon. member for Chicherter imd provision be embodied in the Highway ActHe found also put Ms question the paper. Ho did not thmk the hon. that in South Highway Art it was crpreeel, dc- intended anything unfair, but the toms ol

p3

or per tentage urKn car' l iK'fwtK'n J. i'Uu>K- _iooiooo;, m.tm. in addition ti thi., the non wk tvt.Tml to. but the were scattered over various parts 1.-mdon, and great loss expense, and inconvcuionoe arose those who had fc . m..'l d.MpUno do thorn. pere'QS. could not K_ . ti sin'ct Mr. said that, practically, the estimate barely b m January. ll, in- that last ear. The reason why tho items which 1 death the verdict accidental made up tho sum 20, for maintenance and request was hold, and the should have pairs public offices were n.>t given in detail was. that they (Uth. Th _," "im won! of , won. . numorou. that their boil, carried out in detail rseted satisfied with t . — private com- w.'uld have caused great expt'nso and. after all, have thrown w .ub S a .Hear.) vury l.ttle Ihjht to, 1,700 iloma Bjonications the budj . _ v;, r-feronco to of surveys and problematical estimates were included .mmJmit com- the total, there war thi, that the sotl events that and ho much by taking lump sum they were enabled one Bjjttee. dUft-nnces oiiinion ; item was in excess in tho estimate make tho surplus isaretted that tnen wen, . , v * theo dil- apply any item whore the cost had been under-estimated, theladies ladu-s without coming to tho house. was surprised to fawnce? led to the r. accepted tho trust that hear on objection. The total cost tho supply water constitutingthe coranmwe. > _ the public offices was .1,000/.surely not too much. As to was reposed in them, and in the institution the for pumps, pipes, and engines, that was now quire into the manner appointed in the month , item. His attention had been called the very defective were carried on. Those lauies 1 . fir ran aments for dealing with tires should they occur in the of Jantury last year, and they 1 uses rarliament in any the adjacent offices in those meeting* was that . . ti j 0 , Whitehall. It was proposed to take advantage tho immised inquire into the wnoto . * inquired measely increased power which steam conferred upon tirocollecte very great engines, and to render the Government independent of a supjily into all the , l|nliut te o from any tho water companies' mams, by propointed out.(Hear. . . K.un.l sav that, viding for complete and abundant supply of water from tho their I.TIW galUm. mmuto thrown tho Uont . U.e ob)to of J l Korofon OlSoo when orootod, and would courre which thought. '.. 0 , 1n1111U ,.,. thu* they higher than any other, now existence. Iteeides, Urge . commumcatien t' _ committee unless they (tho i tanks would placed the roof. With respect to tho prooreutire ceramitfe,.'' censent.il dismis. the lady .uporin- r-Ml that tho public offloj. when in public buildings should lustitutien. Now that was most emhumisung pay rent, it would vutually carry back to very ob- SmioriuMtc ami placed tho esocutivo in , system, to remedy which the separation ol the McSt ntuatien. Htbmed the house would not suppose , of woods and the olhco of works had some years boon hesitated as curse which they ought to ! upon of woods roccired nll per- not "dismiss the lady superintendent without revenues trail the Crown property. Ihe of CSig any evidence she could bring forward. It was in works had such permanent revenue to deal with. But tkfmJnth March that tho ladies' committee called 1 property which they rented from woods thoir"ttcntien to tl.o matter, and it was not until the would, if let to other persons, produce rental It was MIV that they cave their decision; and they passed therefore, only a matter account, while, under present That the committee having carefully considered system, abuses were prevented from creeping in. hoped, and communications that have been submitted | therefore, that his hen friend wimld net press hit motion them, in respect certain punishments reported l-onl J MANNtUb said that though the question Muted -iris in the Koy.d Victoria Patriotic School, which had been raised was important ono, it was not new but disapprove of and regret the conduct tho the House of fommons. A predecessor right hen. superintendent and the chaplain some instances: gontlcman, when olhco, for somewhere over md- Wn tho pt'culior circumstancs under which bon money to purobaa sito for tho metaou public tto'svstem the schoolhad carried on. the committee ethccs. But the took fright the proposal, and tho or inion th:it a tecurrence of those irregularities matter fell through. No doubt it would pay tho long be prevented without having recourse to the dismissal , run but tho difficulty would be to got bouse to agree to the lady superintendent.'* That resolution was unani- , such a vote. asked some explanation m reference to the usly passed by Lord Colchester. General Lindsay, If. Burlmgrijn House. What was to be done with John Colonel Adair, the Rev. Mr. Cooke, one of t The present Government had abandoned the projects i her Majesty inspectors schooU. and Captain Fishbourne. j their for fcupymg IThose six gentlemen concurred without a single dissentient , b.VI.OMoNS asked what waa _ voice in that resolution. the May another meet- 10,900/. for rents, taxes, donations m lieu theret-f. ing was convened, and that occasion nine members Mr. COWTKK explained that in looses the Government i the committee were present, comprising Lord Colchester, Iwere often bound to pay rates and taxes, and where the pro- General Lindsay, Colonel Adair. Sir John the perty belonged to the Crown, they often made donations Rev. Mr. CV-oke, Captain Pishbourne, Sir Henry Alexander equivalent to what they would have paid had tho buildings Spearman, Mr. T. Paring, Sir Richard Curling, and Colonel been rated. As to Burlington Rouse, ho was not prepared Lefrey ; and those members heard the minutes of tho make any explanation at that moment. Some offices were previous meeting read, unanimously agreed it. They had necessarily in certain localities; as, for instance, tho Seamen's come to that decision after grave consideration the evi- Registry, which must at tho Kostcnd ; but hoped that dence, and never knew any body of men more unaui- i in few years there would be such additions the public tnous. The next step was meeting to consider the present- j offices as would render much tho expense now incurred for of the report to tho Royal Commissioners, and at hiring offices unnecessary. j that meeting Earl Grey expressed himself not satisded, i Mr. W. asked for some explanation as to tho | and moved a resolution the effect that the committee 000/. for the officers of the Copyhold Commission. should have dismissed the lady superintendent and tho chap- thought they had little nothing to do, and that it was lain and that resolution was supported two of the com- quite time this item should got rid of. missioned, namely, by I-ord Nelson and laird St. Leonards, Mr. said it was quite mistake to suppose that while all the rest of members present, amounting to Copyhold Commissioners hud nothing to do. They bad seven, voted for it. The executive committee had been re- a great deal important work to do, but there was not constructed, and the Eov. Mr. Woolley, who was one of the timo to into the question. They could not turned out Commissioners of Government Schools, was one its mom- of doors, and the building they occupied was not too largo bera. The establishment had boon much improved, and for their work. although the ladies* committee had pledged themselves to Lord JOHN MANNERS said if tho lion, gentleman resign before the executive committee commenced their in- j wanted to have asked a question about the Copyhold Comquiry, could not help believing that even tho ladies them- missioners. should have asked why the office was filled up reives' would more pleased tho result that had been again other day, when ono tho commissioners died, arrived at than otherwise. He had himself visited tho (Hear, and laughter.) — " school, and seeing birch rod bunch of cane in the room. Colonel BAUTTELOT asked meaning of "donations, inquired what it was, and ascertaining, ordered its !

Mr. COWI'ER explained that, where uot liable for rates, use discontinued, and it was not now used. assured Government sometimes made donations lieu rates, the house that everything that could done had been done. which were mostly the exact amount at which, if they and that to hia satisfaction, without making victims two ! had been liable, they would have been rated, persons. Hoar.) j

Mr. A. SMITH withdrew amendment, and tho vote Mr. KINN'AIRJ) thought the explanations that had been was agreed to. given by tho right hon. baronet would give great satisfac- B.B o complete the sum necessary for furniture for tion hear.) He felt that his hon. friend below him , public offices. had done good service in bringing the question forward, and Mr. WILLIAM WILLIAMS called attention to the item that he was entitled to thanks for having done so. He (Mr. of 0,464/. for the department of science and art in tho South thought that the use of cane should never Kensington Museum, and objected it. allowed in the girls' school. (Hear.)

Mr. AUGUSTUS SMITH also objected to the item, and Mr. BRISCOE was much pleased on hearing from the said that it was only sly way of getting or 0,000/. right hon baronet that the use the cane in the girls' more than would otherwise granted, school was prohibited. thought it would be weU if the Mr. COWPER said that the expenditure on furniture was committee ladies would superintend the establishment of very carefully watched, and what was here asked was only the trirls* school, and it would, in his opinion, be well if they what was really wanted to enable public make were to meet once a-month at least. Ho agreed that his proper use tho museum, hon. friend who brought forward the subject of the present After some discussion. motion was entitled to thanks.-(Hoar, hear.)

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Morning Advertiser — Tuesday 2 June 1863

ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM,

On the question that thc house resolve itself into a committee of suppl

Mr J. ABEL SMITH rose, pursuant to notice, to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been drawn to the report of the Patriotic und, and the causes of the resignation of the majority of the members of the Ladies' Committee of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, appointed in January, 1862; also to notice the admission of the late Sir George Cornewall Lewis, that a girl of{ sixteen years of age had been flogged in that cstablishtaken out in a year. There were 19,000 or 20,000 publicans | d further that the conduct of thc officials who had in England, and the licences issued did not, in consequence coinm e< this act was condoned by the executive comaverage average two or throe licences per week but the publican the recurrence of such practices. Before putting the question said it was not worth liis while take out two or three he would briefly state the circumstances. The Loyal comiiccnccs a-week for perhaps only small gatherings, and conmissioners appointed Royal charter for the management sequent!? many cricket clubs were in danger of dying out. of the Patriotic Fund applied a portion of the funds which He begged, under those circumstances, to move, as an were furnished by the patriotism and munificence of tns amendment to the clause, to reduce licencess. to nation thc establishment of two schools — one for boys, the crown. other for girls. The girls school was called the Royal

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he did not Viet oria Patriotic Asylum. It was opened in 1809, for a limited think the hon. gentleman had made out a case. If thc number of inmates, afterwards increased to 208, and it was cricket club mentioned was in danger extinction, how intended, if it had not been already done, to increase the did those cricket clubs get on before there were any occanumber to 300. Thc commissioners devoted a very large sional licences at all 'r The question was upon what prinand handsome sum to the establishment the school- cinlo charges of this kind wore made. Thc change for thc 203,000/., at Wandsworth-common. At this school a girl, annual licence was about 17/. a-year, which was about la. named Bennett, was subjected to military confinement, foe a-dav; and charge for occasional licence os., going over two days, by order thc chaplain, for some act of mr.iborthree days, was Is. Sd. a-day; but the hon. gentleman prodination. That is, she was locked for two days, but posed that the occasional licence should only lOd. a-day. allowed to leave the room in order to go to bed. the Mr SEYMER thought the amendment a reasonevening of the second day, about eight clock, a girl able one, and hoped the right hon. gentleman, the Chancelwent to release her for that purpose found her bimit te for of the Exchequer, would assent the proposal, because death. She was the daughter of a soldier, but being too oia when there were only small gatherings of people the publican to admitted as pupil she was taken as servant, tcougn could not afford pay so high a price for a licence. he believed without any wages. She was servant, anduot Sir JOHN SHELLEY said he had been a cricketer all his pupil, and believed the chaplain had more right life and he never knew case where they were not supplied subject her t< confinement than he had a right to shut up with beer It was illegal to supply it without a licence, but member of that house. He thought it right to say that the it was done. lady superintendent had nothing do with this lamente Mr. D. GRIFFITH considered it his duty to support tbc able transaction. A committee of ladies had been apamendment, to which hoped thc right hon. gentleman pointed to assist the management of the school, and would agree. alter some inquiry they found that there had been Mr. HENLEY thought it would wise in the right hon. mismanagement and irregularity. It appeared that "cntleman to reduce thcis. licence, which revenue about years of age, had been flogged with birch, undec would get something, whereas by keeping up thc high licence the direction of thc chaplain; and that thieving and thev miehtget nothing. — (Laughter.) People would have sorts of dishonesty prevailed throughout the establishment, beer, and not all thc Chancellors of the Exchequer in thc and that nothing of what had been going on had cornworld would prevent them. — (Laughter.) Where there was municatcd to thc executive committee. On one occasion it a gathering in a small village there might not be more than was found that two young girls had been sent to Lonhalf a barrel of beer consumed at os., and that would he a don alone, by Captain Fishbournc, the hon. secretary. Oirifl heavy tax upon the article., , school were frequently allowed to go about the tewn Mr. HUNT suggested that thc case might be met thc with servants without being under proper control, xqo&b right gentleman consenting to thc tax being half a ladies also found that the conduct of the girls who had crown a-day, which arrangement, if the gatherings quitted the asylum hud been far from satisfactory. Having should extend to three days, he would get 7a. Gd. instead of reported to the executive committee that the institution had half a crown. been entirely mismanaged, that the chaplain had exceeded The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he conpowers, that his punishment the girls was severe eidered the suggestion of thc hon. gentleman very good revolting, and that the lady superintendent did not P<9 one, and, perhaps, the best way would be to allow the sufficient judgment. They made some suggestions clause to stand over until a future day. were adopted in modified form; but the execuave comMr. HUNT thought the better way would be to re-commit mittee positively refused to dismiss the chaplain urn the bill on future day in order to insert the amended lady superintendent, of whose conduct the committee ox clause. ladies complained. It appeared to him that excellent rcaCHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER assented. sons were afforded for removing Captain Iishhournc from The amendment was then withdrawn, and the clause was his place. He occupied a singular and anomalous position, agreed to. He was called honorary secretary, but he received a salary The CHANCELLOR the EXCHEQUER moved thc of 700/. a-year. The decision of tne executive committee insertion of clau.se enable thc Commissioners of Taxes not to discharge him and the chaplain was contirmea tm in any county hold their meetings within adjoining commissioners. After that decision the ladies comm_ county or other place of jurisdiction. reconsidered thc matter, and seven them resigned. y Thc clause was agreed to. agreed to a resolution that, being powerless for _-' The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER .aid had thought it hotter to retire than responsible for coarca other clauses to propose. The Income-tax Acts provided of proceeding of which they could not approve, .- that the income tax should not be deducted from dividends Chester, who also had taken great interest in the . in the funds where a dividend was under oos. That proresigned his position as chairman of the commissi vision was well adapted to the state of the law with incomes assigning as his reason that the executive committee less than 100/. a-year; hut when they adopted the princome to a unanimous vote eanctionmg punislmentwi ciple of stock certificates the rule was entirely altered, and cane at thc uncontrolled discretion of thcschoojn oven the largest holders funds would receive their dividends The hon. member concluded by repeating the question oi i small amounts. He, therefore, proposed clause authowhich given nonce. _. _ rising a deduction in the income tax on all amounts received The Marquis of HAITINGTONaid the manage Stock certificate the Patriotic Fund was in no way whatever under the coagreed to trol of the War Department, and as thc Secretary for War Mr. HUNT said he had a clause to propose which he behad power to interfere with the management of the lieved would remedy what was omission in the act of fund, it would to hold for last session. clause which he begged propose would what had been done the mstitution referred to. fine, exempt from stamp duty the instruments of appointments of however, any responsibility matter fie surveyors of highways, and thc securities given by them, had .had his attention directed to it, he tbougfit He considered that such exemption would just, and the right hon gentleman opposite (Sir J Iakington% -fiO that it ought to be agreed to in principle and in precedent, was one of the Royal commissioners, would give the hon. The tax was virtually a new one, and at the time-; was engentleman in a more satisfactory manner the information acted no such appointments existed under the Highway Act. which he sought, Ha found that in the new Poor Law Act clauae wa. reteoSir J. PAKCTOTON, one the Royal Commisonc duced which every kind instrument for carrying the 1 atnqtio Pond, .aid had some reason complamM out the law from stamp duty, and why should not such the manner which the hon. member for Chicherter imd provision be embodied in the Highway ActHe found also put Ms question the paper. Ho did not thmk the hon. that in South Highway Art it was crpreeel, dcintended anything unfair, but the toms ol

p3

or per tentage urKn car' l iK'fwtK'n J. i'Uu>K_iooiooo;, m.tm. in addition ti thi., the non wk tvt.Tml to. but the were scattered over various parts 1.-mdon, and great loss expense, and inconvcuionoe arose those who had fc . m..'l d.MpUno do thorn. pere'QS. could not K_ . ti sin'ct Mr. said that, practically, the estimate barely b m January. ll, inthat last ear. The reason why the items which 1 death the verdict accidental made up the sum 20, for maintenance and request was hold, and the should have pairs public offices were n.>t given in detail was. that they (Uth. Th _, " "im won! of, won. -. numorou. that their boil, carried out in detail rseted satisfied with t . — - private comw.'uld have caused great expt'nso and. after all, have thrown w .ub S a .Hear.) vury l.ttle Ihjht to, 1, 700 iloma Bjonications the budj . _ v;, r-feronco to of surveys and problematical estimates were included .mmJmit comthe total, there war thi, that the sotl events that and ho much by taking lump sum they were enabled one Bjjttee. dUft-nnces oiiinion; item was in excess in the estimate make the surplus isaretted that tnen wen, ., v — theo dilapply any item whore the cost had been under-estimated, theladies ladu-s without coming to the house. was surprised to fawnce? led to the r. accepted the trust that hear on objection. The total cost the supply water constitutingthe coranmwe. > _ the public offices was .1,000/. — surely not too much. As to was reposed in them, and in the institution the for pumps, pipes, and engines, that was now quire into the manner appointed in the month, item. His attention had been called the very defective were carried on. Those lauies 1 . fir ran aments for dealing with tires should they occur in the of Jantury last year, and they 1 uses rarliament in any the adjacent offices in those meeting- was that . . ti j 0, Whitehall. It was proposed to take advantage the immised inquire into the wnoto . — inquired measely increased power which steam conferred upon tirocollecte very great -r engines, and to render the Government independent of a supjily into all the, l|nliut te o from any the water companies' mams, by propointed out. — (Hear . . . K.un.l sav that, viding for complete and abundant supply of water from the their I.TIW galUm. mmuto thrown the Uont . U.e ob)to of J l Korofon OlSoo when orootod, and would courre which thought. '.. 0, 1n1111U, ., . thu- they higher than any other, now existence. Iteeides, Urge . commumcatien t' _ committee unless they (tho i tanks would placed the roof. With respect to the prooreutire ceramitfe, .'' censent.il dismis. the lady .uporinr-Ml that the public offloj. when in public buildings should lustitutien. Now that was most emhumisung pay rent, it would vutually carry back to very obSmioriuMtc and placed the esocutivo in, system, to remedy which the separation of the McSt ntuatien. Htbmed the house would not suppose, of woods and the olhco of works had some years boon hesitated as curse which they ought to! upon of woods roccired nll pernot "dismiss the lady superintendent without revenues trail the Crown property. Ihe of CSig any evidence she could bring forward. It was in works had such permanent revenue to deal with. But tkfmJnth March that the ladies' committee called 1 property which they rented from woods thoir"ttcntien to tl.o matter, and it was not until the would, if let to other persons, produce rental It was MIV that they cave their decision; and they passed therefore, only a matter account, while, under present That the committee having carefully considered system, abuses were prevented from creeping in. hoped, and communications that have been submitted | therefore, that his hen friend wimld net press hit motion them, in respect certain punishments reported l-onl J MANNtUb said that though the question Mutediris in the Koy.d Victoria Patriotic School, which had been raised was important ono, it was not new but disapprove of and regret the conduct the the House of fommons. A predecessor right hen. superintendent and the chaplain some instances: gontlcman, when olhco, for somewhere over mdWn the pt'culior circumstancs under which bon money to purobaa sito for the metaou public tto'svstem the schoolhad carried on. the committee ethccs. But the took fright the proposal, and the or inion th:it a tecurrence of those irregularities matter fell through. No doubt it would pay the long be prevented without having recourse to the dismissal, run but the difficulty would be to got bouse to agree to the lady superintendent.'- That resolution was unani, such a vote. asked some explanation m reference to the usly passed by Lord Colchester. General Lindsay, If. Burlmgrijn House. What was to be done with John Colonel Adair, the Rev. Mr. Cooke, one of -t The present Government had abandoned the projects i her Majesty inspectors schooU. and Captain Fishbourne. j their for fcupymg IThose six gentlemen concurred without a single dissentient, b.VI.OMoNS asked what was _ voice in that resolution. the May another meet10, 900/. for — rents, taxes, donations m lieu theret-f.ing was convened, and that occasion nine members Mr. COWTKK explained that in looses the Government i the committee were present, comprising Lord Colchester, Iwere often bound to pay rates and taxes, and where the proGeneral Lindsay, Colonel Adair. Sir John the perty belonged to the Crown, they often made donations Rev. Mr. CV-oke, Captain Pishbourne, Sir Henry Alexander equivalent to what they would have paid had the buildings Spearman, Mr. T. Paring, Sir Richard Curling, and Colonel been rated. As to Burlington Rouse, ho was not prepared Lefrey; and those members heard the minutes of the make any explanation at that moment. Some offices were previous meeting read, unanimously agreed it. They had necessarily in certain localities; as, for instance, the Seamen's come to that decision after grave consideration the eviRegistry, which must at the Kostcnd; but hoped that dence, and never knew any body of men more unauii in few years there would be such additions the public tnous. The next step was meeting to consider the presentj offices as would render much the expense now incurred for of the report to the Royal Commissioners, and at hiring offices unnecessary. j that meeting Earl Grey expressed himself not satisded, i Mr. W. asked for some explanation as to the | and moved a resolution the effect that the committee 000/. for the officers of the Copyhold Commission. should have dismissed the lady superintendent and the chapthought they had little nothing to do, and that it was lain and that resolution was supported two of the comquite time this item should got rid of. missioned, namely, by I-ord Nelson and laird St. Leonards, Mr. said it was quite mistake to suppose that while all the rest of members present, amounting to Copyhold Commissioners hud nothing to do. They had seven, voted for it. The executive committee had been rea great deal important work to do, but there was not constructed, and the Eov. Mr. Woolley, who was one of the timo to into the question. They could not turned out Commissioners of Government Schools, was one its momof doors, and the building they occupied was not too largo bera. The establishment had boon much improved, and for their work. although the ladies- committee had pledged themselves to Lord JOHN MANNERS said if the lion, gentleman resign before the executive committee commenced their inj wanted to have asked a question about the Copyhold Comquiry, could not help believing that even the ladies themmissioners. should have asked why the office was filled up reives' would more pleased the result that had been again other day, when ono the commissioners died, arrived at than otherwise. He had himself visited the (Hear, and laughter.) — " school, and seeing birch rod bunch of cane in the room. Colonel BAUTTELOT asked meaning of "donations, inquired what it was, and ascertaining, ordered its! Mr. COWI'ER explained that, where uot liable for rates, use discontinued, and it was not now used. assured Government sometimes made donations lieu rates, the house that everything that could done had been done. which were mostly the exact amount at which, if they and that to' hs satisfaction, without making victims two! had been liable, they would have been rated, persons. — Hoar.) j Mr. A. SMITH withdrew amendment, and the vote Mr. KINN'AIRJ) thought the explanations that had been was agreed to. given by the right hon. baronet would give great satisfacB.B . to complete the sum necessary for furniture for tion hear.) He felt that his hon. friend below him, public offices. had done good service in bringing the question forward, and Mr. WILLIAM WILLIAMS called attention to the item that he was entitled to thanks for having done so. He (Mr. of 0, 464/. for the department of science and art in the South thought that the use of cane should never Kensington Museum, and objected it. allowed in the girls' school. — (Hear.) Mr. AUGUSTUS SMITH also objected to the item, and Mr. BRISCOE was much pleased on hearing from the said that it was only sly way of getting or 0,000/. right hon baronet that the use the cane in the girls' more than would otherwise granted, school was prohibited. thought it would be weU if the Mr. COWPER said that the expenditure on furniture was committee ladies would superintend the establishment of very carefully watched, and what was here asked was only the trirls- school, and it would, in his opinion, be well if they what was really wanted to enable public make were to meet once a-month at least. Ho agreed that his proper use the museum, hon. friend who brought forward the subject of the present After some discussion. motion was entitled to thanks.-(Hoar, hear.)

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"ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM

House Of Commons, Monday, June 1.

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 1863

Publication: The Times (London, England)Issue: 24574

[8]

The case of the girl Bennett

On the question that the speaker leave the chair to go into committee of supply,

Mr J.A. Smith said he rose to ask the question of which he had given notice, and which he postponed on Thursday, believing it to be the wish of the right hon baronet the member for Droitwich that he should do so. The Royal commissioners appointed by Royal

[9]

ible to offer their explanation eqnaujpnbEely.The questioin alludes in very prominent terms-to the flogging,iathe hon. member call it, of a girl of 16. The hon. gentleman has justtdtthatsuewasnot16. She ws a &irlin her 16th year, and for an act of insubordination she was punished with a birch rod. I do not either in myown name or in that of the committee for is moment vindicate that proceeding. (Hear, hear.) The executive committee entirely disapproved of it, and have taken such precauions as wilt most effectually prevent the recurrence of sny such punishment.. Iwill go further, and state that we have ascertained that in the early days of this establishment there were several things done, and several practices adopted, of which we aro equally una!ble to approve. At the same time, although it is not my duty to caist blame upon parties who are not before this House Isin bound to state that for the irreg~ularities to which IS have adverted there are parties who are more to bTame than either the lady superintoadent or the chaplain. The lady superintendent is the daughter of a verv distinguished naval officer, and a lady of the highest character.a The chaplain is a most highly respectable clergyman of the Chmrch of England asnd oath these persons are, as I am sure the House will admit, entitled to the strictest justiceat the hands of those who have to judge of their conduct. The hoc. gentleman has fallen into a mistake in saying that the management of this school is under the executve committee In the first instance that was in some respects the case, bui the executive committee aftervards apnoiuted a sub-commnittee of their body, called the house committee, to undertake that duty, and as a was not a member of that body, Ionly speak of what occurred at this early peiod from hearsay. Ialso oughlt to have said that this whipping of the girl took place in the month of January, 18i61, and in Januarv, 1862, oceurred the death by fire of another pupiL I hope Ineed iot assure the Houso that the executive committee and every one counected with the establishment, heard of that melancholy event with the feelings of sorrow which it was calculated to inspire; but I do think that the hon. gentleman has made a most extraordinary statement this eveninag The coroner's jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death, " and Ibe-, leve that lo verdict was over more thoroughly justified by the facts; but the hon. gentleman has told us that ho has made it his duty to hold private communication with the jurymen who sat upon that inquiry, and that he has ascertained from them that they were dissatisfiedwith the wholo of the proceedings. rthink that Imay venture to say that I am dissatisfied with the proceeding of the hon. gentleman. Inever heard of & more irregular proceeding bear, hear), and I hopa that the rouse will not allow its judgment to be influenced by the private conversation between the hou. member for Chichester and the jurymen, who, whatever feelings they may have entertained about the proceedings did not record them in the verdict which they found. (Hear, hear.) I am sure that my hon. friend is the last man to say that in a discussion in this House we can listen to any opinion of ajury except as it is recorded in the verdict returned by the jury upon the case into which they have to inquire. But what else aidthe hon. gentleman tell us? If thero isanyparticular object in his question, it is to censure the executive committee for what he called "condoning" the officials, viz., the lady superintendent and the chaplain — and he has told us, in speaking of this melancholy event, that when it occurredehe ladysuperitendent was far away from the building, and that her two sc'nooTmistresseswho were in fault were dismissed. Under these circumstances I was surprised to hear him eadeavour to swell his charge either against the officials, as he calls them, or against the executive committee by alluding to this melancholy event of which I have givQn to the Houm an explanation whieh I think must be considered quite satisfactory, The hon. gentleman is quite correct in saying that the sad event led to the appointment of a committee of ladies T am very sorry to be obliged to admit the fact to which the hon. member has also adverted, that a great difference of opinion arose between those ladies and the executive conmmittee, and was carried to such an extent that seven out of the13ladies resigned their positions outho comniittee. No one is more sensible than I am of the excellent and most benevolent motives with which those ladies undertook their duties; and further, I am quite willing to admit that they discharged those duties with considerable ability and acuteness. 'hey accepted the trust reposed in them, and the finst thing they did was to assemble at the institution and carry on a diligent inquiry into the modo in which its operations were conducted. If Iremember rightly, they were appointed last year late in January orin the beginningof February, and inthe monthof February they held two meetings, which resulted in a report, not to the house committee, but to the executive committee, which promised to institute a searching invesyigation into every complaint made by the ladies' committee. The hon. gentleman opposite admitted that the executive committes did correct by far the greater number of pointso

bjected to by the-ladies' committee, and thosecorrections were amply acknowledged by them. But I deeply regret to say thatexcellentandrunquestionable as were the motives of these ladies, they adopted a course at the commencement of the investigation by the executive committee which was injudicious and unfortunate. The majority of the ladies forwardeda communication stating thattheywould notcontinue to act unless wO dismissed from their situations the Ltdy superintendent and the chaplain. The House will see that the executive committee was thereby placed in a most painful and embarrassing position. We had two alternatives before us, either to dismiss this highly respectable lady and clergyman frorn their situations, because the ladies' committee told us to do so on pain of losing their services, or, on the other hand, to go judicially into an investigation of the conduct of thlese twvo persons and to come to such a conolusion as our sense of justice might think fit. I hope the House will not suppose that the executive committee hesitated which course to adopt. (Hear.) Our investigation of the circumstances occupied a considerable time, although no pains were spared to arrive at a just and a promrt conclusion. In March we received an intimation forom the ladies that they would insist on the dismissal of these officers, and on the 9th of May the executivocommittee adopted this resolution:, " Resolved,That the committee, having carefuly considered the coasmnmicatlons and evidence which have been submitted to them, with respect to the managpement of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, and certain punishments which have been infficted, disapprove and regret the conduct of the lady superintendlent and the chaplain in somie instances. But considering the peculiarcircumstances under which the schools have been carried on in the absence of regular supervi3ion, excepting that of the senior honorary secretary of the Royal Commission, the commnittee are of opinion that a recun-ence of these faults may be prevented by improved regulations and proper inspection, and that taerefore it is not necessary to proceed to the extreme measure of nov calling upon either the lady superintendent or chaplain to resign their situations.", That resolation was passed without a dissentient 'voice by the executive committee, and Iwvill beg leave to read the names of the gentlemen by wvhom it was adopted:-Lord Colchester, in the chair, General Lindsay, Sir J. Paldngton, Colonel Adair, Rev. F. C. Coolk, and Captain Fishbourne. On the 2Sth of 3May another meeting of the executive committee vas held, and was more fully attended, nine gentlemen being present on that occasion. These were Lord Colchester, as before, in the chair, Sir J. Pakington, General Lindsay, Sir Alexander Spearinanu, 3r. T. Baring, M.P., Sir Richard Kirby, Captain Fishbourne, Colonel Adair, and Colonel Lefroy. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and although my name stands as one upon the list of gentlemen I have Pamed, I think Imay appeal without presumption to the House whether thoso are names likely to como lightly or rashly to a decision. We did so after grave consideration and full discussion of the evidence, and Inever saw any body of gentlenien moro unanimously persuaded of the Justice of the course they took. The next step was to present a report embracing these, proceedings to theRoyal Commissiouers, and at a meeting of that body Earl Grey, who was not satisfied vith the decision of the executive conimitteo or the report to which they had agreed, moved a resolution in a con-rary sense, declaring that the lady superintendent and chaplain ought to be dismissed. That resolution was fuUy considered by the Royal Commissioners preseut, only t, vo of whlom supported it, a majority of seven voting for itsreection. My hon. and ca'danstfriend the member for North Lancashireaccidentallyleftthe room, and was not present at the division, hut came in immediately after-, sards, and expressed his great regret that ho was not in time to record his vote wvith the majoriiy. Therefore I think I am fairly at liberty to say that eight to three of the Royal CommissiOnerS were in favour of the unanimous decision of the executive committee. the two Commissioners who supported Earl Grey's view were Lord Nelson and Lord St. Leonard's. The opinion of Lord St. Leonaril's Ineed not say is entitled to great weight, but his daughter being a mamber of the ladies' committee, he entertaied a very warm opinion on the matter. However, themr was a meeting of the Royal Comnmissioners about 10 dtys or a fortnightago, which Lord St. Leonard's attended, and in the most frank spirit lie declared that having passed several hours on the previous day in looking over the establishment at Wandsworth, be felt bound, after the part he took the year before, to state that he had never seen greater imiprovements effected in the time, or a public institution in a more satisfactory condition. (Hear, hear.) It only remains for me nowv to answer the Lhtter part of the question of the hon. gentleman. lean assure him that we have endeavoured to take everypossible precaution to prevent the recurrence of any of the features wbich we felt bound to disapprovo in connexion with the institution. Instead of leaving the care of the asylum to a sub-committee, the two committees, are now ifentical, and the supervision devolves upon .the whole execative committee. That committee has bereconstituted, and amongother additions Imav mention that it now includes the name of the Rev. Dr. NWoolley, inspector of Government schools under the Admiralty, and also that of the Chaplain to the Forces. (Hear, hear.) We have established regular monthly meetings at the asylum, at which all the proceedings are investigated by the committee; and lately we haveone a step further and organized inspection, week after week, by individual, members of the committee. (Hear, hear.) The ladies' committee had unfortunately pledged themselves to resign before the decision of the executive committee had been taken, and thereby cut the ground from under them, and were obliged to, carry out thei. intention. He believed, however, thateven these ladies would rejoice to hear that the management of the institutionwas now placed on a satisfactory basis, and that this had been done without inflicting injustice on two most respectable individuals. The hon. member considered the resignation of Lord Colchester a grave matter, and said that the masters and mistresses now would have the po er of usintg the cane at their uncontrolled discretion. Tlas was not the fact; teltre was a punihsonent book, in which all punishments were entered. The committee adopted a resolution that corporal punishment might be inflicted to the extent of giving three stripes on .the hand with a cane, and. Lord Colchester thereupon resigned. Last year when the executive committee wero investigating these matters, and were, engaged in drawing up a new code of rules, they made it their duty to visit three or four of the great pnblic establishments in the neighbolurhood of the methopolis in whiclh children of both sexes wrere brought utp. Thley found that the use of the cane to a limited extent was considered necessary in these schools. In visiting one of these asylums the first thing that attracted his atteation in the board room was the, regulations permitting the infiction of this corporal panish., tnent with the cane. When the House, remembered theclassof children in these establishments, e nd thenecessity of prtsersing disdplin, they would, he thought, consider that the committee had not acted very far wrong in borrowing this regulation from the large schools near London. "He trasted he-had satisfied the lion, member tnati the report of the Madies' committee had received respectful atteunion. The whole establishment, had been put on a newr footing, and that had been done without making a victim of two persons who did not deserve it. The executive committee considered it to be their duty to look to the future rather than to the past. They did not shrink from the responsibility of what they had done, and were perfectly wiinu; tosubmit to any inquiry which Parliament might think It necessary to institute. (Hear, hear), Mr. EINAIRiD said that the explanation of the right hon. gentleman would give great satisfaction after the reports that had been current. The lato Secretary of Stste for War had told him that the report of the Committee of the Patriotin Asylum would be laid before Parliament, but it had notyet beenpresented. [Sir J. Pakington.-"Itwill be laidon the tableto-night, "] At presentno one knew whether the committee were responsible to Parliament or not. An institution containing 30 girls certainly required a ladies' committee., Sir T. P?AKIGTOLT said that only seven out of 13 of the indies' committee resigned. The asylum had never ceased to be superintended by ladies., Mr. KINNAIRI) was sorry that the right bon. gentleman had justified the use-of the Cane in the girls' school, as he believed that other punishments rmight bea found, and that it was undesirable to give the mistress the power of infiiCting personal chastisement upon some unfortunate girl in a moment of anger., Mr. BPIISCOE was glad that his hon. friend (Mr. J. A. Smith) had brought this subject under the notice of the House. Hebelieved he understood the-right hon. gentleman to say that the use of the bireh iwas entirely discDntinued. [Sir J. Paldngton.-" Yes."] He could not think it Tight that the secretary to the asylunm should have the power of sending two girls to be mesmerizad, as had been tdone., M hr. CORRY said that a medical officerof experience i now attended the asylum daily, and no cases were treated, except under his direction., The motion was then agreed to, and the House went into Committee of Supply., On the vote of .30, 8431. to complete the charge for maintenance and repairs of Royal palaces, , Mr. AUGUSTUS SMITH said the vote wYas not arranged qntoe as persp1cuonusy as could be desired. For instance, they jumped fror Windsor to Pimnnco, and from that to Richmond or HLampton Court. It was also a question whether the large sums expended on furniture should Sot have come out of the privy purse. Some few years ago it was said that the savinos in the Civil List arounted to several thousands a year, which w, ere paid into the privy purse. If that was so, it was not fair to make those additional char">es. He wanted to know why the ornamental gates which~ had been removed from Ham pton Conrt to lKensington had not been restored to their place alt H ampton Court., SirJ, . SHELLEY said he thoughttheosystemofsuper vision of the Offico of Works with regard to sapplying the furniture of the palaces was exceUent., Mr. AUGUSTUS SMITH said he did not object to the vote on that score, but what he wvanted to know was why the matter was put under two or three different heads., Sir M. PETO called the attention of the noble viscount and the right bhon. gentleman (Mr. CoDwper) to the total iuadequacy of the arrangements for the reception of Her MIajesty's subjects at St. James's Palace on State occasions. He trusted the noble lord would turn his attention to this matter., Mr. COWPER said the hon. member for T;, .ro complinned of the system upon which the accounts were arranged, but he thought it was a very clear and intelligible one. The whole was arranged under three headfirst, as related, to palaces in the personal occupation of Her Majesty; secondly, to palaces in partial occupation, such aS St. James's; and, thirdUy, to the palaces which were not in any respect occupied by Her Majesty. With regard to the furnishin"of the first, the expense wvasprovided by the Lord Cbam'6erlini, but the expense for the furnishing of St. James's Palace, as far as related to the State rooms, came out of the vote before the Committee, andthat was the case also with respect to the palaces under the third head. With respect to the ornamental railing which had been at Hampton Court, it was so damaged from long exposure to the weather that it was thought weitnot to leave it any longer in the open air. The managers of the South Kensington MEuseum thoug-ht that the money would be well spent in restoring the railing, and they did restore it. It was a most beautiful specimen of iron workmanship, and was a great additionto theindustria1museum; but it could not be again placed in the open air without injury., The vote was then agreed to., On the vote of 82, 7511. to complete the sum for maintenance and repairs of public buildings, supply of water, &c.s, Mr. WILLIAMS'said there were items of 3,0001., 4,0001., and 3, 1001., or upwards of 10,0007, alto"ether, for supply of water to both Houses of Parliament, to otier publiobuildings, and to the fountains of Trafalgar-square. That was a very heavybcharge for a thing which ought have been amply provided for many years ago. He also wished to know what was meant by proposina houses and furniture for the forification department in this vote., Mr. COWPERWaid thatthe War Depaftmentin Pall-mall woS not large enough to afford accommodation for the drawing of the fortification plans, and it had been necessary to hire a house for the purpose., Mr. CHILDERS rose to call attention to the totally inadequate supervision at present exercised over the public works and buildings in which the Government were interested. If the present age were an age of engineering, as ithad been described by an hon. member, it was certainly rather extraordinary that Parliament should have so singularly neglected to make some adequate provision for the supervision of our great public works and buildings. Considering the enormous staff which this country had at its command a few years ago, it must be notorious to everr one that we were rapidly losing ground, as to our public works and buildinas, in comparison with continental nations. He did not wish that we should servilely copy the arrangements of foreign nations, but something must speedilybedone, foritwas impossible to go on with the present insufficient arrangements, which in a.few years hence would probably place us under the necessity of resorting to a change, perhaps, of soniewhat a revolutionary character. The very position of the President of the Board of Works WaS a sufficient indication of the unsatisfactory nature of our arrangements. To him seemed to be assi"ned the general superintendence of public works, but hi'energies were principally devoted to the supervision of the casual erection of one or two great works in the metropolis, to look after the public parks, and to see that the futrniture of the public offices was properly purchased and properly accounted for. What might be called the genersl en"ineering superintendence of our publio works was divided between two or three different departments. Harbour works, for instance, were supervised by the Treasurymilitary works, of course, , by the War Department; and the Board of Trade had the supervision of the railway works. In fact, the functions of supervision were so confused and scattered among different departmuents tint it was impossible they could be efficiently and economically exercised. He hoped that before long some member of the House would take up the subject, and would enforce the necessity of a change. He had no wvish servilely to copv the arrangements of our neighbours, but if the supervision of the cvil buildings (for military works must of course be excepted) were concentrated under one departinent, and if that department were charged with the functions now exercised by five or six, great inconvenience and many blunders would be avoided., Lord PALMERSTON.-The proposal of my hon. friend, I am afraid, would involve a more material change in our system than is congenial to our constitutionalarrangements. It is quite true that in France and other countries the Government execises great control over all works, whether private or public, but that is not a proposition wvhich would he in accordance with the feesings of this country or with the general arrangements which prevail her. do not admit what my hon. friend starts with, that we are behind other countries in architectural develop. meat. If anybody wiU go to Liverpool, to Leeds, to Man. chester, or to other great towns, he wil see buildings of the most beautiful description, erected, not under the control of the Government, but by persons employed bv the municipalities of the towns themselves. (Hear, hear.) Build.ings which are realy an honour to the country and are quite eq, ual in beauty to anything on the continent. Myhon. friend I am sure cannot mean that a department of the Government should supervise and direct the municipal corporations and the publc buildings of the towns., Mr. CHILDERS.- Iconfined my remarks to the publio buildings of the Government., Lord PALMERSTON.-There are very few public buildings connected with the Government, and they are under the supervision of my right hon. friend the First Commissioner of Works. It is quite clear that different public works require different supervision. You would not put the same man to supervise the erection of a barrack whom you would put to supervise a post-office or a harbour. There must be different kinds of supervision, and I do not believe thatyou woul find any arran"ement different from that which now exists which wouldIs compatible with our Constitution. (Hear.), M1r. AUGUST'US SMITH thought there was a great want of consistency of plan in our public workcs, as well as of regularity in the way in which theywere conducted. He objected to the first item in this vote of 25,0001 as " the sum that will be 1, required for the maintenance and repair of public offices, anm char-ges attendlant thereon." Some explanation shouild be given of this. The last item in the vote was 1s3, 512I. for Scotland, whereas last year's estimate was only 10.8901. This made it the more necessary that details should be given. He observed that the charge made for rent where public propertywas occupied appeared to be growing, although the country was, in his opinion, as vell entitled as the Crown to the use of that property rent free. The, might as well charge rent on thepalaces or parls. A ground.rent of upwards of 1,000ws paid on the Geological Museum in Jermyn-street. Again, a su of money baa been voted to purchase land for pubhc offices, and it had actually been psid to the WVoods and FRorests. He moved the reduc. tionof the vote by the susm of 7, O00t, MAr. BRISCOE thought details should be given, otherwise comparisons could not fairlybo made one year with another. Looking to some of the ether stems, he asked was it necessary to expend 4.0001. on pipes and engines every year7 With regard to this miserable fountains je Trafalgar-squnre, be thought it wrould be much better to have them filled with azaleas and other beautiful plants, than continue the objects of public derision, , Sir IL PETO observed that the amount paid last year for the rent of public oEfices was 24,0007.; this year the estimate was 20, 35Si. This represented little short of a millioji of nioney capitalized. He hopedl the' right hon. gentleman would, during the recess, consult some architect who was competent to deal with the ouestior. having special rcgard, to the fact, tbnt at present'7rnany.E the public offices were so tistnut from e2ch other hat it " as much s any man, having occasion to go to several of them; could acCODplish in the course of a mornig.', ldr. COWfPER slaid the apparenlt intcrease of 3, 2591. over lastyearwas iowingnto certain re-vot f4chitwas ecessary to takeof moneys nexpended on the 31st of March last, auD which had, according to rule, to be re'aid into the Exchequer. Therefore, the vote of this year did not realy exceed that of last year. The sum of 20, 41J. for repairs in publio offices was nor given in detail, because it was made up of many hundreds.of separate items which would have greatly swelled the budlk of the printed Estimates The subsequent items wre. for buildings, wich did not como under the category of public offices. He was surprised to hear complaint made of thersum spent for the supply of watertothe Eouses of Parliament and other pub, lic buildings, &c. The suc required for the ordinary supply was 3,000!. a year-a lessamor, ntby800! than that for which it could beobtained from the companies besides which. the water wvas the only really pure water in Iondon. There was another item of 4, 00DI. for engine, pumps, and pipes to provide a proper supply in case of fire, the meanus previously available for that purposebeingdeemedin sufficient. This wasinthenature of a first charge. not a recurring expense, and wonld lie a very prudent and economical outlay. Pipes would be laid down which would bring the water from the Serpentine at any momentwhen it was required, and the steamn engine would be of sufficient power to raise it to the level of the tanks on the top of the Houses of Parliament, the new Foreign-office, the India-office, and the other public buildinus in that vicinity. The motion of the hon. member for Truro, with a view to preventanyrentheing paidby the Ofcce of Works to the Office of Woods went entirely in the wrong direction. the great advantage of the Act of 1851 was that none of the moneys of the landrevenue could be spent on objects the cost of which ought to be defrayed out of the votes of Parliamnent. But theeffectof thehon. gentleman's proposal would be that the revenues from the hereditary land3 of the Crown would be spent instead of the funds voted by Parliament, and that the old abuses which the present arraDgement was intended to repress would be revived. For example, before the houso now used as. a Geological Museum in Jermyn-street was so occupiedit might gave been let to private parties, and great confusion of accounts would arise from depriving the Laud Revenue of th6 rent it would otherwise receive from letting the property to private individuals merely because it happened for the time being to be occupieEffor a publicpurpose. The Office of Woods received all the proceecs it could obtaia from land beneficially used, and of which it was the trustee. TheOffice of WYorks received noi money from any land, its only receipts being the casual sums derived from grazing in the Parks, and that seemed a much more accurate division of the functions of the two offices than the hon. gentleiiianrecommended. The hon. member asked whether it was not right that a public use should be made of some of these houses. There was no objection to that, except that the matter vws one of mere account, and it-woulclavoid confusion if such a course were not adopted. le hoped the hon. gentlemian would not go to a division., Lord J. 3MANNERS said the hon. baronet the member for Finsbury had raised an important question, but it was not altogether new to that Honse. When Lord Lhanover was at the Office of WVorks he broached a great scheme for, purchasing a large tract of land in the immediate vicinity of the Houses of Parliament as a site for public offices, at all expense of considernbly over a million sterling, but the House took fright at the magnitude of the proposal, and it was dropped. (Heir, hear.) He was afraid that, although the execution of such a giantic scheme might be atser and more economical in the end than the existing arrangement, the House would be again appalled at its proportions. The various departments were, nodoubt, in an unsatisfactory state; but it should be recolected that many of the offices were temporary in their nature, and it was hardly worth while to go to great expense in purchasing sites and erecting stately buildings upon them. He observed a small item for Burlington-house. What did the Government pro-, se to do with that building and the ground attached to it? The late Government had a scheme for devotin" Butlin"ton-house to important. public purposes, but wAten Lord Derb7 left office that scheme was knocked on the head, and Burhngton-house still remained almost unoccupied. He wished to know whether any additional use was to be made of it., Mr. Alderman SALOMONS asked for an explanation of the enormous item of 10, 9001. for rates and taxes, or donations in heu thereof, and insurance., Mr. COWPER replied, that in cases of leases the Government were often bound to pay rates and taxes. They were not so bound by law in the case of Crown property, but they were in the habit of giviug donations in lu of rates and taxes. He might mention that only a small portion of the 26,000!. was spent for Government offices, prop3rly so called, considerable sums being given for such houses as law offlces and courts, museums, the NTational Portrait Gallery, and the Seamuen's Registry. About 1.2, 0O0l. or 13, 0ool was the amountpaidoenaccount of officeswhich might be accommodated in one large building. Ho did not Contemplate any such grand scheme as that to which the noble lord oppositehadalluded; but he boped that in the course of a few years something would be 'done with the sites which had been purchased for public offices. The site in Downing-street, for example, might probably have an office built upon it as soon as the Foreign-office was completed. He was not prepared at present to make any statement with respect to Barlington-house., Mr. WILLIAMS reminded the right hon. gentleman that he had not explained the necessity for baving three copyhold commissioners in a house rented at 900!. a year., Mfr. COWPEP. said that more work had been thrown upon the commissiouersbv several Acts of Parliament. The comnmissioners had a great deal of business to do, and the building they now occupied was not too large for them. It was necessary that they should be lodged somewhere., Lord J. MANTERS thought it would have been more to the point if the hon. member had asked the head of the Government why, when one of the commissioners died sometime ago, the vacant office was filled up., Mr. AUGUSTUS S TIITH withdrew his amendment, ancd The vote was agreed to., On the vote of 18, 879!. for furniture of public offlces, , Mr. AUGUSTUS SMITH moved the reduction of the vote by 6, 4641., the ameount charged for the Science and Art Department. This sum, he said, was not really wanted for furniture, which formed the subject of a separate item, but for fittings. It was, in short, a sly way of getting a few thousands more under the head of furniture., Mr. CO WPER said that the Science and Art Department would only he too glad to he allowed to determine their own fittings and furniture. He assured the comniittee that the items had been carefully examinesl, and that the fittings and furnishings in question were really necessary in order that t"

"[CHARLOTTE BENNETT]

CATHERINE BENNETT & CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Bedfordshire Mercury — Saturday 13 June 1863

ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.

If it had not been from the very formal manner in which this subject was introduced to the attention of the House of Commons by Mr. J. A. Smith, and the delicate way in which Sir J. Packington was compelled to admit the soft impeachment, it would have been scarcely possible for us to believe that the rod was used at any of our public educational establishments as a means of correction; and the disclosures which have now been made in reference to the treatment of offenders, at the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, are of that revolting nature, that will compel many of our readers to question the efficiency and competency of those parties entrusted with its management.

According to the statement of Mr. Smith, it appears that on one occasion a girl named Bennett, for some act of insubordination, had been subjected, by the express directions of the chaplain, to two days' solitarv confinement, being released at night for the purpose of going to bed, but on the second day when her food was being conveyed to her, she was found to be burnt to death. On another occasion, also by the express order of the chaplain, a girl of sixteen years of age was flogged in that establishment, with a birch [and in] additon to these things, it was found that a general system of theft and dishonesty' pervaded the establishment, and the consequence was that the Executive Committee appointed a Ladies' Committee for the purpose of enquiring into the case, management, and direction of the School.

That Committee met, and having thoroughly investigated all matters, came to the conclusion, that the state of moral discipline in the school was most unfortunate, and in their report, insisted upon the dismissal of the Lady Superintendent and the Chaplain, who had sanctioned and earned out such disgraceful proceedings as flogging girls of sixteen years of age. The Executive Committee, in considering the report of the Ladies Committee, adopted many of their valuable suggestions, but refused to dismiss the officials complained of — in fact their offences were condoned, and the blame was shifted from their shoulders to Captain Fishbourne, who claims the merit of hon. secretary, with a salary of 700 a year.

The contemptuous manner in which the Ladies' report was received by the Executive Committee, gave great offence — as well it might — to those who had devoted so many patient hours to arrive at a just conclusion, and seven out of the thirteen members of the Ladies' Committee felt it incumbent upon themselves to resign. The next step was to present a report, embracing these proceedings to a meeting of the Royal Commission, at which Earl Grey and Lord St. Leonards disapproved of the decision, at which the Executive Committee had arrived, and moved the dismissal of the Chaplain and Lady Superintendent, but were outvoted by majority of eight, and Lord Colchester, has since resigned his position as Chairman of the Executive Committee, in consequence of a unanimous vote of that Committee sanctioning punishment with the cane the school mistress, at her uncontrolled discretion. These were the matters brought before the House, and Sir J. Packington who holds seat in the Executive Committee, though he strove hard to explain them a way, and shift them from the Chaplain and the Lady Superintendent, was obliged to admit that the whole statement was true. The Chaplain had ordered one girl to solitary confinement and another girl of sixteen years to be indecently flogged with a rod; the Ladies' Committee had investigated these cases, found them strictly true, and insisted upon the dismissal of the offenders. The Executive Committee, however, condoned the offences, and throw their shield of protection over the Chaplain, seven of the Ladies' Committee resign, 'and subsequently Lord Colchester, on the persistence of the Executive Committee to retain the system of corporal punishment.

Were the Patriotic Asylum a private institution, there would not wanting pens to denounce the attempt to revive the rod and the cane in girls schools; but as a public educational institute, founded by public generosity, and intended to send out into the world women of moral character, it becomes the duty of the journalist to denounce in the severest terms the degrading discipline pursued at the Victoria Asylum. To birch girls, or rather young women, on the bare person, may do for a Haynau or in Austria but is disgusting to our enlightened notions of morals and of decency; and we unhesitatingly say, that the clergyman who could order such a revolting punishment is not only morally unfit to hold his situation at the Asylum, but ought no longer to be considered qualified to wear his gown as a minister. If this be the way he would correct little acts of insubordination, we would give him very little credit for the morals of his pupils. In insisting upon his dismissal, the Ladies Committee acted as became their sex; and finding their request was not listened to, they could not with any sense of delicacy or refinement hold als in the Committee; and we feel pained to think that Sir J. Packington, who has ever been regarded as educational philanthropist, should have allowed himself to so deceit ed and blinded as to plead the cause of a chaplain guilty of such shocking depravity. But these disclosures will not have been revealed in vain and have no doubt the Press and public will take the matter with earnestness.

[BNA: Link.]

"CATHERINE BENNETT & CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Bedfordshire Mercury — Saturday 13 June 1863

ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.

If it had not been from the very formal manner in which this subject was introduced to the attention of the House of Commons by Mr. J. A. Smith, and the delicate way in which Sir J. Packington was compelled to admit the soft impeachment, it would have been scarcely possible for us to believe that the rod was used at any of our public educational establishments as a means of correction; and the disclosures which have now been made in reference to the treatment of offenders, at the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, are of that revolting nature, that will compel many of our readers to question the efficiency and competency of those parties entrusted with its management.

According to the statement of Mr. Smith, it appears that on one occasion a girl named Bennett, for some act of insubordination, had been subjected, by the express directions of the chaplain, to two days' solitarv confinement, being released at night for the purpose of going to bed, but on the second day when her food was being conveyed to her, BliDfMftSiHWidto be burnt to death. On tmbtHflilil&Sasion, also the express order of sixteeil y ? * e iathat establishment, with a birch to these things, it was found that a general system of theft and dishonesty' penaded the establishment, and the consequence was that the Executive Committee appointed a Ladies' Committee for the purpose of enquiring into the case, management, and direction of the School. That Committee met, and having thoroughly investigated all matters, came to the conclusion, that the state of moral discipline in the school was most unfortunate, and in their report, insisted upon the dismissal of the Lady Superintendent and the Chaplain, who had sanctioned and earned out such disgraceful proceedings as flogging girls of sixteen years of age. The Executive Committee, in considering the report of the Ladies Committee, adopted many of their valuable suggestions, but refused to dismiss the officials complained of — in fact their offences were condoned, and the blame was shifted from their shoulders to Captain Fishbourne, who claims the merit of hon. secretary, with a salary of 700 a year. The contemptuous manner in which the Ladies' report was received by the Executive Committee, gave great offence — as well it might — to those who had devoted so many patient hours to arrive at a just conclusion, and seven out of the thirteen members of the Ladies' Committee felt it incumbent upon themselves to resign. The next step was to present a report, embracing these proceedings to a meeting of the Royal Commission, at which Earl Grey and Lord St. Leonards disapproved of the decision, at which the Executive Committee had arrived, and moved the dismissal of the Chaplain and Lady Superintendent, but were outvoted by majority of eight, and Lord Colchester, has since resigned his position as Chairman of the Executive Committee, in consequence of a unanimous vote of that Committee sanctioning punishment with the cane the school mistress, at her uncontrolled discretion. These were the matters brought before the House, and Sir J. Packington who holds seat in the Executive Committee, though he strove hard to explain them a way, and shift them from the Chaplain and the Lady Superintendent, was obliged to admit that the whole statement was true. The Chaplain had ordered one girl to solitary confinement and another girl of sixteen years to be indecently flogged with a rod; the Ladies' Committee had investigated these cases, found them strictly true, and insisted upon the dismissal of the offenders. The Executive Committee, however, condoned the offences, and throw their shield of protection over the Chaplain, seven of the Ladies' Committee resign, 'and subsequently Lord Colchester, on the persistence of the Executive Committee to retain the system of corporal punishment. Were the Patriotic Asylum private institution, there would not wanting pens to denounce the attempt to revive the rod and the canc in girls schools; but as a public educational institute, founded by public generosity, and intended to send out into the world women of moral character, it becomes the duty of the journalist to denounce in the severest terms the degrading discipline pursued at the Victoria Asylum. To birch girls, or rather young women, on the bare person, may do for a Haynau or in Austria but is disgusting to our enlightened notions of morals and of decency; and we unhesitatingly say, that the clergyman who could order such a revolting punishment is not only morally unfit to hold his situation at the Asylum, but ought no longer to be considered qualified to wear his gown as a minister. If this be the way he would correct little acts of insubordination, we would give him very little credit for the morals of his pupils. In insisting upon his dismissal, the Ladies Committee acted as became their sex; and finding their request was not listened to, they could not with any sense of delicacy or refinement hold als in the Committee; and we feel pained to think that Sir J. Packington, who has ever been regarded as educational philanthropist, should have allowed himself to so deceit ed and blinded as to plead the cause of a chaplain guilty of such shocking depravity. But these disclosures will not have been revealed in vain and have no doubt the Press and public will take the matter with earnestness.

[BNA: Link.]

"CHANCERY — DU CANE — KEMP-V-NUNN-NUNN-V-KEMP-1863-1890s

In Chancery: "Kemp v. Nunn,'' " Nunn v. Kemp." — Valuable Freehold and long Leasehold Building Land, Residential Estates, Ground Rents, Dwelling-houses, and Shops, with land tax, as to the principal part, redeemed.- Upper Tooting, Streatham, and Balham.

FRANCIS FULLER, the person appointed by the Judge, to whose Court the above causes are attached will SELL, by AUCTION, at the Mart, opposite the Bank of England, on MONDAY, the 31st day of August, 1863, at twelve for one o'clock, pursuant to an Order of the High Court of Chancery, made in the said causes, with the approbation of the said judge.

Several Valuable FREEHOLD and LEASEHOLD ESTATES in thirty lots, comprising an important building estate remarkably well situate at Upper Tooting, and admirably adapted for the erection of family mansions and first-class villa residences, possessing excellent frontages to the high road from London to Tooting, and from Tooting to Wandsworth, beautifully ornamented with timber, having gravelly sub-soil and within easy access byroad and rail of all parts of the metropolis, six freehold Dwelling-houses four with shops, situate at Upper Tooting.

Desirable Freehold and part Leasehold Family Residence, pleasure grounds and gardens, known as the Hawthorns, situate at Upper Tooting, on lease at a rental of tltitf pt annum.

A very beautiful Residential Estate, known as The Willows, situate at Balham, within a few minutes' walk of the station: comprising residence and park-like pleasure grounds the whole containing upwards of 13 acres, and let on lease at £150 per annum.

[WAS THIS WHERE THE FUTURE DU CANE COURT WILL BE BUILT?]

Certain well-secured Ground Rents, amounting to £45 per annum, arising out of two remarkably well-built villa residences.

Desirable Family Residence, known as The Boundary, with pleasure grounds and gardens of four aces beautifully situate close to Wandsworth-common and within a few minutes walk of Balham Station, let on lease at a ground rent of £55 per annum, with early reversion to the rack rent estimated at £100 per annum.

The well-known Nursery dwelling-house. gardens, and out-buildings, close to the Balham station. Two well-secured Ground Rents of £9 each arising out of two excellently-built family residences, and pleasure grounds and gardens, situate at Balham-hill, with early reversion to the rack rents, estimated at £80 each. Semi-detached Villa Residence, pleasure grounds and gardens, let on lease with early reversion to the rack rent, estimated at £100 per annum.

Five well-built Family Residences (one with shop), and garden ground attached, the whole forming Balham-place and numbered 1 to 5 respectively, directly facing the high road from London to Tooting, and let on lease at ground rents producing £35 per annum, with early reversion to the rack rents estimated at £130 per annum.

Desirable semi-detached Family Residence, with lawn and pleasure grounds overlooking the high road from London to Tooting and within a few minutes' walk of the Balham Station, let'?? ground rents producing am per annum, with eariy re version to the rack rent, estimated it -I'o nJ

A Remarkably beautiful Residential Estate known as Fernside, pleasantly situate, overlooking Wandsworth common and within a few minutes' walk of the Balham and Wandsworth stations, comprising family mansion, park-like pleasure grounds, ornamental lake, and flower gardens, the whole encircled with terrace walks and shrubberies, and 'containing upwards of 12 acres, on lease, expiring Lady-day, 1899, at £79 17s per annum, with reversion to the rack rent, estimated at £350 per annum.

Five well-built family residences, pleasure -3? -3 and outbuildings, beautifully situate, overlooking Wandsworth common; the whole producing £230 per annum." with early reversion to the rack rents, estimated at ib00 per annum

Particulars and conditions are ready, and may be had of Messrs. Palmer, Nettleship, and Eland, solicitor, i Tn, aigir yaru, FX, of Messrs. Lamb, Brooks, and challis, solicitors Basingstoke . of Messrs. Johnson and Weather alls, solicitors kings-bench- walk. Temple, E.C.;at the Railway Hotel, o^l site the Balham station; the White Lion. Streatham the Greyhound, Croydon; the Wheatsheaf. Tooting; the Swan Stock wel;of Fuller and Withall, architects and surveyors V 0 n larl:ainent-street. Westminster: at the Mart: and of the am-' tioneer, Francis Fuller. 10, CornhiU, E.C. Dulwich-common, Surrey.

["rack rent" seems to mean the full annual market rent — as opposed to the lower rent currently prevailing? i.e. and therefore attractive to capitalists?]

___

TO FOLLOW UP?

I wonder what the case and counter-case was all about?

Cause number: 1861 K2. Short title: Kemp v Nunn. Documents: Bill only. Plaintiffs: . . .

Reference: C 16/31/K2

Cause number: 1861 K2.

Short title: Kemp v Nunn.

Plaintiffs: John Young Kemp, John Simpson and John Edward Bovill.

Defendants: Henry William Nunn, William Henry Nunn, Selena Bovill spinster, Benjamin Stevens Bovill and Emily Rose Bovill his wife, Edward I'anson, William Bovill, John Robert Bell, Maria Elizabeth Clarke widow, Robert John Clarke, Stephenson Clarke, Harvey William Clarke, James Strachan Clarke, Arthur Clarke, Maria Jane Clarke spinster, Edward Dawn, Rose Ann Dawn his wife, George Sewell, Constantine Post Forrester, Solodovinkoff Matveieff and Mary Emily Matveieff his wife, George Goss Frederick Alexander Matveieff, Revd Thomas Harvey, Emily Jane Harvey his wife, Thomas Harvey the younger Heathfield Smith, Henry Gordon Harvey, Spencer Philip Harvey and Emily Clare Harvey spinster.

Amendments: Amended by order 1898. Plaintiffs: Mervyn Henry Nunn, Charles Fryer and Ethel Mary Fryer and Alice I sabel Nunns.

Provincial solicitor employed in Hampshire.

[BNA: discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7873055

[BNA: vlex.co.uk/vid/kemp-v-the-west-804095793

Kemp v The West End of London and Crystal Palace Railway Company

" KEMP V. WEST END OF LONDON 1K. & J. 682. were the lessees of a valuable leasehold estate at Balham, Surrey, which was held by the Plaintiffs under several leases thereof,: granted by Peter Du Cane the elder and Peter Du Cane the younger, for two several terms, making together a term of eighty years. On the 10th of May 1854 the Defendants gave to the Plaintiffs the usual notice to treat for the purchase of the lands and hereditaments described in the schedule to such notice, which was as follows :- " The Schedule referred to in the within notice. " All those pieces or parcels of land, buildings and hereditaments situate in the parish of St. Leonard, Streatham, in the county of Surrey, containing by measurement five acr" 1863 8

"NEEDS EDIT

Morning Advertiser — Tuesday 11 August 1863

CONVEYING A WOMAN NAKED THROUGH THE STREETS

Cecilia Utley, stout, able-bodied young woman, with her face and arras much sun-burnt, who was dressed in workhouse clothing, was placed in the dock before Mr. Dayman to answer two charges.

Police-constable Lane, 128 V, said about nine o'clock on Saturday night he was on duty in Five-house-lane [soon to be renamed Bolingbroke Grove], Wandsworth-common, when he saw the prisoner, who was drunk, and using obscene language to females as they passed. He persuaded her to away, but she refused, and last he was compelled take her into custody.

He then had a difficulty to take her to the station. She told him that if took her it should be without any clothes.

He obtained the use of a cart, into which she was placed, and she then divested herself of every particle of clothing, and tore them to pieces. He was compelled to drag the cart, with assistance, and the prisoner in a state of nudity, to the station, distance of three miles. During the way she was so violent that he was obliged to tie her hands.

The constable further stated that the prisoner had been convicted seven or eight times since Christmas.

Inspector Abrook informed his worship that the prisoner had only been liberated a few days from the Wandsworth House of Correction [i.e Wandsworth Prison, which had a separate female building at this time] after imprisonment of two months.

George Hall, coachman to Mr. Lambert, of Five-house-lane, said the prisoner was using obscene language about five yards from their gate. He asked her to get up and go away, but she refused, and going to pull her away, she repeated the disgusting language, and kicked him two or three times in a dangerous part of his body.

The prisoner, on being asked whether she had any questions to put the witnesses, commenced laughing and replied, " Iwill say nothing. I had better leave it alone."

Mr. Dayman told her that she appeared not to have taken warning by the previous convictions. He must now make the punishment more severe. He sentenced her to be imprisoned for two months with hard labour for the assault, and at the expiration of that time ordered her to find one surety for her good behaviour for six months.

The prisoner said, "Thank you, Sir," and left the court quietly, much to the surprise of the officers.

[BNA: Link.]
"

"Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper — Sunday 20 September 1863

THE ENCLOSURE QUESTION

The annual cricket match of the tradesmen sE Wandsworth took place on Tuesday, on the cricket ground, Wandsworth-common, after which dinner, was provided at Mr. Finch's, the County Arms, when there was a large attendance of the inhabitants it having been announced that on this occasion would be taken into consideration what steps should be adopted to prevent the threatened enclosure of the cricketing-ground. The chair was taken by h. Smith, and the vice-chair by Mr. Frost.

Mr. M'Kellar [PB: McKellar — but presumably not the Wandsworth Lodge McKellar] read a memorial proposed to be presented to Earl Spencer; who is the lord of the manor deprecating any further encroachment on the common, and particularly on the cricket-ground.

Mr. Frost, after alluding to the interests in the out-door games of the people manifested by her Majesty and the late illustrious Prince Consort, and referring to ?? Russell's observations on the opening of Baxter-park, Dundee; on the advantages of out-door recreation, complained that the ground on Wandsworth Common was being gradually appropriated to the use of proprietary bodies. l our aares had been attached to the station of the Crystal-palace line, and the Patriotic Fund school had acquired a large portion, and had stopped up a footpath, compelling passengers to go a considerable distance round.

However, the inhabitants would cheerfully put up with this last mentioned encroachment if it stood alone, for they were glad of anything that could promote so laudable an object. But it was now intended to dispose, on building leases, of the portion of the common where, at a considerable expense to the parishioners, a cricket ground had been levelled and maintained. There was no other spot in the neighbourhood available for cricket.

The memorial was adopted, a committee appointed and a vote of thanks accorded to Mr. Buckmaster who had obtained more than 300 signatures to it.

[BNA: Link.]

"Westmorland Gazette — Saturday 3 October 1863

The American Water-weed. — In answer to your leading article(see p. 889), inviting communications on the Anacharis, Ibeg to give you our experience. Several years ago the weed made its appearance in a fiveacre pond on Wandsworth Common. We were told that an aquarium owner, living more than half mile off, had pat small plant in a pond near his house, for the sake of getting good tank specimen. With spread very rapidly, soon overpowering all the old weeds, and destroying all pleasure in rowing. My brother, who had lately returned from India, suggested dragging it by means of boat oar pushed to the bottom and then twisted round and round; this brought a huge bunch of weeds, with their roots and some mud adhering to them. We found this by no means a bad gymnastic evening exercise, and two of us, one at each end of a pnnt, in little more than an hour had pulled up as great a load as it was pleasant to punt with Finding a greater impression had been made on the enemy than we at first anticipated would be the case, man was employed work constantly, and in about three weeks an immense pile on the bank was the result; this in a few months settled down into a solid black mass, cutting like cheese, which being nsed as manure for the garden has given such Peas and Cabbages as we never had before. Next year the weed came up again in about the same strength. Our friend the late Professor Henslow gave us some hopes that the great strength of growth was partly due to its having found, to it, a virgin soil. Next year came equally strong again, and was converted into another great heap of good manure. This year the growth has been stronger than ever. This is probably due not to the fine summer alone, but also to the fact that our windmill used keep up the water supply supply has been out of order, and that consequently the pond popularly known as the Black Sea " has been much shallower than for some years past. It took about five weeks to clear weed enough to make rowing pleasant, and now have still greater heap of the manure than , usual. We calculated that for our thin soil over gravel the value of this soil-like manure about paid for the man's 1 wages employed. In the country, where there are young men with leisure time and a boat, amateur extraction will be found by no means unpleasant muscular exercise. G. F. Wilson, Wandsworth Common. Gardeners' Chronicle.

[BNA: Link.]

"1863 MEETING WITH SPENCER

Express — Saturday 10 October 1863

ENCLOSURES ON WANDSWORTH-COMMON.

Yeeterday a deputation consisting of the Rev. J. S. Jenkinson, vicar of Battersea; the Rev. W. Hodgson, member of the Wadsworth Board of Works ; Mr. James Walton. churchwarden of Battersea ; Mr. W. Todd, Mr. IL Season, Mr. Buckmaster. and Mr.Corsellis vestry-clerk of Battersea, had audience with Lord Spencer, lord of the manor, relative to the enclosures on Wandsworth-common. After a memorial to his lordship on the subject had been read, Mr. Buckmaster made a statement to his lordship epee the dealt. ability of open spaces being preserved for the recreation sod enjoyment of the public. Earl Spencer replied that he was most anxious to continue the friendly relationship which had always subsisted between himself and the parish, sod that at preset be had no intention or idea of any scheme for enclosing any portion of the common ; that be coacut red in the views expressed by Mr. Buckmaster concerning the desirability of providing open spaces for public recreation to populous localities, and that if at any future period a plan should be brought under his consideratioe he would bear this in mind. He believed that outdoor games arid exercises greatly contributed to the happinesi and morality of the humbler classes, and any future scheme for 'echoer" would be considered with, reference to that object. lordship did not no bow the recent enclosures of the railway, which were, be believed, the only considerable ones that had been made since his succession to the propertr, could sow be interfered with but there wee not the slightest objection to further inquiry being made in the matter parochial authorities ought to have urged their o bjections at the proper times.

After some further explanations from Mr. Walton and Mr. Todd, the deputation thanked his lordship for the very favourable consideration be had given the matter, and then withdrew.

[BNA: Link.]

Express — Wednesday 11 November 1863

Here's an interesting account of Wandsworth Common at the start of the 1860s — at the start of the agitation that saved the Common in 1871.

(Click on image to enlarge)

THE METROPOLITAN COMMONS.

London enjoys an advantage peculiar to itself, which if properly utilised might be made a genuine and valuable means of health and recreation to the three millions of inhabitants recorded in the last census returns . . .

We refer to the various large tracts of common land which surround it on every side, and which in consequence of the rapid construction of short lines of railway from the City and West-end are becoming more accessible every day, but which, as they are growing more valuable for the same reason, are threatened with universal enclosure, unless some means be taken to preserve them from the encroachments of building speculators, connived at by lords of the manor, who are every day tempted by large pecuniary offers to give up their own slender rights, forgetful that at the same time they are destroying the rights of the common people, to whom these commons, after all, really belong, and for whose benefit they might be made so many noble free parks and play-grounds . . .

The short railways are opening up the commons to Londoners day by day, and no sooner does the little station crop up amid the wild heather than down the building speculators, matters are "made pleasant" with the lord of the manor, and the common rights of the millions of the two metropolitan counties are remorselessly destroyed . . .

Close to Battersea-park lies Wandsworth-common, one of the most beautiful, healthful, and romantic of all our suburban wild lands; but Wandsworth-common is rapidly becoming the prey of the spoiler. It stretches from the high road to between London and Wandsworth on the one side, down to Tooting and Wimbledon on the other, with a noble breadth of heath-covered land all the way, over which a healthful breeze continually plays.

Wandsworth-common is now within a few minutes' distance of London-bridge, of the Waterloo-road, and the Victoria stations, in fact of the most thickly peopled centres of London population. It would, if drained and levelled, make a splendid recreation ground for the toiling millions, and also, what we want most sadly, a noble Champ de Mars for our volunteer army.

The Clapham Junction station, which is situated at about a quarter of a mile distance from the common, is passed by the almost incredible number of 550 trains per diem [PB: it's now more than 2000], the Brighton line has a station close upon its verge, and the South Western Company has secured twelve acres of land within the common itself.

By these means, fifty or a hundred thousand men could at any time be brought to the ground with the greatest facility, as well as ten times that number of spectators, who would be only too proud to see their volunteer army of defence thus turn out some half-dozen times in summer within stone's throw of the great city.

But Wandsworth-common is in imminent peril. The enclosure demon has been nibbling at it during these last twenty years, and it was only a few days since that the copyholders laid their grievances at the feet of Earl Spencer, the lord of the manor.

We are happy to add that the result was so far satisfactory that his lordship promised that no further encroachment should take place during his lifetime; but then a matter in which the public has so deep an interest should not be left dependent on the will of any individual, however influential, whose power to carry out his good intentions ends with his life.

The manorial rights over Wandsworth-common were vested some century or so ago in no less a personage than the famous Lord Bolingbroke; and there is a tradition in the neighbourhood of their having been won from St. John by the Lord Spencer of the period whilst the two were riding across Clapham-common into town, in the highly exciting game of pulling halfpence out of a haystack.

However that may have been, the common remained intact in all its primitive wildness under the Spencer rule until about a quarter of a century since, when the work of enclosure, without any parliamentary formalities, began.

First twenty acres were taken for St. James's School.

Then certain persons leased a large portion, with powers merely to cut turf and cart gravel, and undertaking to apply their profits to the drainage and other improvements of the land in their immediate neighbourhood. They made large profits, but forgot the improvements, and one of their body secured and inclosed about forty acres on his own account, which, on his death, very recently, were sold by auction.

The South Western Railway Company have secured twelve acres in the very centre of the common and enclosed it, having given the copyholders £80 for their right of "tetherage," and of course satisfied the claims of the lord of the manor.

The London, Brighton, and South Coast Company have a station just as its edge, and four acres of surrounding land, and their line runs right through to Wimbledon. This encroachment would seem to have been a must beneficial one, for it enables people to get from London-bridge or Victoria station to the common in a few minutes, and has wonderfully stimulated building speculation in the adjoining (not common) land.

On the right hand side of the high road, from Clapham to Wandsworth town, an extensive settlement has sprung up, called New Wandsworth, consisting of hundreds of handsome villas and cottage, and so great is the demand for these residences consequence of the railway facilities for getting to town, that no sooner is the foundation of a new house dug than the contractor is pestered with applications from intending tenants. This thriving colony is deeply interested in the preservation of the common rights, and its numbers increase every day.

The Patriotic school took a tremendous slice, fifty-two acres, the school buildings forming a conspicuous feature in the prospect, and the great telescope requires some twelve or fifteen acres for its accommodation.

These are a few of the greater encroachments, but there are, in addition, numberless smaller ones of which there is no very distinct record as to how they came about; but there they are, and their tendency is to spread until the whole common is swallowed up if steps be not taken to preserve it for some public use, either a park, a recreation ground, a volunteer review field, or some arrangement which shall answer all these purposes.

There is, for example, a row of houses called Heathfield, running across the centre of the common, of which the history is a little curious. In the year 1832 the spot was occupied by a few tumbledown old houses, mere squatters' huts, and when the first visitation of the cholera broke out in that year theee huts were wed as a sort of suburban cholera hospital. When the pestilence ceased, the present row of handsome houses rose mysteriously in their place, but their very situation shows them to be nothing but as encroachment on the common.

The condition of the ground, which is still left intact, is not satisfactory. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood complain that it the resort of bad characters, and the scene of a great deal of profligacy and immorality.

One of the large prisons impinges on the common — we are not sure whether it is not also an encroachment — but it has a custom which renders it a great nuisance to the neighbourhood. The male prisoners whose time has expired are all let loose at nine in the morning, and the females at ten, and they generally spend the day on the common, surrounded by their friends from town, making holiday in a manner which does not at all conduce to the tranquillity of the vicinity.

A small patch near the western boundary is used as a cricket ground, but the tenant of a neighbouring villas making strenuous efforts to have the cricketing suppressed, on the ground that when the cricketers are tired of their game they are apt to seek variety in the less genteel pastime of "knock 'em downs," a practice to which this gentleman and his family have, it appears, a decided aversion. Should he succeed in banishing the cricketers, another enclosure will most probably follow, and thus, one by one, on one pretence or another, the whole common will be enclosed.

Lord Spencer has, we understand, the right to let, but not for enclosure or building purposes; and on the other hand, the copyholders, who claim exclusively the common rights, can only insist on "tetherage," and the right to cut turf and dig gravel. It is therefore obvious that it is in just such a case that the government ought to step in, purchase the slender rights of both parties, and secure the common for the general public.

Clapham-common is protected, so is Streatham, and Battersea-fields have been purchased. There still remain Wandsworth, Wimbledon, and Tooting, all which are now brought by the railways within a few minutes' ride of the centre of the town, and the opportunity is most favourable for securing them for ever for that portion of the public who are the head landlords of all English ground, but who can show no title-deeds for their ancient patrimony.

[BNA: Link.]
target-"_blank">Link

London Evening Standard — Saturday 21 November 1863

WANDSWORTH BRIDGE.

lncorporation of a Company for making a New Bridge across the Thames, with approaches from the York-road, Wandsworth, to the X bus's* road, Fulham, and to the jurc'lon of Moore Park-road, a;.d Britannia-road, Fiilhim — Amendment of Aofs.)

NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN that APPLICATION is intended to be made to PARLIAMENT in the coming Session for an ACT to effect the objects hereinafter mentioned, or ionic of them (that is to say),

1. lo incorporate a company (herein called the company) for the purposes hereinafter mentioned.

2 .To enable the company to make the following works (that is to say), (1.) A new bridtrc for carriages, carts, borers, mil ras'encers, a'ios6the Rive' Thames, with read approaches thereto, on both sides, and wi.h all convenient ar.d necessary abutments, p; ers, laii'ling stairs, and works, to commence in the York-road, Wa is_ worth, 250 feet or thereabouts to the eastward of the junctkn therewith of Jews-road, in the parish of Wandsworth, in the county of Surrey, and to terminate in the King's-roid, in the pirish of Fulham, in the county of Middlesex, 170 feet or thereabouts to the south-westward of the public-house called the Pccrborough Arms, which said bridge, roads, and npproaehes will bo made in or pa-s from, through, or into the several parishes, townships, and extraparochial places 'ollowl'/, or some o r them (that is tosay), Wandsworth, in tke co.inty of Surrey, and Fulham, in the county of Mid dlesex.?? A road commencing In tbo Kings-Toad aforesaid, in Fulham, in the county of Middlescx, at (hi termination of the work hereinbefore described under the number (1) and terminating in the Moore Park-road in Fulham a'orcsaid, on the south-west of, and nearly adjoining to the poi.it where suoh road is crossed by the Britannia-road in Fulham afo.>C:aid, which said road will bo situate in the said parish of Fulham.?? A road commencing in the York-roa-1, Wandsworth, by a junction with the work hereinbefore described under the No. (l),and formulating at the junction of the high road from Wandsworth to Loudon, and the high road from Wandsworth to the new Wandsworth Station of the Crystal Palace and West-end Kailway,?? said work will be situate in Cie said paris'i of Wandsworth.

3. To enable the company to cro-s, divert, alter, or stop up, either temporarily or permanently, any streets, roads, approaches, ways, wstercoursea, drains, sjwers, and pipes, within the respective parishes, townships, or places aforesaid, whi.*h it may be expedient to cross, divert, alter, or stop up for the purposes a'bresaid.

4. To authorise the company to purchaso by compulsion and by agreement lands, houses, and hereditaments for the pur oses aforesaid, and to vary and extinguish any rights and privileges connected therewith, and all other rights and privileges which would interfere with the execution of the objects of the intended act.

5. To authorise the company to levy tolls, rates, and duties in respect of the said intended bridge, roads, and approaches, and to alter, vary, and extinguish existing t-.lle, rates, and duties, and to confer, vary, or extlnguish exemptions from the payment of tolls, rates, and duties, and to confer, vary, and extinguish other rights ancPprivileges.

To Incorporate with the said bill all or some parts of "The Companies Clauses Consolidation Act, 1815," "The Companies daises Act, 1883," " The Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, isir," "The Lands Clause 3 Consolidation Acts Amendment Act, I860," "The Railways Clauses Consolidation Act, 1815," and "The Railway s Clauses Act, 1863." 7. To repeal or alter the following nets (that Is to say), "The Thames Conservancy Act, 1857," and 'The Waterme#s and'Lightermeu's Amendment Act, 1859." Ou or before the 30th day of November, IW6, plans and sections of the proposed bridge, roads, appruaches, and works, together with a I'ook of reference to such plans and a copy of this notie?. IHshcl in the" London Gazette," will bo deoosited for public inspection with the clerk of the peace for the county of Middlesex, at his office at Clerkenwell.in that oonnty, and with the clerk of the peace for the county of Surrey, at his office at Lambeth, in that county, mid on or before the said 30th day of November, so much of the siid plans and sec ions and book of reference as relates to each parish Irom, or through, or into which th proposed hridge, approaches and works will bo made or j.assed, with a copy of this notice aa published in the "London Gazette," will be depoelted M follows (that Is to say;, in the case of the parish luroiuhl.ro icd as hcicg in the canity of Surrey, with the clerk of the district board of works of the Wandsworth district, and in the ease of the parish hereinbefore described as being In the county of Middlesex, with the clerk of the district board of works of the Fulham district.

On or bc r ore the 23d day of December, 1863, printed copioa of the proposed bill trill bo deposited in the Private BU IOffice of the House of Commons.

Dated this llth day of November, 18f!3. FEARON and CLA BON, 21, Great George-street, Westminster.

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London Evening Standard — Saturday 21 November 1863

(Click on image to enlarge)

(Click on image to enlarge)

WANDSWORTH BRIDGE

lncorporation of a Company for making a New Bridge across the Thames, with approaches from the York-road, Wandsworth, to the Kings's road, Fulham, and to the junction of Moore Park-road, and Britannia-road, Fulham — Amendment of Acts.)

NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN. that APPLICATION is intended to be made to PARLIAMENT in the coming Session for an ACT to effect the objects hereinafter mentioned, or some of them (that is to say),

1. To incorporate a company (herein called the company) for the purposes hereinafter mentioned.

2. To enable the company to make the following works (that is to say),

A new bridge for carriages, carts, horses, and passengers, across the River Thames, with road approaches thereto, on both sides, and with all convenient and necessary abutments, piers, landing stairs, and works, to commence in the York-road, Wandsworth, 250 feet or thereabouts to the eastward of the junction therewith of Jews-road, in the parish of Wandsworth, in the county of Surrey, and to terminate in the King's-road, in the parish of Fulham, in the county of Middlesex, 170 feet or thereabouts to the south-westward of the public-house called the Peterborough Arms, which said bridge, roads, and approaches will be made in or pass from, through, or into the several parishes, townships, and extraparochial places following, or some of them (that is to say), Wandsworth, in the county of Surrey, and Fulham, in the county of Middlesex . . .

(2.) A road commencing in the Kings-Road aforesaid, in Fulham, in the county of Middlescx, at the termination of the work hereinbefore described under the number (1) and terminating in the Moore Park-road in Fulham aforesaid, on the south-west of, and nearly adjoining to the point where such road is crossed by the Britannia-road in Fulham aforesaid, which said road will be situate in the said parish of Fulham.

(3.) A road commencing in the York-road, Wandsworth, by a junction with the work hereinbefore described under the No. (l),and formulating at the junction of the high road from Wandsworth to London, and the high road from Wandsworth to the new Wandsworth Station of the Crystal Palace and West-end Railway, said work will be situate in the said parish of Wandsworth.

3. To enable the company to cross, divert, alter, or stop up, either temporarily or permanently, any streets, roads, approaches, ways, watercourses, drains, sewers, and pipes, within the respective parishes, townships, or places aforesaid, which it may be expedient to cross, divert, alter, or stop up for the purposes aforesaid.

4. To authorise the company to purchase by compulsion and by agreement lands, houses, and hereditaments for the purposes aforesaid, and to vary and extinguish any rights and privileges connected therewith, and all other rights and privileges which would interfere with the execution of the objects of the intended act.

5. To authorise the company to levy tolls, rates, and duties in respect of the said intended bridge, roads, and approaches, and to alter, vary, and extinguish existing t-.lle, rates, and duties, and to confer, vary, or extinguish exemptions from the payment of tolls, rates, and duties, and to confer, vary, and extinguish other rights and privileges.

6. To incorporate with the said bill all or some parts of "The Companies Clauses Consolidation Act, 1815," "The Companies Clauses Act, 1883," "The Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, isir," "The Lands Clause 3 Consolidation Acts Amendment Act, I860," "The Railways Clauses Consolidation Act, 1815," and "The Railway s Clauses Act, 1863."

7. To repeal or alter the following nets (that is to say), "The Thames Conservancy Act, 1857," and 'The Watermen's and Lightermen's Amendment Act, 1859." On or before the 30th day of November, 1863, plans and sections of the proposed bridge, roads, approaches, and works, together with a I'ook of reference to such plans and a copy of this notie?. IHshcl in the" London Gazette," will bo deoosited for public inspection with the clerk of the peace for the county of Middlesex, at his office at Clerkenwell.in that oonnty, and with the clerk of the peace for the county of Surrey, at his office at Lambeth, in that county, mid on or before the said 30th day of November, so much of the siid plans and sections and book of reference as relates to each parish Irom, or through, or into which th% proposed bridge, approaches and works will be made or j.assed, with a copy of this notice aa published in the "London Gazette," will be depoelted M follows (that Is to say;, in the case of the parish luroiuhl.ro icd as hcicg in the canity of Surrey, with the clerk of the district board of works of the Wandsworth district, and in the ease of the parish hereinbefore described as being In the county of Middlesex, with the clerk of the district board of works of the Fulham district.

On or before the 23d day of December, 1863, printed copies of the proposed bill will be deposited in the Private BU IOffice of the House of Commons.

Dated this llth day of November, 1863. FEARON and CLA BON, 21, Great George-street, Westminster.

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South London Chronicle — Saturday 9 January 1864

PRIESTS AND PRISONERS AT WANDSWORTH GAOL.

$outl) 't'f. Saturday, jasvast cite>, isci. The Surrey Magistrates have taken action in accordance with the provisions of the Prisons Minister? Act of 1863, and have appointed a Roman-Catholic Priest to visit prisoners the House Correction at Wandsworth, at a salary of 100 per annum. The discussion the Magistrates at the Newington Sessions House was not of i\ very profound character As the Legislature had left it optional with the magistrates to appoint Eomish chaplains for prisons, it comes fairly within the province of the magistrates to discuss the principle of the Act Mr. Godwin Aitsttx, in introducing the question to the court, complained the visiting justices for " interfering in the passing of the measure petitioning Parliament against it. This was," he observed "in excess of the discharge of their duties, and he complained of the statements they had set forth in their petition as grounds for the rejection of the bill by the Legislature. He was at a loss to understand how the Metropolitan County of Surrey should set itself up against the views and intentions of the Parliament." This is a most extraordinary complaint to make. A body practical men not allowed to petition Parliament ! We always thought the proper time for opposing a vicious measure was when it was budding as a billnot after it had bios- somed into an Act of Parliament. And why should not the 44 County of Surrey set itself up against the views and intentions of Parliament"? Parliament au infallible body? Is it pure body ? Mr. Tilsos was not a great way from the truth when he observed, that ** the bill was a pure party move the present Government to obtain the support of Irish Roman Catholics, and was supported the Opposition in order that they might not lose that same support," while Major Bebesford inconsistently observed, u that it was only a sop in the pan from the Government to the Roman Catholics, yet as it was the law of the land," he should vote for the motion. Some singular statements were made, and no one appeared to deny them. Facts were opposed to arguments, and both to the decision arrived at by the meeting. The Imover of the resolution for the appointment ' of Romish chaplain, said that out of prisoners in the House at Wandsworth only 136 were Roman Catholics, and Major Pesetas added, that out of " 135 Roman Catholic prisoners 43 had refused the the visits of the Roman Catholic priest, leaving only who desired his ministrations." Mr. Loxo said "the compensation suggested was ho extravagant that he believed it would astonish every Roman Catholic priest in the kingdom." Yet in the face of these facts the meeting voted 100 a-year to a priest to teach doctrines which their own church calls u damnable heresies." And many agreed to this because the Legislature had given the magistrates the power to appoint. It was not compulsory. Palmerston's puppets knew would not swallow the pill with that colour, and so it was given discretionary colour. Why, the Legislature had for years voted English taxes for the support of idolatry in India, and superstition in Ireland. The fact is, that the Legislature, as a body, has neither conscience nor principle. Every thing is decided upon by a miserable expediency, and the Legislature is the last body we should refer to as a guide in questions of principle and conscience. We say nothing against fcincere Catholics. We would allow them all the liberty which their church denies to our countrymen in Spain and elsewhere. It does not concern that, Mr. Tilsox remarked, " the Catholics had got the thin end of the wedge in, and were now trying to drive it further." All we say is, that it is a positive disgrace to a body of churchmen to spend the money of the ratepayers in support of a priestcraft which, they say, trying to undermine the Church of England. Is it not sufficient that nearly 100 acres of wild romantic land, where the people were wont to recreate themselves, have been taken from them for prison purposes, but that in addition to the heavy cost to the county of erecting and maintaining a House of Correction Wandsworth Common, an additional expence must be incurred to supply a spiritual luxury to some of the vagabonds within its walls ? It is sinple non- ense to talk about prisoners wanting priests for any other purpose than to relieve the monotony of their silent cells; or, as Mr. Mebby, the senior visiting magistrate of Reading Gaol, put it, " It is quite within the compass of a prisoner's cunning and ingenuity to declare himsclt any persuasion that would afford him occasional relief by out-door visitors from the punishment of the separate cell." The silence of the cell is at once a punishment and a means of reformation; and we have more faith in its power than in all the parrot-preaching of priests. If that does not cause a law-breaker to resolve to abandon vice and pursue the paths of honest industry, the priest may appear to prevail, but it will only be far the prisoner will leave the prison one more sin that of hypocrisy. According the testimony of magistrates it appears that the Prisons Ministers Bill will l>e for the bene lit Catholics principally. if not altogether; for one the magistrates at Reading; observed, '"that was comparatively few Dissenters that were Isent to gaol. He had been magistrate in l neighbourhood where there were more than for above twenty year?, and from that district had not known a single Dissenter committed to gaol.' Whatever the Act may provide for other denominations differing from the established chnrcli, as Dissenter appears to a rara avi* in a gaol, has but little to thank the Legislature for providing for his spiritual wants prison. At one time Dissenters filled the gaols- but it was for conscience's sake ami 'hoy would then have been clad to have ha< ministers admitted to them to speak word? of comfort and promise, and to strengthen heir faith to endure imprisonment tor righteousness' sake. If any benefit conferred by the Act can only enjoyed by tin nmies of Protestanism. And if we couhl a<(|iiit our Government of the charge political mameuvring, could congratulate hem upon setting an example to the world, the very antithesis of what is going on Catholic countries.

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South London Chronicle — Saturday 9 January 1864

PRIESTS AND PRISONERS AT WANDSWORTH GAOL.

outl) 't'f. Saturday, jasvast cite>, isci. The Surrey Magistrates have taken action in accordance with the provisions of the Prisons Minister? Act of 1863, and have appointed a Roman-Catholic Priest to visit prisoners the House Correction at Wandsworth, at a salary of £100 per annum.

The discussion the Magistrates at the Newington Sessions House was not of i very profound character As the Legislature had left it optional with the magistrates to appoint Eomish chaplains for prisons, it comes fairly within the province of the magistrates to discuss the principle of the Act Mr. Godwin Aitsttx, in introducing the question to the court, complained the visiting justices for " interfering in the passing of the measure petitioning Parliament against it. This was," he observed "in excess of the discharge of their duties, and he complained of the statements they had set forth in their petition as grounds for the rejection of the bill by the Legislature. He was at a loss to understand how the Metropolitan County of Surrey should set itself up against the views and intentions of the Parliament." This is a most extraordinary complaint to make. A body practical men not allowed to petition Parliament! We always thought the proper time for opposing a vicious measure was when it was budding as a bill — not after it had blossomed into an Act of Parliament. And why should not the 44 County of Surrey set itself up against the views and intentions of Parliament"? Parliament au infallible body? Is it pure body? Mr. Tilsos was not a great way from the truth when he observed, that the bill was a pure party move the present Government to obtain the support of Irish Roman Catholics, and was supported the Opposition in order that they might not lose that same support," while Major Beresford inconsistently observed, u that it was only a sop in the pan from the Government to the Roman Catholics, yet as it was the law of the land," he should vote for the motion. Some singular statements were made, and no one appeared to deny them. Facts were opposed to arguments, and both to the decision arrived at by the meeting. The Imover of the resolution for the appointment ' of Romish chaplain, said that out of prisoners in the House at Wandsworth only 136 were Roman Catholics, and Major Pesetas added, that out of " 13 5 Roman Catholic prisoners 43 had refused the the visits of the Roman Catholic priest, leaving only who desired his ministrations." Mr. Loxo said "the compensation suggested was ho extravagant that he believed it would astonish every Roman Catholic priest in the kingdom." Yet in the face of these facts the meeting voted £100 a-year to a priest to teach doctrines which their own church calls u damnable heresies." And many agreed to this because the Legislature had given the magistrates the power to appoint. It was not compulsory. Palmerston's puppets knew would not swallow the pill with that colour, and so it was given discretionary colour. Why, the Legislature had for years voted English taxes for the support of idolatry in India, and superstition in Ireland. The fact is, that the Legislature, as a body, has neither conscience nor principle. Every thing is decided upon by a miserable expediency, and the Legislature is the last body we should refer to as a guide in questions of principle and conscience. We say nothing against sincere Catholics. We would allow them all the liberty which their church denies to our countrymen in Spain and elsewhere. It does not concern that, Mr. Tilsox remarked, " the Catholics had got the thin end of the wedge in, and were now trying to drive it further." All we say is, that it is a positive disgrace to a body of churchmen to spend the money of the ratepayers in support of a priestcraft which, they say, trying to undermine the Church of England. Is it not sufficient that nearly 100 acres of wild romantic land, where the people were wont to recreate themselves, have been taken from them for prison purposes, but that in addition to the heavy cost to the county of erecting and maintaining a House of Correction Wandsworth Common, an additional expence must be incurred to supply a spiritual luxury to some of the vagabonds within its walls? It is sinple nonsense to talk about prisoners wanting priests for any other purpose than to relieve the monotony of their silent cells; or, as Mr. Mebby, the senior visiting magistrate of Reading Gaol, put it, " It is quite within the compass of a prisoner's cunning and ingenuity to declare himsclt any persuasion that would afford him occasional relief by out-door visitors from the punishment of the separate cell." The silence of the cell is at once a punishment and a means of reformation; and we have more faith in its power than in all the parrot-preaching of priests. If that does not cause a law-breaker to resolve to abandon vice and pursue the paths of honest industry, the priest may appear to prevail, but it will only be far the prisoner will leave the prison one more sin that of hypocrisy. According the testimony of magistrates it appears that the Prisons Ministers Bill will l>e for the bene lit Catholics principally. if not altogether; for one the magistrates at Reading; observed, '"that was comparatively few Dissenters that were Isent to gaol. He had been magistrate in l neighbourhood where there were more than for above twenty year?, and from that district had not known a single Dissenter committed to gaol. ' Whatever the Act may provide for other denominations differing from the established church, as Dissenter appears to a rara avis in a gaol, has but little to thank the Legislature for providing for his spiritual wants prison. At one time Dissenters filled the gaols — but it was for conscience's sake ami 'hoy would then have been clad to have ha< ministers admitted to them to speak word? of comfort and promise, and to strengthen heir faith to endure imprisonment for righteousness' sake. If any benefit conferred by the Act can only enjoyed by the enemies of Protestanism. And if we couhl a(|iiit our Government of the charge political manoeuvring, could congratulate them upon setting an example to the world, the very antithesis of what is going on Catholic countries.

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"1864

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"GARIBALDI

PRICE . . . . . . . . . 4d. STAMPED' . . . thanks to your devoted patriotism and indomitable courage, almost freed from the foreign oppressor, we bid you welcome. Your name is to us a household word, the symbol of liberty, associated with lofty daring, bold enterprise, and unselfish devotion to the cause of human progress; for your deeds we thank, love, and welcome you; and in the name, the sacred name of that liberty for which you have fought, bled, and won for the oppressed peoples, we give you a place, the first place in our hearts; and while doing so we cannot forget that there are many who have been associated with you in your glorious enterprises who are also deserving of our admiration and esteem,especially the illustrious Joseph at e t d desire r s e e e f i o r r g Titazzini, who has done so much for Italy, Freedom, and Humanity. We therefore hope soon to be able to show our love fur your co- work ers, Acc e pt, then, dear brother, our re s s hi^rig r a fe f lt r delight ve n in hopes, viz., your country's and the world's freedom, once ware — i n the u ffull o r u e r alis i a d t s i t o m n an o of your hop es, in the unbounded fulness of our love for yon and liberty — Welcome. General Garbaldi, to this addrest, replied as follows: Ilike to see the working man particularly. lam very grateful, and will never forget in my life the welcome of that class I have the honour to belong to. You call me brother. Ilike to be called the brother of the working man in every part of the world. (Cheers.) The Italian address was presented to the Genet al on his arrival at the platform. The gallant General then shook hands with every person who came within his arms-length, the ladies struggling quite as much as the men for such an interchange of cordiality. After the greatest difficulty the carriages provided for the General and his friends were reached, and when they emerged into the yard fronting the station they were met with one general and deafening shout of admiration from the thousands who had been possessed with tickets admitting them to the Company's premises. The carriage containing General Garibaldi then proceeded to the gate of the station in the Wandsworth-road, and there the working men of London, the Italian residents, the Odd Fellows, the Foresters, the Temperance Societies, the Volunteer Fire Brigades, &e., filwel before it. Some notion of the Extent of the procession, and the time it took to pass the General's carriage. may be imagined, when the first body began to nr.ve in the Wandsworth-road, the latter portion of it was at Wandsworth common. As each of the societies passed the General's carriage they stopped, took off their hats, and cheered him; and this process, which always lasted some few minutes, gave ample opportunities to the crowd to fill up the gaps thus made in the ranks of the procession. Thus, at last, the "procession" began to wear very much the aspect of the whole body of spectators who had come out to welcome him, and with the same privileges of moving on or stopping as they might best please. It was not difficult, under these circumstances, to foresee that the three-mile route before the General was likely to be a slow one. At the corner of Miles-street, owing to the main drainage work in the upper part of the Wandsworth-road, the procession had to take a bye-route, but one of the grey horses in the first carriage reared, cracked the pole, fell iunder the off horse, which of course began plunging. The damage was scarcely repaired when a band struck up behind, and the same brute, again rearing, repeated the performance, to the imminent danger, as well of the dense crowd as of those in the carriage. But luckily, although the pole was smashed and the vehicle disabled, no worse result ensued. But now came a hitch somewhere. The first part of the procession having moved off became lost to sight, and was never again in view; the second part was for the same time delayed, and meanwhile the crowds — and crowds is hardly the words for such a dense mass, made up of roughs and respectable folks — had filled the path, which the very strong police force on the ground was utterly insufficient to keep. It:was four o'clock before the general's carriage had moved, and then came the difficulty. Miles-street was packed, Bonelestreet was comparatively clear, though the pole of the first carriage had still to wedge a way through the people; but when the railway bridge crossing Upper Kennington-lane was reached it became apparent what was the real nature of the reception awaiting Garibaldi. One would have said that in Kennington-lane was collected the whole of the population of South London, so closely were the people crowded together. But Kennington lane was nothing compared to the Kennington-road. Where did the people come from? That was very decidedly the question in everybody's mouth. If all South London was in Kennington-lane the whole metropolis must have been in Kennington-road. But, still the further the eye stretched and the more the pole of the first carriage clove its way through the mass of people, the denser the crowds appeared to become. Whenever the carriage containing the g,,ncr.,l was seen the shouts grew uproarious, the ladi s waved their handkerchi:Ss, and the children in ertne — the inevitable chikren in arms: — set-Emma as lustily anybody (Ise, but roov,d by lees personal gratification. It was not so touch a reception of a stranger hero as the welcoming of an old friend. But what was this to what was to come? The people were, in comparison, few and scattered before the procession — and in speaking of the procession we speak only of its hinder and more important part, for the head of it was far beyond our ken — arrived in the Westinin.tEr-road. Where the St. George's-road runs into the Westreinsler.roA the people were so thick that it was a matter attended with imminent danger to life and limb to attempt a passage through therm But the passage had to be made, and here Superintendent Walker and one or two other mounted chiefs of the police did good service. Taey had disposed their men at the points where the cross roads were most likely to bring great additional crowds, and consequently more uncontrollable pressure. And here their forethought was rewarded. The policemen did their very best, and it was a considerable help, but all the policeman at the disposal of Scotland-yard would have done no good but for that oftreferred-to-pole of the first carriage wedging itself into and cleaving asunder the dense mass. So at length the railway bridge crossing the Westminster-road was reached, and then there was a lengthened halt; why nobody exactly knew. At length there was a short move, and then it appeared likely that instead of going faster still reduced speed was probable. For rounding the turn in the road Westminster Bridge came in view, and the incline leading up to the bridge was simply packed. Where the passage was to be found was the problem that presented itself at once to the mounted officers of police and the people in the foremost carriages. But by dint of great effort a way was found somehow, and then came the bridge. The rate of the procession's speed may be guessed from the fact that the first vehicles were fiveand-twenty minutes in crossing the river, and then came a few minutes of relief; for though the crowds were nearly if not quite as thick as ever they had the " A reserve" to deal with, and they had in that body met their match. A very tolerable lane was kept from the Clock Tower to half-way up Parliament-street, and all was therefore plain, if somewhat slow, sailing. It was close upon seven o'clock when the procession turned the corner into Parliament-street, at which point the mounted police-officars received an addition to their numbers, enabling them to do their work more effectually. And it was not before it was needed that there came this extra force, headed by Sir R. Mayne in plain clothes. For near the Irish Office, and debouching into Whitehall, the procession came in contact with the thickest crowd yet:encountered. In fact, it was so thick that in such a narrow thoroughfare loss of life appeared inevitable if the procession moved. Whitehall was fairly gained without other aecident than a few slight bruises; and in the more open space, though the crowds were still immense, there was more room for the mass of people to retire as the carriages advanced. just as the procession came oppposite the Horse Guards a company of the guards was being marched out to relieve sentries, and a cry was raised that they were going to present arms. But as unconcerned looking as if there was no crowd around and in front of them the Guards moved off to their duty, and by the time the head of the 'Recession came up to the Admiralty, where the officials had gathered in great force with their friends on the boundary wall, the Guards were out of sight. Charing-cross was in itself a scene to afford material for columns of detailed description, but a few words must serve to say what it was like. From the fountains then, right down to the Ship Hotel, the area was crammed; the base of Nelson's Pillar served as a good stand for a few adventurous spirits, who were, however, distanced in daring by the dozens who, clambering up the pediment of the statue of Charles 1., perched themselves about the horse, one man going so far as to get on the stone steed's back behind the figure of the Martyr king. Right over to Northumberland House the people stood in compact mass, and towards the bottom of the Haymarket, all along Cockspur-street, the packing was made denser and more dense as the police forced a passage for the earriages. Turning into Pall-mall there was the thickest crowd of all, but every one engageti in the procession summoned heart of grace as the end of the journey drew near. The windows of the Reform and the Carlton clubs were tided with leuiee, who, " for this occasion only," were permitted to invade the sacred and mysterious precincts of the haunts of their relatives. The War Office had its whole staff about its wi n d ows and the queer semicircle in which the sentries pace in front of it. The other palaces in the Rue des Clubs were all full of sightseers. The general arrived at Stafford House at 20 minutes to S o'clock, having been five hours and 20 minutes since ho lett the railway carriage at Nine Elms undergoing the agonies of a popular ovation. The enthusiasm here was as marked as elsewhere, and as Garibaldi descended from his carriage, and was received at the doer by his host and hostess, the cheers broke forth again and again, and the people would no doubt have lingered till midnight but that it became generally understood that the hero of the day was utterly tired and would not on any account show himself before morning to the populace. S o th ey qu i et l y di sperse d; an d it Garibaldi was at once as much gratified and as much tired as those who accompanied him in the procession he had earned sweet sleep and pleasant dreams in the princely mansion which shelters him. What might he'ce been made one of the most imposing" 1864 4

"Garibaldi arrives in England — great excitement -

Some notion of the extent of the procession, and the time it took to pass the General's carriage, may be imagined, when the first body began to arrive in the Wandsworth-road, the latter portion of it was at Wandsworth common. The whole scene, from the Nine Elms Station, was exciting in the extreme.

Sun — Monday 11 April 1864

_

Arrival of Garibaldi at Southampton, SOUTHIAMPTON, APRIL 11. Garibaldi arrived at the Royal Pier in a special steamer from the Isle of Wight at 11.30 e.m. A salute of guns from the platform battery announced his arrival. Ho proceeded from the pier to the railway terminus in a carriage accompanied by Mr. Seely, NIX., the Mayor, and authorities of Southampton. Thousands of persons thronged the thoroughfares lid the railway premises. The cheering was tremendous everywhere, especially on the platform. Garibaldi and party left for London by a special train at 12.15 p.m.

ARRIVAL OF GARIBALD IIN LONDON, (THIS DAY).

The public entry of General Garibaldi took place today amidst the greatest excitement. The arrangements have been so repeatedly published, and must have become so generally known, that repetition is quite unneeded. Although it was known the General would not arrive from Southampton until late in the afternoon, immense numbers of persons, as early as cloven o'clock in the morning, began to station themselves at various points from which commanding views of the procession might be had: The route along which the cortege was to pass presented a scene of the greatest excitement. Immense processions, headed by powerful bands, were continually passing, and the nearer the station of the South Western Railway at Vauxhall was approached, the greater became the excitement. In the Westminster road immense quantities of flags and banners floated from the houses on either side of the way, and, in many instances, large banners stretched entirely across the roadway. In every convenient place ranges of seats held been erected, and all were filled to overflowing, the attendance of the ladies being exceedingly .immense, and we must say they vied with the "lords of the creation," in their desire to give vent to their enthusiasm. The most favourite article of dress was the red Garibaldian shirt; bat, without exception, every lady wore in some way or other the national colours of Italy. At half-past 12 those holding tickets were admitted to the goods shed at Nine Elms, which had been gaily decked with flags of all nations, the tricolour of Italy of course being most conspicuous. Many of the banners bore inscriptions. amongst which were the following: — " The Man of Peace," "The Hero of Italy," "The Pure Patriot," and " Welcome Garibaldi;" in addition to which a portrait of the General was placed in the centre, surrounded with flags. A space had been railed of in the middle of the " shed," upon which was laid a very beautiful carpet, where the various addresses were to be presented, and on either side of this the members of the different committees ranged themselves. Nearly the whole of them wore some decorative badge, but the most striking was a broad ribbon of red, white, and green, which was worn across the shoulder and tied under the left arm. Altogether, the scene was a most animated and imposing one.

Amongst those present were the Duke of Sutherland, the Marquis Townshend, Hon Arthur Kinnaird, Hon Ashley l'onsonby, Mr schen, M,P., Col Sykes, M.P., Mr Ayrton, M.P., Mr W. Ewart, M.P., Mr Crawford, M,P., Sir John Shelley, M,P., Mr Onslow, M.P., Mr Dunlop, M.P., Mr P. Taylor, M.P., Mr Illrycy Lewis, M.P., Mr Mr Doulton, M.P., Rev Newman Hall, Mr John Richardson,

At 20 minutes to three the train containing General Garibaldi and his friends arrived at the platform, and on alighting the General was received with a volley of the most deafening cheers. 'With little or no ceremony he at once proceeded towards the enclosed space in the goods shed, but it was with the greatest difficulty the gallant General made his passage thereto, owing to crowding and crushing of the immense body of friends by whom he was surrounded. Immediately the General entered the place appointed for the delivery of the address, all previous arrangements seemed to melt away, and in the excitement of the moment everybody seemed to do precisely as he liked. Some cheered, others waived their hats; others, again, sent forth cries of " Welcome, Welcome," tut the whole presented one of the most exciting scenes it is possible for the imagination to conceive. The gallant General wore his usual light cloth cloak lined with scarlet, the world renowed shirt of the same colour, drab trousers, and a black felt hat. In addition to this costume the General had a silk bandana carelssly tied across his shoulders, the colours being a kind of lavender or mauve, with white intermixed, After a great deal of struggling, sufficient space was cleared in front of where the General stood, when Mr. Richardson came forward and read the following address: The inhabitants of the British metropolis rejoice to wet- you among them — rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded them of testifying their enthusiastic admiration' for the first of living patriots, the undaunted and disinterested champion of not only the freedom and independence of his own beloved and classic land, but of civil and religious freedom throughout the world. Free England welcomes with affectionate and heartfelt respect the great apostle of liberty — the heroic and chivalrous soldier, whose sword is never drawn but in a just cause — the conqueror of a kingdom, that ho might deliver its people from oppression: poor himself whilst making others rich; the self-devoted, self-denying citizen, loving the ri g ht s a nd welfare of his own country and of the whole human race better than his own life; the truly, good. pure-hearted and upright man, whose private worth is only surpassed by his public virtues and more than Spartan and Roman magnanimity. We thank you, General, for thus honouring as by becoming for a time our guest, and we sincerely and profoundly trust and pray that the same merciful and Almighty Powers which has hitherto, and in a marvellous manner, preserved, amidst the greatest perils and dangers, a life so precious to Christendom and mankind, will complete your restoration to perfect health and strength, and enable you yet to accomplish all that your heart desires for the future, making that future even mose glorious than the past, more fruitful in great and good works more beneficial to Italy and all other oppressed nationalities. The reading of the address again renewed the excitement, and for some minutes the cheering was extraordinary, but immediately the General attempted to acknowledge the compliment the cheering, if it were possible, seemed to in- crease in intensity. At length silence was obtained, and General GARIBALD Ireplied in the English language. lie said — l am very happy to be enabled today to give my thanks to this noble nation for its general sympathy for the cause of my country and for the cause of mankind. (Immense applause.) Long ago Iwished for this day, and lam very happy today to express to all my gratitude. (Loud cheering ) The following address of the working classes was then presented: Illustrious Chief! — ln the name of Britain's sons and daughters of toil we bid you welcome to this metropolis. We hail you as the representative of a regenerated and united Italy, and for the love we bear to that beautiful land, and its noble people, eo long oppressed' but now, thanks to your devoted patriotism and indomitable courage, almost freed from the foreign oppressor, we bid you welcome. Your name is to us a household word, the swybol of liberty, associated with lofty daring, bold enterprise, and unselfish devotion to the cause of human progress; for your deeds we thank, love, and welcome you; and in the name, the sacred name of that liberty for which you have fought, bled, and won for th e oppressed peoples, we give you a place, the first place in our hearts; and while doiug so we cannot forget that there are many who have been associated with you in your glorious enterprises who are also deserving of our admiration and esteem, especially the illustious Joseph Alazzini, who has dune so much for Italy, Freedom, and Humanity. We therefore hope soon to be able to show our love for your co-workers. Accept, then, dear brother, our heaartfelt &tight at seeing you in our midst; and, pressing a fervent desire for th) full realisation of your hopes, viz., your country's and the world's freedom, once more — in the unbounded fulness of our love for you and lihorty — Welcome. General Garbaldi, to this address, replied as follows Ilike to see the working man particularly. lam very grateful, and will never forget in my life the We l come of that class I have the honour to belong to. You call tne brother. Ilike to be called the brother of the Working man in every part of the world. (Cheers.) The Italian address was presented to the General on his arrival at the platform. the gallant General then shook hands With every person who came within his arms-length, the ladies struggling quite as much as the men for such an interchange of cordiality. Atter the greatest difficulty the carriages provided for the General and his friends wore reached, and when they emerged into the yard fronting the station they were met with ono general and deafening shout of admiration from the thousands who had been possessed with tickets admitting them to the Company's premises. The carriage containing General Garibaldi then proceeded to the gate of the station in the Wandsworth-road and there the working men of London, the Italian residents, the Odd. Fellows, the Foresters, the Temperance Soeta:es, the Volunteer Fire Brigades, &c., &c., then passed in procession before it.

Some notion of the extent of the procession, and the time it took to pass the General's carriage, may be imagined, when the first body began to arrive in the Wandsworth-road, the latter portion of it was at Wandsworth common. The whole sane, from the Nine Elms Station, was exciting in the extreme.

[BNA: Link.]

Sun — Tuesday 12 April 1864

ARRIVAL OF GARIBALD IIN LONDON, A portion of the following . appeared in our late edition last night: The public entry of General Garibaldi took place yesterday am'dst the greatest excitement. The arrangements have been so repeatedly published, and must have become so generally known, that repetition is quite unneeded. Although it was known the General would not arrive from Southampton until late in the afternoon, immense numbers of persons, as early as eleven o'clock in the morning, began to station themselves at various paints from which commanding views of the procession might be had: The route along which the cortege was to pass presented a scene of the greatest excitement. Immense processions, headed by powerful bands, were continually passing, and the nearer the station of the South Western Railway at 'Vauxhall was approached, the greater became the excitement. In the Westminster-road immense quantities of flags and banners floated from the houses on either side of the way, and, in many instances, large banners stretched entirely across the roadway. In every convenient place ranges of seats had been erected, and all were filled to overflowing, the attendance of the ladies being exceedingly immense, and we must say they vied with the "lords of the creation," in their desire to give vent to their enthusiasm. The most favourite article of dress was the red Garibaldian shirt; but, without exception, every lady wore in some way or other the national colours of Italy. At half-past 12 those holding tickets were admitted to the goods shed at Nine Elms, which had been gaily decked with flags of all nations, the tricolour of Italy of course being most conspicuous. Many of the banners bore inscriptions, amongst which were the following: — " The Man of Peace," "The Hero of Italy," "The Pure Patriot," and " Welcome Garibaldi;" in addition to which a portrait of the General was placed in the centre, surrounded with flags. A space had been railed of in the middle of the "shed," upon which was laid a very beautiful carpet, where the various addresses were to bo presented, and on either side of this the members of the different committees ranged themselves. Nearly the whole of them wore some decorative badge, but the most, striking was a broad ribbon of red, white, and green, which was worn across the shoulder and tied under the left arm. Altogether, the scene was a most animated and imposing one.

Amongst those present were the Duke of Sutherland, the Marquis Townehend, Hon. Arthur Rinnaird, Hon Ashley Ponsonby, Mr Gosehen, M.P., Col Sykes, M.P., Mr Ayrtou, M.P., Mr W. Ewart, M.P., Mr Crawford, M,P., Sir John Shelley, M.P., Mr Onslow, M.P., Mr Dunlop, M.l'., Mr P. Taylor, M.P., Mr Harvey Lewis, MX., Mr Doulton, M.P., the Rev Newman Hall, Mr John Richardson, &c.

At 20 minutes to three the train containing General Garibaldi and his friends arrived at the platform, and on alighting the General WAR received with a volley of the most deafening cheers. With little or no ceremony he at once proceeded towards the enclosed space in the goods shed, but it was with the greatest difficulty the gallant General made his passage thereto, owing to crowding and crushing of the immense body of friends by whom ho was surrounded. Immediately the General entered the place appointed for the delivery of the address, all previous arrangements seemed to melt away, and in the excitement of the moment everybody seemed to do precisely as he liked. Some cheered, others waived their hats; others, again, sent forth cries of " Welcome, Welcome," but the whole presented one of the most exciting scenes it is possible for the imagination to conceive. His rest in the Isle of Wight has made a considerable improvement in the bronzed, hardy vigour of his aspect, as compared with the tired and travel-worn look he wore when he landed at Southampton. His lameness, however, seemed as permanent as when he limped from the Ripon, and without the aid of his stick it was evident that walking would be a slow and most laborious effort. As he advanced up the platform to where he was to receive the addresses ladies sometimes offered their hands to him over the barriers, and for the General and his friends were reached, and when they emerged into the yard fronting the station they were met with one general and deafening shout of admiration from the thousands who had been possessed with tickets admitting them to the Company's premises.

The carriage containing General Garibaldi then proceeded to the gate of the station in the Wandsworth-road, and there the working men of London, the Italian dents, the Odd. Fellows, the Foresters, the Temperance Societies, the Volunteer Fire Brigades, &c., filed before it.

Some notion of the Extent of the procession, and the time it took to pass the General's carriage, may be imagined, when the first body began to arrive in the Wandsworth-road, the latter portion of it was at Wandsworth common.

then his ordinarily sad expression of countenance at once changed, as with the most winning courtesy he turned to press their hands, and always had for each fair partisan a word or two of English to thank them for the honour they did him. A little child was put forward to present him with a bouquet, but he scarcely looked at the lowers, as with the most perfectly natural and fatherly manner he took the child in his arms, kissed it, ratted its curls, and tried as well as he was able to speak to it in English. Little as this incident was, it was so unexpected, and, above all, so per- rcsi,l_

BIT MISSING

road, the latter portion of it was at Wandsworth common.

As each of the societies passed the General's carriage they stopped, took off their hats, and cheered him; and this process, which always lasted some few minutes, gave ample opportunities to the crowd to fill up the gaps thus made in the ranks of the procession. Thus, at last, the " procession" began to wear very much the aspect of the whole body of spectators who had come out to welcome him, and with the same privileges of moving on or stopping as they might best please. It was not difficult, under these circum- fectly simple and natural, that it did more than elicit ap. plauae — it seemed to establish familiar and domestic rela. tions between Garibaldi and all the ladies present. stances, to foresee that the three-mile route before the General was likely to be a slow one. At the corner of Miles-street, owing to the main drainage work in the upper The gallant General wore hie usual light cloth cloak part of the Wandsworth-road, the procession had to take a bye-route, but one of the grey horses in the first carriage reared, cracked the pole, fell junder the off horse, which of course began plunging. The damage was scarcely repaired when a band struck up behind, and the same brute, again rearing, repeated the performance, to the imminent danger, as well of the dense crowd as of those in the carriage. But luckily, although the pole was smashed and the vehicle disabled, no worse result ensued. But now came a hitch somewhere. The first part of the procession having moved off became lost to sight, and was never again in view; the second part was for the same time delayed, and meanwhile the crowds — aid crowds is hardly the words for such a dense mass, made up of roughs and respectable folks — had filled the path, which the very strong police force on the ground was utterly insufficient to keep. It;was four o'clock before the general's carriage had moved, and then came the difficulty. Miles-street was packed, Bond-street was comparatively clear, though the pole of the first carriage had still to wedge a way through the people; but when the railway bridge crossing Upper Kennington-lane was reached it became apparent what was the real nature of the reception awaiting Garibaldi. One would have said that in Kennington-lane was collected the whole of the population of South London, so closely were the people crowded together. But Kennington-lane was nothing compared to the Kennington-road. Where did the people come from? That was very decidedly the question in everybody's mouth. If all South London was in Kennington-lane the whole metropolis must have been in Kennington-road. But still the further the eya stretched and the more the polo of the first carriage clove its way through the mass of people, the denser the crowds appeared to become. Whenever the carriage containing the general was seen the shouts grew uproarious, the ladies waved their handkerchiefs, and the children in arms — the inevitable children in arms Iscreamad as lustily as anybody else, but moved by less personal gratification. It was not so much a reception of a stranger hero as the welcoming of an old friend. But what was this to what was to come? The people were, in comparison, few and scattered before the procession--and in speaking of the procession we speak only of irs hinder and more important part, for the head of it was far beyond our km — arrived in the Westminster-road. Where the St. George's-road runs into the Westminster-road the people were so thick that it was a matter attended with imminent danger to life and limb to attempt a passage through them. But the passage had to be made, and here Superintendent Walker and one or two other mounted chiefs of the police did good service. They had disposed their men at the points where the cross roads were most likely to bring great additional crowds, and consequently more uncnitrollable pressure. And here their forethought was rewarded. The policemen did their very best, and it was a considerable help, but all the policemen at the disposal of Scotland-yard would have done no good but for that oft referred-to-pole of the first carriage wedging itself into and cleaving asunder the dense mass. So at length the railway bridge crossing the Westminster-road was reached, and then there was a lengthened halt; why nobody exactly knew. At length there was a short move, and then it appeared likely that instead of going faster still reduced speed was probable. For rounding the turn in the road Westminster Bridge came in view, and the incline leading up to the bridge was simply packed. Where the passage was to be found was the problem that presented itself at once to the mounted officers of police and the people in the foremost carriages. But by dint of great effort a way was found somehow, and then came the bridge. The rate of the procession's speed may be guessed from the fact that the first vehicles were fiveand-twenty minutes in crossing the river, and then came a few minutes of relief; for though the crowds were nearly if not quite as thick as ever they had the " A reserve" to deal with, and they had in that body met their match. A very tolerable lane was kept from the Clock Tower to half-way up Parliament-street, and all was therefore plain, if somewhat slow, sailing. It was close upon seven o'clock when the procession turned the corner into Parliament-street, at which point the mounted police-officers received an addition to their numbers, enabling them to do their work more effectually. And it was not before it was needed that there came this extra force, headed by Sir R. Mayne in plain clothes. For near the Irish Office, and &benching into Whitehall, the procession came in contact with the thickest crowd yet:encountered. In fact, it was so thick that in such a narrow thoroughfare loss of life appeared inevitable if the procession moved. Whitehall was fairly gained without other accident than a few slight bruises; and in the more open space, though the crowds were still immense, there was more room for the mass of people to retire as the carriages advanced. Just as the procession came oppposito the Horse Guards a company of the guards was being marched out to relieve sentries, and a cry was raised that they were going to present arms. But as unconcerned looking as if there was no crowd around and in front of them the Guards moved off to their duty, and by the time the head of the procession came up to the Admiralty, where the officials had gathered in great force with their friends on the boundary wall, the Guards were out of sight. Charing-cross was in itself a scene to afford material for columns of detailed description, but a few words must serve to say what it was like. From the fountains then, right down to the Ship Hotel, the area was crammed; the base of Nelson's Pillar served as a good stand for a few adventurlined with scarlet, the world-renowed shirt of the same colour, drab trousers, and a black felt hat. In addition to this costume the General had a silk bandana carelessly tied across his shoulders, the colours being a kind of lavender or mauve, with white intermixed. After a great deal of struggling, sufficient space was cleared in front of where the General stood, when Mr. Richardson came forward and read the following address: The inhabitants of the British metropolis rejoice to welcome you among them — rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded them of testifying their enthusiastic admiration for the first of living patriots, the undaunted and disinterested champion of not only the freedom and independence of his own beloved and classic land, but of civil and religious freedom throughout the world. Free England welcomes with affectionate and heartfelt respect the great apostle of liberty — the heroic and chivalrous soldier, whose sword is never (hewn but in a just cause — the conqueror of a kingdom, that he might deliver its people from oppres sion: poor himself whilst making others rich; the self-devoted, self-denying citizen, loving the rights and welfare of his own country and of the whole human race better than his own life the truly, good. pure-hearted and upright man, whose private worth is only surpassed by his public virtues and more than Spartan and Roman magnanimity. thank you, General, for thus honouring us by becoming for a time our guest, and we sincerely and profoundly trust and pray that the same merciful and Almighty Power which has hitherto, and in a marvellous manner, preserved, amidst the greatest perils and dangers, a life so precious to . Christendom and mankind, will cora. plete your restoration top . erfect health and strength, and enable you yet to accomplish all that your heart desires for the future, making that future even moer glorious than the past, more fruitful in great and good works, more beneficial to Italy and all other oppressed nationalities. The reading of the address again renewed the excitement, and for some minutes the cheering was extraordinary, but immediately the General attempted to acknowledge the compliment the cheering, if it were possible, seemed to increase in intensity. At length silence was obtained, and General GARIBALD Ireplied in the English language. He said — l am very happy to be enabled today to give my thanks to thisnoble nation for generous sympathyfor tb.e cause of my country and for the cause of mankind. (Immense applause.) Long ago Iwished for this day, and I am very h a ppy today to express to all my gratitude. (Loud cheering.) The fol classes was then lowing address of the working presented: illustrious Chief I- ln the name of Britain's sons and daughters of toil we bid you welcome to this metropolis. We hail you as the representative of a regenerated and united Italy, and for the love we bear to that beautiful land, and its noble people, so long oppressed; but now, ous spirits, who were, however, distanced in daring by the ' dozens who, clambering up the pediment of the statue of Charles 1., perched themselves about the horse, one man going so far as to get on the stone steed's back behind the figure of the Martyr king. Right over to Northumberland House the people stood in compact mass, and towards the bottom of the Haymarket, all along Cockspur-street, the packing was made denser and more dense as the police forced a passage for the carriages.

Turning into Pall-mall there was the thickest crowd of all, but every one engaged in the procession summoned heart of grace as the end of the journey drew near. The windows of the Reform and the Carlton clubs were filled with ladies, who, " for this occasion only," were permitted to invade the sacred and mysterious precincts of the haunts of their relatives. The War Office had its whole staff about its windows and the queer semicircle in which the sentries pace in front of it. The other palaces in the Rue dos Clubs ware all full of sightseers. The general arrived at Staff )rd House at 20 minutes to S o'clock, having been five hours and 20 minutes since he left the railway carriage at NiLe Elms undergoing the agonies of a popular ovation. The enthusiasm here was as marked as elsewhere, and as Garibaldi descended from his carriage, and was received at the door by his host and hostess, the cheers broke forth again and again, and the people would no doubt have lingered till midnight but that it became generally understood that the hero of the day was utterly tired and would not on any account show himself before morning to the populace. So they quietly dispersed; and if Garibaldi was at once as much gratified and as much tired as those who accompanied bim in the procession he had earned sweet sleep and pleasant dreams in the princely mansion which shelters him. What might have been made one of the most imposing

[BNA: Link.]

"Building land on Althorp road for sale

Surrey Comet — Saturday 23 April 1864

WANDSWORTH COMMON, Surrey.-Eligible Freehold Building Laud. MR. WHITTINGHAM instructed to SELL by AUCTION, at the MART, London, on Monday, May 2, at for 1 o'clock, la S Ilots, the fourth portion of the eligible Freehold Building Land, free of tithe and land tax, situate in the new road called Althorp Road on the roads leading to Wandsworth.Tooting andClapham, close to Wandsworth Common, and within short distance the Wandsworth, Clapham Junctian, and Balham Stations on the South Western, Victoria, Crystal Balaev, aid Kensington Railways. Niue-enths af the purchase mosey may remain on mortgage or contract at 5 per evut.. to be paid in sins years half yearly iuslalmeuts: but the whole or any part of the balance may be paid off any time without notice. Particulars, plans, and coudiliousof sale may be obtained 10 days before the sale, at the principal inns in the neighbourhood; of Messrs. Russell ana Davies, 59, Coleman London, 8.C.; of the foreman on the estate; of the auctioneer, 11, M-nirgate, Loudon, E.C.; and the place of sale.

[BNA: Link.]

Similar adverts:

[BNA:

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Saturday 28 May 1864

Fatal Accidents on the Derby Day.

A pleasure van. belonging to Mr Howlett, of Edgware road, was crossing Wandsworth Common from Epsom, when one of the party let fall the lighted end of a cigar among the loose straw at the bottom of the vehicle, which speedily blazed up, set the canvas curtains and awning on fire, and for a few minutes filled the van with flames and smoke.

Great difficulty was experienced in getting the women out. as some of their clothes had taken fire. Mrs Howlett and the Misses Liddiard, of Nutford-place,were severely injured.

[BNA: Link.]

[Two other fatalities in same report:]

On Wednesday evening Mr William Fo-d, of Myrtle Villa, South Lambeth, accompanied by Mrs Ford, was driving a phaeton towards home on their return from the Derby.and at Stockwell the horse took fright, ran the carriage with great violence against an omnibus, causing the carriage be upset, and throwing Mrs Ford with great force into the road. She was immediately conveyed to a surgeon's, when it was aseertained that she had received severe injuries at the back of the head. She was promptly conveyed home, where she expired hour after the sad accident

-A fatal accident happened also to Winslow, a cab proprietor, w resided in Short's gardens. Drury-lane. H' was proceeding on horseback at a rapid ' pace along the Wandsworth-road. when he was thrown from the I saddle and his foot hung in the stirrup with his head on the ground for a consideruble distance On the horse being stopped Mr Winslow was released, hut died shortly after from the effects of the frightful injuries he had received."

28 May 1864

Fatal Accidents on the Derby Day.

A pleasure van belonging to Mr Howlett, of Edgware road, was crossing Wandsworth Common from Epsom, when one of the party let fall the lighted end of a cigar among the loose straw at the bottom of the vehicle, which speedily blazed up, set the canvas curtains and awning on fire, and for a few minutes filled the van with flames and smoke.

Great difficulty was experienced in getting the women out, as some of their clothes had taken fire. Mrs Howlett and the Misses Liddiard, of Nutford-place, were severely injured.

[BNA:www/britishnewspaperarchive.co. uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18640528/100/0008" target="_blank">Link.]

"East London Advertiser — Saturday 4 June 1864

Coming from the Derby.A pleasure van, belonging to Mr. Howlett, of the Edgware-road, crossing Wandsworth-common from Epsom on the Derby-day, with a party who had- been to witness the race for the Derby. One of the party let fall tle and, for a few lighted end of a cigar a mon g the l oose straw at v a a n n d with awning flames o n ns and bottom of the vehic le, which speedily blaz e d up, se t diffi cu lty was experience d i n getting the W( m loa out, the canvas filled as som?of the ir clothes had taken fire. Mrs. Ho w lett and the Mis ses Liddiard, of Nutford-placo were Fin severe ly injured that it is feared they will not sa fire, smoke. Great curtainse d th e NMI

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"ATMOSPHERE / AIR

VVG

South London Chronicle — Saturday 2 July 1864

ENCLOSURE OF OPEN SPACES NEAR THE METROPOLIS.

On Monday evening meeting was held at the IHawkstone Hall, Waterloo-road, fur the purpoHC! of petitioning Parliament against any further enclosure the open space* near the metropolis. Mr. Fowler prttdded. The <'hawicax, in opening? the proceeding, said they had met together to agree upon jxtiiioninif; Parliament upon a very im]>orlaut subject. It was a subject wholly addressing itself to the inhabitants of that part of South London, being less than that of taking means to preserve the oj%en s]%ac%s around London. The civilization of l/>ndon had long i directed itself to and in it was necessary to take that healthful ru nation whieh nature demanded. Tin y had around the metropolis, |iartieularly around the south side, large o]%n whieh had liccn for the recreation tin- public. They would find, first all, in itmni|wnr%% of the large number of railways which had brought, to the metropolis, that some oi these ojn had bti-n taken away from them; and, secondly, attempt had Im-. ii made lilch away that which they now enjoyed. Then- could doiilit, unless some steps were taken, they would lose those parts of the metropolis known as >m luring taken away. They knew from the |Mihlic prints that their praiseworthy effort* were being made t" provide |>arks fur the |m-o]il<-. Something lik> jier acre was given for public parks. As so large a sum was given for this pur)N%e, it wan really sary to take care that they should preseive remained for their use. Tlie Chairman coiiclud d his remarks hy calling ujK%n Mr. Buckmaster to move resolution as to |>ctition which was 1m- pri-scuted to the House of Coiiuuons for the above-named purpose. -%ir. Il IKM IM f. K MIU %% %%%% nil' liui%t nil' IM>-. ing for tin- purj%o. >c of expressing un opinion against any further cnrJiwsi%ibli! the plait* win cxni<-d his daily bread, ami they only walk through some of the back streets in that I torough mitinkind of house lodgings which a woi king man compelled to live, day: ift<-r day, in on<- unceasing round of toil, in atmosphere often made poisonous by the exhalation of unwholesome gases. They might nee the)%: 111 i% 1 final of those whom they were indebted for almost every comfort they enjoyed. The children writ- turned out to plav among the reeking mu and lilth dirty streets, and they are, as natural consequence, a population insensible to those which made men better, and inspired the hope of a glorious future. The small tradesman absorlied in business, hcmm<-d in by the growing wants of increasing family, was chained to the counter and the shop. The green fields of waving corn, the beautiful flowers of sprint;, the beautiful breezes of a pure atmosphere, the singing of birds, the glory of a rising and. -jetting sun, arc so many other blessings which God liad distributed in vain for the enjoyment of His creatures. Need they wonder at men seeking the excitement a public house Crowded populations were unfavourable to virtue and morality, and he (Mr. Buckmaster) preferred the innocent simplicity of rural life to the excitement and gaiety of large towns. The rich man, tired with the bustle and anxiety of business, could purchase or rent in the | country a house where could upend his evenings and lus Sundays with his family, in the calm re1 tirement of a rural life. This is, certainly, one: enjoyment which wealth can purchase. Hut the working man had heard seen that within eight miles of Charing-cross, and within three or four % miles of the place were they were then, there j were thousands of seres of common, and which, twice % a year, was covered with golden blossom. Should these commons lie cut up in squares like a draft board and sold to the highest bidder Within the past ten years not less than a thousand acres of common l: ind bail been enclosed within the metro-1 politan area, and the little which now remained was daily threatened. But (Mr. Buckmaster) was t%%ld* and from high authority, that the public had nothing to do with these enclosures, although they had enjoyed from time immemorial, without any interference — the privilege of walking over these commons. They were, nevertheless, private property. one erne it "was the lord the manor, and the copyholders in another. It was the lord of the manor alone, the custom bring very different in each ease, . but in no case had the public any common right. 11. . liim, ami front some inquiries he had since made, feared then- wan some truth in it. Thi-so commons were more valuable every day. The agents, surveyors, and lawyers, of the lord of the manor, were importuned fur jaw* of common land, ami fabulous sums wen- offend; ami, if taken, no doubt the larger part would liml its way into the pockets of the men mho negotiated the liargain. liny had no interest in pn-s%?rving thw eomiuons; their inten-st m: is to get ci%l of them. Whether in this difficulty the legislating- do anything, whether n-pn-scntations tin- jumper authorities would h<'l,) pn-serve what was lift, (Mr. Buckmaster) was unable Hay; hut the juvxrvation of these open spaces was of so much public importance that no means should 1h- left untri<-. 1. Uis sympathies went strongly with Wamlswortheommon. It was emh-ured him hy many pleasant associations, hut it wiut fast going. 'Hie almost adjoining was surrounded hy large and wealthy oceujriem, and every attempt to enclose any portion of that common had In-en most succ. -ssfully although hy far the larger part it %h> under the name holding as Wandsworth. Clap! ham common was now the s%uw- it was a % eentury ago, hut bus than twenty \eni-s a third of! Wandsworth-common had l%ii appropriated. >Lr. Buckmaster eonelnd%d his ntnarks hv asking meeting unite in handing down uninjured: in%l unimpaired to their children, those j-rivih-ges % | hid lm n preserved to them hy the wisdom of their j wise and hrave forefathers. %%'<% the uneting. and said | ho mid not ask any of t's<- gent htm lie iw ls-fore him whether it was iry that an\ th. o|m-ii spices should preserved, ls-causi h- w; %s quite sunthat those who lived ill these d% n-el\ ]N%|ailate > must find it v< tv desirable that tie y should go o%it ' town to get a little fredi air, and some of the dust ' blown off of them. laugh.) lie (Mr. . Knight, j although not in the eapaeity of a metnlier, for he was j not one, hut a visitor the House of Commons, had heard their memlsT, Mr. Doulton, make a spe%-ch i on the subject of the South Embankment of the Thames, and to hi? — (Mr. Knight's) mind he a greater impression than any member who had j spoken the subject of metropolitan improvements. '! He (Mr. Knight) did not know that then- was more important question that could come liefore tinnotice the working ebunes of than that of the often spaces of London, and he believed that Mr., Doulton would take care that it should m-eive proper attention. In the south part London then- was a a larger number of acres of land unappropriated _ j than then' was in the north of London, and the open on the south side %>f wen- not only 1 larger hut more important, was said the, j on the couth side lived in more closely confined % neighbourhoods, and in a sanitary point of view they ' needed a change more than the inhabitants of any, other part of l%ondon. They would find, too, that when they let their commons go, those who took, . them would take care appropriate them other purposes than that parks for the people; for, as Mr. Buckmaster had told them, a very great portion of Wandsworth-common had already been apl propria tod to the railway. hear.) Then- was reason why tlu-y should not lnve these commons % now as they had them in times past. If they, the working men, would only take in this movement the government would not Ik- able to enclose these oj>en spaces any more than the lord of the manor was able to it. 110 (Mr. Knight) had | heard that Clapham-common was to appropriated, " but they did the same the gentry Streatham i did with reference to. Stresttham-common they could prevent it. The inhabitants Streutliam U-ok up the matter and their common has not been altered, l- and he believed never would altered. (Mr. Knight ask'-d whether it would not tetter for the lords the manor to receive certain sum* for these * commons, and then they coidd let them entirely tree the public%this Is- very easily doau In allusion to the railway at the back of the building spfflWNiMl: those rum I. ling train* which Ih. v th%n heard miii%lt-. 1 him that th> u. i,,, . avail himself th. opportunity M t, 'j plaiv* llampt<-n-: -ourt. The* ti%. vnlu. these phios, and h< should adi-e th% valued their h. % ilth support the in. ml. p.,, . liamcul in th. -% . thiM. iith >i%l% — I<>>it> 11 tin %j probably live tiiin-s a> much linn. ' 1 ln, habitant-on the north side, and tli. ti. lciv. so much attention to tin- uotlli m%i%- i<% |>i< tit th, > enclosure their o|%n -pics, |i%- adi%o th to do no, hilt then. when the* Wanted. i such as tin had rimr-mc-hill tdiort tun. %iiuy> tiny would not In- able hac it. liivir, Ili-(Mr. Hill would rath. T have K. cominon it t<> Id' it it had. . til Ia |>n rlv drained. (11. Mr. near.) '1 hey did not want (i. -v. -rnmcnt int* rft r. nee them- matter- 'lli. t. n%% rtaiuty about these when th-\ th. -tn. slip out of their hands. At th. — |. r%-%* lit tini% theni% % |%uldk-hou>. — on K nnhi|-t and MtDw- talk of another being limit, and the common wa% gradually being i. w. i* from the public. Tln-v n. ust not forget thi* tact, that very great temptation for the lord th. manor, %>|Hi-ially if hihipoor on., and th. must |mhm- that a lonl of tinmanor wa% like a |%H j Parliament. V. t-y oft. n, hidi. -. w-r. Ird* of thimanor., What h. — Mr. Ilil!) wiahed to miw. %j% that tlli-y should ha. their commons just thi-y wi n-. Now that th- found they wi-r%- ing fi a. r. — for park ram* V. tiling that th% y Kiv much for what In-fi. lv was frii-, and then afterwards have tin land huilt u|%. ii, and so haw it t ik. wax from tlu-m. This. common* In-lunged the p-opl.; how thi-y ramithi-r>- iiolhhlv kn>-w, all th. v w%m that th. -y w. th. -r. -. It atru. k him, Mr. Hill) dahhlintr. a- h% did, littli* polos* that th. oniidrilt. il ov. -r th. in, and that I- from th. -jnavi-Ily natni. of thi-%"il Hut th. tw taking away tin- for hnildnif and oth. -r |%urj%. si-%. . 'lh- >jh ak. -r i-om-lud. d l. \. j%r. %inir a h"|H that th. -w. -rkinp. las-. - of Liindon would difcnss* flu- Mil. j. ft in tln-ir workshojis, and raise thi-ir vo%%. -s to this. — rouimotw for against i-niToac-hm. -nt. Mr. F. mox, X 1. 1., in th. — said liik firct duty would In-. a|%. lo|nM> for tin- ahseiii-i. — of Mr. William. -, liihad j%u-t Ui-n his (otn|iaUY at th. — lloum- of ('oiiinionn, and MfU-r having talk. . 1 th. luatti-r ov. r tin y had <. n that it wi. idd in- ln-tUr that Mr. William >h. . uld n-main the llouso whilst h. Mr. iKtultoii) ramito tin-in. Hihad just coim- from tin- Hoilmof Commons himsi-11, and had witm-ssi-il i-x<-itin|f Minithen-, ami although h. — did not wish di\. -rt tin- m. -' from tin- oi. ji i-t for which they had met | it might 1m- to toll them the derision which l>>rd l'ahnerston had to the House in reference to the KurojH-an war question. (Hear, hear, and chei-rs.) Theiieoidd Ik- no d<>uht at the present time to the interest felt in the whether tlicro was lie peace or war. lVrhap* there was never more exciting scene in the House than had just taken place with reference the Cieiman jiowers. Lord erit- n-d into the subject very minutely, %nd t%dd the mcm)-rft the different stapi's which the i|uestion had passed. . At length he came to that which nil there were do. . -irons of hearing, that would lie taken prevent this country ln-ing involved in an war. and the memlier% of the House of oininons heard that announcement with considerable pleasure. They knew what war meant in these days%a large increase in taxation. Thne matters which were hailed with delight by the members, and he (Mr. Doulton) was quite mire would hy the country at large. ((f course there was sure to lie some opposition. Mr. Disraeli immediately rose to express his determination to join issue, and that an early day he should move for a vote of want of confidence in the Government. (Mr. thought that decision of the Government would l%e satisfactory to them, nnd that was why he announced it. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) And now, with reference to the question of parks, he (Mr. Doulton) believed it to one of the most imjK>rtant social" questions of the present day. The attention himself and Mr. Williams had ls'en called to this matter by some one who took a deep interest in it, that attempts had been made enclose three or four commons on the south side of London. But before proceeded any further he would just say, that alfboagh it ap]>earcd at first sight to relate only to the metropolis, it really afb-ctcd, not only the inhabitants of London, but also the inlubitant of the suburbs, which are becoming part of the metropolis. He would just say, with reference the remarks of Mr. Kolierts, that he had a very strong conviction that the commons alluded to should ie>t 1%- enclosed for any purjiose whatever, but kept they were at the present time. (Hear, hear.) Lie would tell thein his ronton for this: when walked throng St. James's Park saw the walking al>out and %njoying themselves; but lie thought it far l%4ti to see the working nun strolling abiut (laphaiucommon. And lie would uk this question, it all these open spuce, such 'lapliam-common. ar% In- wlure mere the working men their picnicsThcM- plac% should lie for tie. but this object would In- entirely lost sight of they weicite> enclosed within four walls. The working would practically from that kind enjoyment which most essential to working mm. lie would now try to explain them what w. the lights of those p who pieteiuhd tJi. it eommons were their would t%k<. for instance, Kpiiiug Fitrat, frin which very large enclosures had and tl%e< V>iwn had n%-t li n licncfitcd- Tin Crown had Miiall right t> hunt deer in the forest. All lie (Mr. . % lot tie Crown was that it >houM|ieriftt maintain it* iij. t. tin Crown did this the puMi< would In- 1% Uted, and was very simple way they >hilil <%nl> it. 1!<- thought lie had right to a'k the. ll %" insist it- light. That was 'Ik pmiUoii o| 1 and oilier land ai. -und l%ndou wlo-h the Crown had vtain right — 'llu-n then % % l. i|%- ' halll-c. 11111. 0n, . . lid "lie or two v WI'V, w vears ago bin>l%n Mirnmndid bv thiT* %%oiiiiic. n, ' but now they di. ip|"N%ring. IhUwii h-e. t bad; Wandsworth wa% g"ing, rind w. i% s. im% t ilk. ft'taking away Tooting-common. % tlw-v common* was tie l -rd " I the manor cal. V it his freehold. then linn- ei. what an- called copyholders. who alo have a small < 1 ami. and then there was the right* of tin* o%ntuoner%. Well, then, tie lord the manor can get these 1 jiersons, for a. -niall sum, give it up, claims the j whole it. Mr. Thompson made purchase of some land this way for something like and he immediately set work to buy up thecopvholdifs. Iand then two or three of the commoners. Now th'- % Mr. Thompson could dispose of Tooting ' %%mm%'nbut was not quite certain but that some copyholder ' will rise up and say, " You have not satisfii-d my claim; 1 must bring before Parliament, ' and tin eopvhcJder must do this Is-fore it can Is- built it|s%n. They had simply go to the lord of the u%. iii%%, and "say, " You must give it up. " There ought some appointisl who should purchase the right* tie lord of the manor, and it would injustice at all to go the lord of the manor it such a place Tioting ami hav, " You shall pre. - iv the ' common for the recreation of the people. " now, the Government would sav to-morro"" ' " The Metropolitan Board of Works ' authority for this purpose. " the ease %sitm%. common, the gentlemen of that place had met, together and to pay a certain sum, tlunij. like half, in order to prevent its Wing enclosed. I%> ' this and similar means the cxjm use. might l>.: mad* w fall very lightly hided upon the inhabitant* ot the metropolis. Some jn-rsons had said there wa* the necessitv existing that there used to Is- for tie -e oi%en spaces and commons. lb- (Mr. Doulton contended there was, and h- would give them Me two startling facts. 1/mkat tie |s. pidatlon London it had increased nearlv million. seemed T'/1 credible. 1831 it was something like four imlhou* odd: in IHC Iit had mcreMcd over five millions. Now that was a startling tact, and would p%' them another. WhHe this had been going houses had also bawd. 1H. 51 the nuwUr SZtol hou%% %%%% 820,000; m %'%, hail in. I-. HS. It. 900,000. Hi. v %. . uM %% that extraordinary incrvaw. . rendered it UU, j. tl. e-e . . . '.!%<%%should, would ha% to> Tt thp-%- or foi\r Um< more u w

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West Middlesex Advertiser and Family Journal — Saturday 13 August 1864

Testimonial to Mr. Buckmaster.

The great parochial battles of Battersea are now ended. There will, however, lively discussions in the Vestry whether a lamp-post should be 8 feet or 8 feet inches, or whether it be more economical to use Purbeck or granite for kerbing footpaths, or whether it be possible to do things which are impossible. These vital questions will occasionally occupy the serious attention of men rated at 25 a year.

Happily no one now suspects the parish officers of any misappropriation of parish money, and the great man, before whom all small men were terrified, and parish officers worshipped, now in prison; but Mr. Buckmaster, against whom lawyers on both sides of the river have times sworn vengeance, has achieved a great victory. For years he exposed the chicanery, the deceit, and falsehood of a party now defunct. Extracts from lawyers' bills were printed and circulated for the edification of the ratepayers; affidavits and opinions of counsel for a time defeated his efforts; but a man waits the truth and justice of his case will the end receive its proper and just reward; and although we cannot endorse all Mr. Buckmaster's opinions, we believe he deserves well of the parish, and this recognition of his services must be as agreeable as, we understand, was unexpected. the anniversary of his wedding-day he received a polished oak box, containing the following inscription: — St. Mary, Battersea. — This box, containing 64 pieces of plate, was presented to Mr. Buckmaster, by a few gentlemen, in acknowledgment of services rendered in the parish during period of great trouble and difficulty. — August, 1864

{PB: Ivaguely remember somebody saying critically in a later meeting that this was in effect payment for some underhand dealing by JCB — sounds implausible, but perhaps worth following up.

NB "now in prison" — can we find Reynolds? How?]"

"Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette — Thursday 22 September 1864

THE MICROSCOPICAL SOIREE. Last evening microscopical soiree was held at the Assembly Rooms under the auspices of the Bath and Bristol Microscopical Societies, and it may be fairly doubted whether a more distinguished and fashionable company was ever brought together in Bath, even in the reign Beau Nash the Ureat. Eight o'clock was the hour appointed for opening the doors, but long before that time a large and eager crowd had assembled, and the approaches to the Assembly Rooms were lined with hundreds of carriages. Within a few minutes after eight the whole of the rooms were well filled, and in another half-hour became so crowded that locomotion became matter of no little difficulty. The arrangements, which were under the able direction of Dr. Wilbraham Falconer, President of the Bath Microscopical Society, Mr. Morris, its secretary, and Mr. Leipner, the acting secretary of the Bristol Microscopical Society, were admirable in the extreme ; and we must not omit to mention that the sergeants of Militia, stationed the doors of the various rooms, carried out the orders they had received with respectful firmness which contributed in no slight degree to the comfort of the company. brilliant was the assemblage that it appears almost invidious to enumerate the names of any of the company who w ere present. We may, perhaps, however, be excused for mentioning the names of a few of the more distinguished members of the British Association whom we observed threading their way through the throng, and examining, with eager curiosity and delight, the numerous objects of interest which were displayed. We, noticed then, Sir Charles Lyell, Bart, the illustrious President of the Association, the Right Rev. Dr. Colenso, Bishop of Natal, Dr. Livingstone, Professor Phillips, the President elect of the Association, Jtrom Mureh, Esq. (Mayor of Bath), Sir J. Bowring, the Dean Cork, Captain Selwyn, and Dr. E. Smith. And must not forget the ladies who mustered in great force, indeed, they always do upon such occasions, and by their fascinating presence added very considerably to the attractions of the evening. Science, learning, wit, and beauty were all equally well represented, and the result was a scene which will never fade from the memory of those who witnessed it, and of which it may be said in the words of a celebrated Irish poem as translated by Dean Swift, that like " O'Rourke's noble feast, it will ne'er be forgot, By those who were there, and those who w ere not." A distinguished microscopist, who has attended many exhibitions of a similar kind, was heard to declare that he was never present at one, either in this country or on the continent, more distinguished, and in every way interesting than that which was held last night in the Bath Assembly Rooms. Entering the vestibule we behold an instrument which was kept constantly at work during the whole of the evening to the great delight of the visitors. It the Lepaul Printing Telegaph Instrument, and is exhibited by Captain J. Selwyn and M. Raioul Facheux. it improvement on the Morse Telegraph, generally used the United States. Passing to the Octagon we find ourselves surrounded large array of optical, mathematical, and philosophical instruments, constructed the most eminent manufacturers in the country. First, then, an electromagnetic induction machine, exhibited by Mrs J. Bayues . Thompson, London. Its application has been fully explained in a paper lately read Section A, and it therefore ill suffice now to say that the machine is self-acting, and that it is driven the same current that produces the induction. Three or four celLs, the interposition of this machine, do the work of three four hundred without it, thereby saving an immense consumption material and of trouble in attending to tiie cells. It has been tested the London, Chatham and Dover telegraph line with complete success. As philosophical instrument, it is admirably adapted where electricity of great tension required, while for testing tdlegraph cable it leaves nothing further to desired, because it can easily adjusted to the quantity and intensity of any number of cells, from 10 to 1000. Next t) this, attention arrested a collection of twenty powerful and exquisitely-finished microscopes. Some these are binocular, and are especially remarkable for the low price at which they are produced, the cheapest costing only 5 10. Orf. The exhibitor is Mr. C. Baker, High Holborn. Amongst the objects placed under these microscopes was the fresh-water cristillata, a polyp found in the Black Sea, Wandsworth. Then we come improved air-pump exhibited by Mr. J. A. Rudge, 1, New Bond-street, Bath, and a binocular laicroscope, a table stereoscope, and other interesting objects exhibited by Mr. John Browning, optician, of London. Near this is an astronomical object glass, 16 inches diameter, and only 12 feet 4 inches focal length, which is believed to the shortest ever made at the above aperture to define well when high powers are used the manufacturer is Mr. T. Slater, 136, Euston-road, London. Mr. Jopling, of Tendon, exhibited several photographs of Ammerdown Memorial Pillar, with the object illustrating apparatus far drawing different curves. Among the many microscoj>es on the table are severaLvery fine ones manufactured by Messrs. Husbands and Clarke, Bristol; Mr. Wm. Ladd, of Beak-street, Regent-street, London ; Mr. W. Crouch, of Bishopsgate-street, Within ; and by Mr. C. Collins, of Creat Titchfield-street, Oxford-street, London. The latter are binocular, and are constructed on the principle proj>osed by Professor Harley, by which they may altered from one power to another instantaneously, thus effecting a great saving of time and trouble. A number ttt specimens of photo-sculpture by M. Claudet are also distributed in different parts of the Octagon. Three geological niaps and numerous diagrams were hung on the walls, and were examined with great interest. leaving the Octagon we push our way through the crowd, and, to use an Americanism, "wire into" the large ball room, the walls of which are profusely covered with diagrams illustrative the objects displayed on the tables placed along the sides the room. The glass "slides" to viewed through the microscopes are almost countless, and the bare enumeration of them would fill a goodly volume. First in order come those which illustrate the wonders of the vegetable kingdom, and of the extent of these the subjoined general list will convey a tolerably good idea. Vegetable Kingdom. Vegetable Cell and Cell Contents. Forms of Cells, Hairs of Plants, exhibited by Mr. Wilkinson ; Spiral Cell and its modifications, Mr. Collins ; Fungus for Wine Cellars, Mr. Wadhaui Cell contents, Mr. Doughty; Starch, Raphides, Cystolitlis, Mr. Parker. TiuUlogens.- -Algai. Volvocineae, Volvoxglobator, Desmidiaceae, Mr, Prangley ; Diatomaceaj, Mr. Pooley ; Paimellacea?, Ulvacew, Oscillatoriaceae (living), Nostocacea? (Hiding), Mr. H. Thomas Siphonaceae, Vaucheria, Confervacere, Conjugates:, Zygnema, Ohaetophoracea;, Mr. Mitchell; Batrachospermeaj, Characeai, Chara, Nitella, Mr. Mitchell M elanospennea), Mr. Beattie ; Rhodospermeae, Rev. R. C. Jones. Fungi and Lichens. Spores, Gonidia, Sections of Fungi, Moulds, Mr. Mortimer Orenville. Acrogens. Hepatvca.. -Jungermanniaj of Bristol District, Mr. Wilson ; Swres and Elaters Jungermannia, Fructification of Marchantia, Dr. Hensley. Musci. Development of Mosses : Antheridia, Archegonia, Capsules, Mr. Evelyn. Lycoj-odiacew.- Fruit of Selaginella, Mr. WhitwelL Equisetacece. Siliceous cuticle, Fructification, Dr. Fowler. Filices. Development of Ferns. Prothallus, Dr. Fowler ; Sections, Fructification, &c., Mr. Moni-t, and Mr. Bagshaw. End'Mjens. Sections Canes, Palms, Lilies, 4c., Mr. Ravis Grasses, Siliceous Cuticles. Pollen, Mr. Pitman. Exogens. — Epidermal Structure, Mr. Townsend ; Stem Structure, Mr. Hunt Pollen, Seeds, 4c., J. J. Fox. Animal Kingdom. Protozoa, Rhizopoda. Amcebea, Mr. Highett; Foraniinifera, Mr. Pooley; Soundings : Atlantic, Red Sea, Sec., Mr. F. R. Marher (3). Spongidee. — Sponges, Spicules, Stc, Mr. Saunders (4). Infasoria. Vorticella, Stentor, 4c, Mr. Perry; Noctiluca. Vibrioses in Vegetable and Animal Infusions, Mr. J. Roberts. Cceknterata, Hydrozoa. Hytlra viridis, &c, Mr. Williams; Myriothela, Coryne, Tubularia, Laomeclia. Sertularia, 4c, Mr. James; Polypidoms of Plunmlariadse, Sertulariadae, 4c, Mr. Harding ; Auiiitory Organ of Medusa, Mr. Gaiue. Actinozoa. Spicules Alcyonium. Gorgoniae. Spisules of Gorgoniae, Mr. Tate. MtilMtm. WilsSss Cais Collcomb. Polyzoa. Polyzoaries. Polypes. Marine. Pedicellinida. U'yclostomata. Otenostomata. Cheilostomata, Mr. Maynard ; Polypes, Fresh-water, Mr. Fedder. Brachiopoda. Sections of Shells, Mr. John Wilson. Conch if era.Sections of Shells. Cilia on Gills of Oyster, Anodon, &c, H. W. Sanders; Embryo of Oyster, Viviparous ova of Auodon, Mrs. Daniell; Parasite of Anodou, Mrs. Daniel. Gasteropoda. [G. Pulmonata. G. Dicecia. G. Lingual Ribbons, Mr. Simons ; Internal Shell and Arion, Rev. W. A. Jones ; Otoliths. Dissections, Mr. W. A. Sanford. Cepluxlopoda. Shell of Cuttle Fish. Suckers. Lingual Ribbon, &c, Mr. Leipner, jun. Annuloxa, Echinodernuita. Orinoidea. Comatula. Development and Histology of Comatula; Parasite of Coinatula; Asteridia, Mr. W. _ alkner ; Ophiuridea Pedicellaria; of Asteridia and Echinidea, Dr. Herapath (both); Spines, and Sections Spine, of Echinus and Cidaris, Mr. Church; Holothuridea. Calcareous plates of Synapta, Sue. Scolecida. Rotifera, 4c, C. T. Hudson ; Turbellaria ; Nematoidea, Stc., Dr. Brittan Taeniada ; Head of T. elliptica. T. Crassicollis, 4c. Ovaries, 4c. Cysticercus from Human Brain partially developed into Ta[>e Worm ; Trematoda, Fluke, 4c, Dr. Brittan. Annelida. Discophora. Original preparations Johnson, illustrating his work on the Leech. Crustacea. Cirrhipedia. Histology of Lepas Eillii, Conchoderma virgata,
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"1864 REYNOLDS BANKRUPT

London Evening Standard — Wednesday 26 October 1864

BANKRUPT. (To Surrender at the Bankruptcy Court London.)

Thomas Andrew Fitzgerald Reynolds, Cecll-st. Strand, solicitor, Nov. 14, at 12: sol. Mr. Aldridge, Moorgate-st ; off. assig. Mr. Cannan, Basinghall-st.

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"HENRY MEYER — Bird illustrator — "Illustrations of British Birds" — buried Battersea Rise Cemetery

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Bell's Weekly Messenger — Saturday 25 February 1865

Open Spaces (Metropolis).^p^pMr. DOULTON, moving for select committee to inquire into the best means of preserving for the public use the forests, commons, and open spaces in around the metropolis, said the question was one which did not admit '.f delay, for if something was not done at once towvds its tettfoment the question would settle itself, and the few open spaces that remained would be applied to other purposes than what believed their legitimate use. The fact that bill was introduced in the present session for dealing with oi.e valuable common, namely, Wimbledon Common, showed the necessity that existed for. a Parliamentary inquiry. In proposing a committee he was only following the wish which the bouse had expressed. The object of the inquiry was not with the view of enclosing those op--n spaces, and keepii g them trimly laid out; his desire rather was that iboso commons and open sf aces should be preserved in their present wildness and irregularity, which ho believed their greatest charm, and that those whom those commons had been used should have free, uncontrolled, aod, might say, boisterous enjoyment, which they could not have the parks, which were necessarily under restriction. The metropolis was present well supplied with parks; hut what was wanted was, to preserve the opo:i spaces in their prosent irregularity.^p^pMr. Alderman ROSE seconded the motion. said motion had been put the paper that the Enclosure Bill for Wimbledon Common should >
Mr. S. LEFEVRE said the state of the law as regarded public rights was in menacing jiosition. The courts of law recognised the rights of the public to places of recreation they had not been given away almost all the world. They had, in point of fact, enjoyed those rights from the time of the second Charles. ono esse the inhabitants claimed a right the common, and Sir Matthew Hale, in giving his decision, said;-% This is a good custom, and it is necessary for the inhabitants to have their recteation;'' and this had become one the loading cases on w.lich the rights of public were dotormiootl the courts of law, bow. ver, a sort of duellistn between good and evil prevailed. Amongst other cases was one arising out dcite>puto on the turf, in which the trustees of Newmarket Heath warned off the course a gentleman who had made ugly ol>servations against them the newspapers. He pleaded immemorial usage; but. on the other side, it was pleaded that general custom was bad. and therefor% had right to there; although, had be claimed inhabitant of Nowmarket, he might have had such aright. In the case of Woodford Green, in Forest, Mr. Justice Wightman, in summing up the jury, had in fact pointed out that the claims of the inhabitants of a particular village play ou the green had boon abandoned, boc..u-e, though being near place like London, the green had become enjoyed all the world. This might be law, but it did stem to him to opposed to all| common sense and fooling. (Hoar, bear.) The law had indeed come such ridiculous point that the only thing to was to alter it and say that customs which were general were good customs, and it was good custom to play village green. (Hear, hoar.) Mr. MARSH hoped justice would be done, but protested against the expenditure of shilling of the public money for this purpose. The motion was then agreed to.

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1865

London Evening Standard — Wednesday 22 February 1865

OPEN SPACES(METROPOLIS). .

Mr. DOULTON, in moving for select committee to inquire into the beat means of preserving for the public use the forests, commons, and open spaces and around the metropolis, said the question was one which had received the consideration of the house on more than one occasion. Having shown what had been done in the matter former occasions, he alluded the Wimbledon Common bill, and spoke strongly upon the necessity of keeping open the existing commons, heaths, forests, &c" In the vicinity of the metropolis, and in all their wildness. He trusted the result of committee up-stairs would be Wme suggestion or measure the result of which would preserve to the people the one hand the enjoyment of these commons and open spaces, and on the other hand, to reserve without encroachment all private rights (cheers).

Mr. Alderman ROSE seconded the motion. The question was one of which feared the importance was not recognised by the public largo by that house (hear). The motion for the second reading of the Wimbledon Enclosure Bill was postponed fora month in order await the results of this committee, believed if this committee were appointed tha-t public outrage would perpetrated (ob, oh). The hon. gentleman then referred to the enclosure -f Wandsworth Common, by which, said, every public and private right had been outraged.

Lord BURY defended Lord Spencer's proposal with respect Wimbledon Common, which, said, was most liberal one. He protested against the improper language of the hon. gentleman.

Colonel NORTH said that nothing could be more kind liberal than the offer of for Spencer although ho differed from noble lord as to his mode currying out his views.

Alderman ROSE explained. felt strongly upon the subject; and if he had conveyed Ms sentiments in other than parliamentary terms he begged to withdraw what had said.

Mr. JACKSON hoped it would lie understood hat this Wimbledon enclosure was not result any claim upon the public funds (bear. hear).

Mr. LOCK said he was have seconded this motion, he had supported a similar one last year, which whs carried large majority, but being late the session there was not time to appoint a committee. the duties of the committee now about appoints! would therefore curtailed, as would not necessary for them go into the question whether or not these spaces should kept open. referred the remarks of his bon. tri (.Mr. Jackson), with which entirely disagreed, and that, with regard to Wimbledon, had a strong objection to any fi nc being put up.

After few words from Mr. and Colonel TORRENS, Mr. COWPER said that when last year the subject was before the house, he had suggested hoo. member that would have been better have moved for select committee, and was glad that step had now been taken (hear, hear). He enumerated the open spaces London possessed, the preservation of which was, said, essential for the health and enjoymen t of the people of this tm tr; ai d he believed th: when the committee ne inquire into the subject they would experience noditticul finding whatever funds might wanted from metropolltan, as distinct from sources.

Mr. PEACOCKE said that the whole question was, whether Lord Spencer had had not the right a-t he proposed with Wimbledon Common. There could be doubt that the noble lord had acted from the n.o-c generous motives; but as the extent his power was called in question it was very desirable that the selcot committee should inquire into the subject.

Mr. LEFEVRE said that if the public had legal Jit, the lord of the manor could at any time enclose common. But if, the contrary, the public had right in the common the interest the lord of ihe manor could bought for comparatively small sum. The quest of Wimbledon-common was one detail, and it. would, doubt, brought before the committee. He was convinced that Lord Spencer meant to deal with the public the most generous spirit; but man who did generous thing did not always get the credit deserved. The Hon. gentleman then referred the legal bearing of the question, and suggested some considerations for the commit- ee.

After some remarks from Mr. MARSH and Mr. f'OX, Mr. DOULTON said he proposed that the inquiries the committee should extend to distance of 15 miles from London. The motion was then agreed to.

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"OPEN SPACES AROUND LONDON

South London Press — Saturday 25 February 1865

OPEN SPACES AROUND LONDON.

The rapid and ever-increasing absorption of the open country around our vast metropolis must make every thoughtful man anxious, not only for the sanitary requirements of its present denizens, but of the immensely-augmented population which in few years will congregate within the metropolitan district. Of course, in a country like this, where the rights of private property are held sacred, and very properly so, it is not likely that' any attempt will ever made to prevent those who hold it from doing as they like with their own," and the tempting prices which are offered for building-land, concurrently with the steady growth of demand for house accommodation, is certain year by year to eat up every green field, shady lane, upland, and plantation, within some score miles of London, which are at the disposal of private proprietors. In view of this state of things, with reference to the sanitary considerations alone, and without regard to pleasure and relaxation," think Mr. Doulton, the member for Lambeth, deserves credit for having called the attention of the House of Commons to the subject this week, moving for a select committee to inquire into the best means of preserving for public use the forests, commons, and open spaces in and . around the metropolis.

He reminded the House that at the close of last session decided majority expressed opinion that it was the duty of the Government, or of some other body, to see that this was done, and that unless some practical steps were speedily taken in the matter, the question would settle itself, for there would soon be few commons which would not be disposed of for purposes other than those which Parliament believed their legitimate use.

As an illustration, Mr. Doulton referred to the Bill for converting Wimbledon Common into a park. He expressed no opinion on that proposal, but he thought it was a strong reason for inquiry. London had already neat and trimly laid parks; what Mr. Doulton, in common with every other healthy-minded man, wants, is that the forests and commons should be preserved their present wild state, which is their greatest charm, and that the people should continue to have that enjoyment in their use which is incompatible with the very nature of restrictions, regulations, rules, and park-keepers, in formally laid-out grounds.

With the steady increase of our population these relies of the old times; when "wild in woods the noble savage ran," become "few and far between," and yet every one who has ever rambled for a few days in the New Forest, for instance, will admit that new sense of enjoyment was, as it were, created in him by the utter absence of restriction; that the wildness and irregularity of the scenery appealed to something in his own nature, which, however deeply hidden and strongly repressed in the everyday drudgery of common existence, only required contact with the proper conditions to burst into life and give it zest never enjoyed before.

All the more important therefore is it, that the few forests and commons we have, should be preserved, as far as possible, in their present state, and that we take to the sole and simple object of the motion of the hon. member for Lambeth. Wi allusion to the proposed enclosure of Wimbledon gave rise a rather animated passage-atarma.

Alderman Rose, who seconded the motion for select committee, called the enclosure "a public outrage which ought not to be perpetrated," and referred to Wandsworth Common, where the Spencers are also lords of the manor, as specimen of the way in which both private and public rights had been sacrificed. A largo workhouse had boon built there, a burial-ground had been opened, a large space had been given to a railway company, there were jails, schools, and every description of incongruous buildings springing up on land which few years ago was regarded aa pnblio property. Was the same fate to befal Wimbledon under the management of the noble lord? Thereupon, up sprang Lord Bury to protest against this strong language, and to vouch for the pnblic-spirited, patriotic, and philanthropic intentions of Earl Spencer, who was bent upon sacrificing his own rights for the benefit of the public, who courted inquiry, and if committee should decide against the enclosure, would no doubt consider whether be should not give up a power which he was advised he legally possessed. Upon this assumption of Lord Spencer's, there has betel rather smart correspondence in the daily papers this week.

The solicitor for the Earl, in letter addressed to the Times, took very high ground as to the legal rights of his lordship, on the faith opinions given by eminent counsel. The committees appointed by the Commoners and others resident at Wimbledon and Putney, repudiated, upon the authority of equally eminent lawyers, the extravagant and unfounded claims the lord of the manor, and the contest has been carried on with great energy by various correspondents in other papers.

Mr. Shaw Lefevre brought out with great distinctness the very anomalous and unsatisfactory state of the law this subject. Through the later decisions the Courts of Law, what were recognised at one time as the rights of the public, have been almost refined away to nothing by the introduction of principle which declared that, although when confined to the inhabitants of particular place, the right to recreation — the liberty of playing all lawful games, sports, and pastimes at all seasonable times of the year at their own will and pleasure — was good, yet it was bad if claimed by the whole people.

It was no wonder that this strange legal cobweb, spun out of the brain of some subtle double-refined special pleader, created laughter, but the law in its present state is no laughing matter.

A law which makes the custom for a whole people to play on a public green, like Clapham or Blackheath, a bad custom, is, as Mr. Lefevre very properly said, a ridiculous law, and the proper way is to alter the law, and say that the custom, when general, is a good custom.

Of course some of the county members, in assenting to the appointment of the committee, entered their usual protest against any money being taken from the Imperial purse for the benefit or improvement of the metropolis, and Mr. Cowper, the first commissioner of works, while cordially assenting to Mr. Doulton's motion, differed from Mr. Locke, the member for Southwark, in thinking the public purse should be applied to for metropolitan purposes, and gave broad hint to the committee that it would be wasting its time in directing its attention to the means meeting the expenditure for these open spaces out of Imperial resources.

If there was any expenditure more properly belonging to the metropolis than another it was this. With all deference to Mr. Cowper and those who take that view of the subject, we hold that the capital of great empire cannot in this respect be placed the same footing any provincial city, however large, wealthy, and important.

Whatever tends to facilitate locomotion, to promote health, convenience, and enjoyment, and to satisfy what may called the educated and refined artistic tastes of the community, becomes, in fact, not the property of the residents of the capital, but of the whole people, and as such all may fairly called upon to bear their share of the cost of making the capital worthy the greatness of the empire, and of the wealth and civilisation of the nation.

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South London Press — Saturday 25 February 1865

COMMONS AROUND THE METROPOLIS.

Mr. Doulton, in moving for select committee to inquire into the best means of preserving for the paolic the forests, commons, and open spaces in and around the metropolis, said the question was one which had received the approval of the House on more than one occasion.

In 1863, the House passed resolution for an address to Bar Majesty calling upon her not to exorcise any rights which Her Majesty had with respect to Epping Forest At the close of the last session the House, by considerable majority, expressed an opinion that it was the duty the Government to provide for the preservation the oommons and open spaces in and around the metropolis. Although thsrs was strong diversity of opinion as to the policy of the motion, there was but one opinion that ft was urgently necessary to have Parliamentary inquiry into the whole question. The question was one which did not admit delay, for if something was not done at once towards us settlement the question would settle itself, and the lew open spaces that remained would be applied to other purposes than what believed to m their legitimate nse. The fact that Bill was introduced in the present session for dealing with one most valuable common, namely, Wimbledon Common, showed the necessity that fora Pauliamentary inquiry. proposing committee was only following np the wish which the House had already expressed. The object of the inquiry was not with the view of enclosing those open spaces, and keeping them trimly laid out; his desire rather was that those oommons and open spaces should bepreserved in their present wildness and irregularity, which believed to be their greatest charm; and that those by whom thoee commons had bean used should have free, uncontrolled, and, he might say, boisterous enjoyment, which they could not have in the parks, which were necessarily under restriction. The metropolis was at present well supplied with parks; but what was wanted was to preserve the open spaces in their (assent irregularity. The parks necessitated large annual expenditure. found sum of 6,000 for Battersea Park, and a like sum for Victoria Park. The hon. member repudiated the idea that his object was to secure gnat public advantage by the confiscation of private rights. All he desired, while respecting those rights, was to secure public rights; because there was such thing as the confiscation of public rights which had been made sacred by the usages of centuries. His desire in moving for the committee was to have the subject considered in all its varieties, with the result, hoped, of some practical suggestion which would admit of preserving the commons and open spaces freely to the people hitherto, and, on the other hand, not encroaching in any way upon private rights.

Mr. Alderman Hose seconded the motion. He said a motion had been pot upon the paper that the Enclosure Bill for Wimbledon Common should be postponed for month, to await the consideration of this committee. He believed, if that committee were appointed, they would give such information that such public outrage as believed the enclosure to be would not be perpetrated. (Cries of "Oh, and Hear, bear.") It was said that the noble lord who was interested in carrying out that Bill was acting for the public benefit Hon. members of the House had an opportunity of judging for themselves of the public spirit of the operation by riding from Battersea Park across Wandsworth Park. The proof f the noble lord's public spirit was shown the enclosure that was going on of Wandsworth Common the present time, which believed was owned by the noble lord. There was not public right which had not been sacrificed, or private right which had not been outraged, contrary to all law. The noble lord wanted to extend the same private management to Wimbledon Common. The operation of all Enclosure Acts was give private advantages. Lord Barr, M the person the Billwhich the hon. member had stigmatised a public outrage, protested against such improper language being applied in that House to what the noble lord, Earl Spencer, belie red be great boon offered to the public. He courted open and fair inquiry, and, the meloeure was objected the committee, no doubt the noble lord would be prepared to oonsi- THE SOUTH dor whether he should not rive the power of enclosure, (Hoar, hear.) Colonel North said it was not necessary to defend the character of Earl Spencer. Every one who knew him would know also that what had been said of him by the hon. member for Southampton was altogether unworthy. (Colonel North) had property at Putney, and, though he differed from Ban Spencer to the policy of enclosing Wimbledon Common, must bear testimony to the fact that nothing could be more liberal and courteous than the offer the noble lord had made. Ha could not allow the hon. member for Southampton to speak of Lord Spencer in the way had done without rtoingto aay that such opinion did not exist In the nrighbonrhood of Putney.

Mr. Alderman Bose said that fdt strongly on the subject, and he had spoken strongly; but; If had convoyed his feelings in other than parliamentary terms, hoped the House would allow him to withdraw those terms.

Mr. Jackson hoped that the Wimbledon Common Enclosure Bill was not the beginning of cell upon the Consolidated Fond.

Mr. Locke deprecated the objection of the hon. member who had just spoken then, and of the hon. member for West Norfolk (Mr. Bentlnok) on previous occasions, to any imperial expenditure for the improvement of the metropolis, fie (Mr. Looks) thought it was necessary to do more for the metropolis of a country to which every one went than for any provincial town. With regard to the Wimbledon Bill, his strong feeling was against any fence being pat up in any open place, as it entirely destroyed the enjoyment that people had from roving about unrestrictedly. The committee, took it, was for the purpose of protecting the rights of the public against any innovation. If they could lay down any clear and just principle with regard to these common lands and embody it in Bill, they would confer great benefit on the public.

Mr. Bentinck said that, had been referred to, would reiterate his objections to any money being taken from the imperial purse for the purpose of metropolitan improvements. After few words from Mr. Torrens, Mr. Cowper Raid that be was glad the hon. member for Lambeth had moved for select committee. The matter was one of great interest and importance to all who resided in Ixmdon, but great deal more information was required before the subject would be ripe for legislation. He believed the details which might be obtained by committee would be of great ralne. London was peculiarly fortunate at present, both in the parks, which were in its centre, and the belt of open places and commons which surrounded it on all sides. There were twentyeight commons and greens encircling the metropolis which at present were open to the public. These became every day of greater importance to the inhabitants, because railways enabled the poorest as well as the richest to enjoy such open places; while, on the other hand, the enormous growth of London tended rapidly to engulf those commons. They saw how London former times had ongnlphed open spaces by taking within its embrace such maces as Saffron-hill, Boeemary-lane, and Mayfair. The increase of building naturally tempted lords of manors and commons to combine, and get profit out of their rights, and thus to destroy the commons. He thought that wealthy city like London could well afford to buy up such rights and keep the commons in their state of native wildness. He must turn deaf ear to the pleadings of the hon. member for Southwark, who had endeavoured to induce the House to concur in'this szpenditnre out of the public purse. If ever there was expenditure wnieh more particularly belonged to the metropolitan funds, it was the preservation of those open spaces. There was nothing imperial in the question, and if the committee was granted it must be on the understanding that they would only waste their time if they turned their attention to meeting that expenditure out of the public revenn- Their object would be to find how the funds of the metropolis could be employed. The ratepayers were already heavily taxed, but would suggest that the owners of the fee-simple of the land did not at present contribute anything to the permanent improvement of the metropolis. All the expenditure was derived from the occupiers. He, however, felt sure that the metropolis would be willing in many ways to find more money for the preservation of the surrounding open spaces. Ur. Pm0oolm wished inform the House of the actual state in which the Enclosure Act stood. If the landlord and the homage agreed, it was unnecessary to oome to that House; hut if, on the other hand, opposition was made, they were obliged to apply to Parliament The whole question of Wimbledon rested upon this: has Lord Speneer the consent of the homagers or not? If had not, would find it necessary to apply to the Honse; if had, he made most munificent proposition to enclose the Common. (Hear, hear.) The people in that neighbourhood disputed his power. If had a legal right to do it, no one could complain; if had not that legal right, the people had the usual remedy in their own hands. The same remarks would, thought, apply to Epping Forest, to which had been continually asked why Parliament did not afford help.

Mr. S. Lefovro thought Lord Spencer had intended to act in an extremely-generons manner towards the public, and might console himself with the reflection that those who did this did not often get tiie credit they deserved. He was anxious to deal with those commons- where they could not expect the lord of the manor toi be so generous as the noble lord had been — such as Blackheath, Hampstead, Clapham, and a variety of others. The state of tiie law regarded public rights was in menacing position, and not such one as those who took the part of the public would like to see it in. The courts of law recognised the rights of the public to places of recreation if they had not gradually been given away to almost all in the world. They had, in point of fact, enjoyed those rights from the time of the second Cbaries, when, might be supposed, the people turned to amusements after the strictness of the Puritans. In one case the inhabitants claimed a right to the common; and Sir Matthew Hale, in giving his decision, said, "This is good custom, and it is necessary for the inhabitants to have their recreationand this had become one of the leading cases on which the rights of the public were determined. In the courts of law, however, sort of duellism between good and evil prevailed. Amongst other oases was one arising out of a dispute on the tnrf, in which the trustees of Newmarket Heath wanted off the course there gentleman who had made ugly observations against them in the newspapers. He pleaded immemorial usage; but, on the other side, it was pleaded that general custom was bad, and therefore had no right_ to be there; although had he claimed as inhabitant of Newmarket, he might have had such right. In the case of Woodford Green, in Epping Forest, Mr. Justice Wightman, in summing to the jury, had in fact pointed out that the claims of the inhabitants of particular village to play on the green had been abandoned, because, through being near a place like London, the green had become enjoyed by all the world. This might be law, but it did seem to him to be opposed to all common-sense and feeling. (Hear, hear.) The law had, indeed, come to such ridiculous point that the only thing to do was to alter it and say that customs which were general were good customs, and that it was a good custom to play on a village green. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Marsh hoped justice would be done, but protested against the expenditure of shilling of the public money for this purpose. There might some excuse for applying the national revenue to the preservation of public buildings, because the public might there; but when people came up to town they did not go to see rural places, which were entirely for the use of the metropolis. Hr. Cos would bring the House down to what had taken place within the last two or three years.' The lord of the manor asked the House in 1862 to pass a

the people to eaeloee it, and to deprire the public of the right the/ had heretofore enjoyed. On bia notion, the matter wa referred to select committee, the result being that fifty acne were allotted to the free use of the inhabitants of the metropolis; but the Enclosure Commissioners had not yet stated where that ground was to be, should be glad to receive some information on the subject. With regard to Epping Forest, the inhabitante of the metropolis had no desire to deprive the lord of the manor of any right he might possess. All they required was that the two or three hundred acres they had hitherto had for their enjoyment might be left in the same wild state now, and that the trees might not be out down, nor gravel walks made to despoil the forest of the charms it had for pio-nks. the motion was then agreed t&

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South London Chronicle — Saturday 4 March 1865

THE PRESS ON MR. DOULTON. M.P. AND OPEN SPACES.

The contributor of a series of a clever popular sketches of the "Inner Life of the House of Commons, " apjiearing in the fflnttrtfed refers to Mr. Doulton's motion for a Select Committee on the preservation of Open Spaces, in his latest article "On Tuesday — Mr. Doulton brought forward hi.motion for committee to preserve the op spans 1:1 and around the metropolis. The motion .

ittraet'i large number of members; and Mr. Doulton. usual, made very effective speech. It is the i;. to sneer at the metropolitan members; but then' not twenty members in the House who can i Is more effectivelv than Mr. Doulton. always and'ean make the House understand.'

he is talking about, and in few words. 1/1 tl>' _ vilersof Mr. Doulton note of this. makes pots! " True; and the late Sir Robert — father spun eottnn.

Mr. Alderman Rose rush. Ii _

to the house in hot haste, to speak upon this _ and, gracious powers! what a speech he e. in charity we will drop the curtain, first the Alderman is not a metropolitan m

', r;'! .'ih revilers might revile. Him to honour.' Whilst the was'

his Brummagem philippic against Lord Spencer, his Lordship sat calndy under the gallery and smiled." article of Parliamentary gossip, entitled " Below the Gangway, " has been lately introduced once

very week into the Morning Star. In the range of J, Dies, and in the style of writing, this weekly contribution closely resembles the sketches in the ll!, titrated Time', almost to indicate that both proceed from one pen. Here, too, Mr. Doulton's motion was commented upon, and in the following terms: " What a curious calumny it is which the snoboraey never weary of repeating that the metropolitan members are below the average of the House in intellect. had a proof what a libel this is on Tue-jy. when Mr. Doulton brought forward his motion for a select committee to enquire into the best means preserving the commons and wastes round There are not fifty men — no, nor hardly a Joore — in the House who can speak better than the — ruber for Lambeth did then. His style and manner were perfectly unexceptionable: there was not a _article hesitation, not a slip in the grammar or Sonounciation. Iadvisedly say pronounciation, because if were to listen to the stupid scandals afloat we must believe that Marylebone, Finsbury and Lambeth send men to Parliament who hardly know how to talk their mother tongue.

Mr. Doulton, too, has nther merits. may never attempt any eloquence rhetoric, but always understands his subject and never wastes time. The fact is, that the metropolitan representatives, rule, are superior to the general run. Let any sober minded-man take 'Dod's Parliameiitary Companion, 'and cast his eye down the list the members, calling to mind the Parliamentary achievements of each, and then sec if he can conscientiously sav that the majority have ever given any signs of such overwhelming superiority to men like Mr. Doulton and Mr. Locke.

What a silly exhibition Mr. Rose, alderman and member for Southampton, made on that motion of Mr. Doulton's, to which I have just referred! The hon. gentleman has done many foolish and extraordinary things the House, but Inever heard him do anything more foolish or extraordinary than did on Tuesday last.

When Mr. Doulton had finished his speech the alderman jumped state of the most evident excitement. Poor man! his faculty of expression is not very great, his feelings are very strong, his mental capacity not large, and his knowledge of the English language but scanty; that altogether he got into a considerable muddle. About the enclosure waste lands, too, very sensitive. He lives at Upper Tooting, close to Wandsworth Common, and has his soul vexed every day at the prospects of six-roomed houses being built that sacred domain. Imagine him, then, infuriated, and irritated perhaps at the presence of f.i ri Spencer, his tormentor, who sat just before him under the gallery, starting to his legs, and commencing a wild attack on his lordship. It was extremely difficult to follow him, for he talked more like an angry washerwoman than a sane and dignified representative of the people; but the word outrage came in pretty frequently, and charges were made against the lord of the manor of Wandsworth, which, if they could have been raved, would have formed very good basis for an indictment.

The reporters have mercifully given some kind of shape and form to the Alderman's efforts; otherwise what he said would be perfectly unintelligible. He was strong, for instance, against Lord Spencer, because at Wandsworth 'every public right had been outraged and h-m — ha — h-m

out.' The Alderman really should not speak when he gets in such temper. I hope too he will allow to tell hiin that the word narrow is not pronounced 'narrer.'"

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"Lots of enclosure articles

1865

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"V important . . . transcribe and edit property

Interesting comment on cricket

Rose interviews Rose

SEE ALSO THE VERSION IN MORNING HERALD 7 April 1865

Daily News — Friday 7 April 1865

AND

Sun — Friday 7 April 1865

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Daily News — Friday 7 April 1865

THE WANDSWORTH COMMON ENCLOSURES

The Committee appointed to inquire into the best means of preserving for the public use the forests, commons, and open spaces in and around the metropolis, met again yesterday, Mr. LOCKE in the chair Nearly all the members of the commaittee were present.

Previous to taking evidence respecting Wandsworthe-common,

The Hon. Charles Gore, one of her Majesty's Commissioners of Woods, was examined with respect to the

duction of Earl Spencer's Enclosure Bill. The crown allowed rights in respect of property at Mestiake, It was a part of to the crown. It was situate in East Sheen, and was called March-gete-farm, he righte of the crown had not boom settled. oe ie thas Earl Spencer denied existence common.

The crown claimed in respect of enclosed fed one The Parliamentary survey of 1649 contained various Sndings with respect to the rights of the lord and the tenants over the commons, and among the customs of the manor were the cet ant, Crery cottager thas is heouldr, of | the said manor may keepe on commons witkia the sara maaor twenty-five sheep, two cows ope mare sada

and is to have once im every yearn allowed him one carte load of wood from of the pollards of the said commons and he that hathe ffteene acrec or the trove of fifteene acres of copie hould land is to have the tike likertia of com- monesy and fireboote." He could not tell off-hand what the crown aright claim by virtue of that provisioe, If the crows compensation for common rights, it was in the case of enclosure, The land of the crown was generally common rights, Ho balioved ss cet meezan these common believed the crown to possess

"ike Baetedhe Snead aod unin by Me

080, > was Alderman Rose with respect to the state of Wandsworth-commons. He said — I am the owner of property on the east side of Wandsworth-common, and have been so for the last 13 years. A

that time there were no enclosures except one piece of land wae, aa oe Wilson's house The first enclosure made was parieh .

for a workhouse of for parochial schools, The tect eens & railroad running right through the common. The next Pankarer cs Tond Parposes, -o Gxcavations to make the embankments up eden; There were 13 acres excavated to a j and left im that condition.

Of land

__

were enclosed tr M'Kella,

Were these enclosures made under the Enclosure Act? — No. I am not aware by what authority they have been made. The general o is that they have been made by no lawful a oly ver, At the timel went there there were public footpaths over the whole of Wandsworth.

common. whole of these have been stopped up, except one whioh crosses in the ceatre, in a straight line. The enclosures have been made up to the carriage road in some instances without leaving asy footpaths.

With regard to the drainage, in what state was the common when you went to live there? — It was kept in good order thirteen years go by the inhabitants, who held a lease. They excavate gravel at certain points in such a manner as to convert the spaces into ornamental waters.

In what state is the common now! — I- is a morass now, A great portion of it is under water all the winter, and Water en the 20th March. A portion of it is now under water, summer time the water soaks in, bat it leaves the common in a had condition, Iconsider Wandsworth-common an unhealthy place, on account of the want of drainage. In olden times excavations were made 80 as copymont of the tis be nee the hast fee mee tne on}; 6 gravel has been excavated in extrecpdinary quastitiey, 0 that the common is not useable by the commoners, tis fall of pits and water; and some age the dead body of a man was taken out of one of these pits.

In the whole area of Wandsworth-common is there sufficient space for a cricket-ground? — There is only a small space near Wandsworth town. The enclosures have been bests property i. the neighbourhood ith the eerie

perhaps of Me eee ho" interests of the public have

Ane, inealets baler ey' made nal, cd

8 worth-common was

district, in the name ay het Clea a te

same wa now

was kept in order by a. public re They had an

epen space for the public use and enjoyment. Ibelieve

-t a deputation waited on Kari Spencer to ask him to grant a pew lease, on condition that they would preserve the

park for public use and enjoyment,

koopars Dut thers fo oot naa, There was 8

common uw nope a was an avenue of trees a mile long, planted by the inhabitants | of the district, The ground has been dug right up to the | | trees, one-half of which sre wholly destroyed, and the other half are in such a had condition that they might as well be | taken away. The last enclosure was made right up to these! trees, Earl Spencer is the lord of the manor of Clapham. | | There has been no enclosure there. Ibelieve a new lease | ' was granted 30 years ago of that portion of Clapham-common of which Earl is lord of the manor. (Clapham-common is to the use of the public at 0 very | | small expense. Iin of the greatest service to the public, |: There is a large open space for cricketing, and a large por- | Sion coveted with gorse. |

What is the difference between Clapham-common and | | Wandsworth-common? — Around Clapham-coommon there ate numerous mansions, inhabited by the rich, the rental | | exceeding 50,0002, a ear, and any enclosure would be re| | sisted by them. Wandeworth-oommon fe & poor district, | ' the money, or Dove nat Coy sa camber, and could aot raise

money, or have no co contend against lord of the manor, he baviog unlimited resources and a | ' etinite object, and they having no definite object aad small resources, I am not aware any nuisances on Wands. |: Be the gt: Groat those committed with the sanction | | of the lord of manor or his agents, I-do| | Hologic ne Gibaies mulsance, I have never lost azy- | | thing by them. t there are people who come on Wands. ' vorth-common who are objectionable a ey come from the considerable numbers, They are sometimes interfered with by the police; but I am n aware thas they are interfered with by the lord of the manor, The gaol is situate at the edge of the common. .

_

at She { Sy Mr. Lefevre — -Before those enclosures took place the | | common was much used in summer time, The population o argindaworth is about 10,000, The extent of open space is not more than one-half w The rgnally. Iem not ( awnte of ay common rights. The copy are few in 1 number, are entirely under the infinence of the lord of the manor, The lease to which Iallude-expired five or six | ears 7By the Chairman — Tooting fe at one end of the common, Many houses are in the course of erection in the neighboar- 1 Some time I applied on behalf of myself and | three other persons tobe allowed to enclose a space oppocite ' The arene aolely to prevent any one else from #0, | | The application was to Earl Spencer's agents, 'That | | was in 1860, In November of that year an answer was |! received from them, stating thet Earl Spencer was not very ] So uae antag one tg common at Wandeworth, so m previously been enclosed, stating if we were in a position to make an offer it might facilitate | ' | matters, I did not make an offer, and there the matter Ey Mr. Cowper — Ipresume the railway enclosure took place under the railway act. the enclosure made by the | — Th obtained the pooper ot tar ne tot of parliament.

there was no title, The price was about 30s. per nore. Ipresume the amount was paid to the lord of the | manor, Mr. M'Kella enclosed in conjunction with ' the lord a the manor. eo. ad wed him the { or so m money, Faso." alive that there is' no title 10 theve ene i closures, fences are run up very rapidly, Of way to interfere is to knock them: down; bat is would be rather awkward to do sed mith oat ots railway company. 1 I have never communicated with the lord of the manor, No | { application is made, because our beliet is that it would be |; aati iy Stes SOS sue vet | . e oa our palllag down the: fence is Bi as Tou Hieht by ' 'mapor? Because that would be a preliminary to a long litigation. My neighbours would not find money for that and it would have been useless to commence ' pulling down the fence. I hope the legislature will deal with the matter, and act us into conflict with Earl Spencer. If I had sufficient mony I would contest the matter with him to the end, but there is no worse form of — carrying on litigation than by a committee of inhabitants, P Ear' would have advantage in such a case, i aod might scidce all pubic right 1 thece enclosure the rallwaytacta Ne hatever, | — One By Mr, Baillio~-When I went to Wandsworth the common ' or the expense being 20 enormous,! The ootamittee thea adjourned until efter the hoiiaer f — -

Daily News — Friday 7 April 1865

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"VVG MUST TRANSCRIBE PROPERLY

SEE ALSO THE VERSION IN

Daily News — Friday 7 April 1865

It was also covered in e.g. Express 7 April 1865

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But this seems easier to edit

Morning Herald — Friday 7 April 1865

THE WANDSWORTH COMMON ENCLOSURES

The Committee appointed to inquire into the best means of preserving for the public use the forests, commons, and open spaces in and around the metropolis, met again yesterday, Mr. LOCKE in the chair Nearly all the members of the commaittee were present.

Previous to taking evidence respecting Wandsworth-common,

The Hon. Charles Gore, one of her Majesty's Commissioners of Woods, was examined with respect to the Crown rights over Wimbledon-common. He said his attention had been called to the subject in consequence of the introduction of Earl Spencer's Enclosure Bill. The Crown claimed rights in respect of property at Mortlake. It was a part of the private property of George II Itransferred to the Commissioners of Woods in 1820, and afterwards regranted to the Crown. It was situate in East Sheen, and was called Marsh-gate Farm. The rights of the Crown had not been settled. He believed that Earl Spencer denied the existence of rights of common. The Crown claimed in respect of enclosed land at Mortlake. The parliamentary survey of 1649 contained various findings with respect to the right of the lord and the tenants over the commons, and among the customs of the manor were the following: — " Every cottager that is a copy houldr. of the said manor may keepe on the commons within the sayd menor twentie-five sheepe, two cows, one mare, and a coult, and is to have once in every yeare allowed him one carte load of cropp wood from of the pollards of the said commons, and he that bathe fifteene acres, or the greate pte of fifteene acres of copie hould land is to have the like libertie of communing and fireboote." He could not tell off-hand what the Crown might claim by virtue of that provision. If the Crown claimed compensation for common rights it was in the case of enclosure. The land of the Crown was generally let on lease, and the lessee might or might not exercise these common rights. He believed the Crown to possess the rights which he had described.

Mr. Rose, solicitor, was called, and examined by Mr. Alderman Rose with respect to the state of Wandsworth-common.

He said: I am the owner of property on the east side of Wandsworth-common, and have been so for the last 13 years. At that time there were no enclosures, except one piece of land, in front of Mr. Wilson's house. The first enclosure made was by the parish of St. James, Piccadilly, for a workhouse, or for parochial schools. The next was by a railroad running right through the common. The next was for railroad purposes, for excavations to make the embankments up to the Crystal Palace. There were 13 acres excavated to a considerable depth, and left in that condition. The next enclosure was for the Patriotic School. Then pieces of land were enclosed by Mr. Mella.

Were these enclosures made under the Enclosure Act? — No. I am not aware by what authority they have been made. The general opinion is that they have been made by no lawful authority whatever. At the time I went there there were public footpaths over the whole of Wandsworth-common. The whole of these have been stopped 11p, except one, which crosses in the centre, in a straight line. The enclosures have been made up to the carriage road, in some instances without leaving any footpaths.

With regard to the drainage, in what state was the common when you went to live there? — lt was kept in good order thirteen years ago by the inhabitants, who held a lease. They excavated gravel at certain points in such a manner as to convert the spaces into ornamental waters. In what state is the common now? — lt is a morass now. A great portion of it is under water all the winter, and was so up to the 20th March. A portion of it is now under water. In summer time the water soaks in, but it leaves the common in a had condition. Iconsider Wandsworth-common an unhealthy place on account of the want of drainage. In olden times the excavations were made so as to preserve the beauty of the common and its use to the enjoyment of the public; but during the last five years the ground has been excavated in extraordinary quantities, so that the common is not useable by the commoners. It is full of pits, and water, and some time ago the dead body of a man was taken out of one of these pits.

In the whole area of Wandsworth-common is there sufficient space for a cricket ground? There is only a small space near Wandsworth town. The enclosures have been made contrary to the wishes of persons living there or having property in the neighbourhood, with the exception perhaps of Mr. M'Kella. The interests of the public have been totally sacrificed by the 'making of these enclosures. The inhabitants believe they have been made illegally, and contrary to all right and justice. Wandsworth-common was held on lease by a certain number of the inhabitants of the district, in the same way that Clapham is now held, and it was kept in order by a public subscription. They had an open space for the public use and enjoyment. Ibelieve that a deputation waited on Earl Spencer to ask him to grant a new lease on condition that they would preserve the park for public use and enjoyment.

And what was the answer? — He refused. There was a common-keeper, but there is none at present. There was an avenue of trees a mile long, planted by the inhabitants of the district. The ground has been dug right up to the trees, one-half of which are wholly destroyed, and the other half are in such a had condition that they might as well be taken away. The last enclosure was made right up to these trees. Earl Spencer is the lord of the manor of Clapham. There has been no enclosure there. Ibelieve a new lease was granted 30 years ago of that portion of Clapham-common of which Earl Spencer is lord of the manor. Clapham-common is preserved to the use of the public at a very small expense. It is of the greatest service to the public. There is a large open space for cricketing, and a large portion covered with gorse.

What is the difference between Clapham-common and Wandsworth-common? — Around Claphain-common there are numerons mansions inhabited by, the rich, the rental exceeding 50,000/. a year, and any enclosure would be resisted by them. Wandsworth-common is a poor district. The residents around are few in number, and could not raise the money, or have not the courage to contend with the lord of the manor — he having unlimited resources and a definite object, and they having no definite object and small resources. I am not aware of any nuisances on Wandsworth-common, except those committed with the sanction of the lord of the manor or his agents; I do not consider the gipsies a nuisance. I have never lost anything by them. But there Are .people who come on Wandsworth-common who are objectionable. They come from the gaol at the expiration of their sentences, and congregate in considerable numbers. They are sometimes interfered with by the police, but I am not aware that they are interfered with by the lord of the manor. The gaol is situate at the edge of the common.

By Mr. Lefevre. — Before these en closures took place the common was much used in summer time. The population of Wandsworth is about 10,000. The extent of open space is not more than one-half what it was origi nally. lam not aware of any common rights. The copyholders are few in number, and are entirely under the influence of the lord of the manor. The lease to which Iallude ext-)ired five or six years ago.

By the Chairman.---Tooting is at one end of the common. Many houses are in course of erection in the neighbourhood. Some tune ago I applied on behalf of myself and three other persons to be allowed to enclose a space opposite to our houses, solely to prevent any one else from doing so. The application was male to E trl Spencer's agents. That was in lii November of that year an answer was received from them, stating that Ein Spencer was not very desirous of parting with any of the common at Wandsworth ' so much having previously been enclosed; but stating that if we were in a position to make an offer it might facilitate matters. I did not make an offer, and there the matter dropped.

By Mr. Cowper. — l presume the railway enclosure took place under the railway act. The enclosure made by the parish of St. James tock place under no act of parliament. They obtained the property at a very low price, because there was no title. The price was about 30s. per acre. Ipresume the amount was paid to the lord of the manor. Mr. M'Kella enclosed in conjunction with the lord of the manor. The lord sold him the property for so much money, and he put up the fences. Ibelieve that there is no title to these enclosures. The fences are run up very rapidly, and the only way to interfere is to knock them down; but it would be rather awkward to do no in the case of a railway company. I have never communicated with the lord of the manor. No application is made, because our belief is that it would be entirely useless. That is the general opinion.

By Mr. Tollemache. — Why did you not try your right by pulling down the fences in the case of the lord of the manor? — Because that would be a preliminary to a long litigation. My neighbours would not find money for that purpose, and it would have been useless to commence pulling down the fences. I hope the legislature will deal with the matter, and not lead us into conflict with Earl Spencer. If I had sufficient money I would contest the matter with him to the end, but there is no worse form of carrying on litigation than by a committee of inhabitants. Earl Spencer would have every advantage in such a case and might sacrifice all public rights.

By Mr. Peacocke. — Has there been any act relative to these enclosures except the railway acts? — None whatever.

By Mr. Baillie. — When I went to Wandsworth the common was unenclosed._

By the Chairman. — The enclosures would never have been made but for the expense of litigation being so enormous. The committee then adjourned until after the holidays.

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South London Press — Saturday 8 April 1865

That the clerk request Mr. J. B. Smith, and the Rev. J. S. Jenkinson, to transfer to the Board the sum of 573 Is. 3d., three per cent, consols held by them in trust for the parish of Battersea, for the purpose of keeping in repair the road from Bum wood-lime to Nightingalelane, Wandsworth Common, per agreement between the above parish and Messrs. Bush and Perkins in the year 1827.

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South London Press — Saturday 8 April 1865

THE ENCLOSURE OF WIMBLEDON COMMON

It is difficult to understand on what grounds the House of Commons proceeded on Thursday night, when they allowed Lord Spencer's scheme for the alteration of Wimbledon Common to be read a second time, even with the proviso that it is to be sent to select committee.

The committee "open spaces," moved for by Mr. Doulton, and of which Mr. Locke is chairman, evidently had, in anticipation of the discussion of the Bill, after taking full evidence on the subject, reported very decidedly against the scheme., They objected to fencing in the Common, and extinguishing common rights. They thought it was neither necessary nor desirable to sell any of the land, and thus struck at the root of many of these schemes, when they recommended the immediate repeal of the "Statute of Merton," which enables a lord of the manor to enclose, without the concurrence of the Commoners or the sanction of Parliament. Yet, in the face this report, Lord Bury, who has been Lord Spencer's advocate in the Committee, urged, in presence of his ''noble friend," who was sitting under the gallery, the second reading of the Bill, and the House of Commons deliberately set aside the recommendation given to it by a committee of its own appointment — a most unusual, and must say contemptuous course, for the adoption of which can find no justification, in the advocacy of the measure itself. Lord Spencer, and his advocates and his abettors, loudly profess their desire to benefit the public that and that alone, they declare is the sole object

the Bill; bat the public might surely claim to too what is good for them as well Lord Spencer, and if he really wishes them so well, and 2riies earnestly to promote their comfort and jtcnotion might pay some respect their rejgo ns trances, and let the people happy in their own way. They say that Wimbledon Common is T well as it is — that it is breezy, wild, free, and healthy, and all they desire is that it may be left alone. If Lord Spencer really desires to benefit them, there is one thing he can do: let him give np to the public any rights may possess, suppose to possess, over the Common, and thus secure to the people without litigation the light to roam freely oyer it for all time come. It is yery suspicious whon_ noble lords press "fayonrs" upon people in this Srtinacious style, and notwithstanding Lord Spencer's earnest assurances that will comply with the two recommendations of the committee, and neither fence the Common nor sell any the land if the inhabitants will raiae a rate drain it efficiently, hope that the select committwe, which the Bill is to be referred, will give it its quietus and rid na for oyer of this yory questionable "public boon."

The evidence given before the committee to Wandsworth Common the very day on which the Bill was read a second time, ought to be sufficient to ensure its ultimate rejection.

Lord Spencer is the lord of the manor of Wandsworth, as well as Wimbledon Common, and how have his powers been exercised there? Thirteen years ago it was as open and free to the public Wimbledon now is. There were public footpaths over the whole the Common. The whole of them have been stopped up, except one which crosses the centre in a straight line, and the numerous enclosures have been made up to the carriage-road, in some instances without leaving any footpaths. the whole of these enclosures have been made contrary to the wishes of persons Hying there or having property in the neighbourhood. No one can tell under what authority they have been made, but the Commoners are few in number, the district is poor, and not able to enter into litigation with the lord of the manor, who, having all his own way, has shown at Wandsworth what he would like to do at Wimbledon, under the pretext of conferring great boon on the public. We hope that if his lordship is so ill-advised to persist pushing forward his Bill, that will sustain humiliating defeat by its rejection, either by the Private Bill Committee or the House of Commons.

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"VVG piece!

London Evening Standard — Monday 10 April 1865

The glories of the breezy common and the open heath are passing away. Our civilisation is settling down into a maze of streets, highways, and fenced-up footpaths, dotted here and there with a park wherein it becomes increasingly difficult to tread anywhere but on the hard, unyielding gravel — in some respects worse than paving-stones, particularly in dry weather, when the pebbles run loose, and set their sharp edges against the foot of the pedestrian, who tries to fancy that he is walking amid rural scenes.

There is not a common nor unenclosed space in all this kingdom that is safe from being shut up, parcelled out, and built upon. We cannot help thinking that this state of things is mainly caused by a neglect to ascertain and defend the rights' of the public.

The lord of the manor, of course, will take care of himself; but who is to care for Brown, Jones, and Robinson, who ramble over the heath and play cricket on the common in the fond belief that the open space is purely "common ground," devoted to the general enjoyment of the community? If the lord of the manor sets lip a fence, who is to knock it down? and if anybody is bold enough to make a show of resistance, who, is prepared to go into the law courts, and become the hero of ' a suit, with the prospect of paying an enormous bill of costs and the certainty of gaining no personal benefit? The lord of the manor generally has a' long purse, and if he litigates, it is in the hope of gaining some substantial advantage, worth a good round sum at the Auction Mart.

As for the law itself, it seemingly disdains to take note of the public — an incorporate idea out of which nobody takes costs, and which sends no counsel into court. The law looks out keenly for the man in possession, and. having found, him favours him. the faintest shadow of a right on the part Of the manorial proprietor goes down in the scale with ponderous effect, while the most sacred privileges of the public are frittered away by ingenious technicalities which leave Brown, Jones, and Robinson even less than the oyster-shell's. Very often, however, there is no law at all in the matter — the lord of the manor simply does as he likes; and, as nobody knows how to interfere, the affair papsca off sub sik. ntio. The extent of the public interest in questions of this sort needs to be ascertained and strictly enforced.

The committee on commons and open spaces in and around the metropolis has an important duty to perform, and we trust its members will take care that the work is thoroughly done. It is not a very pleasurable thing to hear an enclosure commissioner saying — " Where there is an open common, the public have no right to go over it. " In like manner Earl Spencer puts forth the statement, that in " strict law" the public on Wimbledon-common are " mere trespassers. " Even a person possessing common rights, if he goes on the ground for other purposes than looking after his stock is thereby a " trespasser. " As for the right of way, that can only be represented by a " beaten path " (gravel again), and if the lord of the manor were to build up a wall twenty feet high on each side of the path we suppose the public would have no legal ground of complaint. It may have been the custom from time immemorial for the people to roam about in all directions over a particular space of ground; but Mr. Wingrove Cooke says, that "there is no such thing known to the " common law as the right of the public in such " a case. " If a village green is dedicated to the public, then, this gentleman says, the law may recognise the right of the people to assemble there and play their games. But Mr. Cooke seems at a loss to define the difference between a "common" and a "green;" and in the case of Woodford-green the judge ruled that unless the custom was vested in some particular community it went for nothing. Thus "everybody" is nobody in a court of law, so far as the enjoyment of anything more than a right of way is concerned — which right is rigidly confined to a beaten track.

Recreation grounds may be granted to parishes according to their population, but this indulgence also is very strictly limited. The proximity of London or any other great city has nothing to do with the extent of the allotment. The population of the nearest parish is the sole rule which guides the final arrangement — in which respect the Enclosure Act of 1845 clearly calls for amendment. Thus at Barking 528 acres are being enclosed, while the allotment for recreation is only five; at Warlingham, 290 acres are to be enclosed, with four for recreation; and Viscount Bury stated in the recent debate that in regard to Wimbledon common, only four acres could be claimed out of the entire thousand for recreative purposes! While the "parish" allowance is thus miserably small, the interest of the general public — the non-parishioners — is still less, going in fact down to zero. How wretchedly this important subject is neglected is shown by the statement of Mr. Cooke, that "if large " enclosures were about to take place in the " neighbourhood of London the commissioners " have no power to interfere even if the enclosure should be illegal. " Further — "If an " enclosure were contemplated at Walthamstow " the commissioners would not think it necessary " to insert advertisements in the London papers, " nor is it their duty to take any steps to ascertain the rights of the public. " It is no wonder that courts of law have ceased to believe that the public have any rights at all in the matter, and that lords of the manor begin to think themselves lords paramount to do as they please. Under these circumstances the process goes on merrily enough. At Walthamstow we have 207 acres enclosed; at Upshaw, 76; at Edgware, 58; at Carshalton 1149, at Barnes 21, and at Benhill Wood, 54 — a total of 1565 acres, all enclosed within the last 20 years, and all situated within 15 miles of London, whHe ip none of these cases do we hear anything of a " recreation ground. "

But if we wish to see how a common can be pulled to pieces without the aid of the enclosure commissioners, we may just hear what has to be said about Wandsworth-common by a gentleman who has held property in the vicinity for the last 13 years. At that period — not very remote — there was only one enclosure on the common, and that seems to have been merely a small piece of land opposite a gentleman's house. [PB: The Bevington field? Wilson? Compton-Smith/Costeker? Other?] For a considerable period of time the inhabitants of the neighbourhood had held a lease of the common, and at their own expense they kept the land in good order. They planted an avenue of trees a mile long, and so contrived that when gravel was dug the hollows were converted into sheets of ornamental water.

Such was the golden age of Wandsworth-common. But the lease fell in, and Earl Spencer refused to renew it. Then came The Era of spoliation. Land was sold to the parish of St. James's, Piccadilly, and a sort of juvenile workhouse in the shape of industrial schools made its appearance. Then there came a railway, right through the midst of the common.

Next, excavations were made for the purpose of constructing embankments elsewhere, and a considerable portion of the common was carried off in order to make up the line for the Crystal Palace. Thirteen acres were thus disembowelled, leaving an ugly chasm for ever afterwards.

Next came the Patriotic School — an admirable institution, which deserved a happier foundation. One after another the various footpaths over the common were stopped up and disappeared, one only being left. Hacked to pieces and neglected, Wandsworth-common — where not built upon — is now a morass, haunted by discharged prisoners from the adjacent gaol, and altogether shorn of the beauties which it possessed at the time when Earl Spencer assumed its entire control. Enclosures have been run round the common in some places so close to the road as to leave no footpath. The beautiful avenue of trees has been undermined and otherwise damaged, so that it is utterly ruined. Yet we are told that the nobleman who has thus completely sacrificed Wandsworth-common, possesses "sympathies" which are "opposed to the enclosure of any commons," and which move him to seek for the preservation of Wimbledon common, so that the land shall be swept of every nuisance and delivered from every species of invasion — railways and hotel companies included.

At Clapham the golden age is not yet extinguished. There the inhabitants still hold their lease and keep the place in order by public subscription. The expense is small and the benefit is great. Earl Spencer is also lord of the manor there — at least over some portion of the common, and we may devoutly hope that the lease has yet many years to run. Experience proves that in order to preserve a common from nuisances and encroachments there is no necessity for fences, and lodges, and an array of park-keepers with "suitable cottages."

The history of the past also serves to show that Earl Spencer has a curious way of carrying out his popular " sympathies. " His lordship declares be has right on his side, and would have us believe that what lvoflers ia a great concession, in which hi_ aioi: i in But we are not gui La Burt t. . at F??. 1 fathomed he depths c? the Win. l . cheme. There is to be a dedication to the?? of 688 acres, encumbered with certain conditions; 158 acres, or less, lying round about, are to be sold. A hundred and fifty acres, or more, remain lo lie accounted for; and we seem to apprehend some arrangement between his lordship and the remaining "commoners" which will not be without its advantages to the stronger party. It is fair to suppose that the lord of (ha manor can appreciate the difference between gipsy tents and villa residences. But let this be as it may, the manner in which the 688 acres are to be "dedicated" is in itself open to some degree of doubt, and we would very much rather that the gravel-digging and pasture-letting and compensating rent-charge were eliminated from the scheme. Surely it is possible to provide for the rights of Earl Spencer and the privileges of the public in some simpler fashion than this.

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"April 14, 1865, U.S. Pres. Abraham Lincoln was shot while attending a performance of Tom Taylor's Our American Cousin in Washington,

a performance of the comedy Our American Cousin that evening at Ford's Theatre. Gathering his fellow conspirators, Booth outlined a plan to assassinate not just President Lincoln but also Vice Pres. Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward. Booth tasked Lewis Powell, a tall and powerful former Confederate soldier,

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"Suffolk and Essex Free Press — Thursday 1 June 1865

GOING TO THE DERBY. Ths usual chapter of accidents connected with tho Derby Day has not been wautinrthu ycur. Amonr the first was a fatal accident. Mr. Le-?att. enparjr. Cole road. Islington, in company with Mr. Anscll and Mr Pcare, set out in a dojr cat lor Epsom. They had crossed Westminister an.l wore towards Konmngton. when the hors went off at terrific pace. Mr. Lcggatt, lot all cm- trol over the animal, and th' dog cart came u>lnt collision with heavily laden van and three | gcntl. m-n wore hurled a u-anco. i ' , were taken in insensible state tho h, P' where Mr. expired. Mr. Aaacll and Mr. Pearae were not expecte>! to recover. ,

Tno next o-o irro ic reported that of p enure van catching firo. It appears tha. a lirg* pleasure van. filled with persms of both sexes, was crossing Wandsworth common on Lpsom, when was discovered to on fire through some the smokers having dropped their lighted tobacco omo tho loose straw. The dresses of some of the ladies were sot on fir-, and one or two were rather i severely burnt. Tho flames communicated with the j curtains and awning, and water being at hand tho van was rendered a complete wreck.

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Westminster Review, 1865

[ADD IMAGE OF ARTICLE]

Westminster Review, 1865

WC in WESTMINSTER REVIEW, VOL LXXXIV, JULY & OCTOBER 1865

books.google.com/books?id=0EegAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA224&dq=wandsworth+common&output=text#c_top" target="_blank">Westminster Review, July-October 1865

[Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Westminster_Review" target="_blank">Link.]

The Westminster Review — Page 219 [PB: I can't find this source again! Where is it? It's a superb account. I wonder who wrote it? George Eliot was in practice the main editor rather earlier, 1852-1854]

1865

According to the evidence of Mr. Rose, who has some property adjoining Wandsworth Common, that common has been undergoing a rapid degradation for several . . .

Art. VII. — Commons Round London.

1. Reports of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Cultivation and Improvement of Waste Lands. 1797 and 1798.

2. Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the means of Facilitating the Inclosure and Improvement of Waste Lands. 1800.

3. Reports of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Open Spaces (Metropolis)- 1865.

The growth of that incoherent aggregation of villages which we call London is daily bringing up fresh problems for solution. It would be difficult under any circumstances to compress a nation within the limits of a city without causing much inconvenience. But the difficulty is increased tenfold by the incapacity of our municipal institutions to conform to circumstances.

London is compelled to expand, not like a vertebrate animal, by a uniform development of all its parts, but like a creature of the lowest order of existence, by throwing out a series of imperfectly organized growths. It is, perhaps, needless to remark that this irrational state of things is not a legitimate consequence of any principle of self-government. It is not that the sphere of government is too narrow, but that it is divided and parcelled out amongst too many, and too feeble authorities.

In any country where the adaptation of institutions to circumstances is not tempered by a superstitious regard for vested rights and ancient corporations, the city which is a unit by its geography is also allowed to be a unit for administrative purposes, and certainly without any evil consequence to its independence. In fact, the impotence of our local centres of authority compels the constant interference of the national authority in matters which are properly of merely local interest.

To settle such purely municipal questions as the main drainage and the Thames embankment, Parliament had to create a new authority, and afterwards could not refrain from meddling — not always successfully — with its action. The evils which result from the curiously complicated system of jurisdictions under which we live, have been often enough illustrated, and are indeed obvious to the eyes and noses of us all.

London is allowed to develop according to its own sweet will, without any attempt at providing against the dangers of the future. Railways have been permitted to cut their way through populous districts, and to force back the displaced inhabitants into streets already overflowing; and no care has been taken to render the transition to the new state of things as easy as possible. There has indeed been, of late, a revolt against the tyranny of railway companies, but the want of any central will or intellect must always give advantage to the assaults of interested persons upon interests which there is no one to look after.

The state of the commons round London is an illustration of this very obvious truth.

By a piece of good fortune there are still a number of unenclosed pieces of wild land within the Metropolitan District. Fragments, as it were, of moor and heath lie at our very doors, and a few years ago they still remained in a position of apparent security. The transformation which London is undergoing, no less than Paris, though after a different fashion, is bringing many of them into jeopardy.

It is curious to remark the various gradations by which London fades into the country, or as we should more accurately say, by which the country is gradually swallowed up in London.

The main army is preceded by an advance of villas, thrown out like skirmishers. They begin by seizing a few picked positions, but are to be found, as their numbers increase, wandering off into the fields, where they can only be approached along muddy and unlighted lanes.

Then come the more solid ranks of the semidetached, forming in continuous lines along the high roads and in the neighbourhood of railway stations.

They are followed by rows of shops, generally headed by an enterprising gin-palace, which bind together the more irregular forces and complete the army of occupation.

We find some morning that a town has grown up which has a physiognomy peculiar to these suburban districts. For it is evidently no articulate whole, but a mere fragment, which will soon be assimilated by the advancing mass behind.

The houses, too, have that cramped and mean appearance which speaks of pressure in the dingy crowds of London. They bear the stamp of their origin, and show in contrast with the remaining fragments of picturesque old country houses as a Cockney would show amongst the gathering of a Highland clan.

Of course these houses, and streets, and towns have a tendency to congregate round the commons. The pieces of wild land are gradually surrounded with a girdle of town houses, which seem to look down upon them with a show of town-bred arrogance. The common becomes an island in the dingy ocean of coal-smoke, and, unfortunately is too often in danger of being entirely engulphed by the rising tide of bricks and mortar.

It has seldom or never happened, indeed, that a common has been swallowed up wholesale, for reasons which we shall presently have occasion to notice. Small outlying fragments, however, are frittered away; squatters effect settlements upon them; and the enemy succeeds in establishing a lodgment.

Meanwhile, nuisances of various kinds grow up: the drainage is left to take care of itself; the surface is degraded in a variety of ways; heaps of rubbish are shot upon it; gravel-pits are dug without the smallest regard to its beauty or convenience; and as the police are not responsible for preserving order and decency upon it, it becomes in some cases a resort of had characters.

By these means the common, which was formerly an ornament to the neighbourhood, and which a little foresight might have converted into a permanent reservoir of fresh air and country beauty, degenerates into a nuisance. The immediate interest of a whole army of spoilers is allowed to prevail over the interests of the population at large, which are watched by no intelligent guardian; and before public attention has been aroused the evil may be consummated. Even if the common still remains unenclosed, it may have. been so damaged that its enclosure is no longer regarded as an evil.

There are, however, symptoms that Londoners are beginning to awake to their danger. The case of Wimbledon Common last year drew attention to some of the more important considerations involved. Wimbledon is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful of our commons. The furze-covered slopes of the hill fronting Combe Wood, with their miniature glens and broken undulations of ground, have a peculiar attraction. They are in pleasant contrast to the more formal graces of the neighbouring Richmond Park. Fortunately, too, they had stronger claims upon public interest than any derivable from mere beauty of landscape. Artists might admire them; but artists have as yet established no locus standi to resist the encroachments of builders or of railways upon their favourite haunts.

Luckily the preservation of Wimbledon Common is almost indispensable for the interests of the volunteers. There is no body which is pinched more to the quick than the volunteers by the growing pressure of population; although in this they are only most conspicuous representatives of all those to whom air and exercise are becoming daily more valuable and more difficult to obtain. The difficulty of obtaining anything like satisfactory rifle ranges is so great, and the distances which have to be travelled in order to obtain them increase so fast, as to be a severe discouragement upon the practice of shooting.

But it is also becoming difficult to obtain a fair space for drilling. A few companies may contrive to make some sort of shift in the backyards and sheds to which London volunteers are ordinarily doomed. But there is no place within a moderate distance of London where more than a battalion or two can be manoeuvred with anything like the facilities obtainable at Wimbledon. Hence any blow aimed at the common would instantaneously cripple the London volunteers.

With the common would perish the only space where field-days can be held on a satisfactory scale, and the only space where the National Rifle Association could hold its meetings. Its enclosure would have the same effect upon them as the closing of their last breathing-holes would have upon fish in a frozen pond.

There was, therefore, no common round London whoso integrity would be guarded with more eager jealousy; and the inhabitants of the neighbourhood are of that class who are able to make their voices heard in Parliament, and, if necessary, to provide means for a legal contest.

The proposal made by Lord Spencer in the last session was therefore received with great interest, as it was avowedly, and no doubt sincerely, intended to reconcile the interests of the commoners and the lord of the manor. Wimbledon consists of about 1000 acres: of these it was proposed to sell 300, or so much of them as should be sufficient to compensate all the persons concerned, and pay the necessary expenses. The remainder of the common was to be surrounded with a fence, to be drained and reduced to the likeness of a park; a house was to be built in the centre, to be occupied by the "Protector," the name under which Lord Spencer and succeeding lords of the manor were to be the supreme rulers of this little domain.

Lord Spencer, in making this proposal, undoubtedly conceived himself to be making a generous offer; but the value of his concession of course depended upon the nature of the rights which he abandoned. If it had been in his power to sell the whole, or nearly the whole common, for building land, then he would have deserved due gratitude for the generosity which secured so large a fraction for public purposes. If, on the other hand, he had no legal power to sacrifice a single acre to the builder, it was plain enough that the last state of the common, as contemplated in his scheme, was worse than the first.

Now, as the commoners took the narrower view of the lord's rights, whilst i.< -: Spencer approximated more nearly to the broader, it is not surprising that they received his offer with small show of gratitude. He was, in their opinion, only granting to them a part of what was theirs already; they decidedly objected to selling any part of the common; they objected also to the proposed enclosure; they very much preferred the present wild growth of fern and gorse to the new park, with its central "protectoral" residence. They maintained that the really necessary drainage might be accomplished at a very trifling expense, which could be raised without a sale of any part of the land; and, on the whole they very decidedly requested to be let alone, except so far as measures for the preservation of the common were necessary.

The committee of the House of Commons, to which the question was referred, so far adopted their views as to declare that no inclosure was desirable; and the proposal for any permanent settlement of the matter dropped through, leaving the common, for the present, in the same state as before. The committee. however, took evidence as to the state of many of the other commons round London, and proposed a general plan for securing them in their present integrity.

The various complaints which were made illustrate forcibly the complication of evils which commons in these days are heirs to. Some are threatened with instant annihilation; others are gradually perishing by an insidious process of consumption; and most of them are suffering from diseases which arc rapidly spoiling their remaining charms.

We may give an instance or two of the various fates with which they are threatened. It is unnecessary to go over again the story of Hampstead Heath, which has long been the object of assault, and which has been so far preserved (possibly at some expense to private interests) by the vigilance of Parliament; on the death of the present lord of the manor, his successor will probably claim a right to cut up the whole of it into building plots.

Sir Thomas Wilson stated very frankly before the Committee that he should simply consider how he could best improve Hampstead Heath for his own advantage. He considered himself to have been already seriously aggrieved; the public had, in his view, no rights whatever upon the heath; and he would enter into no arrangement with regard to it. He had once intended to lay out Hampstead Heath as a recreation-ground for his own houses. Now, he said, he might, if he chose, "turn it into an Agar Town" — Agar Town being a place where cottages have been built on short leases for poor people.

We express no opinion upon the grievance to which Sir Thomas Wilson conceives himself to have been subjected; but it is pretty clear that if he can establish his view of the legal rights of the question, the public hold upon one of the most delightful of London recreation grounds is, to say the least, precarious. In fact, it is only reasonable to presume that lords of manors will, as a rule, take the most extended view of their rights, and will endeavour to enforce them by all means in their power. On the assumption, however, 'that they may find their view of the matter to be erroneous, it does not at all follow that commons will escape unscathed.

Commons have strong attractions for various other classes of depredators. One example will show the nature of the most flagrant evils. According to the evidence of Mr. Rose, who has some property adjoining Wandsworth Common, that common has been undergoing a rapid degradation for several years past.

Thirteen years ago [i.e. c.1852] it was kept in a satisfactory state, under an arrangement similar to one still in force and still producing satisfactory results at Clapham. A certain number of the inhabitants had a lease from Lord Spencer, the lord of the manor, and kept the common in order for public use and recreation. They dug gravel at certain points, so as to make ornamental pieces of Water in the places from which it was excavated, and to allow the water from the common to drain off satisfactorily. It was then, as Clapham still is, a beautiful oasis of country scenery in the outskirts of the metropolitan wilderness.

For some reason or other the lease was terminated. The common was neglected: gravel was dug at random, without any regard to its beauty or convenience; and a series of inclosures gradually came cranking in and cut "monstrous cantles" out. The irresistible powers who have been cutting and slashing the map of London according to their will, were not long in claiming their share of the spoils.

Two or three railway companies in succession fell upon the devoted common, the danger of whose position may be inferred from the immediate vicinity of that mysterious station, Clapham Junction, whence, to the bewildered mind of the passengers, every railway in England seems to radiate. A space of open land was too tempting not to invite attack. The South-Western Railway seized a fragment; the Crystal Palace Railway appropriated 29 acres; and the London, Brighton, and South Coast 7 acres.

Besides encroachments pure and simple, the inclosures made under Lord Spencer's authority appear to have amounted to 140 acres; of which, whatever consolation the public may derive from that fact, the greater part have been granted to charitable institutions.

If our pockets are picked, it is of course gratifying to know that the money has been put into a missionary-box; and we may take some comfort in the thought that we are being ousted from our scanty supplies of green grass and fresh air by the boys of the Patriotic School.

The mere diminution in area of the common is by no means the only evil. The remnant which is left to us is deteriorated. Railways and other intruders, like the Harpies, spoil the fragments of the feast which they do not touch. Thus all the public footpaths across the common, with one exception, have been stopped up. The space formerly used as a cricket-ground has become useless, and in Mr. Rose's language:

"Wandsworth Common is a morass now; it has been excavated to such an extent that the whole of the space from Nightingale-lane up the centre of the common is under water all the winter; it was under water up to the 20th of March, when I was there, and is now (April, '64) to a considerable extent; and although in the summer the water soaks away, it leaves the common in a very had state, so that it cannot be used for any purpose."

As an illustration of the results of excavating gravel in a reckless way, Mr. Rose mentions that he, with two of his neighbours, took the dead body of a man out of one of the pits, which had been placed (as traps are set for elephants in Africa) in the direction of a public path, the water being at such a level that he could not reach up to the bank.

Lord Spencer's agent, who appeared before the committee, did not dispute the existence of these grievances but the responsibility of Lord Spencer. He mentioned an additional evil, which results from the inability of the police to exercise authority upon the common, except in the case of an actual breach of the peace. He stated that there were loose women living upon the common who had no other home, and who insulted and annoyed people as they went about.

The encroachments by which the common has been mangled appear in some cases to have been made without any sort of claim; but the commoners are disloyal enough to their feudal superior to doubt the legality even of those sanctioned by his authority. They venture to say that they consider these inclosures to be disastrous to the neighbourhood altogether, and have "a strong sense that they are done illegally, and contrary to law and justice." These misguided men will be finding fault with the British Constitution next.

They entertain, however, a strong opinion that it is impossible for a poor man, or even for a rich man, having a right, successfully to contest an inclosure; and as Wandsworth is a poor parish the various inclosures have been allowed to pass without protest.

It might be hoped that the abuses of which Wandsworth is a most flagrant case would be avoided in cases where the Crown is lord of the manor; it might be anticipated that its powers would be used to secure a more satisfactory state of things. If a lord of the manor prefers his own interests to the interests of the public, the public cannot be surprised. But the interests of the Crown are presumed to be those of the public.

Blackheath, which is in this position, should therefore be a model common, especially as it is one of the rare breathing spaces upon which the crowded population of the East end congregates with most eagerness. It is stated that as many as 80,000 people have gone to Blackheath upon Easter Monday and Tuesday. Now the heath is stated to have very much deteriorated during the last few years. The principal causes of this are the absence of all control, and the gradual breaking up of the surface by digging for gravel. Booths and photographic vans, and other habitations of our nomad population form temporary settlements, which tend to disfigure the beauty of the heath.

The Hon. C. Gore was examined upon this point, and stated that the Crown received 56/- a year from the gravel, besides II. from a photographer, 4s. 6d a-year from the Blackheath Improvement Association for certain posts and rails, and 11. a-year for a tool-shed belonging to the man who digs grave). Part of this princely revenue is raised to prevent any one from encroaching on the Crown rights; the 561. is raised at an expense, as we have seen, of serious injury to the Heath.

Mr. Gore was asked whether it was not his duty, as trustee for the Crown, to see that whilst the revenue was raised the comforts of the people were not interfered with. He answers, " I do not see what right I have to forego the public revenue that is derived from Crown lands for any local purpose, however beneficial the purpose in itself may be." This enlightened policy, by which the nation at large realizes 561. annually at the expense of a permanent injury to a London common, is carried out on a nobler scale in the case of Epping.

A committee of the House of Commons, in 1863, stated that there were two courses which might be followed with regard to the forestall rights: the first was to discontinue the sale of those rights, and to maintain them vigilantly without regard to cost, in order to prevent future inclosures, and preserve the forest in its wild state; the other was to obtain the sanction of Parliament for the inclosure of the forest by sale of rights, and otherwise "to secure an adequate portion for purposes of health and recreation." The committee recommended this last plan, as, in their view, the use of such rights to prevent inclosure was of questionable justice. The House of Commons, however, passed a resolution recommending that no sales of forestal rights should be made to facilitate inclosures within fifteen miles of the metropolis.

The result of this resolution was singular. The Commissioners of Woods and Forests discontinued the sale of rights; but, after taking a legal opinion, they decided that it would not pay to take legal steps against encroachments already made. The pecuniary value of the rights preserved would be more than swallowed up by the law expenses; and as they look at the question as simply a matter of pounds, shillings, and pence (and, we may add, very few pounds and shillings), they declined to take any steps against encroachments.

The result of the House of Commons' resolution thus appears to be, not that no further encroachments are made, but that we receive nothing for them; the rights are appropriated instead of bought. Now Epping is a beautiful open tract of country within a few miles of the most crowded part of London.

These will be sufficient examples of the chief dangers by which commons in the neighbourhood of London are surrounded, and of the spirit in which they are generally met. It is scarcely necessary to dwell upon the importance of preserving these open spaces, nor to point out that those in the metropolitan district have especial claims upon us. The destruction, indeed, of commons in the country districts is one which it is not possible to contemplate with entire equanimity, attracted as we may be by the promise of increased production.

We are all treading too closely upon each other's toes in this little island of ours, not to grudge the closing of any interstice which yet remains unfilled. When men inhabited little oases of cultivated land in the midst of a wilderness, the sight of uninclosed land was a vexation of spirit. The case is now reversed — we value a bit of unbroken ground as our ancestors valued a garden. In the words of Mr. Mill, in one of those eloquent passages which stand out from the philosophic calm of his ordinary writing: —

"There is not much satisfaction in contemplating the world with nothing left to the spontaneous activity of nature; with every rood of land brought into cultivation which is capable of growing food for human beings; every flowery waste or natural park ploughed up, all quadrupeds or birds which are not domesticated for man's use exterminated as his rivals for food, and scarcely a place left where a wild shrub or flower could grow without being eradicated as a weed in the name of improved agriculture."

It is not impossible, indeed, that in the power of that name injury may be done, not only in a sentimental, but in a very prosaic point of view. The improvement of agriculture is not always synonymous with the improvement of those who live by agriculture; and there is reason to suppose that in the war against the waste lands a larger part of the spoil has somehow fallen to the share of the rich men among the conquerors than of their poorer allies — a result not quite without analogy in other cases. Professor Fawcett, in his lectures on the "Economic Position of the British Labourer," speaks of some of the unfortunate results that have ensued to particular classes, from a process intended to increase the general wealth of the nation:

"The commons," he says, "are now being rapidly swept away. Cottagers have now no means of keeping a cow, a pig, or poultry; the village games are gone; every acre of ground is carefully fenced; the beaten path of the frequented highway cannot be left without committing the crime and incurring the penalties of trespass, and I have been too often gained to find that the turnpike road is now the only recreation ground for village children."

Mr. Fawcett shows some reason for doubting whether in point of fact the destruction of commons has increased the material wealth of the country. But the effects upon the poorer classes have generally been of unmixed evil. Some inadequate compensation was generally awarded, which was spent by those who received in The next generation had simply descended a step in the scale; they were in the position of their predecessors, minim these common rights, which had formed an inalienable piece of property; the labourers, as he remarks, had formerly the special advantage in the right to keep cows or poultry, that they could enjoy luxuries which daily wages never placed within their reach. "Every one," he says, "who knows the working classes will tell you how much their children suffer when they are unable to obtain milk, as some additional nourishment to their scanty food."

It may therefore be maintained that the inclosure of waste lands beyond a certain limit has been far from an unmixed advantage; even if the productive powers of the country have been increased, the benefits have been by no means equally distributed. The increase of agricultural power per se would of course be a clear gain; the man who makes two blades grow where one grew before, is, we know, a benefactor to his country, unless, indeed, he accomplishes the proverbial feat at his neighbour's expense. But it is important to remark, first, that this argument, whatever its worth, has no application to the metropolitan commons; and secondly, that it was the sole ground of the legislation by which inclosure elsewhere was made practicable.

The first Inclosure Acts were founded on reports made by select committees of the House of Commons in the years 1795, 1797, and 1800. Anxiety was felt at that time on account of the scarcity of corn. The sums paid for corn imported in three years had amounted to over 7,000,0002., and according to the political economy of the day, the last committee pointed out that this turned the balance of trade against this country, besides producing various other evils. They calculated that a cultivation of 148,000 acres additional would be sufficient to raise as much corn as had been imported on an average of the last twenty years.

On the other hand, they estimated that there were in England and Wales nearly eight million, and in Scotland over fourteen million acres of waste and uninclosed lands. After allowing for land which was either unimprovable or only partly improvable, they calculated the value of the annual produce which might be raised from these lands at 20,000,0002. yearly.

They reported in 1795 that there was reason to believe that the waste lands might not only be speedily brought into cultivation, but might even be improved so as to increase the stock of provisions within the next two years, and "more particularly to furnish a very large additional supply of potatoes." They further argued that inclosure would be favourable to an increased growth of men as well as of corn and potatoes.

The purpose, then, of the first inclosure Acts was purely agricultural; it was to meet a great strain upon the resources of the country during the early period of the French war by increasing the area of cultivable land. It was intended to raise larger supplies of food, and was passed in the interests of the country at large, not of private owners. As the national wealth would receive an infinitesimal improvement by ploughing up Wimbledon Common or covering Hampstead Heath with villas, it is plain that the precedent has no application. If, that is, the interference of Parliament is necessary in order to facilitate the inclosure of the metropolitan commons, no sort of claim can be founded upon these inclosure Acts for legislative assistance.

The measure was not designed merely with a view to help private persons to an easy mode of dividing property amongst themselves, but distinctly and principally because the inclosure was proved to be of the highest importance to the national welfare. The legal obstacles which impeded a division of common lands amongst persons interested might, for anything that appears, have been left untouched, if the national welfare had not been concerned; and mighf have been scrupulously maintained, if the national welfare had, as now, been concerned on the other side.

It is necessary to observe what were the difficulties which had made the inclosure of com^ mons almost impracticable. The statute most commonly referred to as justifying the principle of inclosure is the 20 Henry III., c. 4, commonly called the Statute of Merton. This ancient and all but extinct statute provides that "because many great men of England have complained that they cannot make their profit of the residue of their manors, as of wastes, woods, and pastures," the lords may, as it is technically called, "approve," or inclose the waste, after leaving sufficient pasture to satisfy the rights of the commoners.

This statute had, however, become practically obsolete. The lords had, it may be presumed, taken advantage of the statute by enclosing the "residue," which was not required to satisfy the claims of the commoners. It was rare to find any common sufficiently extensive to leave a surplus of any importance. Moreover, it was difficult for the lord to prove (and the burden of proof rested with him) that he had left a sufficiency of pasture; finally, where there were rights of"turhary" or "estovers," — that is, of cutting turf or wood — the lord could not approve any part of the waste. As the commoners grew rich, it became more difficult for the lord to come to terms with them, the rights of rich men having a decided tendency to gain consistency.

Commons could only bo inclosed by the unanimous consent of all persons concerned. And thus for a long time previous to the inclosure Acts of this century, inclosures had only been practically effected by means of private legislation. This process, however, was so expensive and troublesome, that the number of Acts was beginning to decrease; and as, for the reasons we have noticed, it was thought of great importance to the public interest that the process of inclosure should be accelerated, the necessary machinery was provided by the different inclosure Acts.

The Inclosure Commissioners are applied to in the first instance by the persons interested. If the proposed inclosure appears to be advantageous in an agricultural point of view, and is supported by two-thirds of the interests" 1865 7

Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette — Saturday 26 August 1865

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LYNCH LAW AT WANDSWORTH — EXTRAORDINARY SCENE.

LYNCH LAW AT WANDSWORTH.- EXTRAORDINARY SCENE.

Last evening it was my ill fortune to witness an extraordinary scene on the borders of Black Sea.

Lest any readers should suppose that I am one the foreign correspondents of the Star, Imay state that the Black Sea is the local name for a pood of no great extent or beauty in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth.

On the banks of this not very pellucid lake, the scene last evening was of the the quietest description.

Gentle nursery-maids led forth their interesting chargee to enjoy the odour of duckweed which arose from the lonely mere.

Wandsworth Common was beautiful under the placid influences of sunset.

But in the midst of this general tranquillity there occurred a strife of elements which reminded one of the battles of the ancient megalotheria in their homes of mud.

As a peaceful preliminary to the strife I noticed a lady descend from a cab, displaying in her right hand a white handkerchief.

She looked wonderingly about for a few minutes.

Presently a gentleman repeated the signal peace; and then, having pocketed his handkerchief, walked forward to the lady, and shook her warmly by the hand. It was a singular but not extraordinary meeting; and I was about once more to dwell in mild contemplation on the beauties of wood and lake, when Iobserved the gentleman lead the lady in a very affectionate manner towards a seat which was separated from the pond by only a very narrow bank.

Nor was there much unusual in this occurrence; but no sooner had they prepared to seat themselves than the lady in a very wonderful way abruptly left her companion and ran off, while the gentleman was seized by two rough-looking men, who forthwith had the assurance lug him down to the banks of the lake and chuck him into its waters.

Suddenly the delightful stillness of the Black Sea was broken a series of the most heartrending shrieks and he was seen wallow out on all fours from the plain of mud in a vary deplorable condition.

When at last he emerged he presented one of the must unhappy spectacles that ever a gazer witnessed.

He glistened from head to foot with mud like some enormous boa-constrictor.

His coat was rent across; his hat was smashed; while his face revealed the most hideous mass of mud that ever made a human being look like a chimpanzee.

Immediately the scene of this extraordinary dip, which beat all to pieces the header" in the Colleen Bawn, was the pole whither everybody on the common was attracted; and it seemed as though the miserable experimenter on this new sensation-scene was well known to most Wandsworthians, for he underwent a singular amount of hooting as he shuffled off.

But these expressions of public disapproval were redoubled. They increased to groans, wild cries; they took visible form in sundry showers of inodorous eggs; and, finally, the j unhappy gentleman made a humbling appeal to his feet, and ran off swiftly as they could carry him.

I was j just about to transfer to my pocket book the closing lines of a sonnet on "Solitude in Wandsworth" when this untimely provocation occurred; and I forthwith found it imperative run along with the crowd that was now collecting in wake of the ducked one.

Opposite is a large public bouse (which shall mentioned in sonnet) [i.e. The Freemasons/Round House] the stranger turned upon his assailants, and singling out one of them, knocked off his hat, and finally closed with him.

Several of the crowd were about to help their comrade when the English love of justice intervened, and a loud cry of "One to one" was raised.

One to one it was; though I do not consider that principle applies cases in which the one is covered with mud and the other is a decently-dressed Englishman.

The gentleman attacked suffered more from mud than blows, though his scarf and collar were tom open.

His clothes received a faint lithographic impression of the Black Sea, and his face presented a faithful portrait thereof.

Finally live man who had been ducked backed off, and took refuge the tavern already mentioned, in front which assembled a crowd of natives to discuss the matter.

From these people Ireceived, in snatches, the following details, which may or may not be true, and which, if libellous, are attributed solely the Dogberries in question.

A foreign nobleman, whom Ishall call Count Caskowhisky, and who is reputed to descended from the Caskowhiskies who invaded Bavaria in 1649, has for some time back been in the habit of inveigling into a correspondence young ladies desirous of being wedded; and it is allege! that in not a few instances these foolish girl have been made pay the penalty of their folly by being forced to contribute to the count's yearly income under fear of exposure.

Hitherto the count has been slippery, and eluded conviction.

But more recently a gentleman in Wandsworth thought fit to reply to one the advertisements put forth by Count Caskowhisky, and succeeded in enticing the count into correspondence.

The letters, l am told, are sufficiently warm both side .

Clorinda is gushing; Philander is recklessly pious .

Clorinda talks of the dreams of her youth; Philander displays his knowledge of Scripture and swears by it.

Philander, in fact, indulges in what is called by the ugly name of blasphemy, and Clorinda represents herself being possessed of 300 a year, Philander is more than ordinarily violent in demonstratious of his passion.

Finally, so the story runs, a meeting was arranged on Wandsworth-common; and a married lady who volunteered to become a weapon of punishment on behalf of her suffering sisters, undertook to personate Clonnda.

Hence the scene which disturbed my poetic reverie; and which raised such commotion last evening in the peaceful neighbourhood of Wandsworth.

Ifear the proceedings were altogether very unjustifiable.

Doubtless revenge is a a rude sort of justice; but it is a form of justice which is not quite in accordance with the modem law of Great Britain.

While, therefore, 1 lift my hands in horror at the summary vengeance taken by the Wandsworthians, Iventure to lay before your readers such details as came under the observation of an eye-witness.

Several other articles:

[BNA: Link,]

e.g.

Particularly popular in Scotland?

Fifeshire Journal — Thursday 31 August 1865

LYNCH LAW AT WANDSWORTH EXTRAORDINARY

YART BOWL A correspondent of the Star, writing on Friday, says: — brat evening it was my good or ill fortune to witness an extraordinary scene on the borders of a pond of no great extent or beauty in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth. On the banks of this not very pellucid lake, the scene last evening was of the quietest description. Gentle nursery-maids led forth their interesting charges to enj..iy the odour of duckweed which arose from the lonely mere. Wandsworth Common was beautiful under the placid influence of sunset.

But in the midst of this general tranquillity there occurred a strife of elements which reminded one of the battles of the ancient megalotheria in their homes of mud. As a peaceful preliminary to the strife I noticed a lady descend from a cab displaying in her right hand a white handkerchief. She looked wonderingly about for a few minutes. Presently a gentleman repeated the signal of peace; and then, having pocketed his handkerchief, be walked forward to the lady and shook her warmly by the band.

It was a singular but not an extraordinary meeting; and Iwax about once more to dwell in mild contemplation on the beauties of wood and lake, when 1 observed the gentleman lead the lady Ma very affectionate manner towards seat which was separated from the pond by only a very Harrow bank. Nor was there much unusual in this occurrence; but no sooner had they prepared to seat themselves than the lady in a very wonderful way abruptly left her companion and ran off, while the gentleman was seized by two rough-looking men, who forthwith had the assurance to lug him down to the banks of the lake and chuck him into its waters.

Suddenly the delightful stillness of the pond was broken by a aeries of the toast heartrending shrieks; and the gentleman was seen to wallow out on all fours from the plain of mud in a very deplorable condition. When at last he emerged he presented one of the moat unhappy spectacles that ever a game whammed. He listened from bead to foot withiandlihe ba Victor; his coat was rent wren; his bet was entombed; while his face revealed the /wag hideous nen of 'nod that ever mate lumen he kick a the Mls Minh hest pines the 'Mier' he was the psis whither the emmon was; and it esemed the miserable se this Dew error wJ ale Melba as aL gm 'gumless pails They lamed to poem to wed nine; they Me in sen un happ dry y a @hewers Mimes Me bet, nes meg as thmid emery him. Mt attain a tavern, in front of which s_a natives

to disco= the matter. From these people Ireceived, in snatches, the following details.

A foreign nobleman has for some time back been in the habit of inveigling /into a correspondence with young belles desirous of 'being wedded; and it is alleged that in nut a few instances th e se foolish girls have been made to pay the penalty of their folly by being forced to contri b ute to the count's yearly incr.me under fear of an exposure. Hitherto the count has been slippery, and eluded conviction. But more recently a gentleman in Wandsworth thought lit to reply to one of the advertisements put forth, and succeeded in enticing the count into a correspondence. A meeting was arranged on Wandsworth Common, awl a married lady who volunteered to become a weapon of punishment on behalf of her suffering sisters. undertook to personate elorinda. Hence the scene which rained such commotion last evening in the peaceful neighbourhood of Wandsworth.'

[BNA: Link.]

Wells Journal — Saturday 16 September 1865

[Short version still running a fortnight later.

An odd case is reported. A man who calls himself by some foreign title has been in the habit of advertising for a wife, and having procured interviews with certain foolish young women, has so far succeeded in compromising their characters that they have gladly paid a kind of black mail to secure his silence. This has been discovered by some indignant brothers and other relations, who last week entrapped the pseudo count to Wandsworth Common, where he was ducked in a most unsavoury pond and afterwards hunted out of the neighbourhood. The police appear to have looked with tolerance, if not with complacency.

[RATHER LIKE INTERNET TODAY — groomers versus online vigilantes etc]

Launceston Weekly News, and Cornwall & Devon Advertiser. — Saturday 7 October 1865

"The Matrimonial Chameleon; or, The Adventures of Count Caskowhisky," is the name of pamphlet which professes to give the fullest information concerning what is considered a most men tod, if somewhat illegal, punishment inflicted on a so-called Polish count, living in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth. The pamphlet informs us how this man was mine habit of inveigling young girls, while still at school, into a correspondence with him, and then of obtaining hush money from their relatives. A trap was, however, laid for him, and after much ingenuity had been displayed he was decoyed to Wandsworth-common, and there dragged through a horse-pond.

The letters written by the count and those of his fair correspondent are given. The lady's letters are exceedingly well managed: they are precisely those which a silly romantic school-girl, foolish enough to answer a newspaper advertisement, would write; the count's are the moat hideously blasphemous ever read. Names are given in full, and the pamphlet should be read by all who care to see the nature of the traps laid for youth, or the degree of vilenesato which human nature may descent!.

The profits of the pamphlet will he given to the Society for the Protection of Women and Children and the Mendicity Society.

[BNA: Link.]

I googled the title and found

Bibliografia XIX wieku — Bibliografia Estreichera

www.estreicher.uj.edu.pl xixwieku baza

=44750 Herr Ingowater. The Matrimonial Chameleon, or the Adventures of Count Caskowhisky, the Polish Alligator by . . . Wandsworth, C. Bell printer, b.r.,

Herr Ingowater.

The Matrimonial Chameleon, or the Adventures of Count Caskowhisky, the Polish Alligator by . . . Wandsworth, C. Bell printer, b. r.

Might be worth following up — it would be good to see/ show the actual pamphlet!

[Herr "Ingowater!]

The Home page is

[BNA: Link.

It appears to be current

Is it a listing of an actual library? Do they have copies of these books, is it a bibliography e.g. of all works relating to Poland?

Is it possible to email them?

Alcester Chronicle — Saturday 7 October 1865

"The Matrimonial Chameleon ; or, The Adventures of Court Caskowhisky," is the name of a pamphlet which professes to give the fullest information conenrolee what is considered a most merited, if somewhat illegal, punishment inflicted on a so-called Polish count, tw i ce us is the neighbourhood of Wandsworth. The pam phletinformshow this man was in the habit of vitiating young girls, while still at school, into a oerrespondenee with him, and then of obtaining hush mosey from their relatives. A trap was, how ever, laid for him, and after mush ingenuity had been &played he wee decoyed to Wandsworth common, sad there dragged through a horse-pond. The letters written by the count and those of his fair correspondent are given. The lady's letters are exceedingly well weneged ; they are precisely those which silly romantic school-girl, foolish enough to answer a news. paper advertisement, would write; the count's are the mostbkleously blesphereouseverreed. Names are given i tall, and the pamphlet should be read by all who care to see the nature of the traps laid for youth, or the degree of vileness to which human nature may descend. The profits of the pamphlet will be given to the Society for the Protection of Women and Children and the Mendioity Society.

[BNA: Link.]

"Glasgow Free Press — Saturday 2 September 1865

A MATRIMONIAL ADVENTURER LYNCHED

A cessxsseirpsinr of the Star, writing Friday bat, myc Lilt evening it was good* U1 fortune to wiCuas an extraordinary msdsou the battel of spend gf grist extent or in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth. the beaks of this not vory pellucid Igke, the scene last evening was the qeietest description. Gentle nurserymaids led ferih their intenetiag cham* to onjoyth* odour of duck-weed which arose today mars. Wandsworth Common was bsaatUul plead Influences of sunset. But in midst of this (mini tnsqallUty thsra occurred a>Mle of elements whlsh renisdef one of tbs hattiss of the aaoient megtlotheria in then iomsssf mud. peaoeful preliislnsry the strife, aottesd lady descending from cab displaying In her right Into white hnadkarshMf. looked ehoDt slevmiutea Presently guntleman repentsd lbs of asee; and ten. haringpoeketed his handkerchief, ha walked iowirdtothalady, and shook bar warmly by the hand, u wasingalar bat not an extraordinary meeting; and Iwm _host OBOe more to dwell la mUdoontemplntloa on the besatiea wood and take, when Iobeerved the gentleman tend the Indy very nWwtlantte meeueeto wards seat which was afarnted from the pond cdy a vary narrow bonk. Nor ws than amah nananal tat this ooeomnoa t but no sooner Imd ctepareri thsemfvie than the lady very wontotal way abruptly left bar com pan ion and ran of, while the pa'Jensa was aMsd by two rough-looking man. who forth* eitbbad the aasoraaee to log him down to the bonks of the hke and chock him into its waters Suddenly the delight!al aUbuai of the pond was broken by scries of the most benrtretoleg eh risks, and the genUeman teen to wallow out ell loan troa ptern of mod in very dtploenbla aondi* don. When at last emerged presented one of the moat unhappy spectacles that tvar gaser witnessed. listened (rotajitad to lost with and sannoas boa constrictor; coat was rant noram t hi* hat was smaihed; while his teas mealed the meal bid eons mass of mod 'that ever mad* human being look shlmpasaea Immediately the assn* this extraordinary dip, which beat kb to pieces the header' is the Colleen waa pete whither everybody the commoe sss sttraeted i sad It seamed tboagh the miserable experimenter on tills mw smm wm well no Wudsworthians, tor got a slugalar amount of boohtog be of. Bat them expression* at pabtio (Uaa>- proral wan fedoabled. They laoraased to groans, to wild alee; they took risible farm In can dry showers of inode roes tad, finally, the unhappy gentleman mad* an hambling isperi to bis Isst, and ran ofl a* swiftly a* they could carry tin. Fisslly be took refnge la tavern. In. IKmt of whito memhied crowd of untiva* to diacnas the matter. From tea pcepie Iraesfved, in metshss. tbs toUowing details >A tote aoWmma has far soau ttate hack bam la th* habit tirtUlag into eomapoodmes yonng ladtas dsstrons sf bsiag ydtod; and it allsgsd that to ant lew tnstensss thras Mto gtris have hem made to pay the penalty sf thrir lolly brief (arced to eswtrlbuto to the sound's yearly teems* ester tear ol exposure. Hitherto the oonnt has bem lUptery end riudto cmristtm. But amro reemtly gatolsman Windswocth It to reply osss of the advertiaaraats pat forth, and ssssmdm te the into wreepodence, A toaaring waa arrmagM on Wandsworth Common, snd eraairisd tody, who volunteered to ow htr tiifleiiox undertookto Henoethe cnmmnflcntetheptosefnlnelghbonrhoodof Winds warih

[BNA: Link.]

Evening Mail — Wednesday 6 September 1865

(Click on image to enlarge)

THE CHOLERA

TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING MAIL.

Sir, — We are receiving constant warnings through the press of a visitation of cholera either this autumn or next year. It is through the press, therefore, that representations should be made of culpable carelessness on the part of those on whom the country chiefly depends for enforcing sanitary regvulations. 0 For a long time past the inhabitants of Lavender-hill, Wandsworth-road, have been suffering from three grievous nuisances.

1. At the foot of the high ground called Battersea Rise there is a large open sewer, passing in its course several rows of cottages, inhabited by labour-ing people. This sewer (the Falcon sewer) is as black as ink and as thick as gruel. The smell from it is, Ineed hardly say, &host offensive.

2. On the summit of the hill is a pond, in which the older inhabitants remember catching fish some 40 years ago, and which until the last two years was filled with pure water. But an obliging neighbour turned his house-drainage into it and when, after repeated warnings, he diverted the house drainage elsewhere, he established a muck heap in such a position that the drainage from it filters into the pond and renders it putrid and offensive.

3. There is an open ditch, nearly a quarter of a mile in length, which receives the drainage of several of the houses on Lavender-hill, and conducts it down the hill to join sewer No. 1. The exhalations from this ditch are most noisome. Two medical men have assured me that it is a nest of typhoid fever. There have been several cases of typhoid illness in the immediate neighbourhood, clearly traceable to these nuisances.

I, and other inhabitants of Lavender-hill, have for more than a year past been making repeated applications to the Board of Works for the Wandsworth district on the subject of these nuisances.

At one meeting of the Board it was decided that the pond should be filled up. At the next meeting this order was reversed. No steps at all were taken as to the other and greater nuisance. I then applied to the parish inspector of nuisances, who has done what he could by causing chloride of lime to be placed. in drain No. 3. But the good effect passed off in a week, and he is unable to take any further steps, as the Board have not authorized any.

Possibly this carelessness on the part of the Board may be accounted for by the fact that the Board consists of 56 gentlemen, gathered from five parishes, and only one of these gentlemen resides in the neighbourhood of Lavender-hill.

I am aware that our remedy is to the an information in Chancery. On a recent visit, however, to the officer of the Board I found that they are quite alive to the fact that an information filed in the Long Vacation, when the judge is away from town, involves an expense which no private person would be likely to incur.

Before incurring such expense I hope to arraign the Board of Works for the Wandsworth district at the bar of public opinion in your columns — a more summary and effectual redresser of grievances than Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery in the Long Vacation.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

NASSAU JOHN SENIOR. Lavender-hill, Wandsworth-road, Sept. 2.

[BNA: Link.]
"

"Elopement With A Groom.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 7, 1865

Publication: The Times (London, England)

Issue: 25284

ELOPEMENT WITH A GROOM

At the Wandsworth court yesterday -eo* st,.ed> years, Of short stature; iiaid of very boyish appearance, was,baced in the dack before Mr. -GAAM charged withtihe a duetIon of a;oung lady, and also with robbery.,Mbprer. Hane olOictotr; of Wandsworthappeared for the prisoner.,InsVectci Loelace, v iisioii, stitel t&at at 4 c,'clock on ues ay afternoc atwo gentlemene oane to the police-statios ad informedi hira thatthey had reason to behevethedaug.Vter o one of them, the Rev. Mr. Crosse, of Ockham, Surre, was living with a young man semewiere in the neigbourhoodac& Wandsworth and.ha.d considerable prperty beloxgiuo to her father izk her possession. Witness went'to lo. 1; St.- Ann's.plsce, Love-lanet and he there found ia an upper rcom the plisoner with He youig ladyr Heasked the prisoner whether he had the property in the roborZ anl Ltaee obelieved the yoang lady handed him,, whimh her father, who had accompanied him, at ance ideutifled. Witness found apoet the prisoner a,,arse contamins 11. 2'., and in the boxhe fou)t 41. in gold. le also found in the room a4liastityof clothing, dresses, bonnets, and feuale wearing appareL lHe then tookthee,D. risoner into custodiy. — ',The Itev. Robert Croise, rector of Ockham, said his Oaaugtei's natte was Alice Caroline, and the was 20 years of ajeiu lune lest. 1he hadieen living with himauntilthe snght, or, striv tpcakin;, the morning of the 26th ult. He nissed her frorr the house. He knew the prisoner. RelLad been groom and.general servant in his house. Ho had sent 'him away On the Thursday previously. Witness recognizedl the box antd sxticles as belonging to his daughter. To the,est of his belief- -sotbing was said in the room about the bd.uction. ie spoke to his lauglter about the elothing.,Mr. INGHAM inqiuired- whether any property was found tut what was expreasly.purohased for his dau-hter.,The wtness said that sonteof the articles were not pur. chatshedr for his5 daughter. Some of tliem belonged to her Another.,-Mr. IXGrAVr said he woouid pass oi frora that part of the case, WSlt was not necessary to go into the question of rob-,The wlitneas was then questioned with reFerenee to pro. G (rty veSted is his daughter. Ho said that on her coming,'lot ifurter rspects oln thte denat,eOth ofhr mouther anzd Mr, IieGoU inqyuirmd whether he ctoul swear tbat the drisoder was aware of that,The -vitniess said he had no proof of the fact, but ha had teasn6 to believe that he was aware of it, because his daughter was in the habit of speaking about her prospects.,By-M.r Haynes.-His daughter hbd not stated her reason -for lIaving. He discharged the prisoner because it had * een copnrte4. that she haa bean seen in the stable with hinT. Releftt'ehouse on the 24th nlt., and tooklodginga just outside witness' property. Ho could not say at what tinie his daughter left, but it must hxvo hees before half-past 3 o7cleck in the rnorning. He discovered her missing at 7 o'clock.,In answver to further questions, the wituess said he ceiild -rt say wahether the young lady left by herself, but he had Tensota believe that she didnot. Re conl rnot see thatshe could get out of anupperwindow withoutassistance. Be found.the window of her bedroom open, and the cord of the curtain torn dowvn. The window is about 14 feet higb, and looks-out on to the Iawn. He only saw the case of his danghter's unibrclla, that had been dropped on the lawn ulnderneath the window. The ground waS too bard to leave foatmarks. He did not see anu marks of a ladeor nor any. thing fixed. to the window.,r.-. Havues sugested that she could easily have jumped from the rIndow.,Witness.-ils daughter wras slender andaactive. It was milusual for the windowto be open. Heoerrfoaunditopen before. It war so wide open tbat be Saw in a moment what had taken place. It was an iron casement windoyr, and opened like a door. The outer I domrs were not unloaked.,the housemaidn first discovered his daughter gone on enter. Iu= her bedroomn.,MArt Hn&yes.-T.th eoing away ws sVi volntay on, the Tart of your daugh-Iter?,Witesvi,- I don't knoW at ptesent.,Mr. Imasrar.-Was anything said in the prisoner's pro. sence about taking her away?,* Witness.-i did not speak to hir. Ihavc spoken to 'my daughlter on the sul'ject. I have reason toberieve that she -was in the babit of burning paper at the winwaw as a signal fortheprisonerto come to her. I tound.ashesof burnt pacer in the window.,Inspector Lovelace was reealled, a-ad he sSia tiat he took the prisoner intocustody simply for the A obbery, and that;,e rcoverdsftion tookplace with reference to the yonughad'fs expectaions. Vitness'believed bereceived the boxof jewels jima the daugliter.,Hrsit Jane Wietns, the wife of a labotuer, of, St. Ann's.> Eplace,,saM that an last Satardsy week the p is- r car e tc. haer house with his wife, as she thought. theylbothispolve,ebouttselolagngs She askedlthem whethertheyTwererma-,ain4 wife, satheylookedso4y6ttg,andweirenorelik)bot'her anadsister. Ileseli~, " Oh, ee, we are man amcl wife." They t,Ok the lodgings for- weK; hntthey remainedbeyosld that iitme. -Witness coulnhsee that she swas a perfect dTand,thobetroom togetlher Thel ay made the agreemeit and paid witness t'he rent.,Mr.T JoahnHam eltn, of Fyne-court, Somerset, said that 'ie was surmmoned by hFie brother. Witnms carefuIlys-ex amnieth window and found traes of soineperson getting eut. and the ivy was pulled down.,The Rev. Mr. Crosse saidulie noticed that the iiy wasrtezr nnderneath tle wmndow, uownwards. It was imposs-ble to put a feot on the ivy, as it was not strong aenoigh to hear the weight of a person. The ivy was torn only just at the atoP.,Mr. Hamilton, in continuation of his evidence,. saidIhe 'rxamiaed the ground nnr7erneath the window. At rIght an gles of the honuse was alowv brick aill, and by standing saponit a persox could.be assisted out of the window. He exammed the top of the wall, and he observed traces df heavwyslices or'boots havingrisbbed away the brickworl, and esldentl'thesebhaa been proaduced by somne person ulho liad stood on the wall,,Mr. IDs.A l having expressed a deseie to examline the young lady, Inspector Lovelace broughtlier upstairs into the court and placed ber ia the witness-hbax. She iSnR slight, lady-nikeyeungwonian,having irlis'h appeainee, and was,et-y snmply dressed in a small black straw hat, black silk cane, and a spotted mslin dress. She dll not exhibit any oympAdu ofnrv-latrronsness. Onlbring sworn,absetstated thit jsbe hadheen livin- with lier fathier until Tecently.,Mr. A. Taylor (the Chief Clerll.-Now- explain how yen caine t4 leave your falthe's bouse.,t> Smith. Hewasnearly tworears in y fatme s service.,giiunlt Ohcitmu,s,-a littlehbCefore, perhaps.teCnUlQR,Mr.. 155ORAa.-gOw did the iatinssp' osinsiene?,Wititcss.-By riding with bitn. Iwrant oit riding, and he accomnanied me aSR nr,Isr. X2cGfl&.-Wh -smade the frst advomlee Witsese. — I den't know eraotly.,slr. GtUM.-You can tell me tlwt.,Witnsess (sinilins ).-.. I think w e wnere sboutt eellla. M,r. Iirur.uer-Did you ever go into the etabhe s,gee the hories cleanea,d.etElt,1 . tS IGHc a_ . . . -WhO first proposed that you should leave Wituees.- I think Ipropnsed tha. There had been a,re:rt row, and I was anlmappy; Rand Iwisbied to leave. ihcrowaaagreat roDwwhen itwasfoundout-about 3 week beefore I went away-.,Mr. Iira3s,ts.-?qow. tell me all ab ont it.,Witue s.-Iarrin,,edi6-. Rewassentawayat aminute's ~eolice. 1 sAW him en the pasage wshen he vwas leaviur, and P[ merely told l im. to comhe the niglit after to my bedroom 'window. Iusedtolightpaperinithewindow.,31r. 1NGUAly^.-What happened ontho night in question? 'W'itess.-Ye.s, directly after pa wpa vest to bed.,The Utev. Mr. Crocee (excplining).-4 wvent to bed about WittesL-T lit paper in the'window, and he canae -p rntside, I think he was in the lane. I told him I should go away. Iput my things out of the window, and then I got uut myself. Iscrambled ouit someholw, as I had no assistF ne. I think hb helped me alittle when I gotnearlvdown. I think r was slipping down, 'and be held me. blothing u irther took place, you know, exrcept that we walked toe ter t6 the station. I did not know where I was going, ntIthbuiht I was going to London. Iiroposed walking to Wevbriage station. It is s distance of about five miles and a hslf along the road. We.walked there togbther. We took a mail tr to: London, and Ipaid the fare. I don't knowrwho uald for It, as on-r imonea Vwas put together. 1 3ranl abeelt 21., and he hbad 51. 2s.. — The mnoney was put to-. Leiher -AtWeylridge. I took tlrt money.I,Mr. INGHAe,.-Yoa took his money, in fact?,'WitnleSS.-.YeS (L,o1rgiter.) We Went tO 'Waterloo Station.'thence to a cof'eehlou.e in the city, wtere we had smnie co ee. We wert to Doctor's-commons for a licence of narriage. He applied for it. We could not have it with. oct myraither'sconeent e Id Inot hear'what was said, as Iw,s nntpsesent. mRe tolda m6 tA afLrwards. We came itr'.ght. to Wandsworth. Iproposed Wandsworth, as I thought it would be more convenient. I had ofton been through Wandsworth. We took loddeugeat Mrs. Wiggins's fromin osin a card in her wiiidow. Ikiow what fortune I am entitledlto; Iinevertalkedimeich about it. Since Ibase,srirat Wandsworth ase IRn sadssol aipt i ndo the, unenee,BeFore I1lef home IterIdbim I shoujli 'hare sanmetbing, not the exact sun. ' Iwill Swear clid not tell.him the exact,.erm. To the bea of my belief I did ne mention an.y sum, in particular. Irthought I should I have smtIgo h death .ofimvImother. Inever mentioned 'that in nhia prorence. I toldl htineishould nthve anthlting on my fistther's,eleth.Tlitwaseoew hlvolecnrDr- n4~tthinkjgpoke .of thatbheforel lefthborne. -1havea d-utaotit i,ILsve apoken abouat mV prosPect, boorlthet hbomei. Itih,Thie 11er. Mer. Crms~e..-j leave evidncoc to hrorv'that 'the V.-iway tickets. w-erepaid for. by.the prisone'r,sIr. Hi:e,v~ rnunnr handedl to hM,The .ftev. AMr. Crosse.-Thab Ire erpenihs ue,to ~Lie monod' out, ajed renraried that lire had vet tte, letoo,W'itaese.-I. hdl he-aid thirit there wvas a. Proloability of my 'Living nionoy- aLtmy fathtar's death';- bre T-c~ ~s ot If Iniatrried George. Irmight hive Said. Iabbuhl.lkot have,havea. esttf. bfy fat-bos'ris"in goodclircunestancs.1 'Re keeprs two; hioresqsandacaMige I suppoeserryfathier ist irichi =a.not very ricTr. E'dh't kneu hterte~i soner knwbat myfather had.- Ieapps6oire thoregltity fathier in ~good circumstances.'; Inever talked to himi abouti 3nt- sister..,-Bv r fe. 114ss.-It wrs iiv~ Ownl actasd deed,tha.t of Iav-ing- moe f~'9 r'a house: 0th priomr doe~s not detain,ouig~outofWimddr.Whether George was there or not, s4ould, home g~oli. I don't 3ne'w whetlier I shou1cld jvt jeft that ivenitiegif lie .hasl-noth beeethere. .IL ead rileu.de,ame iriuh o -ea~e tehe aries o~estenit as I I hould ieiv Wt2f, eorr~;hd ded. fter 12w'~aoutof the,me actogaway. whbnligout ofto thowinaon; heasked-ine if Ihiad not better stay. I said I wottlclrat'her not., Ee,akedl a policeman abiout Dootora'.eonmonB. I417d -not know muc'h about, It. Iproposed asking a policeman, and we got the informatioa frors one. The prisaoer went isside, and Iwaited outside,.,Thia bets Uteeidne hhE!.iurdwe thrthere was any bail for the prisonut.,ldr. Haynes said he lid not new, as'-tile priseier wasa, stranger. He 'wag not' likely to run away after the MR.ntstrati bail louglet out the fact that t'heyonla, wais liktly to have 4 large fortune. yugld,Didir eantakn aaywithou theftehkolde,Mr~ ayne o~s~edthat the. proeridntaehe,noL InumenH. a~Ii a qe tio flw htera.p. Wasslta haer go hdeidelehere.Teqeto a,jid the fare, and esol.lk to hea h vdnee,Mr.llanisthoghtthe'word, "fraudulent" mnsaat to impl tht sme mprpermeans had beenaused to entice.,Mr.lic~ni~ sidke didl xot think it yroper tolet the prione goat arg 'wthot affiies hal.He, should reman hunto se 'wat frthe eviencewas ffered. Hze, I hoive, tougt terewasnot muh& chnefins rauning',Theo Young lady, was askedl 'uetion byr the magistrate at thle suggestien of her father. SheSdened that the prisoner ever toldl her that she 'wouila die if she remained at her fatheres house.,Iu answer to further questions she aid. thet prisoner was going-to wor-k for his brother, a farmer. lI!othinig wast said about-that until they came to Wandsworth. They talkedl,shocut how they shou d live in the winter, san hie said thaLt,he could 'work for 'his brother. She proposed that they should buy abausiess with the mousy she 'would.have, lHe ask-ea her not to touich the muoney.,rgr. -I2onAN -then cossentecl to accept two sureties InL,1004. each for the prisoner's appearanc.,The young ladv retired 'with her friends andl the prisoner was remove(i to the cella. — The bail, -two tradesmenL of, Wandsworth, were, however, soon forthcoming, and he -was ledaaw.w ly ythem in a half-fainting condition. q,Mn ITaynes madle anapplica6tion for the etoration of themoney belonging to the priioser, laut -,The XAGsrTnAT refused to make asny order at present.,It-was sta-ted that the banns of mnarriage between the prisoner and his late young mistress had keen published in Wandsworth Church.

[BNA: go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=Newspapers&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=1&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=1&docId=GALE%7CCS151167271&docType=Article&sort=Pub+Date+Forward+Chron&contentSegment=ZTMA-MOD1&prodId=TTDA&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CCS151167271&searchId=R1&userGroupName=whl_earl&inPS=true" target="_blank">Link.]

"CRICKET

Illustrated Sporting News and Theatrical and Musical Review — Saturday 9 September 1865

NINE PLAYERS AND TWO GENTLEMEN v. TWENTY ONE GENTLEMEN AND ONE PLAYER.

This match took place on Monday near the County Arms, Wandsworth-common. The Twenty-two took the batting first, and the conspicuous scorers were Messrs. Green 23, Foster 18, Bamford 12, and Mills 8. Total of the innings,

The bowlers were Harwood and Southon, who divided the wickets between them.

On the side of the Eleven Mr. Wix scored 20, Lee 10, Oliver 13, and Parr, of Clapham, 22 (not out). Total 99, thus losing the match by five only. Lott, ifowick, and W. B. Shepherd bowled, the latter throughout. He howls well, and would boa good acquisition to his county (Surrey). Subjoined is the score of ELEvErt. Mr. Wiz.b Bamford 2O Wheatley o b Shepherd 1 Lee e and b Bamford Oliver b Shepherd Harpour o Untield b Bamford 3 Southon b Shepherd Parr not out 22 The game was well contested. Llttlorc Foster b Loa 0 Harwood o Frost b Lee 5 E. Ball a Cbinery b Howlok 4 W. Ball a Lee b llowick 0 B 10, w b 2 l2

Total 99

[BNA: Link.]
"

"Cheltenham Chronicle — Tuesday 19 September 1865

[BNA: Link.]

Lincolnshire Chronicle — Saturday 16 September 1865

A curious case came before the Lambeth magistrate last week. On the 26th ult.. Miss Alice Crosse, daughter of the rector of Ockham, in Surrey, eloped with her father's groom — a lad of 18, named George Smith. The young coupleMiss Crosse is 20were traced to Wandsworth, where they had taken lodgings as husband and wife, and Smith was given into custody on the charges of abduction and of stealing certain articles which the lady seems to have carried with her flight. Miss Crosse was put into the witness box, on Wednesday, and affirmed that she left ber father's house of her own accord, and because she " preferred Smith's society;" but the young man was remanded, and on bail being tendered and ac cepted, he was " led away in half-fainting condition."

[BNA: Link.]

Lancaster Gazette — Saturday 9 September 1865

LATEST NEWS. ELOPEMENT WITH A GROOM. A curious ease came before the Wandsworth Pofiaa Magistrate on Wednesday. On the 39th alt. Miss Alice Crosse, daughter of the rector of Oct ham. m Surrey, eloped with her father's groom — a lad at La. named George Smith. The young couple — Miss Crosse- is 20 — were traced to Wandsworth, where tbmg bam taken lodgings as huskaad and wife, aad Sraidt wan given into ousted/ on the charge- of abduction end est stealing certain articles wbiob th- lady seem- to base carried with bar in bar flight Miaa- Crassa waa m- into the witn--a box. on Wednesday, and amrmea emmt she left ber father's house of her own accord, sadhaeause die " preferred Smith's society; " but th- fmmmg man was remanded, and en, bail bt iag tendered and accepted, he was " led away in a half-fainting condition".

[BNA: Link.]

"Saturday, September 3, 2011

September 14, 1865 --- A Romance in Real Life

A police escort is needed to lead the bride and groom through happy, cheering crowds outside All Saints, Wandsworth. The bride is 20-year old Alice Crosse, only child of a wealthy, widowed, rector from Ockham. The groom is just that, the family groom, 18-year old George Smith.

Their romantic elopement, with Alice's midnight clamber down the ivied wall of her father's rectory and their pursuit by hired detectives, had been closely followed across England. Rev. Crosse had forbidden Alice's fancy for George without success and so the groom was sacked in August. Two nights later, they ran off to London. Turned away at the Registry Office as Alice was under age to marry without parental consent, they went to Wandsworth where George had family. The trail was not hard to follow.

George was charged with abduction and robbery. Rev. Crosse claimed the young man "systematically worked upon [Alice's] feelings to dislike her home." He accused him of lusting more for Alice's inheritance, 2600, hers at age 21. The crowded Police Court fell silent when Alice took the stand. Without nervousness, she declared her love for George. Asked who made the first advance, she answered, "We were about equal"; about the elopement, " Iproposed it"; about the flight to London, " Iarranged it." Reversing the robbery charge, she boasted of taking George's money to pay for the train. As for her father at home, Alice insisted, "Whether George was there or not, I should have gone."

The case was remanded for a week and George given bail, the young lovers managed to convince Rev. Crosse to drop the charges. Nor would he stand in the way of their marriage, once satisfied that — in his words — "Alice returned home as intact as on the day she left." The father of the bride opts not to attend the wedding, however. At their modest reception, George and Alice appear at the window to acknowledge the crowd outside. In the words of The Times: "A public scandal, which has greatly shocked well-regulated minds in the genteel classes of society, but which, after brilliant sequel, will doubtless be the theme of admiring and envious comment in many a Servant's Hall."

Their married life was short as Alice died in 1871.

Posted by Tom Hughes at 2:46 PM

[BNA: victoriancalendar.blogspot.com/2011/09/" target="_blank">Link.

Hey, we have that lovely poem (written in cockney) about this!

Where is it? HERE!

[BNA:

"ALICE CROSSE

[BNA: Link.

London Evening Standard — Monday 18 September 1865

[WC in poetry]

href = "1865/1865_09_18_poem_bride_and_her_groom_Standard_18sep1865_600.jpg" Target="_blank">

(Click on image to enlarge)

THE BRIDE AND HER GROOM.

By Policemah X.

0 pleasant is a parson's life —

Beneath no cares to writhe.

To spend your trooly rooral days

Midst smiling rustics blythe;

And drive your Poney carridge hout

Collectin of your Tythe.

But hevry rose has got a thorne,

Vich him that smells it feels;

Though at a distance hit alone

Its pooty looks reweals —

And even Parsons has sum cares

Beyond their daily meals.

Sometimes his curates goes estray,

Or Bishops thwarts his course;

Sometimes hit Is a unpayed Tythe,

Sometimes a limpin orse;

Sometimes it is his childering dear —

So 'twas with Mister +!

Vich + by name he was, but not

I hopes by nature so;

Miss Alice was his daughter fair,

And she had chose a Bo

(The brightest eyes that shoots fourth darts

Will sometimes hame them low).

Equestering exercise she took

Whenever she'd a mind,

George Smith the groomb (haged 18 years),

He should have rode behind —

But hoft he cum up side by side,

Miss Alice was so kind!

And to the stables she would go

Her darling nags to view

(Vich whilst she kissed their noses warm —

As most young ladies do —

Preaps, by haccident, she mite

Have fondled George's too.)

Vich wen her father came to find

This orrifying fac,

Iope he neither swor nor cust

(No parson so should ack),

But he gave Miss A. a scolding sharp,

And Mister George the sack.

Ho, fancy those young loviers then,

Ow sad their fate did loomb —

Pore Alice she was sent up-stairs,

And ad to keep er roomb;

And pityus was the diction hof

That pore young Boy the Groomb.

But love at locksmiths laughs, they say

And so (it wosn't right)

Sly Alice, wen 'twas dark, displayed

A burnin paper light,

Attractin George, to whom she vowed,

"We'll fly this very night."

Then she goes and packs her cloze

(Vich sum was her mamma's),

And down the ivied wall she climbs,

Dispizin locks and bars,

And to the Rail five miles they walks

By lite of moon and stars.

Vich Alice then esumed kermand

(Has females loves to do),

And took his capital away

(Vich were just £5 2s. 0d.),

And bought two tickets for herself

And George to Waterloo.

Ven Doctors-commons waked that morn,

The coves in aprins white

Observed (vich was to them a sweet

And soul inspirin sight)

Our lnnicents a wanderin round

In anxshus puzzled plight.

Beneath the Arch those veskits vite,

They led the infants in,

But R! too soon they turned them out,

Whilst lookers-on did grin —

Without her Pa they couldn't get

A Lisins to begin!

Their true love's course untimely checked!

By hobstacles like these,

Towards Wandsworth Common off they set,

And sat beneath the trees,

And sor the windmill turnin round,

And herd the cacklin geese.

Vich rooral sounds inspirin hope,

They joins eaoh other's hands,

And off they goes, and tells the Clerk

To publish of their bans,

And takes a lodgin in Love-lane

In a terras called St. Hans.

But soon to that abode of Bliss

Inspector Lovelace came

(It's hodd that such a man as im

Should ay a hammerous name),

And on a vile phelonions charge

He stopped their little game.

Pore George he took afore the Beak,

Where Mister + erose,

And swore he steeled his daughter's heart,

And likewise stole her cloze

(Vich she it was as rifled him,

As well my reader noze).

Brave Alice boldly pled his caws,

And did herself avow

That she it was that pland their flite,

Becos " there was a Row."

And that it was a equall flame

She redly did allow.

But all er smilin blushin looks

They wos of no aveil

To save her George from being soon

Remanded to the jail,

Until so be as he might find

Two good substanshal bale.

They bore him faintin from her sight,

And hall is ope he found

In thinking with wot faithful love

His Alice did abound-

That Hangel in a hat and cape

And spotted muslin gownd!

But, hout on fickle woman's love!

A week had scarcely past

Hare Alice broke the vows she swore

From life to death she uld last,

And flung away the faithful heart

That clung to hers so fast.

She told him be might "Go away"

She'd never see im more" —

Inspector Lovelace, standing by,

It pleased his very core,

And off to Ockham Mister +

His perjured daughter bore!

On Vensday last when George came up

His Alice was not there!

To him, the Beak who set im free

Spake nothing but Despare —

His fond young hopes he thought wos wrecked

Upon a quicksand fair.

But O, faint-harted George mistook!

(Like many a other man).

Ven Alice bade him " Go away"

Twas all a artful plann

By soothing Pa, to keep him safe

From Lor's tremenjus ban!

No sooner was the case dismissed,

Than Alice, quite elate,

Declared that now, till 21,

She patiently would wait,

And then to George she would return,

And be his married mate!

O sore it grieved the Parson's heart

Such desperate words to hear,

But hacting like a man of sense

He faced his fate severe.

(That he would have to yield at last

He saw wos very clear.)

A wilfull man," said Mister + ,

"We know must hav is way. —

Hay foresheory, so will girls:

No longer He say nay —

That she may not her choice repent

Iearnestly do prey!"

So Friday last, in Wandsworth Church,

There was a wedding gay,

And George and Alice one were made

By Mr. Gower that day.

The belles ring out! the people shout!

True love has got its way!

R, wonderful is woman's ways

To pleasure or to vex!

No wonder that they even did

A Solemnun perplex.

O Soosan! lovelier than all

The loveliest hof thy Sex,

Be true to me, as I to thee,

Thy changeless

PLEASEMAN X.

Sept. 16.

[BNA: Link.]
"
Posted by Tom Hughes at 2:46 PM

Saturday, September 3, 2011

[BNA: victoriancalendar.blogspot.com/2011/09/" target="_blank">Link.

ALICE CROSSE

September 14, 1865 --- A Romance in Real Life

A police escort is needed to lead the bride and groom through happy, cheering crowds outside All Saints, Wandsworth. The bride is 20-year old Alice Crosse, only child of a wealthy, widowed, rector from Ockham. The groom is just that, the family groom, 18-year old George Smith.

Their romantic elopement, with Alice's midnight clamber down the ivied wall of her father's rectory and their pursuit by hired detectives, had been closely followed across England. Rev. Crosse had forbidden Alice's fancy for George without success and so the groom was sacked in August. Two nights later, they ran off to London. Turned away at the Registry Office as Alice was under age to marry without parental consent, they went to Wandsworth where George had family. The trail was not hard to follow.

George was charged with abduction and robbery. Rev. Crosse claimed the young man "systematically worked upon [Alice's] feelings to dislike her home." He accused him of lusting more for Alice's inheritance, hers at age 21. The crowded Police Court fell silent when Alice took the stand. Without nervousness, she declared her love for George. Asked who made the first advance, she answered, "We were about equal"; about the elopement, " Iproposed it"; about the flight to London, " Iarranged it." Reversing the robbery charge, she boasted of taking George's money to pay for the train. As for her father at home, Alice insisted, "Whether George was there or not, I should have gone."

The case was remanded for a week and George given bail, the young lovers managed to convince Rev. Crosse to drop the charges. Nor would he stand in the way of their marriage, once satisfied that — in his words — "Alice returned home as intact as on the day she left." The father of the bride opts not to attend the wedding, however. At their modest reception, George and Alice appear at the window to acknowledge the crowd outside. In the words of The Times: "A public scandal, which has greatly shocked well-regulated minds in the genteel classes of society, but which, after brilliant sequel, will doubtless be the theme of admiring and envious comment in many a Servant's Hall."

Their married life was short as Alice died in 1871.

Hey, we have that lovely poem (written in cockney) about this!

Where is it? HERE!

[BNA: Link.

"

"SEE ALSO AUGUST 1865

Wells Journal — Saturday 16 September 1865

[Short version still running a fortnight later.

An odd case is reported. A man who calls himself by some foreign title has been in the habit of advertising for a wife, and having procured interviews with certain foolish young women, has so far succeeded in compromising their characters that they have gladly paid a kind of black mail to secure his silence. This has been discovered by some indignant brothers and other relations, who last week entrapped the pseudo count to Wandsworth Common, where he was ducked in a most unsavoury pond and afterwards hunted out of the neighbourhood. The police appear to have looked with tolerance, if not with complacency.
"

Cheltenham Chronicle — 19 September 1865

>THE INSANITY OF LOVE

Miss Alice Crosse, aged 20, daughter of the parish clergyman of Ockham, has afforded abundant food for gossip during the last ten days. The young lady had formed an attachment to Master George Smith, aged 18, a groom in her father's service, and as Mr. Crosse considered the young gentleman from the stable was scarcely suited to his the husband of his daughter, he turned him out of the house.

Miss Crosse, however, appears to have will of her own, while Master Smith seems to be more fool than rogue. The young lady planned an elopement; but the lovers were followed and arrested, and last week Master Smith found himself before the Wandsworth police magistrate charged with the abduction of his young mistress.

Miss Crosse told the story of her elopement with extraordinary candour.

" I think," she said, Iproposed to leave the house. I arranged it. He (the groom) was sent away at a minute's notice. I saw him in the passage when he was leaving, and Imerely told him to come the night after to my bedroom window. Ilit papers in the window, and he came up outside. I put my things out of the window, and then I got out myself. Iscrambled out somehow, as I had no assistance. I was slipping, and he held me.

Nothing further took place, except that we walked together to the station.

I did not know where I was going, but I thought I was going to London. Iproposed walking to Weybridge station. It is a distance of about five miles and a half along the road. We walked there together. We took a mail train to London, and Ipaid the fare. We went to Waterloo station, and from thence to a coffee-house in the City, where we had some coffee. We went to Doctors' Commons for a license of marriage. He applied for it. We could not have it without my father's consent.

We came straight to Wandsworth. Iproposed Wandsworth, as I thought it would be more convenient. We took lodgings at Mrs. Wiggins's from seeing a card in her window."

Mrs. Wiggins described how the young people came to her house, how she questioned them whether they really were "man and wife," as she thought they looked more like brother and sister, and how she was sure all the time that the lady was a "real lady."

The magistrate had no doubt that Miss Crosse give her consent to the elopement, but doubted whether, as a matter of law, a young lady under age was competent to give it. He therefore adjourned the case, but admitted the defendant to bail, and the poor boy was led out of court by his sureties, the report says, "in a half-fainting and hysterical condition."

Miss Crosse was entitled to considerable property, and had proposed to her lover that as soon as she got possession of it they should take a business.

When the magistrate at Wandsworth concluded his examination, the friends of the young lady wished her to go home with them; but this she resolutely refused to do. At last she consented to remain with the family of Mr. Inspector Lovelace, and promised that she would not hold communication with her lover.

The latter, however, discovered her abode, and proved his fidelity by repeatedly walking up and down in front of the inspector's house. The inspector urgently requested him to desist from so doing, but he persisted, defied the officer was in the highway, and said that nothing short his "dear one " wishing him to go away should induce him to do so.

Miss Crosse, in the presence of the inspector, accordingly asked him, and said," George, go away; I don't wish see you." George at once yielded to his mistress, and walked off.

On Wednesday Smith again appeared at the police-court, but there was no one present prefer any charge against him. He was therefore discharged, and his money was ordered to be returned to him.

Mr. Lewis, solicitor, who attended on behalf of the Rev. Mr. Crosse, said after the young lady eloped her father set inquiries on foot, and was informed that the prisoner had by cunning induced her to leave her home; but after the evidence which he heard on the last examination, and which took him so much by surprise, he resolved to withdraw from the prosecution.

The young lady had by her own wish returned to her home, and was as intact as on the day she left.

When Smith left the court he was loudly cheered by the spectators.

A contemporary has discovered some amusing nominal coincidences in connexion with the affair. The Earl of Lovelace bestowed the living of Ockham on the young fugitive's father; Inspector Lovelace first discovered the retreat of the runaways; and the house in which they took up their abode was most appropriately situated in Love-lane.

The story has been terminated dramatically by the marriage of the parties, at Wandsworth, with the consent of the bride's father.

After the first inquiry before Mr. Ingham the young lady had returned to her father's house, and was said have bidden eternal farewell to her lover. The romance was thought to be at an end, especially when the father withdrew from the prosecution, and George Smith, the object of Miss Crosse's misplaced affection, was discharged from custody amid the cheers of a sympathising crowd.

The finale however was yet come.

Finding his daughter really attached to Smith, and determined to marry him as soon as she might come age, Mr. Crosse wisely relented, the marriage ceremony was performed on Thursday, and the scene ended by Mr. Smith addressing his admiring friends from a first-floor window. The bridegroom was daintily dressed in black, with white waistcoat and kid gloves.

The Times says, "It was surely great pity that Mr. Crosse, instead of proceeding hastily against the culprit, did not at once make such inquiries as would have satisfied him of the true state of the matter. He would thus have saved himself and his family the pain of a public scandal, which has greatly shocked well-regulated minds in the genteel classes of society, but which, after this brilliant sequel, will doubtless be the theme of admiring comment in many servants' hall"

[BNA: Link.]

[CHECK THE TIMES REPORT]
"

"Kings County Chronicle — Wednesday 20 September 1865

MARRIAGE of Miss Crosse with her Groom

Scene in Yesterday morning at half-past nine o'clock, George Smith, who was discharged yesterday at the Police-court the charge preferred the Key. K. Crosse, of Ockham Rectory was married to his daughter by licence, and with his consent, in All Saints' Church, High-street, Wandsworth, the interesting ceremony being performed by the curate, the Rev. Mr. Gower.

One of the most extraordinary scenes ever witnessed in Wandsworth occurred on the occasion.

Although the townsfolk often assembled in large numbers at the church wedding occasions, yet there was never such a crowd as gathered this morning in and about the sacred edifice. The church was crowded and every available spot, both inside and out. in which a glimpse could be obtained of the happy couple was occupied. The roads and paths were literally blocked up for some distance, and the pretty church bells rang a merry might have supposed that nothing short of a Royal mat-rage was being celebrated. The happy couple arrived in Wandsworth last night, and took up their temporary abode at the house Mr. George, baker, in the High-street, who was one of the groom's bail. They were unaccompanied by any friends except those which had been made in Wandsworth. Mr. George and his daughter accompanied them to church and acted their best friend.

After the ceremony was concluded, and on walking from the church, they were received with loud and continued cheering r. The young lady was dressed in a pink bonnet, with black silk cape and purple silk dress. The young gentleman looked exceedingly happy, and escorted his bride his arm to the residence of Mr. George, Inspectors Lovelace and Usher excortiii"' themselves manfully clear the path for them. Asthe young couple walked for the few yards from the church she seemed to have the advantage of height over her husband, who, however, presented a natty" appearance, he being dressed in a black coat and trousers, with a white waistcoat and white kid gloves. They were quickly ushered into the baker's shop by the police, but quickly reappeared at the first-floor window, where Mr. Smith cook of his hat and bowed repeatedly to the crowd with few appropriate remarks. He thanked his friends sincerely for all their kindness and sympathy shown to him since he had been in Wandsworth, and hoped they would all live long and happy

This short speech was received with tremendous cheering, and it was some time before the police could clear the streets and restore order. It was understood that the happy pair intended to travel for a short time. This finished one of the most exciting cases that had ever startled and so deeply interested the good folks of Wandsworth. — Globe of Thursday.

[BNA: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001376/18650920/032/0002" target="_blank">Link.]

Surrey Comet — Saturday 4 November 1865

THE MATRIMONIAL CHAMELEON.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Some years ago, when residing in Staffordshire, an English friend of position told me that an interesting young Polish refugee had been introduced to him, M. Waszkowaki name, whom he wished I should befriend.

Iconsented to receive him house, and on his arrival Iaddressed him in my native language, but to my surprise he did not understand me.

Ipressed him hard as to what country he belonged,when he said he was a native of Prussia.

After this I thought it my duty to make some inquiries as to his character and antecedents, and found him to be a worthless, idle, conceited adventurer, living upon the credulity and stupid sentimentality of silly old maids.

Since residence here, met me in the street, when he made an effort to renew the acquaintance with the view of getting Into my debt. I took care, however, to caution some of the neighbouring tradesmen as to the character of the"distinguished foreigner,'' who was favouring Surbiton with his presence.

In justice to my countrymen, Ibeg you will insert this in your widely-circulated journal, to show that the "Hero of the Black Sea of Wandsworth" is not a native of Poland.

I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, A POLE.

Surbiton Hill, Oct. 3lst.

P.S. the public know that the elderly lady mentioned is the pamphlet is in the enjoyment of national pension ?

[MEANING?]

[BNA: Link.]

" target="_blank">Link,]
"

"SAYERS — ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE FIGHT ON WC

TOM SAYERS

Illustrated Sporting News and Theatrical and Musical Review — Saturday 2 December 1865

ORIGINAL ANECDOTES OF SAYERS.

BY Mn. B. KIND, Ms BROTHER-IN-LAW.

At the age of fourteen years Sayers came to London to my wife, Louis's eldest sister, at Camden-town, where I was then residing. He was desirous of learning a trade, and the one he chose was that of a bricklayer. I found him a very sharp boy, and I thought he would make a bright man in the world. Iput him along with the bricklayers and be soon got on, but after a little while I was told by some of them that he was always fighting with some boy or other. Iused to talk to him and so did his sister, but all of no avail, for it appeared fighting was his delight.

Irecollect that at some extensive works I was carrying on at the Hippodrome Race Course, Notting-hill, there was a poor Russian refugee, who could not speak English, and was constantly asking sue in his way to give him a job as a labourer. Tom asked me to take him on, and I did so, and the Russian had not been many weeks at work before he met with an accident, but was soon well and at work again.

There were on the works about sixteen navigators, and one of them one day at dinnertime, tormented the poor Russian. Tom took the Russian's part. The navvy told Torn if he did not hold his tongue be would give him "a slap of the head." Tom replied that "he had better try it on." Tom was then in his seventeenth year. A ring was formed, and at it they went, and Tom gave the navvy, in about ten minutes, a severe thrashing. The navvy's Mate who seconded him, not being satisfied at Tom's thrashing his friend, challenged him, and at it they went, and in less than a quarter of an hour the other navvy was glad to say "enough" and succumb to a mere boy. This gained Tom many friends among his mates, nod he had several rough fights with fellows about that part, and always with bigger men than himself, but never failed to come off victorious.

After Icompleted the works Tom thought he could better himself, and left me for some time, but soon returned and asked me to give him a job; I did no, for at that time I had some very extensive works on Wandsworth Common.

One day the labourers were what is termed "having a run," which is to overload the scaffold with bricks and mortar. Among the gang of labourers there was a tall strong Irishman, and he shot a hod of bricks over Tom's feet. Tom spoke civilly to him and told him not to do it again; but he did it a second time and Tom again spoke to and he told Tom if he did not like it he would give him a slap of the head.

Dinner time came, and as the Irishman and mates began chaffing Tom a fight was agreed on. All the men started to the common, as I could not allow it on the works — the Irishman told Tom he would get him ready for his coffin — and a ring was formed. The two stripped, and the difference between them surprising. Tom a mere boy, not eighteen years old, and the other a man above six feet high.

The fight commenced, and during the first hour Tom was thrown tremendously. The ground was very slippery, and Tom could not keep his footing. He pulled off his boots, and at it he went, and, after fighting two hours and three quarters, the poor Irishman was laid for dead on the ground. Tom, with only a few bruises, commenced dancing, and was soon at his lodgings, while the Irishman was carried on a shutter to his lodgings, three doctors attending all night, for they did not know one hour from another but what he would die. He had never been beaten before, and had fought some very good men. Towards night the police were after poor Tom, but his mates let him know of this, and he was concealed at Tooting in a stable in a large corn bin till three o'clock in the morning, when he came up to London under a load of hay. He went to his sister's, and was ready to go to work again in three days. This fight got quite a name about Wandsworth and Tooting, and a waterman sent word he would fight him for 5. Tom's mates soon got the five pounds, but when man and money put in an appearance Mr. Waterman would not fight him, as Tom told him, if he could not got the money he would give him a chance, and fight, him to see which was the best man; but it was no go: no fight came off.

Another time, when Tom was at work on the Railway works at Chalk Farm, one Saturday evening a quarrel took place among the bricklayers. One of the number, a fellow who was considered a first-rate man, offered to fight the best man in the works. Tom was ready, and up he sprang to go out and fight him. The bricklayers laughed at the boy, but at it they went, and, after a severe battle of about three-quarters of an hour, the big man, for such he was, called enough. Many more rough fights he had, but his first prize fight was with one Abraham Crouch for five pounds aside, whi.th is published in his career. I have often heard hint say that he would rather go out and have a fight than have his dinner or go to work.

THE CLERGYMAN AND THE PRIZE FIGHTER.

A. clergyman residing in a village not twelve miles from St. Paul's, the other day missed the 'bus which was his usual means, of conveyance. He was in a burry, and did not feel inclined to walk three or four miles. In this dilemma . he applied to the landlord of the nearest public house. Boldface, who was Mr. W. P. Warner, of the Welsh Harp, Hendon, would assist him with pleasure. There was a gentleman in the house who was going to start for Loudon immediately; would he give the clergyman a lift. Of course he would The clergyman was delighted, and away he and his newly-formed acquaintance rode. As they approached near town, it seemed to the clergyman that, every one was staring at them. He could not understand it. The more he thought of it, the more unintelligible did the general staring appear. At length he said to his driver, " can't see that there is anything peculiar about our appearance, yet every one appears, to be staring at you or me — can you explain that to me 7" "The truth is, " said the driver, "my name is Tom Sayers." "Oh, indeed, " said the clergyman, " "then perhaps you will have the kindness to set me down." "Indeed Inot, " replied the hero of the Ring; " Ipromised to drive you to London — and to London you go along with me." And thus the worthy pair rode on — the mob greeting Sayers everywhere as a favourite — the clergyman feeling not a little out of place.

TOM SAYERS'S DOG IN THE 011UTORES OF THE LONDON DOG STEALERS.

A short time previous to last Christmas Day, Tom Sayers was on a fraternal visit at Brighton and Wt his dog at his stables in Camden-town, under the guard of his stableman. Those impudent varlets, the London dog thieves, had often threatened, in Tom's hearing too, to " lift " the hound, early or late, and Were invited to try and do their best, as Torn had that the dog would tear to atoms any stranger who might have the temerity to take liberties with the brute. More than one of the scamps had frequently followed Tom from sporting houses to "drums" where Tom usually dropped in at, but as the dog when left on the trap outside, attracted much attention, the dog-imps found their prey too well guarded to attempt to raid upon. By some means a worthy child of Autllyeus, rejoicing in the title of " jack-the-kid, ".and hailing from Golden-lane, ascertained that Tone was at the sea-side, and had left his dog in town, and it was not long before the animal changed his snug quarters for the kennel of Daddy-longlegs, in Golden-lane, where his arrival created quite a stir amongst the gang of dog prigs, who at once set the price. of "fifty quid" upon the dog, and ', min& were advanced upon the expectant reward by the dogs' pawnbroker, and drink in wine, toasting Tom's jelly good health, and better luck to him next time. Tom had a telegram of the " rieving, " and to the astonishment of the, 4 sc h" e l, , , a reward of three pounds was only offered. The dog's necklace the school valued at more than Tom's proffered reward, and this was at once taken from the animal's neck. A London banker, a well-known friend to Tom, next interested himself in the recovery of the dog, and some of the dog chaunters waited upon that gentleman, offering to restore it for .50. They were assured that Tom would give no more than three pounds, as he well knew the longer the dog was kept the greater its burthen to the gaolers. Days and weeks elapsed and Tom called into his services Mr. William Kendillon, formerly a superintendent of police, and afterwards employed by royalty and the nobility, to recover lost dogs. Kendillon advised Tom not to pay one farthing, and Tom left the matter entirely in the ex-officer's hands. In a very short time, Torn was directed to meet two of the gang at a certain hostelry, and received his boat favourite, minus the necklace, and not liking to break his word, gave one of the fellows the three pounds, but ere the thieves left the place, the money was spent, and by way of a finish, one of the scamps was shook of ether loose cash, by standing him on his head. For once, the school were done, and the dog pawnbroker ranked of six quid, beside the expense of maintaining Tom's elephant some thirty-four days.

IN MEMORIAM THOMAS SAYERS. .I.OONISTX 001IONATI, QU INATUS EST, A.D. ' 1826; OBIIT, A.D. 1865 ANNO /I.;TATIs SUE, 40.

Who not seen the "Octoroon, " And shudder s d, when the knife Forth from the collar of each " coon " Flash'd for the deadly strife? Who has not read, as foreign news, uf brave won, stiff and stark Pierced by stilettoes, spite of thews And sinews, in the dark? Who has not heard; in courts of law Of men whose teeth uproot Noses and lips? who lash, till raw, Infants, from head to foot? Who has not heard of, read of, seen, A stand-up English fight? No weapon but the fist, Iwenn, And "God defend the right!" No dastard's blow unfairly struck, But Englishmen's " Pair play!" Down with brute force! "ris English pluck And science win the day! One who thus fought (the eye grows dim) Has found an early grave: English — aye, every inch of him — And bravest of the brave. All honour to the glorious scars the wounded soldier shows! All honour to the gallant tars Who scatter England's foes . Honour to him, whooo Heaven-made pair Of pistols ne'er hung tiro IHeroic, honest bricklayer, In Nature's own attire. The gentleman who laughs to see A hero of ouch stuff, Deserves — ) he deserves to be " Well punish'd " by "a rough." Did not of old Olympia sound (As every scholar reads) The praises of her champion, nrow n, d For lees heroic deeds " 'Tis irreligious." Theo, my lord, 'rue warrior's trade eschew; written: They, who take the sword Shall perish by it too." Shall we (policeman-like), while A r t Her teachers loves, shout " Hence, Ye skill'd professors, who impart The Mt of Self-Defence?" No! Absit oineul Stand aside, While heroes of the fist that humble name with pride, , 4 Tom SAYERS, Pugilist." May we all fight, without a foe, Stiletto, teeth, or knife, Ac Sayers fought at Farnborough The Battle stern of Life. CAuourfi.

TOM SAYERS AND HIS CIRCUS.

Tom, when a little boy, had a the " riders, " . as the circus people were great penchant for seeing called, and more than he received a " lorruping" for cutting a hole in the canvas to gratify his curiosity. Tom never forgot this, and when he had a of his own (which he said he would have some day, and had it) he never forgot his youthful longings. We have seen him repeatedly smuggle in a ragged lad, lift up the canvas, and allow the youngster to crawl in, and with his well known good-humoured merry laugh at having deceived, or "kidded" his own check-taker. The anecdote is nothing, but it shows the pure and simple mind of the man.

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1866

Morning Herald — Tuesday 2 January 1866

While we're covering adverts, this is rather interesting. It refers to an "everything-must-go" sale of plants from Robert Neal's Nursery, "on account of my nursery grounds being required for building purposes". This is almost certainly land he rented from Magdalen College on which the Toast Rack now stands. Building started shortly after, but proceeded very slowly. Demand for houses in what was then styled "College Park", at least initially, was not great.

TO NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN

PLANTING. — In consequence of some of my nursery grounds being required for building purposes, I am induced to offer a large quantity of the following cheap Standard and Dwarf ROSES, and dwarf roses in pots, standard and dwarf fruit trees, standard ornamental trees and shrubs, large specimen cedrus deodora varying from lift, to 15ft., and a general collection of evergreens, American plants, &c., including some of the newest and best kinds of rhododendrons and some very large trees suitable for making an immediate blind.

Catalogues to be had on application to Robert Neal, the Nurseries, Wandsworth-common, Surrey.

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There's a lot to be said about the Neal dynasty (but perhaps not now). Nevertheless, here are a couple of items:
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"Paisley Herald — Saturday 6 January 1866

A bustard was shot on Wednesday on Wandsworth Common by two lads who were out shooting small birds.

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"Stroud Journal — Saturday 20 January 1866

[What came earlier?]

MORTALITY OF INFANTS. At a recent meeting of the Statistical Society, Dr. W. Farr, read a . paper on " The Mortality of Children in the principal States of Europe.' Facts have now been obtained from official 4ources which enable us to compare the loan of life in infancy in England with that loss in continental countries. England, at present, stands alone in publishing an account of the causes of death of the whole of the population, so the comparison is restricted to the mortality from all cense/. The facts do not all refer to the same period of time, but range variously from 1851 to 1863 in the different countries. In Italy and Prussia the . birth rate is 39 per 1,000 of the population; in Spain and Austria, 37; in England, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, 34; in Norway, 33; in Belgium, 30; and in Spain, 26. Of children under five years of age, the annual rate of mortality per 1,000 living of the same age is in Norway 41; in Sweden, 51; in Denmark, 53 in England, 68; in Belgium, 75; France, 79; Prussia, 82; Netherlands, 91; Austria, 104; Spain, 112 and Italy, 114. In 30 large town districts of England, the mortality of children aged 0-5 is 101; whilst in the 63 healthy districts it is only 40 per 1,000. Of 1,000 children born alive in Norway, 833 attain five years of age .; in Denmark and Sweden, 797; in EngLnd 736; in Belgium, 732; in France, 711 in Prussia, 683; in the Netherlands, 673; in Austria and Spain, 637;in Italy, 606; Russia, 603;in 63 English healthy districts, 823; and in 30 large town districts, 355. The records of the Peerage of England show that out of 100 children born alive in peers' families, 90 survive, 10 die, in the first five years after birth; and the deaths among the children of the Enliq clergy are nearly in the same proportion. By the English life table, of 100 children born alive, 15 die in eir first year, sin the second, 3in the third, 2 in the fourth, and 1 in the fifth — making 26 in the five years; and of the 15 who die in the first year, 5 die in their first month, 2 in the second, and 1 in the third month after birth. It may be taken as a rule generally that the greater the mortalitT in any country, the greater is its excess in the first days of life. Dr. Farr announced that he was now in communication with the principal official statists of Europe, and he hoped eventually to be in a position to discuss the causes of the deaths of children in the various states. With regard to one of those causes — infanticide — it had been recently stated by the Abbe C.isare Contini, an Italian statist, in the Journal of the Paris Statistical Society, that 13/300 children under seven years of age . perished in England yearly, by the hands of their parents. This extraordinary estimate is founded upon the strangest misconception of the nature of the coroner's inquest, which M. Contini imagines is held only in cases where absolute guilt or suspicion of guilt is involved; and as 6,500 inquests were held in 1863 on children under seven years of age, B. Contini, adopting an estimate of Dr. Lankester, that as many cases of infanticide as were investigated escaped observation in London, assumes that an equal number are lost eight of in the whole of England, and so he gets at his number of 13,000 infanticides. Dr. Lankester's estimate is reasonable enough as appliedto London, but would be quite inapplicable to coun dis try tricts; and, indeed, the absolute returns of the coroners for the year 1863 give only 180 deaths of children under rive years of age as the result of both murder and manslaughter, while the deaths of children of that age from all causes were 178,513. So that only one death in 1,000 of young children is referrible to infanticide, a proportion inconsiderable as compared with the untimely deaths from other causes. The registration of the stillborn is very necessary,. and would close one of thegates which lead to crime; but the removal of the causes which engender disease, and the gradual substitution of good hygienic conditions for those evils now existing, will in due time approximate the mortality of children to the natural standard.

Dr. Lankester said that by paying attention to the mortality of the young we could almost test the amount of regard people entertained for the life of their own race. It struck him as extraordinary that Norway, Denmark, and Sweden should stand so high above us in regard to the relative mortality of infants. This might be attributable in some dreo to climate, a point upon which Dr. Farr had not dwelt. Warmer climates were more favourable to the development of the reproductive tendencies of the human race; and consequently a proportionate carelessness about life was engendered. In colder climates more care was taken of the offspring. Perhaps this would explain why Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, which were not remarkable for sanitary regulations, should stand highi.r than this c.mnitry in regard to the mortality of children. With regard to the assertion that there were 13,000 lives of children destroyed annually in England by their parents, Dr. Lankester observed that no calculation upon any published statistics or data in this country could have led to that conclusion, without the gratest possible error. The statement was evidently founded upon the estimates which had been made of the number of children found dead in the streets of London. In the district over which he was coroner, containing about 1,000,000 people, there were from seventy to eighty children found dead in the streets annually. Judging by the advanced state of decomposition in which many of them were found, he thought, probably, that for every one found at least another one escaped finding. That would give, in his district alone, 150 children destroyed annually, in a population of 1,000,000. Supposing the population of the country to be 30,000,000, the 150 should be multiplied by 30, and it would give as the number found in the streets every year, 4,500. Dr. Farr had probably arrived at the right solution of or Contini's misstatement — that be had taken all the cases in which inquests were held on children under five years of age, and imagined them to be cases of infanticide. There was a large number of illegitimate children under five years of age on whom inquests were held; but these were not cases in which the children had been directly deserted or murdered by their parents. At the same time they belonged to a class of cases which required the earnest attention of the philanthropists of England. Dr. Lankester then alluded to a calculation for which, he said, he had frequently been called to account, as it had been made such absurd use of. It related to the number of women living who had "put " their children. It was not probable that the 150 women in hie district would commit the crime of infanticide are second time: and, therefore, it was fair to suppose that the 150 a-year were new mothers. The average age of these women was about 20 years, and the expectancy at that age was 40 years; if they multiplied 150 by 40, they would have the number of women living . in his district who had made away with their children. There were 360,000 adult women in London; so that, according to his calculation, there were 12,000 women, or one in thirty, who had mutdered their children. In consequence of this, some English papers had stated that he had said there were 12,000 children murdered in London every year, and we had been held up, on the Continent and in America, as monsters of iniquity. Dr. Farr had pointed out some defects in the registration of children, and if these were remedied hlrger amount of crime even than we suspected migt be detected. Stillborn children were not registered in England, and he thought this was a matter in which action should be taken. There were thousands and tens of thousands of these children buried every year in England with no better guarantee that year in been born dead than that afforded they persons who brought them to the undertakers. Something like sentiment had been allowed to interfere between us and the proper registration of children, and that sentiment ought to be got rid of. Stillborn children should be registered in such a way that no means should exist bye d ich a child who had been born alive and murdcoul be passed off as stillborn. There was no compulsory registration of births in this country, and if they could impress the Legislature with the necessity of enforcing this, the same as it in Scotland and Ireland, the results would be most beneficial. He was sorry to say that the tendency to infanticide was extending to children of a riper age. It had recently come under his official duties to investigate the deaths of children found in the streets who had been from two to six weeks old, showing that there was a tendency on the part of parents to forget the duties they owed to their offspring altogether. This view of the question of the deaths of children was a very minute portion of the great question of those deaths. It was perfectly astounding to see the number of children that were positively killed for want of knowledge on the part of their parents of the laws of life and health. Every year he held above 100 inquests on children who were suffocated in bed by their mothers. Then the system of dressing children inmothers. Englan d was most absurd. They wouldsee them in the streets at this time of year with bar arms and legs, whilst adults, who required ar were well covered from head to foot. They required food, air, beat; and, as Dr. Farr had said, talk as we would the poor did not get pure water. A contemporary says: On Tuesday last. just before midnight, the surerintendent of the Poplar casual wards was aroused from his quietude by the appearance of several gentlemen seeking admittance — not as recipients of the relief bestowed by the guardians, but for the purpose of satisfying themselves that the deserving henseless poor were properly cared for. The unexpected visitors were none others than Sir George Grey, Mr. Waddington, Sir Richard Mayne, and his two sons. The first call made by the Home Secretary was at the Sailors' Home, Well-street, wt ieh was duly Inspected, after which they proceeded direct to the Poplar casual wards, which for the past six weeks have been placed under the police, and who issue all orders for admittance. This had been done by the sanction of Sir Richard Mayne, and has worked exceedingly well; the vagrant class have disappeared, and the number seeking admittance nclucrel to one-third. Prior to the appointment of the police as assisting relieving officers, 28 cases were taken before the magistrate in one month for destroying clothing, whereas only one case has occurred since. This is evidence that the alteration has worked well, and that to a very great extent the vagrant class have disappeared from the Poplar casual wards. It was wise, therefore, for the Horne Secretary to make this his first visit on his midnight tour, to convince himself that the really destitute poor are well cared for in this union. On the occasion alluded to, the wards were comparatively quiet; the occupants did not number twenty, one of whom had recently entered, had taken his bath, and wig eating his meal of breed. Thus the Home Secretary had ocular demonstration that not only had the 'smileless poor a comfortable night's lodging, but that cleanliness was a prominent feature, at d he expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the arrangement& The visitors, after making themsivee thoroughly acquainted with the system adopted in this union, proceeded on their tour of inspection to other casual ward', as likewise to several licensed lodging-houses in the locality, for the purpose of witneseing the distinction between the accommodation offered by the casual wards and the threepenny lodging houses. The accommodation of the Poplar casual wards, no doubt, is far preferable to that offered by these lodging-houses; but the poor have not been so well cared for in other unions. Even in some of the wards visited on Tuesday night the poor were all huddled together on the floor, with scarcely any covering on them, and not one equalled Poplar in comfort and accommodation. This, of course, speaks well for the guardians of this one union, but unfortunately a uniformity is wanting throughout the metropolis. Every act and deed of the Poor-law Board further demonstrates the necessity for treating the metropolis as one onion, otherwise it is merely shifting the burden from one to the other, for the poor will undoubtedly go where they are best treated.

They had to carry it up to their rooms in pails, and there it got impure by decomposition. He estimated that a great deal of the diarrhcea which occurred in London arose from impure water or milk, the latter oftentimes being allowed to stand for twenty-four or thirty-six hours until it got into a putrescent condition. Some persons said it was impossible to keep children from getting ill, that they must die. That was the sort of philosophy that was talked by vestries. He had seen gentlemen with a kind of London mechanics institution education, get up and parade their knowledge of the laws of nature by saying they did not see how those laws were to be got rid of.

In connexion with St. James's, Westminster, there was a school of from 150 to 180 children on Wandsworth Common; and though these were pauper children of from two to sixteen years of age — the offspring of the vicious, the drunkard, and the wretched — yet this school had existed for thirteen years, and only three children had died in the whole of that time. Other p wishes having schools in the country could bring forward similar facts, and here then was the remedy. It behoved them to insist that there were de Alm taking place for which society was responsible, inasmuch as they might be arrested if proper measures were adopted.

In conclusion, Dr. Lankester urged the necessity of the upper classes sitting wmking men a better example in regard to strong drinks, contending that much of the misery and Exist depravity existing was attributable to the fact that they spent that for drink which cught to buy them and their children clothes and food, and that no great change for the better could be expected amongst the poorer classes until the richer set them a good example. Dr. Webster referred to the very high mortality of children in foundling hospitals in Spain, where 70 per cent. died in their first year.

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Stroud Journal — Saturday 20 January 1866

[What came earlier?]

MORTALITY OF INFANTS.

At a recent meeting of the Statistical Society, Dr. W. Farr, read a paper on " The Mortality of Children in the principal States of Europe."

Some persons said it was impossible to keep children from getting ill, that they must die. That was the sort of philosophy that was talked by vestries. He had seen gentlemen with a kind of London mechanics institution education, get up and parade their knowledge of the laws of nature by saying they did not see how those laws were to be got rid of.

In connexion with St. James's, Westminster, there was a school of from 150 to 180 children on Wandsworth Common; and though these were pauper children of from two to sixteen years of age — the offspring of the vicious, the drunkard, and the wretched — yet this school had existed for thirteen years, and only three children had died in the whole of that time.

Other p wishes having schools in the country could bring forward similar facts, and here then was the remedy. It behoved them to insist that there were de Alm taking place for which society was responsible, inasmuch as they might be arrested if proper measures were adopted.

In conclusion, Dr. Lankester urged the necessity of the upper classes sitting wmking men a better example in regard to strong drinks, contending that much of the misery and Exist depravity existing was attributable to the fact that they spent that for drink which ought to buy them and their children clothes and food, and that no great change for the better could be expected amongst the poorer classes until the richer set them a good example.
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Chelsea News and General Advertiser/cite> — Saturday 3 February 1866

IMPORTANT MEETING AT THE MANSION HOUSE

A public meet was held at the Mansion House on Wednesday in favour of a measure being introduced into Parliament in the ensuing session for preserving the commons and open spaces round the metropolis for the use of the public. The Lord Mayor presided.

Amongst those present were Mr. J. Locke, M.P., Mr. C. Ruxton, M.P., Mr. Chambers (Common Serjeant), M.P., Mr. T. Hughes, M.P., Professor Fawcett, M.P., Mr. Shaw Lefevre, M.P., Sir T. F. Buxton, M.1.; Alderman Hale, (ex-Lotd Mavor), Lawrence Rose. Lusk, M.P., and Lesley; Dr. Lank ester, Mr. Scott (City Chamberlain), Messrs. Carpraael and Le Bret n (of the Metropolitan Board of orks), Mr. Gassier, J.P., Mr. Taylcr, Mr. Bontems (Islington Vestry), Mr. G. Saywtll (Clerkenwell Vestiy), Colonel Adair, Mr. F. C. Buckmaster (Wandsworth Common), and good many other gentlemen representing the influence and wealth of tne metropolis.

The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, called attention to th proposal of the Board of Works to place the control of those open spaces in their hands, and that the Board he allowed let for building purposes portions th land, so as to defray some of the expense of the purchase. lie gave the Board credit for doing their work well; but he thought they ought to take the responsibility and legislate the matter.

Mr. J. Locke, M.P., moved the first resolution, as follows;

"That the preservation of the commons and open spaces in the metropolis is absolutely essential to the health and requirements of the public Alderman M.P., seconded the motion, which was supported Alderman Rose, Mr. Le Breton, 'tnd Mr. Stott, and canied unanimously.

Mr. Shaw M.P., moved — " That in the opinion of the meeting it is incumbent the Legislature deal with the question of commons and open spaces, and that this meeting pledges itself to aupport the Preservation Society in its efforts to press the subject on Parliament. -' Mr. T. Hughes, M P., seconded the motion, and it was supported by Mr. Gassier, J.P., Mr. C. Buxton, M.P., Mr. Carpmael, and Alderman Rose, after which it was put and carried.

Sir Win. Fraser moved that subscriptions in support of the object of the society invited from those pres' nt, and that list of subscriptions be opened at the Mansion House. Alderman Bei.t y seconded the motion, and it was agreed to non. eon. Sir F. Buxton, M P., moved that a petition be presented to both Jlous-s of Parliament, urging immediate legislation on the subject of open spaces. After some remarks in support ot the motion from Mr. Toyrbey and C-lmel AJair, the latt-r gentleman sting that commanders of volunteer corps should be invited interest the members of the various corps on the subject, position was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. Locke, M.P.. seconded Mr. Lefevre, M.P., The meeting was brought to a close the passing of cot dial vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor for his kindness in giving the hail for the occasion and for presiding.

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"Globe — Friday 16 February 1866

HOUSE OF COMMONS, Feb. 15. The Speaker took the Chair Four o'clock. Hampstead, Hiqhoate, and Charinq cross Railway Bill. — Hampstead Heath. the motion for a second reading.

Mr. DOULTON moved that this bill read a second time this day six months, on the ground that it was proposed to give powers to purchase 29 acres of Hampstead-heath.

Mr. W. S. POWELL said the House had manifested a spirit to prevent encroachments the commons of the metropolis. He was glad that this was the case, but he had to call their attention to the fact that Wandsworth Common had almost ceased to exist, and that Tooting Common had also been invaded. The House should pause before allowing the second reading of this bill. It should protect the open spaces where the humble citizens enjoyed great rights, the exercise of which their health was greatly promoted.

Mr. WATKIN understood the object of the bill was to provide means whereby people could get to place where they could get fresh air, and he appealed to the House whether it ought not to be committed.

Mr. HUGHES thought the House ought not to grant such immense powers to the metropolitan railways which were springing up in this city (cheers) without insisting upon proper terms for the poor (hear, hear). Unless this were done those companies would become social tyranny (hear, hear).

The first thing a new company did was to pull down all the houses they were empowered to take, and for many which, belonging to the poor, they gave no compensation, although the inhabitants were forced out after few weeks' notice, and had to throw themselves into whatever courts and cellars they could find in the neighbourhood (hear, hear).

Such was the amount of social disorganisation they were producing that it might take 50 years to bring these classes into state of Christian civilisation. He hoped the House would, not only in this case but in all others, make proper terms with railway companies before entrusting them with compulsory powers under the Lands Clauses Consolidalion Act {hear. hear).

The SPEAKER then took the opinion of the House, when the measure was thrown out without division.

North Metropolitan Railway Bill.

Mr. H. LEWIS, moving the second reading of this bill, arrangement had been come to, by which the proposed railway would not interfere either with Hampstead Heath or Hackney Downs.

Mr. DOULTON intimated that, after this explanation, he would withdraw his opposition to the bill. The bill was then read second time.

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Morning Advertiser — Monday 2 April 1866

A TRIP to the COUNTRY with an OBJECT. At the famous hostelry of Mr. Perns, the Surrey Tavern, beautifully situate the borders of Wandsworth-common, will Drawn for on the .''th April, Eight o'clock in the Evening, GRAND WARDKOBE, the tune of the Commonwealth. The Wardrobe may seen and Tickets procured, os. each, on application the Landlord. Supper will provided on the Evening of the Drawing, and the proceedings will enlivened by the Volunteer Rand.

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Morning Advertiser — Monday 23 April 1866

(Click on image to enlarge)

Valuable Freehold Property — Wandsworth-common

MESSRS McLaren, SON, and ROLFE have received instructions to submit for Sale by Public Auction, at the Mason's Hall, Masons-avenue, Basinghall-street, on the 3rd day of May next, at Io'clock (unless previously sold by private treaty) a valuable

FREEHOLD PROPERTY

known as the

HOPE TAVERN

conspicuously placed at the junction of two important thoroughfares on

WANDSWORTH-COMMON

The property consists of newly-erected establishment, upon scale both extensive and great completeness, combining in its appointments every facility for business and every domestic comfort of a home. As the construction but recently finished, the property at present stands without a spirit licence, although there can be no doubt, fairly judged, that it will granted upon application.

When the building operations now in progress in the neighbourhood are completed, and the railway station which is to be placed immediately opposite is established, an extensive trade must the result, which will stamp the Hope Tavern a very valuable and first-class property.

Cards to view of the Auctioneers. Particulars and conditions of sale of George Brown, Esq., Solicitor, 19, Paddington-green; at the Masons Hall; upon the premises; and at the Auction Offices, 119, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury.

Morning Advertiser — Wednesday 25 April 1866"

"1866_04_24_abandoned_baby_catherine_leonard_Times_24apr1866.jpg

The Times — Wednesday 25 April 1866

(Click on image to enlarge)

At WANDSWORTH, a young woman, who gave the name of Catherine Leonard, and stated that she was without a home, was placed in the dock on a charge of wilfully abandoning her infant, whereby its life was endangered.

Inspector Usher, V division, stated that at 9 o'clock on Saturday evening he was on duty at the station, when a man named Richard Davis and his wife came in with a baby, between four and five weeks old, and informed him that they found it in a field, among some cabbages, on Wandsworth-common. The child was shivering, and appeared to require immediate attention. It was dressed in a frock and flannel. He immediately sent for a person to do something for the child, and he afterwards had it removed to the union workhouse.

He subsequently made inquiries which led to the apprehension of the prisoner, who admitted that the child belonged to her. She said destitution had caused her to leave the child on the common, and she was very sorry for what she had done. She further stated that she had been in Lambeth Union for a week, and she left there on Friday morning, as she did not receive sufficient food. The prisoner said she left the workhouse on Saturday morning. In reply to the Magistrate, the inspector stated that neither Davis nor his wife had attended.

Other evidence was given to the effect that the, prisoner, who was sent to the workhouse after her apprehension, stated to the nurse who gave up the child to her to suckle, that she left her baby on the path as she thought some person would pick it up.

Mr. Ingram remanded her until Tuesday next. Inspector Usher wished to know whether the magistrate would send her back to the workhouse, where she would be perfectly secure. Mr. Ingham thought it would not do the prisoner any harm to send her to prison in the usual way. The prisoner was then removed to the cells.

[Source: Link]

Morning Advertiser- Wednesday 25 April 1866

INHUMAN CONDUCT OF A MOTHER. CHILD DROPPING.

WANDSWORTH. INHUMAN CONDUCT OF A MOTHER. CHILD DROPPING. A young woman, who gave the name of Catherine Leonard, and stated that she was without a home, was placed in the dock on a charge of wilfully abandoning her infant, whereby its life was endangered.

Inspector Usher, division, stated that at nine o'clock on Saturday evening was on duty at the station when man named Richard Davis and his wife came with a baby between four and five weeks old; and informed him that they found it in a field among some cabbages on Wandsworth-common. The child was shivering and appeared to require immediate attention. It was dressed in frock and flannel. He immediately sent for person to do something for the child, and afterwards had it removed to the union workhouse. He subsequently made inquiries which led to the apprehension of the prisoner, who admitted that the child belonged to her.

She stated that it was destitution that caused her to leave the child on the common, and she was very sorry for what she had done. She further stated that she had been in Lambeth Union for a week, and she left on Friday morning she did not receive sufficient food to support the baby.

The prisoner said she left the workhouse on Saturday morning.

In reply to the magistrate, the inspector stated that neither Davis nor his wife had attended.

Other evidence was given to the effect that the prisoner, who was sent to the workhouse after her apprehension, stated to the nurse, who gave up the child to her to suckle, that she left her baby on the path, she thought some person would pick it up.

Inspector Usher said he believed the prisoner had been an inmate of a lunatic asylum. Mr. Incham remanded her until Tuesday next to give full time for inquiry.

Inspector Usher wished to know whether the magistrate would send her back to the workhouse, where she would be perfectly secure. Mr. Ingham thought it would not do the prisoner any harm to send her to prison in the usual way.

The prisoner was then removed to the cells.

[Source: LINK ]

Also Express — Tuesday 24 April 1866

[BNA: Link.]

NB She is called Catherine "Lemaire" in the Pall Mall G`zette and elsewhere, 15 May 1866

1866_Catherine_Lemaire_Pall_Mall_Gazette_15may1866.png

[NOTE]

Morning Advertiser, 16 May 1866

A Case of Exposing a Child on Wandsworth Common

[Refs to Burntwood House, Alma Terrace, County Arms, "Garratt Lane Lunatic Asylum" (presumably Springfield?), Wandsworth Workhouse (the old one or the new in Swaffield Rd?]

(Click on image to enlarge)

Note: In a number of accounts she is called "Catherine Lemaire".

THE CASE OF EXPOSING A CHILD ON WANDSWORTH COMMON.

WANDSWORTH. THE CASE OF EXPOSING A CHILD ON WANDSWORTH COMMON. Catherine Leonard, aged 26 years, who was described as having no home, was brought before Mr. Ingham, for final examination, the charge of unlawfully abandoning exposing a child, being under the age two years, whereby the life of such child was endangered. The case bad stood over for some time for the completion of the depositions. Richard Davis, coachman at Burntwood House, Wandsworth-common, stated that Saturday night, the n t., was walking along a path near some cottages in field about quarter of miie from the railway bridge Wandsworth-common, when he heard the crying of a child. He looked into the field and saw a child lying upon a piece of flannel among some cabbages. He at once took the child to the police-station. In answer questions, the witness further stated that there was no person in sight when he found the child. At that time of night the footpath is not frequented. The weather was foggy, but not Emma Raneb. of Ata -l ii e, WMiiimorth-'oaimoii. said that ,h. .. r . . ' , '> the cuter the County Arms," and she then a child hr arms. S — ' I' ttlJg ' r ,hnel, of . M d that cn Sunday, t!. t came t the station at Olapham mid bt&temcnt to the effect that she had child about five week old; that she had been with Lambeth Workhouse, but not harm sufflaent food she left, and that her mother-in-law had behaved badly to her and would not her return home. the night before, about eight o clock, she was near Garratt-lane Lunatic Asylum, when the felt tired, and laid down to rest in a field. Not having change of clothing for the child, or food, she thought the best tiling the could do to leave it close to a footpath, so that if an; one came along it cnes would be heard that she hoped would found alive, and take harm. Witness then sent her to the Wandsworth Loliccstation. r Nurse Parker, at the Wandsworth Workhouse, where the prisoner was afterwards taken to suckle her child, proved tt the prisoner said distress was the cause of her leaving child, but that she afterwards returned to look for it and found it gone. Mr. Ingham committed the prisoner for trial.

[Source: LINK ]

[NOTE: Is there a follow up to this story? A BNA search for "Catherine Lemaire" produced only brief accounts: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/search/results/1866-01-01/1866-12-31?basicsearch=catherine%20lemaire%20&exactsearch=false&retrievecountrycounts=false&sortorder=dayearly" target=blank">LINK]"

"A later account Morning Advertiser, 16 May 1866>

[Refs to Burntwood House, Alma Terrace, County Arms, "Garratt Lane Lunatic Asylum" (presumably Springfield), Wandsworth Workhouse (check — elsewhere she is reported to have left the Lambeth Workhouse — but if Wandsworth, presumably the one on St John's Hill.]

added that Catherine Leonard was aged 26, that the baby was found by Richard Davis, coachman at Burntwood House,

aturday night, the n t., was walking along a path near some cottages in field about quarter of mile from the railway bridge Wandsworth-common, when he heard the crying of a child. He looked into the field and saw a child lying upon a piece of flannel among some cabbages. He at once took the child to the police-station. In answer questions, the witness further stated that there was no person in sight when he found the child. At that time of night the footpath is not frequented. The weather was foggy, but not Emma Raneb. of Ata — l ii e, WMiiimorth-'oaimoii. said that, h. .. r . . ', '> the cuter the County Arms, " and she then a child hr arms. S — ' I'ttlJg 'r, hnel, of . M d that cn Sunday, t!. t came t the station at Olapham mid bt&temcnt to the effect that she had child about five week old; that she had been with Lambeth Workhouse, but not harm sufflaent food she left, and that her mother-in-law had behaved badly to her and would not her return home. the night before, about eight o clock, she was near Garratt-lane Lunatic Asylum, when the felt tired, and laid down to rest in a field. Not having change of clothing for the child, or food, she thought the best tiling the could do to leave it close to a footpath, so that if an; one came along it cnes would be heard that she hoped would found alive, and take harm. Witness then sent her to the Wandsworth Loliccstation. r Nurse Parker, at the Wandsworth Workhouse, where the prisoner was afterwards taken to suckle her child, proved tt the prisoner said distress was the cause of her leaving child, but that she afterwards returned to look for it and found it gone.

Mr. Ingham committed the prisoner for trial.

___

South London Press — Saturday 19 May 1866

Abandoning a child.

TuosJay, Catherine Leonard (iti), who was doaeriboil M having uo home, waa charged on remand with unlawiully abandoning and exposing child, being under the age two yean, whereby the life of such child wa endangered The ease had stood over for some time for the completion ot the depositions. Richard Daria, coachman Hurutwoodbouse. Wandsworth-common, stated that Saturday night, the 21st nit., ho was walking along a patli noarsoms cottages in Held about quarter of a from the railway bridge Wandsworth-common, when hoard the crying of child. lie looked into the Held and saw a child lying upon a piece of liannel among somo cabbagoa. once took the child the on. Emma Bough, of Alma-terrace. Wandsworth-common, said that the evening In question she saw prisoner outer Hie County Arms, and she then carried child in her arm. Witness subsequently met her near the railway bridge, and she was then without the child. Inspector Itushnell said that Sunday, the 22ud ult, prisoner came station Ciapham, and made a statement to the effect that she had child about live weoka old; that site bad been with It in Lambeth Workhouse, but not having sufficient food aha left; tnat her mother-in-law had behaved badly to her, and would not let her return homo. On the night before, about rt o'clock, she was near Lunatic Asylum, when she felt very tired, and laid down to rest in Held. Not having change of clothing or food tor the child, she thought the best tiling she could was to leave it close to the footpath, so that if any one came along its cries would heard, that alio lioiied it would be found alive and take harm. Witness then sent her to Hie Wandsworth police-station. N urso 1 aruor, at the Wandsworth Workhouse, where prisoner was afterwards taken to suckle her child, proved that pr sonar said distress was the cause of her leaving the child, nl that she afterwards returned lo look for it and found it gone. ilr. Ingliam committed prisoner for trial

[BNA: Link.]

[Note: Some newspaper accounts refer to her as "Catherine Lemaire". Is there a follow up to this story? A BNA search for "Catherine Lemaire" produced only brief accounts: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/search/results/1866-01-01/1866-12-31?basicsearch=catherine%20lemaire%20&exactsearch=false&retrievecountrycounts=false&sortorder=dayearly" target="_blank">Link.]

While I was looking for further information about Catherine Leonard, Icame across this story. [It's not directly relevant]

1866-02-10-poor-and-their-dead-ManchesterTimes-10feb1866.jpg

POOR AND THEIR DEAD.-On Mr. Dayman, police magistrate of. Wandsworth, taking his seat upon the bench on Saturday, a poor looking young woman p eselnted herself before him, and said. Please, sir, my husband went to the parish on Wednesday or Thursday to busy our baby, and they would not. He was told to get up a subscription amongst his friends and neighbours. I have only got 3s., and I don't know 'what -to do.-Mr. Dayinan : Imake it a; rule never to give ,'nythin- for a funeral.-Applicant: Can you give me any advice ?-Mr. Dayinan: No, I cannot.-Applicant: Mly husband only earns sia week, and he has been out of work three months. Mr. Dayman: If the parish officers think that you require relief, or that it is necessary for them to bury your child, they wi ll o so. -Applicant: The child has been dead four days, aimd I have no coffin for it, Mr'. Dayman: I am very sorry for you. I cannot give you any advice. I think the law is in a very unsatisfactory state on the subject of people burying their dead. Imake it a rule never to subscribe toa ?? applicant, who cai'ried the certificate of her child's death in her hands, then left the court, evidently perplexed as to what she should dloin her dilemma.

[BNA: Link.]

See also this n appalling story from the same month (and doubtless a proper search would reveal many more).

Clerkenwell News — Monday 9 April 1866

[BNA: Link.]

Birmingham Daily Post — Thursday 17 May 1866

[BNA: Link.]

CATHERINE LEMAIRE — OTHER NAME? LEONARD?"

South London Press — Saturday 19 May 1866

Abandoning a child. — TuosJay, Catherint Leonard (iti), who was doaeriboil M having uo home, was charged on remand with unlawiully abandoning and exposing child, being under the age two yean, whereby the life of such child wa endangered The case had stood over for some time for the completion of the depositions. Ilichard Daria, coachman Hurtwoodbouse. Wandsworth-common, stated that Saturday night, the 21st nit., ho was walking along a patli noarsoms cottages in Held about quarter of a from the railway bridge Wandsworth-common, when hoard the crying of child. lie looked into the Held and saw a child lying upon a piece of liannel among some cabbages. once took the child the on.

Emma Rough, of Alma-terrace. Wandsworth-common, said that the evening In question she saw prisoner outer Hie County Arms, and she then carried child in her arm-. Witness subsequently met her near the railway bridge, and she was then without the child. Inspector Itushnell _aid that Sunday, the 22ud ult, prisoner came station Clapham, and made a statement to the effect that she had child about live weoka old; that site had been with It in Lambeth Workhouse, but not having sufficient food aha left; tnat her mother-in-law had behaved badly to her, and would not let her return homo. On the night before, about rt o'clock, she was near Lunatic Asylum, when she felt very tired, and laid down to rest in Held. Not having change of clothing or food for the child, she thought the best tiling she could was to leave it close to the footpath, so that if any one came along its cries would heard, that alio lioiied it would be found alive and take harm. Witness then sent her to Hie Wandsworth police-station. N urso 1 aruor, at the Wandsworth Workhouse, where prisoner was afterwards taken to suckle her child, proved that pr sonar said distress was the cause of her leaving the child, nl that she afterwards returned lo look for it and found it gone. ilr.ingliam committed prisoner for trial

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 19 May 1866

WANDSWORTH. "Spttlins" with an Organ-grinder. On Satu dy, Mr. M. jwn, of hebterjeld-lo;tge,Clphm--r >ld, w:i. sammooe 1 kii Ital.an named Joseph for wilfully duma^in; his Defendant said the organ-srind''rm had become serious nuisance his neighbourhood. Complainant was playing in front premises on part vrhirh was not public, and on telling bim to away defied him, and began to cbatter pretending not to understand him. then told complainant if di 1 not go lie should nse force to remove him. be would not pushed him and his organ away. looking at the organ, Mr. Ingham thought half-a-sovereign would more than enough to cover liio damage. He told defendant should not impose a penalty, buibo recommended him to settle with complainant. The parties then withdrew, when complainant accepted the half-sovereign. .%n Expensive "Smoke." Saturday, Hr. C. Major, of Alawbey-atreet, South i.ambolh. appeared to answer summons which charged him with smoking tobacco in second-class carriage while passenger on the South-Western Railway. Mr. Horns, also of South Lambeth, stated that the -hid inst. de rndaut, who was accompanied by another young man, entered a secondclass carriage in which be was seated, at Wandsworth station, and smoked all the way to Vauxhali. Defendant, in explanation, said the witness never made any objection to his smoking. Witness, in reply, reminded him that never asked him whether his smoking was objectionable. Defendant further said that did not ask for bis consent, but ho had the sanction of two ladies in the carriage. The magistrate said smoking in railway carriage was not proper thing It was contrary to law, and It should no assumed that smoking was offensive all persona If defendant intended break the law, the least could was to obtain the consent of his fellow passenger, as it wa not fair throw the odium upon them to make complaint. It was his business in the tlr.-t instance to ascertain whether the smoking would be disagreeable ar not those persons who were riding with him. Defendant was eventually ordered pay Uuo of -JOs, and it. costs.

Derby-day Aiuenltlc. On Thursday, Louit UtlJock, gentlemanly-looking young man, was charged follows: Sergeant Beaumont said that on the previous night was on duty opposite Alexander Hotel, Clapham-road, when he saw prisoner throwing crackers, one of which hit person the bead, and witness then took him into custody. Witness produced number of crackers which he found upon prisoner. Prisoner was fined half-a-crown William Kaby, was next charged with throwing empty soda water bottle female named Frances and Beverley cutting her on the bead while standing with her husband in Hlgh-etreet of Tooling loo.tiug at people returning from Derby. Several witnesses wore called, and proved that prisoner passed inafour-horse carriage threw the bottle which struck the female Her head was cut open, and site did not recover her souses until the next morning. The husband proved that she Wits too ill to attend. Prisoner denied having thrown tho bottle the particular time, but admitted having previously thrown away some empty bottles on the road side- His ister, an underwritar at Lloyd's, was called, and proved that the prisoner was sober. lie master) did not see the bottle thrown. .Mr. Ingham said had uo doubt prisoner threw the bottle. Unfortunately there was great deal of thoughtless kind of conduct on these Derby days. Ho did not believe prisoner intended to do any mischief. The master expressed his willingness pay the docior's bill and expenses, and lo hound for bis servant's appearance on Wednesday to see how the iemsie progressed.

[BNA:

"[https]://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000971/18660707/041/0005" target="_blank">Link.]

BATTERSEA VESTRY

The above Vestry was held at the Lammas Hall Tuesday evening, Mr. Walton in chair. Present :%Messrs. Alder. Poupart, Purdy, Spooner, Denny, Clark, Smith, Finch, Gerrard, &c.

The principal event of this meeting was to consider the resolution of the Ratepayers, at a meeting recently held, touching the appointment and duties of the Vestry clerk.

The Clerk having read the announcement of the meeting.

Mr. Turner introduced the subject and referred to Mr.Buckmaster in connection with it, saying he had devoted much time in the interest of the parish, and hoped the business they would have to consider would be conducted in a straightforward manner. If they were wrong in the appointment of their officer it was too late to alter it now, but if there were certain duties neglected in that office it was a matter the Vestry should take cognizance of.

There were questions concerning an overcharge of accounts, but this he thought was impossible the Vestry could through then, but it was compatible for them to see that their Clerk performed his duties. He then intimated that Mr. Buckmaster should address the Vestry.

The Chairman said it was quite clear that none but Vestrymen could speak on this occasion, but a Reporter being present made the matter public, and any parishioner was free to speak. On the subject however before them, they could appoint Committee from the Vestry and elect to call evidence.

The Clerk read the Resolution at the meeting of Ratepayers, and said that the Poor Law Board had written to him to communicate to them what he chose on the subject. But this he considered a private correspondence.

Mr. Buckmaster did not think the communication should private.

The Chairman thought if they appointed a committee the letters leceived on the subject would be read and report be afterwards delive ed to the Vestry.

Mr. Buckmaster remarked that the Poor Law Board said the Committee was not necessarily to be appointed Vestrymen but could also be selected from the Ratepayers.

Mr. Turner said he did not scruple at the manner of forming the Committee and therefore named Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Ayles, to serve upon it.

The Chairman observed that he had laid to Mr. Corsellis, Why not and answer any one at the Committee, and he could then rebut any charge that was made.% fie approved of a Committee, and had every desire that all should be done fairly aod compatible with their position. He had spoken to Mr. Ayles and others on the matter.

Mr Smith said if the Vestry were not composed entirely of Vestrymen he should wish to propose Mr. Symonds to act upon it.

The Chairman said he must rule that the Committee be formed strictly of Vestrymen and several names were mentioned.

Mr. Smith then remarked that he objected to a packed body.

The names proposed were all o d members, and he could not understand why new blood could not be introduced into it. After a discussion, as to the propriety of the Chairman's ruling, the following names were agreed upon as terming the Committee: Messrs. Turner, G. Todd, Walton, Gerrard, Young, Smith, Witt, Purdy, and C. W. Todd.

Mr.Smith then proposed that the Committee should have access to all books and papers of the Vestry.

The Chairman said the Committee had full power to examine everything, and then consider the resolution of the Ratepayers and report thereon to the Vestry.

Mr. Buckmaster objected to the notice convening the meeting of Ratepayers, saying it should have been signed the Churchwardens He referred to Mr. Stewart's meeting called by the Churchwardens, and said unless the change was made as he desired he would not attend the meeting and give evidence, but continue his correspondence with the Poor Law Board. A Vestryman asked the Clerk if the meeting alluded to was legal.

The Clerk replied that he only took the minutes of the Vestry meetings but that alluded to was not one. After some interrogatories by Mr.Buckmaster to the Clerk to former precedents, wherein the latter took minutes, the alteration in the notice as desired by Mr. Buckmaster was agreed to.

Mr. Buckmaster said he did not think lie should attend the Committee, notwithstanding what had been done, he thought the whole affair would be useless by reason of the minutes of the meeting not being fully recorded by the Clerk.

Mr. Watson said this was the first time he had addressed that Vestry, an knew tiltl# of the matter before them, tie thought the Committee should meet t after fully cunsiderina: the subject should give full report to the Vestry Air.

Buckmaster's charge was one of a grave character. It was, however, ex partei statement, they all knew the effect of getting up a meeting and making flaming statements. He thought the subject should be fully investigated, an I knew nothing of Mr Corsellis, yet thought fair play should exercised. Any one could get meeting, but such a place was not a proper one for Mr. Corsellis 10 explain It occurred him that the gentleman who made the charge should be present at the Committee to fully substantiate it, and be did so Mr. Corseliis was not worthy to fill his office at that Board.

The party who made accusation now say he did not know whether he would at tend the Committee, therefore if he did not go a id state the charges face to face with the Clerk the meeting would be usj'ess.

The question should r>e fully sealed at once.

There was no difficulty in the case,and with common sense they would soon know who was right sad who wag wrong.

Mr. Buckmaster asked the speaker if he could state the specific charges that were made.

Mr. Watson said the impression on his mind was from the statements, that the Clerk bad been doing something with the parish money which he ought not have done. He spoke also of the impression of the meeting, which was of a dereliction aof duty.

Mr. Poupart said that such was his impression.

Mr. Buckmaster said he was the gentleman who made the statement, but never charged Mr. Corsellis with dishonesty, that he repudiated. A Vestryman referred to the origin of the matter, and said there were certain charges in the parish accounts which ought not to be.

Mr. Watson then rose to order, saying they had appointed Committee and the present was not the time to diisuss the question He thought the best plan would be to the next business.

Mr. Buckmaster observed that he was ready to go before the Committee if Mr. Turner would confine himself to the five points concerned in the question. Half-past six o'clock was then determined on as the time of meeting of the Committee next Tuesday evening, and Mr. Bnckmaster in the meantime was allowed free access to the books, to arrange his case.

Mr. Smith asked Mr. Buckmaster if he pledged his word attend at the Committee.

Mr. Buckmaster replied that he did, and the Vestry proceeded discuss the questions of the stoppage of the foot path from the New Wandsworth Railway Station, of the path across Plough Green, and the foot-paths generally throughout the parish. To Correspondent."

"- Saturday 7 July 1866

[BNA: Link.]

BATTERSEA VESTRY The above Vestry was held at the Lammas Hall Tuesday evening, Mr. Walton in chair. Present: Messrs. Alder. Poupart, Purdy, Spooner, Denny, Clark, Smith, Finch, Gerrard, &c. The principal event of this meeting was to consider the resolution of the Ratepayers, at a meeting recently held, touching the appointment and duties of the Vestry clerk. The Clerk haring read the announcement of the meeting.

Mr. Turner introduced the subject and referred to Mr.Buckmaster in connection with it, saying he had devoted much time in the interest of the parish, and hoped the business they would have to consider would be conducted in a straightforward manner. If they were wrong in the appointment of their officer it was too late to alter it now, but if there were certain duties neglected in that office it was a matter the Vestry should take cognizance of. There were questions concerning an overcharge of accounts, but this he thought was impossible the Vestry could through then, but it was compatible for them to see that their Clerk performed his duties. He then intimated that Mr. Buckmaster should address the Vestry.

The Chairman said it was quite clear that none but Vestrymen could speak on this occasion, but a Reporter being present made the matter public, and any parishioner was free to speak. On the subject however before them, they could appoint Committee from the Vestry and elect to call evidence. The Clerk read the Resolution at the meeting of Ratepayers, and said that the Poor Law Board had written to him to communicate to them what he chose on the subject. But this he considered a private correspondence.

Mr. Buckmaster did not think the communication should be private. The Chairman thought if they appointed a committee the letters received on the subject would be read and report be afterwards delivered to the Vestry.

Mr. Buckmaster remarked that the Poor Law Board said the Committee was not necessarily to be appointed Vestrymen but could also be selected from the Ratepayers.

Mr. Turner said he did not scruple at the manner of forming the Committee and therefore named Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Ayles, to serve upon it. The Chairman observed that he had laid to Mr. Corsellis, Why not and answer any one at the Committee, and he could then rebut any charge that was made." fie approved of a Committee, and had every desire that all should be done fairly aod compatible with their position. He had spoken to Mr. Ayles and others on the matter. Mr Smith said if the Vestry were not composed entirely of Vestrymen he should wish to propose Mr. Symonds to act upon it. The Chairman said he must rule that the Committee be formed strictly of Vestrymen and several names were mentioned.

Mr. Smith then remarked that he objected to a packed body. The names proposed were all o d members, and he could not understand why new blood could not be introduced into it. After a discussion, as to the propriety of the Chairman's ruling, the following names were agreed upon as terming the Committee: Messrs. Turner, G. Todd, Walton, Gerrard, Young, Smith, Witt, Purdy, and C. W. Todd.

Mr.Smith then proposed that the Committee should have access to all books and papers of the Vestry. The Chairman said the Committee had full power to examine everything, and then consider the resolution of the Ratepayers and report thereon to the Vestry.

Mr. Buckmaster objected to the notice convening the meeting of Ratepayers, saying it should have been signed the Churchwardens He referred to Mr. Stewart's meeting called by the Churchwardens, and said unless the change was made as he desired he would not attend the meeting and give evidence, but continue his correspondence with the Poor Law Board. A Vestryman asked the Clerk if the meeting alluded to was legal. The Clerk replied that he only took the minuter of the Vestry meetings but that alluded to was not one. After some interrogatories by Mr.Buckmaster to the Clerk to former precedents, wherein the latter took minutes, the alteration in the notice as desired by Mr. Buckmaster was agreed to.

Mr. Buckmaster said he dil not think lie should attend the Committee, notwithstanding what had been done, he thought the whole affair would be useless by reason of tha minutes of the meeting not being fully recorded by the Clerk. Mx. Watson said this wanthg first time he had addressed that Vestry, an knew tiltl# of the matter befjre them, tie thought the Committee should meet t after fully cunsiderina: the subject should give full report to the Vestry Air. Buckmaster'a charge was one of a grave character. It was, however, ex parti statement, they all knew the effect of getting up a meeting and making flaming statements. He thought the subject should be fully investigated, an I knew nothing of Mr Corsellis, yet thought fair play should exercised. Any one could get meeting, but such a place was not a proper one for Mr. Corsellis 10 explain It occurred him that the gentleman who made the charge should be present at the Committee to fully substantiate it, and be did so Mr. Corseliis was not worthy to fill his office at that Board. The party who made accusation now say he did not know whether he would at tend the Committee, therefore if he did not go a id state the charges face to face with the Clerk the meeting would be usj'ess. The question should r>e fully sealed at once. There was no difficulty in the case,and with common sense they would soon know who was right sad who wag wrong.

Mr. Buckmaster asked the speaker if he could state the specific charges that were made.

Mr. Watson said the impression on his mind was from the statements, that the Clerk bad been doing something with the parish money which he ougiit not have done. He spoke also of the impression of the meeting, which was of a derelictio aof duty.

Mr. Poupart said that such was his impression.

Mr. Buckmaster said he was the gentleman who made the statement, but never charged Mr. Corsellis with dishonesty, that he repudiated. A Vestryman referred to the origin of the matter, and said there were certain charges in the parish accounts which ought not to he.

Mr. Watson then rose to order, saying they had appointed Committee and the present was not the time to discuss the question He thought the best plan would be to the next business.

Mr. Buckmaster observed that he was ready to go before the Committee if Mr. Turner would confine himself to the five points concerned in the question. Half-past six o'clock was then determined on as the time of meeting of the Committee next Tuesday evening, and Mr. Bnckmaster in the meantime was allowed free access to the books, to arrange his case.

Mr. Smith asked Mr. Buckmaster if he pledged his word to attend at the Committee.

Mr. Buckmaster replied that he did, and the Vestry proceeded discuss the questions of the stoppage of the foot path from the New Wandsworth Railway Station, of the path across Plough Green, and the foot-paths generally throughout the parish."

"[https]://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000971/18660707/041/0005" target="_blank">Link.]

BATTERSEA VESTRY

The above Vestry was held at the Lammas Hall Tuesday evening, Mr. Walton in chair. Present :%Messrs. Alder. Poupart, Purdy, Spooner, Denny, Clark, Smith, Finch, Gerrard, &c. The principal event of this meeting was to consider the resolution of the Ratepayers, at a meeting recently held, touching the appointment and duties of the Vestry clerk. The Clerk having read the announcement of the meeting.

Mr. Turner introduced the subject and referred to Mr.Buckmaster in connection with it, saying he had devoted much time in the interest of the parish, and hoped the business they would have to consider would be conducted in a straightforward manner. If they were wrong in the appointment of their officer it was too late to alter it now, but if there were certain duties neglected in that office it was a matter the Vestry should take cognizance of. There were questions concerning an overcharge of accounts, but this he thought was impossible the Vestry could through then, but it was compatible for them to see that their Clerk performed his duties. He then intimated that Mr. Buckmaster should address the Vestry. The Chairman said it was quite clear that none but Vestrymen could speak on this occasion, but a Reporter being present made the matter public, and any parishioner was free to speak. On the subject however before them, they could appoint Committee from the Vestry and elect to call evidence. The Clerk read the Resolution at the meeting of Ratepayers, and said that the Poor Law Board had written to him to communicate to them what he chose on the subject. But this he considered a private correspondence.

Mr. Buckmaster did not think the communication should private. The Chairman thought if they appointed a committee the letters received on the subject would be read and report be afterwards delivered to the Vestry.

Mr. Buckmaster remarked that the Poor Law Board said the Committee was not necessarily to be appointed Vestrymen but could also be selected from the Ratepayers.

Mr. Turner said he did not scruple at the manner of forming the Committee and therefore named Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Ayles, to servo apoo it. The Chairman observed that he had laid to Mr. Corsellis, Why not and answer any one at the Committee, and he could then rebut any charge that was made.% fie approved of a Committee, and had every desire that all should be done fairly aod compatible with their position. He had spoken to Mr. Ayles and others on the matter. Mr Smith said if the Vestry were not composed entirely of Vestrymen he should wish to propose Mr. Symonds to act upon it. The Chairman said he must rule that the Committee be formed strictly of Vestrymen and several names were mentioned.

Mr. Smith then remarked that he objected to a packed body. The names proposed were all o d members, and he could not understand why new blood could not be introduced into it. After a discussion, as to the propriety of the Chairman's ruling, the following names were agreed upon as terming the Committee: Messrs. Turner, G. Todd, Walton, Gerrard, Young, Smith, Witt, Purdy, and C. W. Todd. Mr.Smith then proposed that the Committee should have access to all books and papers of the Vestry. The Chairman said the Committee had full power to examine everything, and then consider the resolution of the Ratepayers and report thereon to the Vestry.

Mr. Buckmaster objected to the notice convening th- meeting of Ratepayers, saying it should have been signed the Churchwardens He referred to Mr. Stewart%s meeting called by the Churchwardens, and said unless the change was made as he desired he would not attend the meeting and give evidence, but continue his correspondence with the Poor Law Board. AVestryman asked the Clerk if the meeting alluded to was legal. The Clerk replied that he only took the minuter of the Vestry meetings but that alluded to was not one. After some interrogatories by Mr. Buckmaster to the Clerk to former precedents, wherein the latter took minutes, the alteration in the notice as desired by Mr. Buckmaster was agreed to.

Mr. Buckmaster said he dil not think lie should attend the Committee, notwithstanding what had been done, he thought the whole affair would be useless by reason of tha mi nutes of the meeting not be ng fully recorded by the Clerk. Mx. Watson said this waa_ thg first time he had addressed that Vestry, an knew tiltl# of the matter befjre them, tie thought the Committee should meet t after fully cunsiderina: the subject should give full report to the Vestry Air.

Buckmaster's charge was one of a grave character. It was, however, ex parti statement, they all knew the effect of getting up a meeting and making flaming statements. He thought the subject should be fully investigated, an I knew nothing of Mr Corsellis, yet thought fair play should exercised. Any one could get meeting, but such a place was not a proper one for Mr. Corsellis 10 explain It occurred him that the gentleman who made the charge should be present at the Committee to fully substantiate it, and be did so Mr. Corseliis was not worthy to fill his office at that Board. The party who made accusation now say he did not know whether he would at* tend the Committee, therefore if he did not go a id state the charges face to face with the Clerk the meeting would be usj'ess. The question should r>e fully sealed at once. There was no difficulty in the case,and with common sense they would soon know who was right sad who wag wrong.

Mr. Buckmaster asked the speaker if he could state the specific charges that were made.

Mr. Watson said the impression on his mind was from the statements, that the Clerk bad been doing something with the parish money which he ougiit not have done. He spoke also of the impression of the meet* ing, which was of a derelictio aof duty.

Mr. Poupart said that such was his impression.

Mr. Buckmaster said he was the gentleman who made the statement, but never charged Mr. Corsellis with dishonesty, that he repudiated. A Vestryman referred to the origin of the matter, and said there were certain charges in the parish accounts which ought not to be.

Mr. Watson then rose to order, saying they had appointed Committee and the present was not the time to discuss the question. He thought the best plan would be to the next business.

Mr. Buckmaster observed that he was ready to go before the Committee if Mr. Turner would confine himself to the five points concerned in the question.

Half-past six o%clock was then determined on as the time of meeting of the Committee next Tuesday evening, and Mr. Buckmaster in the meantime was allowed free access to the books, to arrange his case.

Mr. Smith asked Mr. Buckmaster if he pledged his word attend at the Committee.

Mr. Buckmaster replied that he did, and the Vestry proceeded discuss the questions of the stoppage of the foot path from the New Wandsworth Railway Station, of the path across Plough Green, and the tout-paths generally throughout the parish. To Correspondent."

"Illustrated Sporting News and Theatrical and Musical Review — Saturday 14 July 1866

LONDON PRESS v. CANTERBURY (NIAUDSLAY'S). A match between the above clubs was played on a portion of Wandsworth Common, near Finch's, "County Arms, " on Saturday last, terminating in favour of the London Press on the first innings. time not allowing the match to be played out. The fielding was very good on both sides.

Score: -

LONDON PRESS. J. Weedon bW. Comber Hose b Batt Prebble c Aylilig b W. Comber Bri, ter bW. Comber lO b Denny Piek wick b W. Comber 0 b Batt Triggs, hw, b Batt 0 b Batt W. Weedon b Batt lO b Batt W. Steele b W. Comber Weldon b Batt 1 Robinson not out lO b Comber 4 Winder c Strickland b Batt 1 not out 1 B 3, 1 b 2, w 3 Total Total As. 6l

CANTERBURY. H. Ackerman run out G. Ayling bJ. Weedon W. Oomber run out 23 Denny bJ. Weedon R. Batt b J. Weefion Strickland b J. Weedon 0 Reeve b Robinson 1 Luke b J. Weedon Quelcb, 1 b w, b Robinson 3 _ Total ---t. e"' In!M=; ;

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 11 August 1866

A cricket match between a one-armed and a one-legged man is announced for Monday, on Wandsworth-common. The opponents are to be "Randall, the Barber, " and "W. Cook, of the East-end," who compete for 1 a side.

[BNA: Link.]
"

"ATMOSPHERE / AIR?

South London Press — Saturday 25 August 1866

The Burial of the Dead at Wandsworth.

A resident of Wandsworth, writing on the disposal of the dead, states that in that large district there is but very small piece of ground set apart for that purpose, and part of the ground, long since closed by order of the Secretary of State,has been yet used. A person once connected with the undertaking business, and of course familiar with the place, assured that ho constantly saw bodies interred within three or four feet of the surface. Ve all know that putrescent matter evolves gas, and that gas seeks an upward course. I have observed myriads of gnats come from this graveyard the summer; they hover about the ground they would over stagnant atmosphere near the surface. Now, this place, with a largely-increasing population, say in round numbers 20,000, has only this small ground available for this multitude Battersea Cemetery now used exclusively for residents in that parish, and rodents only are allowed to purchase ground in it.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18660825/082/0010" target="_blank">Link.]

"Sporting Gazette — Saturday 25 August 1866

CRICKET — BUTCHERS V BAKERS

(The Bakers won)

BUTCHERS OF WANDSWORTH V. BAKERS OF WANDSWORTH.

Played at Wandsworth Common on the 21st lust, the bakers being victorious by 71 rune. Score: -Butchers: Claridge 4 and 2, Speed 4 and 12. Frost 17 and 0, Pearce 0 and 21, T. Front 0 and 3, Jones 1 and 0, Townsend 1 and (not out) 0, Smith 2 and 0, Jenkins 0 and 1; extras and 10; total 39 and (ii. Bakers: Sinclair 3 and 7, Boxiill 20 and 0, Parkes 1 and (out out) 39, Cook 2 and 1, Vale 4 and 3, Vincent 2 and 9, Sherman' 2 and 2, and 4, Winn 3 and 4, Spell 0 and 3, ineeLt 4 and 6; extra,. 6 . nnd 13; total bland 110.

[BNA: ox. asked the prisoner why he was otf the works, and said he had been down to the French Horn public-house and lack. Witness said he had been from one end of the works to the other, and could not find him. He had been in the habit of wearing a hook on his arm, and seeing he had none he asked him where it was. He replied that he broke it a few days before, and he had thrown it into the river. At the station he said be was not the man, and the prosecutor said, Yes, you are." The Prisoner, having declined to make an apology the complainant, who was willing to forego the charge on his admitting the assault, he was fully committed for trial.

ill required.

[BNA: Link.]

"'

'''

South London Press — Saturday 27 October 1866

ALLEN V BUCKMASTER'

THE BATTERSEA VESTRY CLERK

To the Editor of the South London Sir, Iread with no little surprise and pain the letter of Mr. Allen in the columns of your contemporary, the Souih l.omlon Journal, of the 19th in-t. Those who attended the meeting hold at the Lammas Hall, Battersea, short time ago, to consider Mr. Corsellis's legal appointment and management (?) of the affairs of the parish as vestry clerk, will well remember the apeoch of Mr. Allen on that occasion, and Mr. Buckmaster's reply. Sorely wounded and piqued, Mr. Allen has found relief in your contemporary's columns for the outpouring of his splenetic mind and disappointed feelings. I say "disappointed" advisedly. Mr. A. is not a parish officer. Looking down from the supreme pinnacle of his sapience with sorrowful commiseration on three or four hundred ratepayers of the parish, devoid of the common-sense which should prompt them to reject the "demagogue "-like, self-laudatory, mischievous utterances of such a "spouter" as Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Allen must indeed have been suffering excruciating agony while at the meeting, and is matter for surprise that he was silent. Allow to state, in vindication of Mr. Buckmaster, who, with Mr. Ayles, deserves the best thanks of the parish for his efforts in bringing jobbery to light, and thns paving the for leas burdensome rates, that the repetition the M tale a schoolboy would be ashamed of was essential the enlightenment ef those gentlemen who had not attended former meetings; and that far from not making a "point, " or having any pith, " the reading of the letter from the Poorlaw Board, explaining their reason for allowing to the vestry clerk what surcharges their auditor had justly disallowed%viz., that the parochial authorities, who are the trustees of the parish funds, had requested that the disallowed money might be paid%was very strong point; and the memorial to the Poor-law Board, signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting, surely was something approaching to pith. To term Mr. Buckmaster's oratory verbal juggling, " and Mr. Ayles's jocose utterances of unpalatable facts clownish, reminds one of the bestowal of abuse on the opponent's counsel by unscrupulous attorney who has no case.

The meeting was enthusiastic in its applause of Mr. Buckmaster; and his proposition for the presentation of the memorial was carried without a dissentient. If any besides Mr. Allen dissented, they, with him, had not the courage to exhibit their opposition. Mr. Allen's letter, judgment, is wanting in courtesy, in good taste, and in truth; and it would have been well if Mr. Allen had refrained from writing on a subject upon which, in the Lammas Hall, with full opportunity for discussion, he had observed the golden rule of silence.%l am, sir. yours obediently, Carolus.'

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 27 October 1866

ALLEN V BUCKMASTER'

THE BATTERSEA VESTRY CLERK

To the Editor of the South London Sir, Iread with no little surprise and pain the letter of Mr. Allen in the columns of your contemporary, the South London Journal, of tho 19th inst. Those who attended the meeting hold at the Lammas Hall, Battersea, short time ago, to consider Mr. Corsellis's legal appointment and management (?) of the affairs of the parish as vestry clerk, will well remember tho apeoch of Mr. Allen on that occasion, and Mr. Buckmaster's reply.

Sorely wounded and piqued, Mr. Allen has found relief in your contemporary's columns for the outpouring of his splenetic mind and disappointed feelings. I say "disappointed" advisedly. Mr. A. is not a parish officer. Looking down from the supreme pinnacle of his sapience with sorrowful commiseration on three or four hundred ratepayers of the parish, devoid of the common-sense which should prompt them to reject tho "demagogue "-like, self-laudatory, mischievous utterances of such a "spouter" as Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Allen must indeed have been suffering excruciating agony while at the meeting, and is matter for surprise that he was silent. Allow to state, in vindication of Mr. Buckmaster, who, with Mr. Ayles, deserves the best thanks of tho parish for his efforts in bringing jobbery to light, and thns paving the for leas burdensome rates, that the repetition the M tale a schoolboy would be ashamed of waa essential the enlightenment ef those gentlemen who bad not attended former meetings; and that far from not making a "point," or having any pith," the reading of the letter from the Poorlaw Board, explaining their reason for allowing to the vestry clerk what surcharges their auditor had justly disallowed%viz., that the parochial authorities, who are the trustees of the parish funds, had requested that the disallowed money might be paid%was very strong point; and the memorial to the Poor-law Board, signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting, surely was something approaching to pith. To term Mr. Buckmaster's oratory verbal juggling," and Mr. Ayles'a jocose utterances of unpalateable facts clownish, reminds one of the bestowal of abuse on the opponent's counsel by unscrupulous attorney who has no case. The meeting was enthusiastic in its applause of Mr. Buckmaster; and his proposition for the presentation of the memorial was carried without a dissentient. If any besides Mr. Allen dissented, they, with him, had not the courage to exhibit their opposition. Mr. Allen's letter, judgment, is wanting in courtesy, in good taste, and in trnth; and it would have been well if Mr. Allen had refrained from writing on a subject upon which, in the Lammas Hall, with full opportunity for discussion, he had observed the golden rule of silence.

l am, sir. yours obediently, Carolus.'

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 27 October 1866

ALLEN V BUCKMASTER'

THE BATTERSEA VESTRY CLERK

To the Editor of the South London

Sir, Iread with no little surprise and pain the letter of Mr. Allen in the columns of your contemporary, the South London Journal, of the 19th inst. Those who attended the meeting hold at the Lammas Hall, Battersea, short time ago, to consider Mr. Corsellis's legal appointment and management (?) of the affairs of the parish as vestry clerk, will well remember the speech of Mr. Allen on that occasion, and Mr. Buckmaster's reply.

Sorely wounded and piqued, Mr. Allen has found relief in your contemporary's columns for the outpouring of his splenetic mind and disappointed feelings. I say "disappointed" advisedly. Mr. A. is not a parish officer. Looking down from the supreme pinnacle of his sapience with sorrowful commiseration on three or four hundred ratepayers of the parish, devoid of the common-sense which should prompt them to reject the "demagogue"-like, self-laudatory, mischievous utterances of such a "spouter" as Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Allen must indeed have been suffering excruciating agony while at the meeting, and is matter for surprise that he was silent.

Allow to state, in vindication of Mr. Buckmaster, who, with Mr. Ayles, deserves the best thanks of the parish for his efforts in bringing jobbery to light, and thus paving the way for leas burdensome rates, that the repetition the M tale a schoolboy would be ashamed of was essential the enlightenment of those gentlemen who had not attended former meetings; and that far from not making a "point," or having any pith," the reading of the letter from the Poorlaw Board, explaining their reason for allowing to the vestry clerk what surcharges their auditor had justly disallowed % viz., that the parochial authorities, who are the trustees of the parish funds, had requested that the disallowed money might be paid % was very strong point; and the memorial to the Poor-law Board, signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting, surely was something approaching to pith.

To term Mr. Buckmaster's oratory "verbal juggling," and Mr. Ayles'a jocose utterances of unpalatable facts clownish, reminds one of the bestowal of abuse on the opponent's counsel by unscrupulous attorney who has no case. The meeting was enthusiastic in its applause of Mr. Buckmaster; and his proposition for the presentation of the memorial was carried without a dissentient.

If any besides Mr. Allen dissented, they, with him, had not the courage to exhibit their opposition. Mr. Allen's letter, judgment, is wanting in courtesy, in good taste, and in truth; and it would have been well if Mr. Allen had refrained from writing on a subject upon which, in the Lammas Hall, with full opportunity for discussion, he had observed the golden rule of silence.

l am, sir. yours obediently, Carolus.'

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 3 November 1866

[BNA: Link.]

BATTERSEA DOCTORS' BILL.

To the Editor of the South /xmdoit Sm, — It would be a good thing for Mr. Allen's soul if were retire for a time into private life and do penance for course of inconsistent conduct which has no parallel in parochial politics. A number of men are still living who can recollect Mr. Allen as fierce Radical, if not a Republican; he is now staunch Conservative, enemy to Reform, and muscular supporter of Church and State. was once the sworn enemy Mr. Reynolds; he was Mr. Buckmaster's rival in strong invective against the lawyer; and subsequently became the boon companion and friend of the man whom had publicly denounced as parish thief and a robber.

He advised Mr. Horcock to appeal the Quarter Sessions against the decision of the-magistrate, and then left the poor man and his surety to got out the difficulty and expense as best they could.

He was ready to sell his shirt to contest the legal right of Mr. Hart to the churchwardenship. During his short official career he offered to fight either Mr. Ayles or Mr. Buckmaster, or both of them. He was brought forward to contest, unsuccessfully of course, the churchwardenship against Mr. Walton; and is there any one in the parish who can forget the inglorious career of Mr. John Allen as sergeant-major and secretary of the 21st Surrey?

And does he remember that Mr. Ayles and Mr. Buckmaster, the men whom he delights to vilify, once successfully interceded with the parish officers prevent the execution of a warrant 'which had been issued against Mr. Allen's goods and chattels for the payment of rates?

Would it not better reflect on these things rather than write letters to newspapers about persons whose public conduct and character lose nothing by comparison with Mr. Allen's?

How would a little gentle exercise at pianoforte-making and teetotalism suit Mr. Allen's complaint? It might carry off the excess of bile to which is liable, and perhaps be more conducive his own happiness and the welfare of his family. Before he daubs other people, he might with advantage little whitewash on himself. John Allen, then bitest against file, and the vestry clerk is proud of your teeth. Verbum Sap.

[PB: "pianoforte-making and teetotalism" ? A reminder/hint that TR got drunk and smashed a piano?]

[PB: Verbum sap = short for Verbum sapienti satis = a word to the wise is sufficient = "enough said"]

[PB: I've got a vague recollection that JCB uses the phrase "bitest against a file" in his autobiography — I wonder if "Verbum sap is JCB himself?]"

London Evening Standard — 7 November 1866

"They hate trees and everything that is beautiful" — John Buckmaster

href = "/years/1866/1866_LondonEveningStandard_7nov1866.jpg" Target="_blank">

(Click on image to enlarge)

WEDNESDAY EVENING. NOVEMBER 7.

Hume called London an ugly city in the time of Queen Elizabeth. It is ugly now.

Thus said Dr. Farr his evidence given few months ago before the select committee appointed to inquire into the local government of the metropolis. Dr. Farr hopes for better days, when London shall be grouped into municipalities, and when parochial vestries and district boards shall supplanted by borough councils. More of dignity and authority required in our system of local government, so that men of mark shall be induced to take part in local affairs. Even art may revive, it would seem, if we could only got rid the vestries. The proposed eleven municipalities London would be bodies of distinction, whose debates would appear in the morning papers, and whose doings would be known to the world.

Over all there is to be one controlling board for matters of a more general character, somewhat as the Metropolitan Board predominates over the district boards vestries. When the scheme will be realised we know not. Mr. George Horton, who enunciated the project in a pamphlet published last year, himself stated before the committee that there is good deal of local life amongst the vestries, aud they will die hard." A bill embodying scheme was introduced last session, but was engulphed with other measures in the great whirlpool of the political crisis.

That some kind of organisation different from that which now exists is absolutely necessary for the proper government of the metropolis, seems to be very generally felt.<.p

London, taken a whole, is "ugly," and not only ugly, but "dirty." Now this is too bad, seeing how much is paid in the shape of rates for the proper ordering of metropolitan matters. Whether district boards or corporations can be reasonably expected to make London beautiful may be a matter of dispute; but at least it will be admitted that they ought keep it clean. Yet we would not altogether dismiss the aesthetic argument.

One of the witnesses before the select committee was Mr. J.C. Buckmaster, of the South Kensington Museum.

On the score of appearances Mr. Buckmaster is very decided. Thus he says, "Intense ugliness is the characteristic of almost everything done and sanctioned by the local committee and district board." He complains that in his parish there are about 30 railway bridges over roads. Most these bridges, he says, have been approved by the district board, and exceedingly ugly they are. Speaking of the bridges, he says — "They are of all conceivable shapes, widths, and forms, with awkward recesses for all kinds of nuisances."

Mr. Buckmaster has tried to hide the blemishes of architecture. He states — " I have suggested that ivy, wisteria, clematis, virginia creepers, or trees, should be grown over or in front of these unsightly acres of brickwork, which would cost very little; but the board such an idea with contempt.They hate trees, and everything that is beautiful."

If it really matters with district boards and vestries to make railway bridges and our thoroughfares beautiful, it is perfectly certain that governing bodies have miserably failed in their duties, and deserve to be superseded if for this alone.

Anything more hideous than railway girder bridges and arches which span our London streets it would difficult to conceive. The river bridges are generally handsome; but those which cross the roads are the perfection of ugliness. The City corporation did indeed do something to produce a good result the foot of Ludgate-hill, and the particular bridge stands out as a proof that those structures need not invariably violate all rules of taste. But district boards, says Mr. Buckmaster, care nothing about such things.

When Wandsworth Common was being handed over to railway companies and bricklayers, did he not write sixteen letters to the district board, calling their attention to the fact that all the powers of the old highway board were vested in them, and that, therefore, they ought to look after the footpaths and rights of way. But his sixteen letters had no effect.

Many the witnesses before the select committee dwelt on the importance of getting higher class persons interested in local questions. One witness asserted that in his locality it was esteemed a mark of respectability to have nothing to do with parish affairs.

Mr. CORSELLIS pleads for the respectability of his own, the Wandsworth District Board of Works; but so far as the Battersea vestry is concerned (which furnishes a proportion of members to that board), the annual election on one occasion is stated by Mr. BUCKMASTER to have resulted in return of "three beer-house keepers, who wanted licences, two retired publicans, retired tripedresser (!), a hairdresser, a pianoforte tuner, an undertaker," and others "of a similar class."

These, as witness remarked, were "men very respectable in their way," but, of course, had little of hope of them as likely to promote the decoration of railway bridges or the preservation picturesque footpaths.

Mr. BUCKMASTER further complains that positive nuisances are unduly tolerated. He speaks of offensive piggeries, and backyards swimming in filth.

He is also aggrieved at the manner in which the pecuniary affairs of the parish are managed. He states that there is no efficient audit with regard to the expenditure of the local rates. "On one occasion," he says, a person was appointed auditor of the local rates who could neither read nor write."

Doubtless many of the defects and transgressions to which we have alluded might be forgiven if we could feel confident that public health was safe under the rule of these boards.

Ugly railway bridges and arches unadorned with clematis might be tolerated were London only correct in the weightier matters of the law. Where the law is most wanted there unfortunately it seems to be most absent. Ill-drained houses, an utterly inefficient water supply among the poor, back streets loaded with mud and rubbish, and an ill-judged parsimony in matters of greatest moment, tend to stamp the existing boards — at least, in the majority of cases — as sadly wanting in the proper spirit for the discharge of their proper duties.

If things continue thus a further change must follow in the government of metropolis, and London must be committed to other hands than those which for the last years have had of her local interests.

[BNA: Link.]

"

"A possible vignette? An extract of 1866 — Gypsy Life As It IS

South London Press — Saturday 17 November 1866

On Saturday, Abraham Smith (12), whose feet were naked, and who appeared destitute of underclothing, and Edward Cherry (13), both living in the gipsy encampment near the Wandsworth Railway Station, were brought up on remand charged with soliciting alms off foot passengers on Wandsworth-common. In answer to questions.

Police-constable Smith, who took the into custody, said he had made inquiries about them. He went to the tent in which Cherry lived, and found his sister in it with child, which was "stiff" from cholera. There was mao in the tent, also suffering from cholera. Prisoner had father, but not a mother. The father had four children, and they all lived and slept in the tent In the case of the other boy he found lu persons, consisting of two families, all sleeping in one small tent. There was piece of canvas in the tent used to separate the families, but it was full of holes.

Mr. Dayman: How do they get their living?

Constable: Ity nuking lew pegs and selling them.

The father of Cherry came forward and stated that he was employed on the sewer works, and that he was obliged to live in the tent, he was unable to obtain lodgings.

Mr. Dayman said there were great complaints about little boys, who, under the pretence of sweeping crossings, made it a means of begging, and they had become quite nuisance to the inhabitants. He would have to send some of those children to reformatory, and make an order upon the parents to contribute towards their maintenance. If the nuisance continued. He told the father of Cherry that It would be better to send his children to school than for them to go out sweeping crossings.

Smith's mother said if his worship would let her boy go this time she would send him to school.

Mr. Dayman remarked that tlie for boys to to school was when they were young. It was their only opportunity, for when they grew older they would expected to earn their owa living. Prisoners were then with caution.

[BNA:

" target="_blank">Link,]
"

"[ERSKINE CLARKE & CHATTERBOX]

English Children's Literature: Annuals--Chatterbox

Figure 1.--This was the last issue of "Chatterbox" published in 1955. Note that the boy pictured wears a red blazer from an exclusive private school. This was not what most British boys wore to school. We wonder if this private school image did not affect the popularity of "Chatterbox". As was copmmonly the case for annuals, the illustrator was not identified.

Chatterbox was one of the most popular English publications for children. It was first published December 1, 1866. The last edition was in 1955. Chatterbox was created by the Rev. John Erskine Clarke (1827-1920) of Derby. He also served as the Editor until 1902. Unlike the Boy's Own and Girl's Own, the other best remembered English children's publications, Chatterbox was designed to appeal to boys and girls. Clarke conceived Chatterbox as a weekly paper for children.

Given the relative cost of books and magazines in the 19th century, many readers saved the weekly issues and some even had them bound. cite>Chatterbox was primarily a story annual and the content varied over time. There were, however, puzzles, poems, interesting facts, and a variety of interesting activities. Chatterbox was lavisgly illustrated, especially after the turn of the 20th century when the technology for lothographic printing improved.

Publishing History

Chatterbox was one of the most popular English publications for children. It was first published December 1, 1866. The last edition was in 1955 (figure 1). Few publications have a longer uninterupted history. As such it is a wonderful source of information about children's clothes and childhood in general. The fact that it was often lavishly illustrated makes it a particularly useful source of information.

Editors

Chatterbox was created by the Rev. John Erskine Clarke (1827-1920) of Derby. He also served as the Editor until 1902. Harvey Darton replaced Clarke as editor in 1902. Clarke decided to persue his religious calling and became the Vicar of Battersea near London and a Canon of Southwark, another London suburb. [Skinner 2]

Gender

Unlike the Boy's Own and Girl's Own, the other best remembered English children's publications, Chatterbox was designed to appeal to boys and girls.

Format

Clarke conceived Chatterbox as a weekly paper for children. Given the relative cost of books and magazines in the 19th century, many readers saved the weekly issues and some even had them bound. Many families did not have a great deal of money to buy books and were not disposed to throw away something that could be reused. The saved copies were alkso useful for younger children as they grew up. Clarke began selling such bound editions, but I am not sure just when. For many years Chatterbox annuals were simply a collection of the weeekly issues with no original material, although the covers of the Gardner/Gardner Darton editions were different in the weekly and annual versions. The annuals were popular children's gifts. We notice one inscribed, "To Archie, Xmas 1921 with fondest love and best wishes."

Content

Chatterbox was primarily a story annual and the content varied over time. There were, however, puzzles, poems, interesting facts, and a variety of interesting activities. A HBC reader reports, " I had look through the 1955 edition of the Chatterbox Annual the cover of which is seen here (figure 1). The content and is pretty much mundane and rather lacking in illustrations. Inote there are many short stories where there is interaction between teenage girls and boys and some stories more dedicated to teenage girl readers. i.e. 'Phillipa on Location' for girls and 'Derek's Amazing Quest' or boys. The stories are essentially mystery and adventure, first day of the new school term (almost always at private boarding schools), meeting distant cousins for the first time, travels to distant countries (an Uncle who invites his nephew to Kenya) and such like. Interspersed are puzzles, quizzes and hobby features. It's interesting to note there is no romance interaction between the boys and girls, rather they are pre-occupied in solving mysterious lights in the dark woods and so on.

Foreign Children

We have primarily used Chatterbox and other British periodicals as a ource of information on British cjildren's cloting. The illustrations in particular seem a reasonably accurate source of information on children's clothing. Here the publication primarily depicts middle-class children, not the average British child or a range of childrn of different backgrounds. White Chastterbox was primarily for and about British children, there were also some articles and illustrtions depicting children in other countries as well. We are not sure, however, as to the accuracy of these depictions. Asfar a e can tell, they seem as accurate as the depicions of British boys. his is ust a preliminay assessment as outr information is sill quite limited.

Illustrations

We have varying reports as to the illustrayions in Chatterbox. One report indicates that it was lavishly illustrated, especially after the turn of the 20th century when the technology for lothographic printing improved. Illustrations in the 19th century were mostly black and white line drawings. We note the 1908 annual. There is virtually no photographs but many illustrations are in ink and about 8 colour plates and a color cover illustration. Many of the illustrations are noteworthy as they depict boyswear and British school uniforms of the day. The 1921 edition had a color frontispiece and several other color plates plus a great many black and white and engravings in a book of 317 pages. We are unsure about the illustrators as most of the illustrations were unsigned. A HBC reader tells us that the 1955 edition that he has was "rather lacking in illustrations". Normally the illustrators were not idebtified. This was not only in Chatterbox, but in most of the other annuals as well. The illustrations normally depict children from comfortable middle class families and do not refflect a range of childhood experiences. Working class children were rarely depicted.

Publisher

Gardner/Gardner Darton was the principal publisher, producing Chatterbox for 60 years. The first few editions of Chatterbox was published in London (1866-70) by William Macintosh. Other publishers included: W. Wells Gardner (1870), Wells Gardner Darton (about 1886), Simpkin Marshall (1929) and finally Dean (about 1936). Curiously, there were two versions of the cover for many years. Well Gardner, presumably to make the annual version more interesting printed two different versions of the cover, one for the weekly edition and a different one for the annual. [Skinner 2]

Cost

The basic Chatterbox weekly cost a halfpenny. There was some special 1 penny edition with with a loose color plate. Unfortunately these color plates were not included in the Annual version, thus they are relatively rare. For readers who wanted to collect the weekly editions into annuals, they could purchase a special case which cost 1 shilling. The basic Chatterbox Annual cost 3 shillings done in "fancy board" and 5 shillings for the more expensive cloth edition with gilt edges. [Skinner 2]

Advertisements

Chatterbox was clearly a children's publication. Curiously, many of the adverisements were for adults. Presumably the editors anricipated parents reading the articles to the family, a rather cozy Victorian image. A good example is the advertisement for Tatcho Hair Restorer! It was only the inexpensive 3s editions that had adverisements. The 5s cloth edition was advertisement free, although sometimes there were lists of children's books at the back. [Skinner 2] The 1921 edition had paste-downs have advertisements for various products. The front board was paper-covered, and show a boy and girl giving a puppy a bath at the beach. The Back board was an advertisment for Pear's Transparent Soap.

American Editions

The Chatterbox Annual was published in the United States for several years. There was no original American material. The British editions were simply reprinted. The authorized editions were printed by Estes & Lauriat and subsequently Dana Estes, LC Page, and Cupples Leon (NY). In addition therecwerecunauthorized pirate editions in the 1880s. [Skinner 2]

Sources

Skinner, Frank 1. Children's Annuals.

Skinner, Frank 2. Children's Books: The Chatterbox

Created: September 19, 2002

Last updated: July 26, 2003

[BNA:

"NOTTIDGE — MOSELEY — ORIGIN OF EARLSFIELD RD — South London Journal — Saturday 1 December 1866

BUILDING APPLICATIONS.

Letters from the Metropolitan of Works stated that they had approved of Mr. Maplesden's plan to form a new road (40 feet) along the north-eastern corner of Wandsworth-common, to be called Freemasons-road ; and that they had under consideration a proposal of Mr. William Moseley to form a new road (40 feet) to be called Nottidge road leading, leading out of Garratt-lane, Wandsworth: and an application from Messrs. Hovenden and Heath for permission to bring forward the fronts of three houses, and to erect two new houses in Falcon-lane, to the same line as shops recently sanctioned there.

[BNA: Link.]

["

"JCB mentions Bovill, doesn't he? Positively, I think (but could be wrong)

The fat that he lived in Wimbledon may be significant

Illustrated London News — Saturday 15 December 1866

[BNA: Link.]

THE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE COMMON PLEAS.

Sir William Bovill, who has exchanged the precarious office of Solicitor-General to the Administration of Lord Derby for a permanent seat on the judicial bench as Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, is the second surviving son of B. Bovill, Esq., of Dunsford Lodge, Wimbledon, and was born in 1814. He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in January, 1841, and went the Home Circuit; he was made a Queen's Counsel in 1855, and is a Bencher of the Middle Temple. Mr. Bovill was first returned to Parliament as member for Guildford, in March, 1857; and married, in 1844, the eldest daughter of J. H. Bolton, Esq., of Lee Park, Blackheath. The members of the Home Circuit entertained the new Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas at dinner at the Albion Hotel two or three weeks ago. Mr. Montagu Chambers was in the chair. Three times within the last three years the Home Circuit has thus met to commemorate the promotion of one of its leaders. That Circuit has now six of its old members on the judicial bench, and if we may add to the list the Lord Chief Baron, who travelled the Home Circuit before joining the Norfolk, his name will make a seventh. Of these seven all were present, with the exception of Mr. Justice Lush, whom the Winter Assizes had called away from London. The dinner had been originally arranged to enable the Circuit to congratulate Sir William Bovill his appointment as Solicitor- General ; but, as was remakedby Sir Fitzroy Kelly, "his advancement had outrun their good intentions," and in the interval between the invitation and the dinner he had become Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. In responding to the toast of the evening, Sir William Bovill gave sketch of his progress at the Bar ; and, the fact of his having been a pupil of Mr. Baron Channell having been mentioned, stated that in his chambers he had learnt, what was more valuable to a young barrister than knowledge of special pleading, that the profession of the law was not inconsistent with high conscientiousness and enlarged benevolence. He dwelt slightly on his political career, remarking, however, that when he, from SH IWILLIAM BOVILL, THE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE COUBT OF COMMON PLEAS, -v J-> -Vi"

"A Glance at the Commons & Open Spaces near London. Reprinted from the "Parochial Critic.". 1867

A Glance at the Commons & Open Spaces near London. Reprinted from the "Parochial Critic.".

1867

WANDSWORTH COMMON.In the parish of Wandsworth ( called Wandlesworth , or the shore of the Wandle ; in Domesday Book , Wendlesorde ,) there are, or were, four manors : Battersea and Wandsworth , Dunsfold, and Alfarthing ; all , with the exception of Dunsfold , are now held by Earl Spencer. Many interesting facts are connected with the early history of these manors, in which royalty and nobility figure conspicuously. The commons of Battersea and Wandsworth manor consist of 150 acres, but B

14 COMMONS AND OPEN SPACES .

little remains of the Battersea portion ; its once celebrated " Fields " have been converted into a park , and the remaining waste lands have either been built over or consumed by a net-work of railways. No waste lands appertain to the other three manors . When Wandsworth Common was being excavated for the two railways that now intersect it, a suite of 30 species of fossil shells was discovered in the London clay, but no fossils are to be found in the gravel pits that so sadly disfigure, and , if the modus operandi be permitted to go on unchecked and uncontrolled , will destroy the beauty of the Common .

Encroachments and inclosures have taken place by the railways, by the parish of St. James's, Piccadilly , by the Crimean schools, by the county gaol, and also by private persons, When the Common was leased by a committee of gentlemen some supervision existed, but at present there seems to be none to abate nuisances and to regulate the gravel-digging . Yet, notwithstanding all the damage that has been done, Wandsworth Common is very attractive to pedestrians when taking their "constitutionals."

An avenue of trees a mile in length still remains, and is an especial object of beauty when the trees have put on their spring clothing. But how long the trees will remain is very doubtful, for since the above was written two of the trees immediately opposite the entrance to the cemetery have been destroyed to make room for the erection of a public house! This act of desecration has roused a strong feeling of indignation, and two or three public 15 spirited gentleman have commenced proceedings to stay, by means of an injunction , any further building operations .

An ornamental piece of water, about five acres, called the "Black Sea," fed by the drainage of a portion of the Common, assisted by the pumping-power of a windmill, is remarkable on account of being studded with thirteen small islands, adorned with trees and flowers .

This and eight acres of ground were leased to the late Mrs. Wilson ; since her decease, the lease has been purchased by the lord of the manor, and the gravest apprehensions are entertained in the neighbourhood that the eighteen acres will be turned into building sites.

[PB: This is the future Spencer Park. NB This says |"13" islands, some reports say 7 etc etc. Follow up.]]

Only a small triangular piece of the Common is adapted for cricketing, and that is much frequented by cricketers.

Wandsworth Old Town, with its 10,000 inhabitants, is being rivalled by New Wandsworth Town which abuts the Common .

[BNA:

WANDSWORTH-COMMON PRESERVATION SOCIETY.

The following circular has been issued: "The attention of the inhabitants of the districts surrounding Wandsworth-common is urgently requested to its condition, more especially on the following points:

1st, The enclosures of common which have taken place;
2nd, The enclosures and building now began or threatened;
3rd, The stopping up of public footpaths;
4th, The numerous nuisances now existing on the common; and
5th, The necessity for the improvement of the condition of the common generally.

At present Wandsworth-common is a receptacle for species of filth, which is brought from the most distant parts and there deposited. It has been made a depot for dust, ashes, and excrement of the district, and has been excavated to such an extent that parts are covered with water during winter, and are consequently very injurious to the public health both of the immediate and adjoining districts.

All these and other matters relating to the deplorable state of Wandsworth-common were specially brought under the notice of Earl Spencer, Lord of the Manor, in 1865, when evidence was given before The Open Spaces Committee uf the House of Commons. Earl Spencer was present and heard a lengthened detail of the nuisances complained of.

It is not saying too much to add that every grievance then complained of has een aggravated since that time. Very large public meetings have been held at Wandsworth, at which resolutions have been unanimously passed for the purpose of preserving and amending the condition of the common.

A committee has been appointed, consisting of the following gentlemen, with power to add to their number:

Mr. Samuel B. Bevington, Lake-terrace, Wandsworth-common;

Mr. Bickerdike, 1, Elm-terrace, St. John's hill, New Wandsworth;

Mr. J. C Buckmaster, churchwarden of the parish of Battersea, Si John's-hill, Wandsworth;

Mr. J B Cummins, Heathbourne, Wandsworth-common;

Mr. J. G. Jennings, Nightingale-lane;

Mr. Charles Lambert, the Elms, Wandsworth-common;

Mr. Ord, St. John's hill;

Mr Paine, Belmont Lodge, St John's-hill;

Mr. J. Anderson Rose, Wandsworth-common;

Mr. Compton Smith, Wandsworth;

Mr. Warrington, corner of Nightingale-lane, Wandsworth-common;

Mr Wix, Loraine-road, St John's-hill;
C. Lambert, Esq, of the Elms, Wandsworth-common, has been appointed treasurer.

The following gentlemen are authorised to collect subscriptions in districts the east and south sides of the common ;

Mr. Cummins, Heathbourne, Wandsworth-common;

Mr. Jennings, Nightingale-lane;

Mr. Rose, Wandsworth-common;
Mr. Warrington, Wandsworth-common;

and in the districts on the north and west sides of the common:

Mr. Bickerdike, Elm-terrace, St John's-hill ;

Mr. Gammon, Spencer-road;

Mr. Ord, St John's-hill;

Mr Paine, Belmont Lodge, St John's-hill;

Mr. Wix, Loraine-road, St John's-hill —

Committee Room, Freemasons Hotel, New Wandsworth Station.

I HAVE DONE UP TO END 1867 = p.3

www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/search/results?basicsearch=%2Bspencer%20%2Bwandsworth%20%2Bcommon%20%2Bbuckmaster%20&freesearch=spencer%20wandsworth%20common%20buckmaster&retrievecountrycounts=false&sortorder=dayearly&page=2" target="_blank">LINK.]

" 1867

"WC — SPENCER — METALLURGICON 1867 pp29-30

Much has been said of late respecting the value of the open spaces around London; not only for the health and recreation of the resident population, but for that of the metropolis itself.

Public spirit, coupled with the needful subscriptions, has been successful hitherto in preserving Wimbledon and Tooting Com mons. We have not heard as yet of any attempt to enclose the noble and well-kept Clapham Common; but unless active steps be speedily taken to preserve the portion of unenclosed land which still remains as Wandsworth Common, it is greatly to be feared that in course of a very few more years not a vestige of it will be left for the enjoyment of the public. Indeed, there appears every prospect that every available space will be devoted to coal heaps, goods sheds, and railway sidings.

It is greatly to be doubted whether the people of Wandsworth and Battersea have in Earl Spencer a lord of the manor of a like spirit to Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson, who has appeared so determined to carry out his designs upon the celebrated Hampstead Heath. On the contrary, it is almost certain that so amiable and generous a nobleman would readily consent to sell all his rights in respect of Wandsworth Common upon easy and liberal terms. It is therefore earnestly to be hoped that the public spirit of the inhabitants will be speedily aroused, and that, assisted by the subscriptions of all classes proportioned to their means, and the active efforts of the District Board of Works, a complete purchase of the estate of the late Mrs.Wilson, including the beautiful lake known as the Black Sea, and all the open portions of the Common, will be promptly made.

If some small outlying portions, with certain eligible frontages, were let upon building leases, much of the purchase money would be recoverable; and for a comparatively small outlay a beautiful and park-like appearance might be given to the whole of the space still reserved, which would not materially suffer in beauty or convenience by the intersection of the railway, the proximity of the County Gaol, or the existence of the Royal Patriotic Asylum in the centre . . .

The Black Sea, before alluded to, when frozen over, is a favourite resort for skaters, as are also the small lakes on Clapham Common." 1867

South London Press — Saturday 5 January 1867

WONDERFUL DISCOVERY ON WANDSWORTH COMMON. BUT FOR INFORMATION APPLY TO G. FERRIS, (late of the Falcon Tavern, Wandsworth Road,) WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANT, Surrey Tavern, TRINITY ROAD, TOOTING, On the borders of Wandsworth Common. CHOICE SPIRITS & MALT LIQUORS Stabling Accommodation.

[BNA: Link,]

Similar advert on other days

[BNA: Link,]

6 April 1867

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 19 January 1867

[Gravel from Spencer]

THE BATTERSEA LOCAL COMMITTEE Recommended fixing lamps Latchmere-lane, Auckland-road, and that other applications be deferred for the present; that the footpath to Clapham Junction be made a pavement, and that an offer be made to Earl Spencer for gravel from Wandsworth Common. — Approved . . . .

LETTERS WERE RECEIVED From Capt. Page, stating with reference to the request of the board to Earl Spencer to grant them easement over part of Wandsworth Common for the benefit of the public, that before giving any definite reply his lordship wouldawaitthe issueof the proceedings which had been commenced against him, as Lord of the Manor of Wimbledon, by Mr. Peek, to his position as such lord; from Mr. Ollivier, complaining that ever since the completion of the main drainage works near his house in Nightingale-lane, his front garden and the road just outside his gates have been a continual swamp, and quite impassable also complaining that the gas-lamps between Bolingbroke and the Triangle, at the point of Nightingale-lane, have not been lighted for several nights . . .

[BNA: Link.]
target="_blank">Link]"

South London Chronicle — Saturday 19 January 1867

Gravel from Wandsworth Common. — The clerk was instructed to write to Earl Spencer, making an offer of 1s. 6d per yard for rough gravel, and 6d. per yard for fine gravel, for the parish of Battersea, from Wandsworth common.

[BNA: Link.]
target="_blank">Link]"

"Globe — Tuesday 22 January 1867

Case of Wholesale Robbery a Poothah.- The Advantages of Photography. Henry Wurnecke, loolmsn, and Ksndolpb KUlk copper smith, both Germans, were re-examined at Wandsworth the charge of stealing and receiving considerable quantity of miscellaneous property. It will be recollected that Warnocke had been the set- Tice of Mr. Richard Henry Wyatt, Wandsworth Lodge. Wandsworth Common, footman, for about four months. He was seen by Police-constable Coates come master's house with hamper, which he gave to the other prisoner, who walked away with it. Both prisoners were apprehended, and the hamper was found contain glasses, soap, candles, and other property belonging to Mr. Wyatt; and both in the footman's room and also at the residence of Klots, 16, Porter-street, Soho, variety of articles belonging the prosecutor were also found. Since the prisoners had been in custody Hm police had been in communication with the authorities In Warnecke's box were found some note-paper bearing the words "Beaufort House, St. Leonards," and also album which contaioed his photograph. The prisoner photograph was removed from the album, and sent to the Hasting police to ascertain whether was known them. A reply had been received from Mr, Superintendent Glenister, stating that the photograph was that of Henry Warnecke, who was formerly in the sotvroe or snia. Mason, Beaufort House, St. Lmmsrf and was tried the sessions in Hastings the Md October, 1865, when was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for larosoy as reward. He was time, four cases of obtaining goods by and pleaded guilty the whrie. WeletMr that had since his rtloAssbemUruMla toe Mem Klits, Porter-street. Hewpors to obtain situation by false pretim — that enquiries had been made about AUls, on. nuvuing was known against him. w mainatlon which belonged Mr. other articles in bedroom. Mr. Wyatt valued all the peepeTO Mr eaid thonld commit the prisoners for trial, k"tfoslv remanded them for the attendance eta person tom Hsstiageto proo the former conviction.

[BNA: Link.]
target="_blank">Link]"

London Evening Standard — Saturday 2 February 1867

WANDSWORTH, Attempted Suicide in tub Black Sba. 'A Alatbimunial Si^uauule.

Annie Walters, 22, of Westmeon, Petersfield, North Hants, was placed in the dock, charged with attempting to commit suicide. Police-constable Wilson said that about eleven o'clock last night he was on duty on Wandsworth-common, when he heard the cries of a female for help. hastened to piece of water ailed the Black Sea," where he found the prisoner. She was reclining in the water with her left arm and head above the surface. went into the water and brought her to the bank, when, she appearing to be getting exhausted, he remained with her for several minutes and then took her to the station, ?ir.

Mr. Dayman.Was she out of her depth Constable.No, sir.

Mr. Dayman.Was :?he then leaning on the bank.

Constable. She could cot have been resting on the bank, the v atc-r was up breast. She said she had had a quarrel with her husband, and she meant to drown herself.

Mr. Dayman (to the prisoner).What have you to say

Prisoner.At present I can't say much. I should like to speak n 1 am more composed.

The Constable. Her friends are here.

Mr. Dayman. She is remanded for a week, and she can compose herself in the interim. The prisoner was then removed to the cells.

It was stated that the constable had only been in the force about fortnight, and was quite ignorant of the depth of water in the sea."

[BNA: Link.]

"Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette — Saturday 9 February 1867

PETERSFIELD

Attempted Suicide.

At Wandsworth police-court on Saturday, Annie Walters, a young married woman, who gave the address Westmeen, near this town, was charged with attempting drown herself.

Police-constable Wilson, No. 241 V., said that on the previous night was on duty on Wandsworth Common, when he heard the cries of woman for help. He hastened to piece of water called the "Black Sea," where he found the prisoner. was reclining in the water with her left arm and head above the surface. He went into the water and brought her to the bank, when she appeared to getting exhausted. He remained with her a few minutes, when he took to the station. She told him it was on account of her husband, and meant drown herself.

In reply to the magistrate, the constable said she could not have been resting her arm, the water was up to his breast.

In answer to the charge the prisoner said she would like to speak when she was more composed. Mr. Dayman remanded her for week. County Bench.

[BNA: Link.]

PB: There are plausible Annie Walters on Ancestry, including one married recently to a musician

It is also possible the "Westmeen" [Hants?] was actually West Meath, ireland."

Chelsea News and General Advertiser/cite> — Saturday 2 March 1867

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Iunderstand that some of the land forming part and parcel of Wandsworth Common is already, about be, sold to Mr. Todd, of Battersea. doubt that gentleman an enterprising Auctioneer and Surveyor, as well as a staunch Conservative, parochially and politically; but he would not, we all know, support any suggestion for selling or enclosing the property he has contrived to get a bit of except when his own private interests are at stake; and then, although a public man, it would seem that he is anything but scrupulous as to how the parochial interests are preserved.

In all deference to his professional genius he is the last person that should permitted to buy up all the freehold land in the neighbourhood, to cut it up in "patches and batches", to euphonise with his tasteless innovations.

He has done enough of this already, and the sooner he is denied the purchase of any more land, either in Battersea or Wandsworth, the better. In buying this land Mr. Todd materializes the popular impression that he has been acting a double part in his public capacity at the Wandsworth District Board of Works. There is doubt that he has bought it with a view of erecting some more of his wind-proof (?) houses, and it is to be hoped that he will not re-elected when his representative term at that Board expires.

Yours obediently

A BATTERSEAITE.

[BNA: Link.]

[PB: The "(?)" is in the original.]

1867-03-02-Todd-ChelseaNews-2mar1867.jpg]
!-- ---------------------------------------------- -->

"Pall Mall Gazette — Saturday 6 April 1867

Wandsworth Common.

A singularly beautiful Residential Estate known as "Fernside," with pleasure grounds and park-like land of about thirty acres in a ring fence, within five miles of the City and West-end, and a few minutes' walk from the New Wandsworth and Balham Stations of the London and Crystal Palace Railway, by which the City or Victoria Stations may be reached in a few minutes; with possession.

MESSRS. FULLER AND HORSEY M are instructed to SELL by AUCTION at the MART, Tokenhouse-yard, on WEDNESDAY, June 5. 1867, at One o'clock precisely, in One Lot, the very valuable and beautiful Estate distinguished as "Fernside," with pleasure grounds and undulating park-like land, of about thirty acres, in a ring fence, delightfully situated, and commanding extended views of rich and varied scenery, and within a few minutes' walk of the New Wandsworth and Balham stations of the West London and Crystal Palace Railway, by which the City or Houses of Parliament maybe reached in a few minutes.

The Mansion, seated on high ground, is of good elevation, with a handsome stone portico to the entrance, and is approached by a private road with entrance lodge leading from Nightingale-lane and Wandsworth-common, with a carriage drive encircling the front lawn.

It contains on the ground floor a suite of reception rooms, fitted up with much taste and judgment, and comprising two elegant and lofty drawing-rooms 44 feet by 17 feet 6 inches, recently decorated by eminent artists, opening on to a stone terrace with steps descending to the lawn; morning-room 24 feet 6 inches by 20 feet communicating with the library by folding doors; breakfast-room and a noble dining-room, 35 feet 6 inches by 20 feet 6 inches, with Doric columns to form recess; vestibule and spacious outer and inner halls. On the upper floors are four principal bed- chambers and two dressing-rooms and eight secondary bed-chambers; extensive and convenient domestic offices on the basement.

In the rear of the mansion are the pleasure-grounds and lawn, ornamented with choice specimens of the cedar, and planted with a profusion of flowering shrubs and evergreens, sloping to a sheet of ornamental water, flower garden, garden with terrace walks and shrubberies, a well-stocked walled kitchen garden, with two large vineries, melon pits, &c., the whole bounded by rich undulating park-like land, belted with fine forest timber.

The stabling and farm buildings are conveniently placed at a short distance, though entirely screened from the house, and consist of four-stall and three-stall stables, two loose boxes, two double coach-houses, granary, cowhouse, piggeries, cart shed, &c., gardener's and coachman's cottages.

The mansion, outbuildings, and grounds in the rear containing about 12a. 3r. 36p., are held on lease for an unexpired term of about sixty-eight years at a ground rent of 79 17s per annum. The remaining portion of the land, about seventeen acres in extent, is held on lease for the same term at a peppercorn.

The entire property offers numerous advantages as a building speculation if desired, combined with a residence possessing every comfort, for a family of distinction, and which need be but little (if at all) interfered with by judicious building operations under the control of the proprietor.

May be viewed by cards only, to be had of the Auctioneers. Particulars with plans are in preparation, and when ready may be had of Messrs. McLeod, Stenning, and Watney, Solicitors, London- street, Fenchurch-street; at the Mart and of Messrs. FULLER and HORSEY, 13, Billiter-street, London, E.C.

[BNA:

"FERNSDE!

Morning Post — Tuesday 23 April 1867

Wandsworth-common. — A singularly beautiful Residential Estate, known as Fernside, with pleasure-grounds and parklike land of about 30 acres, in a ring fence, within five miles of the City and West-end, and a few minutes' walk from the New Wandsworth and Balham Stations of the London and Crystal Palace Railway, by which the City or Victoria Stations may be reached in a few minutes. With possession MESSRS. FULLER and HORSEY ar instructed te SELL, by AUCTION, at the Mart Toke"! house-yard, on WEDNESDAY, June 5, at two o'clock precisely in one lot, J IThe very valuable and Beautiful ESTATE, distinguished a3 IFernside, with pleasure-grounds and undulating park-like land: of about 30 acres, in a ring fence, delightfully situate, and com Imanding extended views of rich and varied scenery, and withir i . _ eW "? _! ut?? Wa . k of the New windsworth and Balham Sta"tions of the \V est London and Crystal Palace Railway, by whict?? o F Bouses . of Parliament may be reached in a few . minutes, fhe mansion, seated on high ground, is of good ele-1 I-?", h v a portico to the entrance, and ia approached by a private road, with entrance-lodge, leading from jMghtingale-lane and Wandsworth-common, with a carriage — drive encircling the front lawn. It contains on the ground rt . or a suite of reception-rooms, fitted up with much taste and judg-; ment, and comprising two elegant and lofty drawing-rooms, 44ft. | by 17ft. 6in., recently decorated by eminent artists, opening on i to a stone terrace with steps descending to the lawn; morning — Iroom, 24ft. 6in. by 20ft., communicating with the library by ' folding-doors; breakfast-room, and a noble dining-room, 35ft. Oin. by 20ft. Oin., with Doric columns to form recess; vestibule, and spacious outer and inner halls. On the upper floors are | four principal bed-chambers and two dressing-rooms, and eight \ secondary bed-chambers; extensive and convenient domestic offices on the basement. In the rear of the mansion are the pleasure grounds and lawn, ornamented with choice specimens of the cedar, and planted with a profusion of flowering _hru_e and evergreens, sloping to a sheet of ornamental water, flower garden and terrace walks and shrubberies, a well-stocked walled kitchen garden, with two large vineries, melon pits, etc, the whole bounded by rich undulating park-like land, belted with fine forest timber.

The stabling and farm buildings are conveniently placed at a short distance, though entirely screened from the house, and consist of four-stall and three stall stables, two loose boxes, two double coach-houses, granary cowhouse, piggeries, cart-shed, Ac.; gardener's and coachman ': cottages.

The mansion, outbuildings, and grounds in the rear. containing about 12a. 3r. 36p., are held on lease for an unexpired term of about 68 years, at a ground rent of 79 17s. per annum.

The remaining portion of the land, about 17 acres in extent, is held on lease, for the same term, at a peppercorn.

The entire property offers numerous advantages as a building speculation, if desired, combined with a residence possessing every comfort for a family of distinction, and which need be but little, if at all interfered with by judicious building operations under the control of the proprietor.

May be viewed by cards only, to be had of the auction_fcs Particulars, with plans, are in preparation, and when rt___v may be had of Messrs. M'Leod. Stenning, and WatneyaLuL tors, London-street, Fenchurch-street; at the Mart surfof i Messrs. Fuller and Horsey, No. 13, BilUter street, Loaioa^^?? i~

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"BUCKMASTER South London Press — Saturday 27 April 1867

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ELECTION OF VESTRYMEN . . . .

St. Mary's, Battersea. meeting of the elected vestry of this parish was held at the Lammas Hall, on Easter Tuesday, at the customary hour of? a.m., the special object of the meeting being the election of church officers, and the reception of the accounts of the Burial Board.

There were present: The Vicar (in the chair), Messrs. Paine, Kempster, Turdy, Sellar, Walton, Stuart, Todd, Lord, Turner, Alder, Poupart, Acomb, and Gerrard. The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, and the notice convening the meeting read, the vicar appointed John Archibald Stuart, churchwarden, and Wm. Henry Kempster, sidesman, for the next year, accompanying his nomination with a few complimentary remarks, in which he expressed his regret at the loss of Mr. Gibson. need not say anything at present respecting the late parish warden, but would simply call upon them to chose his successor.

[PB: So is Purdy the outgoing "parish warden" — job? the same as "churchwarden"? — suggesting JCB should be his replacement? This fits with JCB's own account in AVP, where no dates are given. What, then, had been Buckmaster's postion prviously — none, though he had attended a lot of meetings and brought down the crooked lawyer Reynolds?]

Mr. Purdy wished to bring before the meeting, as churchwarden of the parish, a gentleman whom he desired to propose, not because of any personal acquaintance with him, but because what he knew of his conduct led him to believe it his duty to propose him for election. He referred to Mr. Buckmaster. It was the wrong time of the day to make any speech, and perhaps he was the greatest stranger to Mr. Buckmaster among all those then present. Mr. Sellar seconded the proposition, in the firm conviction that Mr. Buckmaster was thoroughly independent and a thorough reformer.

When he first came into office, some six years ago, the condition of the parochial matters certainly was most deplorable. It was mainly through Mr. Buckmaster's indomitable perseverance that this dilemma was got out of at an expense of some thousands of pounds. He was sure that Mr. Buckmaster was thoroughly competent to fulfill the duties of the office, and it was therefore great pleasure to second his name.

Mr. G. P. Turner supported the proposition, quoting from a letter, written by Mr. Buckmaster to him, an expression of that gentleman's willingness to serve. Mr. Buckmaster had been a good servant of the parish, who had been in opposition to those in office constantly "trimming them. He should like now, that he might be in office, so as to give opportunity for trimming him by others. The motion was then carried without opposition, and Mr. Turner appointed sidesman.

Messrs. J oar and Nicholls were appointed auditors of the accounts; Mr. Nicholls, organist of St. Mary's (%5O), Mr. Curtis, organist of St. George's (%40); Homer and Whitehall (beadles). Messrs. Jewell, Todd, and Purdy retired from the Burial Board. Messrs. Purdy, Sellar, and Turner were appointed in their place. Mr. Alder called attention to marks in the burial ground having been removed from the grave and another substituted so as to prevent identification of graves, and some were two feet below the surface. It was stated that there was a plan by which the position of any special grave could be accurately pointed on. Ou the plan being produced it was found to bo useless, as there was no register number kept. It was determined that such a plan should henceforth be adopted and adhered to. The accounts of the Burial Board showed a total receipt %1,062 10s. Bd. (%6OO being loan from the Pelican Life Office.) The expenditure was for labour, &c, -rv. 18s " 6d ' the balance in hand bein g 12s. 2d. accounts of the Parochial Charities showed an aggregate of %78 14s. 10d., which had been distributed Bma ll gifts amongst the poor. %J Mft at P m — appointed for the election of vestrymen and auditors ofaccounts. a yeai for the premises in Cheapside occupied by him on a lease of 21 years, commencing from the expiration of the present lease.

A letter was also received from Messrs. Newton and Durbin offering %200 year for their premises on like lease. Mr. Walton begged the vestry not to deal with them, since the leases would fail duri 1872 _ 3 The offer was declined.

Mr. Turner proposed vote of thanks to Mr. Walton for his services churchwarden. Though the demands on the parish had been increased the rates had not been increased in proportion to the demand, but rather had inverse ratio been diminished. Mr. Sellar exceedingly regretted that Mr. Walton was about to retire he had done all the secular work of the parish as if it had been his own property, and cordially agreed with the regret his health? ' " He Eastbour would recruit his vicar (who had hoped the vote would have originated with him) expressed his sorrow at the loss Mr. Walton, who had been a most useful mm. and to whom they owed deep debt of gratitude for his kindness and activity. He had been with them long, but not too long. a churchwarden, he had served and supported the Church well, had attended duly at her services; and more than that, he had been enabled by his ability and influence to sustain the Church.

He hoped that Mr. Walton's successor would follow his steps, and that Mr. Buckmaster would be similarly useful, though perhaps he could not be as useful as Mr. Walton" He regretted the loss both of active parish-offiVer and pleasant neighbour. prayed that Cod's blessing might rest upon Mr. Walton, and that he might be spared to live usefully through many happy years. Mr. Walton replied that in leaving Battersea he should be leaving many friends and dear associations behind him. had worked there, he believed not unsuccessfully, and hoped those who followed him would go and do likewise. He would also like to propose a vote of thanks to the overseers who had kindly assisted him. This was seconded by Mr. Alder, and carried unanimously.

Some discussion took place the reappropriation of the charities of the parish. As regards that of St. Walter and St. John, Mr. Corsellis stated that he had not as yet been able to get a copy the will: nor had Messrs. Jones and Starr, of Gray's Innlaue, though had called and written many times, given him any help to find it. Various -suggestions having been made in the course of a desultory conversation, it was decided that meeting the Charity Committee should be convened to arrange a meeting on parish matters between themselves% the trustees and the Charity Commissioners. Complaint having been made of the voluminous accounts which the auditors had to examine, and desire expressed (without result) that paid accountant should be employed to prepare a balancesheet for their guidahco, The meeting closed by vote of thanks to the chairman."
Express — Saturday 24 August 1867

THE ENCROACHMENTS ON WANDSWORTH-COMMON

Yesterday a meeting of nearly 5,000 inhabitants of the parishes of Wandsworth and Battersea was held on the piece of land lying close to Clapham Junction, in accordance with a promise made at the Spread Eagle, a few nights before, that the assembly should take place, and the destruction of the fence surrounding a portion of the common enclosed by the Brighton Railway Company, signalise its gathering.

Earl Spencer learning this, applied to Sir Richard Mayne [Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police] for a body of mounted police to be on the spot to check any damage. The request was granted.

The railway company appeared also to have prepared resistance to any aggression, for a suspicious number of "navvies" stood in knots among and in the outskirts of the crowd apparently ready for emergency.

The proceedings commenced with an address from Mr. J. C. Buckmaater, churchwarden of Battersea, who implored all present to abstain from any act of violence. All they had now to do was to protest against cruelty and injustice.

Up to 1831 there had been no encroachment for generations. Now, they were told they had "no right whatever on the Common," though the House of Commons had said otherwise. If they were trespassers, why didn't Lord Spencer order them off, and punish them for being there? When they saw the Common taken away without reasons assigned and a huge board before them, "This land to be let on building leased," it was time to take action. It was no secret that he meant to have that board down.

He appealed to those present to abstain from violence that night, since it might endanger future success. Two or three gentlemen had arranged privately to break down the fence, and so assert their rights, fortified in the act by the expression of public opinion there manifested.

The following resolution was carried unanimously: "That this meeting regards with extreme sorrow and regret the enclosures which have taken place on Wandsworth-common, and urges the committee appointed for its preservation to take every step to restore the privileges which the public have enjoyed from time immemorial"

Cheers were then heartily given for Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Rose, and the committee, with groans for Lord Spencer. The people did not immediately disperse, but stood about in groups on the Common till late in the evening.

STRIAE or AGRICULTURAL LABOURER& %Yesterday 200 soldiers of various regiments stationed at the Colchester barracks were dmughted off to harvest work, in accordance with the recently-issued regulation. This is partly owing to the difficulty felt by the farmers in inducing the labourers to remain at work at the usual rate of pay, and because of a strike amongst those who attend to the stearn.threshing machines. The farmers were obliged to send theirordinary labourers to the machine, but they too objected unless they received extra pay. The consequence is, nearlyall the steam threshers inthe vicinity have refused to work, and roost of the machines are now lying completely idle. The disaffected labourers refuse also to work with the military, because they say that the remuneration paid to the soldiers is nothing but % little beer. The farm labourers of Essex are talking of organising. There an abundant crop of wheat and other cereals; and notwithstanding the drawbacks connected with the recent unf%vourable weather, the greater portion of the " golden grain " would and no doubt will have been secured within a few days.

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London Daily News — Saturday 24 August 1867

THE ENCROACHMENTS ON WANDSWORTH-common.

Yesterday a nieting of nearly 5i,000 inhabitants of the parishes of Wandsworth and Battersea was held on the piece of land lying close to Clapham Junction, in accord. ance with a proenise made at the Spread Eagle, a fewnights before, that the assembly should take place, and the destruction of thes fence surrounding a portion of the oem. mon enclosed by the Brighton Railway Company, signalise its gathering. Earl Spencer learning this, applied to Sir Richard Mayne for a body of mounted police to be on the spot to cheek any damage. The request was granted. The railway company appeared also to have prepared resistance to any aggression, for a suspicious number of "navvies" stood in knots among and in the out. skits of the crowd apparently ready for emergency.

The proceedings commenced with an address from Mr. J. C. Buckmaster, churchwarden of Battersea, who implored all present to abstain from any act of violence. All they had now to do was to protest against cruelty and injustice. Up to 1881 there had been no encroachment for generations. Now, theywere told they had " no right whatever on the Common, " though the House of Commons had said otherwise. If they were!trespassers, why didn't Lord Spencer order them off, and punish them for being thece? When they saw the Common taken away without reasons assigned and a huge herd before them, "This land to be let on building leases, " it was time to take action. It was no secret that he meant to have that board down. He appealed to those present to abstain from violence that night, since it might enidanger future success. Two or three gentlemen had arranged privately to break down the fence, and so assert their rights, fortified in the act by the expression of public opinion there manifested. The following resolution was carried unanimously:

"That this meeting regards with extreme sorrow and regret the enclosures which have taken place on Wandsworth-comnmon, and urges the committee appointed for its preservation to take every stop to restore the privileges which the public have enjoyed from time immemorial." Cheers were then heartily given for Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Rose, and the committee, with groans for Lord Spencer. The people did not immediately disperse, but stood about in groups on the Common till late in the evening.

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South London Press — Saturday 24 August 1867

[Also in the same edition of the SLP, this even longer piece?]

South London Press — Saturday 24 August 1867

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"SAVE WANDSWORTH COMMON!"

Public Meeting. With this despairing cry — probably founded on the daily stimulant administered to the Crusaders at sunrise, " Save the Holy Sepulchre " — the inhabitants of Wandsworth, or a portion of them, called on their long-suffering fellows to publicly protest against the system which has of late gradually sapped the outworks of the old pleasaunce by ye Wandle, " and bids fair to imperil it, even more than the breezy heath of Hampstead. The meeting was convened in the large room of the Spread Eagle Inn, which shortly after the time appointed was crowded by the gathering of inhabitants. The chair was taken by the Rev. E. W. T. Chave, D.D., vicar of Wandsworth, who was supported on the platform by Messrs. J. C. Buckmaster, Rose, Wallis, Lawrence, Turner, Hole and other gentlemen.

The meeting was enthusiastic its reception of the speakers, and of the "levelling sentiments they expressed. The chairman believed the subject of consideration did not need his advocacy, though it was one which he took a deep interest, for he should be sorry to see the right of enjoying the fresh air assailed. Unless active measures wero taken all the open spaces round London would be swallowed up, and the childreu deprived of the fresh air; which, as it was, they too seldom enjoyed. He would not detain them, but would at once call on the gentlemen who had promoted the gathering to detail the steps they had taken, and what must be done to secure the common in future.

Mr. Wallis mentioned that the Lord Mayor was prevented by dining with the judges from being present at that time, but hoped joining them later in the evening to show his sympathy with the effort. (Applause.) Mr. Parsons thought himself entitled to make a few observations on a subject which had employed him 20 years. He never dreamed that his grain of mustard seed would be ripened into so strong a shoot, with Parliamentary Committees giving their attention to it, and the merchants of the City coming forward with such munificent aid. Part of the Common of Wandsworth, at Tibbett's Corner, was enclosed by Earl Spencer, but was subject both to right of " tubbery " as well as pasturage. By the evidence of his deputy steward before the committee, appeared that Earl Spencer claimed power to enclose the land. However, he paid the parish of Battersea a year rent, till it was sold to its present proprietor, when the parish of Battersea, having no money to go to law, let the matter drop. What they ought to have done, was to have done what he had — gone with an axe and cut down the enclosure. (Applause.) Mr. Beaumont was now one of the richest proprietors in the kingdom, partly through that very enclosure. The committee before them that night aimed to preserve these rights, and only needed support cany out the objects desired. those who spoiled the people of their land and air commit moral crime? Land without the population was of value. They had exercised their right of going over the Common, and it belonged to them. The meaning of the Act of Merton was simply that the Lord of the Manor, if very poor, enclose a portion to keep up his dignity. If a man stole a loaf, to stay his hunger, from a shop he was called thief, and punished by the law! But here was an individual who "walked away" hundreds and thousands of pounds worth of property with impunity. (Hisses.) Did da t -u as he had served Wandsworth Common? No. (Applause.) They had a right to cut timber there. His grandfather had sent him to cut wood there, and told him, Well, done, boy. This wood warms you twice warms you when you cut it, and warms you when you burn it." He would warm the first encroacher with such a turn at the machine in the centre of the common — (laughter) — as should render him an counter 6Very L the Manor

Mr. J. C. Buckmaster, M.A., was not going to discuss the rights the Lord of the Manor but simply to state that he took a great interest the preservation of open spaces, which he believed tended to influence the people morally. It was necessary to preserve these places for the purposes of recreation and health for the public, and if so 15 years ago it was much more important now Fifteen years he could walk over any part of Wandsworth Common without let or hindrance; now, only a small portion of open Common space was left, and that he desired to preserve. He thought it a monstrous thing the enclosure of these Commons should go on without any right to do so being shown by the parties enclosing.

He could recollect the time when they could walk round the Black Sea — (hear, hear) — and also when a gentleman obtained permission of the Court Leet to enclose 10 acres on the north side of the Black Sea. on condition that the public should walk round it when they liked. Now that had fallen into desuetude, and he believed grand plans for building thereon had been sanctioned by the Board of Works, who had given no assistance in preserving the Common or its footpaths.

Another part on grand scale given up by the Court Leet, similarly, was covered by stucco and fine sites for builders. Then there was the Telescope enclosure, given up for seven years. Nobody objected to the temporary use for scientific purposes, but there it was now, still enclosed. The enclosure of the St. James's School and the Patriotic School made gentlemen open their eyes for they saw then the direction of these movements. was surprised at the apathy of the copyholder- but still more important were the rights of the freeholders. He should be very ready to co-operate — not in a spiteful, litigious way but fairly, and in a friendly spirit — in any endeavour to ascertain the rights of the Lord of the Manor by an appeal to law. When it was first mooted that a piece of the Common should be given up for the purposes of a cemetery, he called upon the late Lord Spencer, who assured him that he thought enclosure had gone far enough, and no more should be enclosed. But since that time more than 50 acres had been enclosed.

Most of them recollected the large piece that had been appropriated by the railway company. He looked at its fence with friendly eye, and applied to the Board of Works who informed him that it was enclosed under the Act of Parliament that sanctioned the construction of the railway: and on a second letter, that "it was included in the line of deviation." He assured them that it was not, and requested them to obtain tracing. asked the board, then, to preserve footpath that was taken away; but they replied, '"Tisn't a footpath " — (laughter) — but a "trespasspath." He then asked them to point out the difference, but the exceedingly clever men at the board got very angry, and sent him a polite letter from their clerk stating that he might try the question himself. So he went and broke down the railway fence in presence of the railway authorities — (applause) — and wrote to the local board, asking them to maintain the right. No proceedings were taken against him, and he had broken down the fence again and again. A footpath had been defined as " the right of going from one place to another for 20 years, " and on that judicial definition he was prepared to try the question. Moreover, the board had once ordered their surveyor to repair this at the public expense. While Clapham Common had not been touched owing to the wealthy persons around it, Wandsworth Common was cut up in every direction. The district board ought to have preserved the footpaths. Why had they not? A good many were copyholders, who naturally desired not to offend the Lord of the Manor; then another gentleman liked to lay down the law on the subject, and the clerk nodded his head that being the easiest way of getting out of a difficulty. Others of the gentlemen were from Clapham "or elsewhere, and cared nothing about Wandsworth. only knew that he had seen piece after piece of the Common enclosed and as he told the railway, the right of any party to enclose portion of the Common ought to be as indisputable as their title to a carriage. For four years after their line was made, the company never enclosed this piece of ground. Now there was a large carriageway to be constructed across the Common probably sanctioned on the principle, " Don't interfere with my business, and I'll let yours alone." He had seen working men, with their wives and children, get out of the train and have a little picnic on the breezy Common, under the pleasant shadow of the trees, and go home all the happier and better for it.' Would health and morals be improved by the place being covered with houses, and "public" stuck at every street corner? He appealed for the moral influence and support of all, and for the assistance in the fighting out of the matter, of the wealthier. He hoped this would be but the prelude to larger meetings; and that they would meet on the Common and take some practical steps to preserve what they believed to be their rights. (Applause.) Mr. Lawrence, as one who had been present the Committee of the House of Commons iv 18U5, said that Mr. Foster stated there that Earl Spencer had received suggestions from people in the neighbourhood for the enclosure of the common, and except a protest from Mr. Hose, there appeared no strong feeling against the enclosure Wandsworth Common. In the last 20 years 140 acres had enclosed the sum of 15,000, received by Lord Spencer. The Common originally consisted of 300 acres; so, at the present rate, a score more years would take the rest away. (Laughter). The old rural life was now dead in the suburbs, and the local organization of the olden time called "the Homage " that attended to the lopping gorse, or pollards, or the use of pasturage, and watched these rights jealously for the village-folk. But now these interests were gone and there was common-life, whilst the scene of local interests was shifted to the City. There was, therefore, no ono to take theso rights for the inhabitants. the Lord of the Manor wished to enclose, he did so, and stood his chance of action. Thus if they were rightly advised, Earl Spencer had gained 15,000, to which he was not entitled, from the Common. The only thing was for the inhabitants to revive the old "homage, " as organization to preserve the public rights. It was not to be done by sitting still; and if such a committee had been organized 20 years back, the Common would not have been treated as it was. A committee would havo to be formed, and its members would have to give a portion of their time, and must be assisted with money in order to retrieve the errors of past neirlitr " J m. " not believe the Lord of the Manor 1.2 these matters, for b P he had been obliged to give way ma^eTbTthe d ed t0 See ' litt]e affa They Wandsworth people in their own not earned??, Und 1U Earl one who had conn?lf tUle 0r his wealth by services his WaS neither a warrior, nor great seaman, nor a great statesman, nor a wise juage — a mau endowed by Providence with almost unparalleled wealth, noble library, and all that lortune of birth could bestow. God and his country demanded of such a man that instead of being curse to his neighbours he should be a benefit and a blessing. He had been face to face with Earl Spencer and detailed the wrongs he had done; and was entitled to do so now, that redress might procured. The lord had the right to dig turf, to dig gravel, to pasture beasts upon the Common; but had no right to seek to pocket the price of its fee. As a man, and a nobleman he should have shown himself grateful to God for the blessings showered upon him and not commit "crimes he committed daily " He would compare him with Mr. Bowyer who renewed his half of the lease of Clapham Common

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whilst Earl Spencer would not do so, " because he had been so treated at Wandsworth." St. James's parish wanted a school for its pauper children: leave was was granted them to build on the Common. As soon as their 20 years' title was expired, they would be off to some other spot, and sell the old for building ground. The Brighton Railway had enclosed 12 acres of land, which were not their plan of deviation, and Mr. Buckmaster had broken down the palings there five times. As a lawyer, he told me that fence was utterly illegal, and they had every right to destroy it. He also mentioned that the sale of the land was concealed as carefully as could be, so that the inhabitants of the locality might not know about it. it might be there was no sale whatever, and that it was only the nominee of the Brighton Railway, who was enclosing and building on the land. He didn't understand how a man who failed three years ago in Chelsea, could buy up Wandsworth Common. (Applause and laughter.) He had a map in his hand, which showed the pieces of Common that had been taken marked black. He had shown that to Lord Spencer, who, with his agent, said he knew nothing about it, he supposed those parts still belonged to them. (Laughter.) He could not understand why the Board of Works constantly answered they had nothing to do with the Common. He saw daily, men going two miles to get to their work, when there used to be eight or nine footpaths they might have used. Well, Earl Spencer had the right to dig turf and gravel and pasture. had dug gravel till the whole was undermined, and the soil was a morass; had pastured there till there RM nothing left for cattle to eat, and cut turf till there was no turf left. Now to three millions of people more than all Scotland held — dwelling one great city, breathing and imbibing noxious vapours and exhalations from each other's bodies, pure air was of vital necessity; and open, breezy commons were the finest manufactory for pure air ever created. This was not a rich man's question, but a poor man's. The merchant might go farther afield as houses were reared arouud him; the labourer must live by the spot where he gained his bread. Abroad, any public authority would have protected and manured the grove trees on the Common. Here, excavations were being made under them, and actually under the footpath! He had written to the Board of Works about it. That body simply replied that they had nothing to do with it, though the duties of the highway boards had been transferred to them, and they were the conservators of the public rights. He had told Lord Spencer the pieces of water were being made into a foetid nuisance, the receptacle of the filth of the district, instead of health giver — a source of disease death. It was a fact that one good lady at Clapham had kindly sent three carts of night soil to throw in there! The only way of preventing these encroachments was to break down the fence. He would be one to do it — (applause)-. — and would subscribe 50 to keep it down. (Applause.) Lord Spencer found there was this determination in the minds of the people, he would give way, for he was a coward at heart. He had gone himself to law with the railway company, and promised if he beat them to dedicate what was recovered to public use. There was no time to lose. One tree to which ho referred had fallen that week, and the others would soon follow if immediate action was not taken. Mr. Rose resuming his seat three cheers were given for him with right good will, and resolution passed to the effect that the condition of the Common required the earnest attention of the inhabitants to prevent further encroachment, and to improve the condition of such portion as yet remained; also appointing as a committee to take such steps as they might think advisable, Messrs. Wallis, Buckmaster, Rose, Turner, and Lawrence. Mr. Bevington had seen with regret the enclosure that had taken place. Some years back a local committee had taken counsel's opinion which was then adverse to them. Since then, however, Act had been obtained that gave greater power to inhabitants to protect their rights. He moved that the committee be requested to invite subscriptions to form fuud for the carrying out the first resolution. Mr. Wallis seconded this, believing they had met for the common good. also mentioned that the meeting had been called through a chance remark by him to the effect that it was a pity the Common should be so cut up. He was delighted to see such meeting, and at the hearty reception given the views propounded. An inhabitant asked when the meeting might be expected. Mr. Buckmaster said that for several reasons he desired it on the Common — In the enclosure "] — (applause) — [" Cut the fence down first"] He then proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which Mr. seconded, and which was cordially acknowledged by Dr. Chave, who observed that he felt himself called on to identify himself with any legitimate, and proper movement of the parishioners. They had gone with the speakers that night and must go a little further. Unity was strength. such a cause, he thought there could be no difference of opinion. was absolutely necessary to keep up these Sanatoriums he would call them. Take away the outlets from the people, and whore are they to go for fresh air? Take away their air, you take away their vitality — their lives! (Applause.) The meeting then broke up.

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South London Press — Saturday 31 August 1867

WANDSWORTH DISTRICT BOARD OF WORKS. This body met on Wednesday last at their offices. Present: Messrs. Meaden (in the chair), Carter, Sarson, Rolls, Gaitskell, Dagnall, Purdy, Riches, Loat, Barringer, Bemish, Lacey. Watlin, Young, Hewett, Turner, Poupart, Selwood, Clarke, Silvester, Clayton, Greenwood, Langton, G. Todd, C. W. Todd, Osborne.

HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT.

Battersea. — Births 50, deaths 47. No remarks. Clapham. — Births 35, deaths 17. The weekly average being now 8.15, the health of the district was good, though some epidemic disease prevailed. Streatham. — Births 13, deaths 3. General health good, and zymotic disease rare.

Wandsworth. — Births 26, deaths 11. Health of the district continued very satisfactory; as indicated by the continued lowness of the mortality, the absence of any deaths from epidemic disease, and the character and amount of sickness prevalent amongst the parochial poor. letters were received From the Commissioner of Police, calling attention to a nuisance Chapel-place, York-road, Battersea; from Mr. F. Whitaker, requesting the erection of lamp in Cross-street, Battersea; from Mr. J. Blackmore, expressing surprise at any complaints of the state of the roads in Wimbledon Park after his sower work there; from Messrs. Few and Co., relative to the proceedings instituted by Messrs. Clark and Sons for compensation for damages done to them by the construction of new sewers Clapham, and requesting the amount of compensation and costs to be paid at early date; from Mr. Reed, Atkin's-road, Clapham, complaining of negligence of the dust contractor; from Messrs. Baxter, Rose, and Norton, ou behalf of the Brighton Railway Company, stating that the company's contractor had instructions as to what roads the company were liable to repair, and that if Streatham Church road was one, the work would bo done. Twelve tenders were received for sewer work at Putney. The highest was that of Mr. Blackmore ( £1,650), the lowest that of Mr. Thackrah ( £050). The latter's was accepted. the battersea local committee recommended That the clerk be requested to give his opinion as to whether the board are liable, the matter of Mr. Holland's claim for compensation for using party wall, &c, in the erection of the cottage at the stone yard. That the attention of the Metropolitan Board of Works be called to the serious nuisance arising from the ventilators of the main sewers. That the apportionment of the cost of paving Russell-street, Henley-street, St. John's Hill Grove, and Little Europa-place, as accompanying the report, be approved, and that Mr. George Nichols collect the amounts. That the clerk be instructed to take the necessary legal proceedings immediately against the liquidators of the West London Wharves and Warehouses Company, to compel them to reinstate the bridge in the Lower Wandsworth-road. That a sewer be constructed Landseer-street, and the cost thereof charged to the owners of property abutting thereon, and that the surveyor be instructed to prepare a plan and section thereof for the approval of the Metropolitan Board of Works. The whole of the recommendations were adopted. The committee further stated that they have instructed the inspector of nuisances to take proceedings at the police-court against William Hexell alias Crisp, of Ashley's-buildings, Battersea, for offering fish for sale on the 9th inst., the same being unfit for human food, and in future to take immediate proceedings at the police-court against any persons whom he may detect offering food for sale, which the medical officer of health may pronounce to be unfit for human food.

The inspector of nuisances reported that he has inspected houses, all of which are now drained into sewers, and are clean and well supplied with water; also that he has served nine notices, and that 14 nuisances have been abated.

Letters were received from the superintending architect of the Metropolitan Board of Works with reference to Mr. Eedwood's shop front in Orchardstreet, Wandsworth, stating that such a shop front is permitted by the 26th section of the Building Act, and that such law is usually carried out under the supervision of the district surveyor, in cases where no interference with the powers of the street authorities is likely to arise, and that the proposal of Mr. Redwood, which was refused by such board, related to a larger projection. The like, inviting suggestions, with reference to an application by Mr. Thomas Cocks, for permission to erect a one-storey addition front house adjoining Pilgrim Cottage, York-road, Wandsworth. the like, stating that such board have approved of Messrs. Drew's plan for the formation ot a continuation of Leigham Valley, and of three new roads (40 feet wide) adjoining Leigham Court-road, Streatham.

WANDSWORTH COMMON.

The following letters were received on this subject:

" The Elms. Wandsworth Common.

" Sir, — I have been served with notice that the roads by and across the Black Sea contemplated the parish are illegal. It certainly seems to me an unwarrantable expenditure of the parish funds. — Dear sir, yours truly, 'Chas. Lambert.

[To] "A. A. Corsellis, Esq."

" 11, Salisbury-street, Strand, London, lir ~ T 23rd August, 1867. Gentlemen, — l informed that the Wandsworth District Board of Works have agreed the destruction of the ornamental water called the Black Sea, on Wandsworth Common: 'and to make or and making roads to facilitate the enclosure and building on Wandsworth Common Earl Spencer. Ihereby give you notice that any such expenditure on the part of the board is utterly unwarrantable, and is, Ibelieve, illegal; and that Ishall oppose by every means in my power, by legal proceedings or otherwise, any such expenditure by the board I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, "J. Anderson Rose. " The District Board of Works."

" 11, Salisbury-street, Strand, London, " 23rd August, 18(57. "Dear sir, believe I am entitled under the Local Management Act to inspect and take a copy of the minutes of the board. " Iunderstand the board has passed a resolution with reference to the Black Sea on Wandsworth Common, and it would be a convenience to me, and save the trouble of my personal attendance, if you would allow your clerk to send me a copy of the resolution of the board, for which Ishall be happy to pay any charge. — l am, dear sir, yours truly,

J.A. Rose

[to] Mr. A. A. Corsellis, Clerk to District Board.

A long letter was also received from Mr. Buckmaster. In it he stated that he was directed by the committee for the Preservation of Commons and Open Spaces to inquire if the board intended to take any steps to preserve the footpaths on Wandsworth Common — especially the footpaths taken away by the Brighton Railway Company, and the one referred to by Mr. Corsellis in a case drawn up by him to be submitted for counsels' opinion, as having been used without interruption for years

- (Mr. Corsellis: " Imay say that is incorrect") — and if the board did not intend to do so, if they would kindly inform him of their reasons for non-interference. He begged also to direct the attention of the board to the destruction an elm tree near Battersea cemetery, and asked, conclusion, that the board would allow the committee to meet the offices of the board occasionally, in order to avoid the expenses of meeting at a public-house. The Chairman: The first letters are with regard to the road. I suppose our clerk can say whether or not we have legal right to make that road.

Mr. Purdy thought that as it was usual for holders of private property to make their own roads, they ought to have any departure from the ordinary custom brought prominently forward on the agenda paper and properly investigated. Mr. Dagnall remarked that the board had already agreed that the road should be formed. [At the previous meeting it was resolved, "That the Battersea and Wandsworth surveyors be instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of the proposed new road across Wandsworth Common, and to report as to the relative lengths abutting upon private property and the Common in each parish."]

Mr. Meaden apprehended that no mischief could occur by waiting till the full report was ready, which would state the exact length abutting on private property. He thought every one would highly approve making a good road. The only thing was that in the minds of some persons there existed an impression that there were reasons yet behind the scenes why this road should not be constructed. The only notice the board had the matter was the desire to act for the public good, and no more could be done if the Common was the hands of the Metropolitan Board. If any member desired to oppose the construction of this road, he could call a special meeting of the board.

Mr. Turner desired to give notice of special motion to be taken into consideration at the next meeting of the board — "That the condition of Wandsworth Common be taken into consideration by this board " — as there had been a good deal of discussion on the matter out of doors — " with a view of ascertaining whether this board has any power, aud, if any, what power, to preserve the Common."

Mr. Dagnall: Better let it alone, for we have the promise of Lord Spencer that it shall be appropriated to public recreation.

Mr. Sarson: Lord Spencer wants to help the parish, and the parish won't let him.

Mr. Turner: It's said outside there's no member of the board who takes any interest in the matter. The Chairman: Ibelieve every member of this board is as anxious as any one can be out of doors to preserve our open spaces, if possible, but Ifear our powers are limited. When the discussion comes on we shall know exactly what they are. I know what the feeling of the Metropolitan Board is in this matter. I have tried to find out what reason those members who oppose the making of this road have for opposing it, and I should like to ask Mr. Turner what it is that he wants done.

Mr. Turner: If you ask me, I don't want anything done at all.

Mr. Gaitskell observed that the board had a meeting about a month ago on the very same subject. It appeared now that the surveyors for Battersea and Wandsworth were instructed to prepare estimates of the cost of the proposed road across Wandsworth Common, and to report as to the relative lengths abutting on private property was given to understand that the property belonged to Earl Spencer, who had conveyed his interest in it to the board, and considered that the only thing that remained to be done by the board was formally to adopt the surveyor's estimates.

Mr. Meaden observed that it was meant to indicate on the plan private property as distinguishable from common land, which had not yet been done. He advised the board to go on the right way, and take no notice of what was said outside. Mr. Sarson remarked that if Lord Spencer had been paid £1,000 for the land, it would have been all right. He hoped that as Lord Spencer had signed deed of gift The Clerk: It's not deed of gift. It's a deed of dedication. Mr. Sarson: Well, then, a deed of dedication. I hope it will be returned to him in common honesty, if the road is not made. The clerk said that the matter was still incomplete, as Earl Spencer had not signed the plan of the proposed road.

DRAINAGE EXTRAORDINARY.

Mr. Loat complained of the excessive depth of a main sewer that ran across Clapham Common. It lay so deep that it put those who had houses near it to enormous charges. Mr. Irving had to pay £i > for the simple connection of his house drainage with the main sewer. The chairman suggested that four or five neighbouring residents should conjointly lay down a subsidiary drain to take the drainage off all their houses, having only one connection with the main sewer.

Referring to Mr. Buckmaster's letter afterwards, he observed that there were three points in that letter for reference — the footpath, the elm tree, and the committee room.

Mr. Poupart contended that the track referred to by Mr. Buckmaster never was a footpath. When the South-Western Company went across the Common long before the Brighton Railway was made, there was a footpath across by the Plough, near where the elm tree was now destroyed.

On the railway taking away that path, the parish insisted on a footbridge being made the company, and one was made near the Freemasons' Schools.

When the Brighton Railway Company came afterwards, they paid the parish as compensation, and entered into an arrangement with it to keep the arches and bridges in repair. the footpath they took was the one tlme went across from Wandsworth to Nightingale-lane.

Those were the only two recognized footpaths.

There was also a track by the Plough towards the Freemasons' Almshouses [PB: Almshouses?], but it never was recognized. Those to which he referred were the only two shown upon any maps. With regard to a path referred to as having been mended at the expense of the board, he would mention that when the board met at Bonnerville-road [?], many members got out at the New Wandsworth Station, the nearest way from which was by track across the Common, and that being in a bad state, requested the surveyor to lay a little gravel on it to make it a little cleaner.

Mr. Dagnall corroborated this statement.

Mr. G. Todd remarked that he had spoken to Sir Charles Forbes respecting it, and he said it was merely a beaten track, and not a footpath at all. He remembered when first it was made. The subject of the preservation of open spaces, more particularly that of Wandsworth Common, was dear to all. Many gentlemen then present had a great stake in the neighbourhood, and it was manifestly to their own personal advantage, even if they were actuated by no more praiseworthy motive, to seek to preserve such open spaces. What they wished to do, however, was to act as the board desired to do — legally, honestly, fairly The chairman reminded the speaker that the subject was simply one of the footpath. Mr. G. Todd said that the question had been discussed often, and invariably it had been decided that the footpath was not public, and that therefore the board had no right to interfere all in the matter. Mr. Turner had known the place 10 years, and certainly there was footpath there on which he could walk. All he would say was this:It is very desirable that the board should ascertain what is a footpath. If have any power to preserve that footpath, by all means let them preserve it full force.

Mr. Meaden remarked that many years ago persons were very anxious respecting the Putney Park-lane question. It was told the board over and over again that they ought to press the question. They did so. It cost immense deal of money, and they found to their cost that the mere fact of a path being made and used for a term of years did not establish right. The Battersea Local Committee had decided this was not a public path. Should the board be justified in going to law on a question, compared to which that respecting the Park-lane at Putney was clear?

Mr. C. W. Todd: Supposing they gained their point, and found it was a parish footpath; if they tried to use it, they'd find themselves walking into the company's coal bunks. It leads nowhere. Mr. George Todd hoped that if the board interfered at all, it would be to take the Common upon a lease the same as that at Streatham. It seemed to him a very simple matter to do so. Mr. Poupart asked whether the board had not already passed resolution in regard to Mr. Buckmaster's correspondence? Mr. Sarson was quite willing to give up a portion of his time for the public good, but certainly demurred at having it frittered away by useless repetition of the same discussion. The subject had been carefully gone into, and so satisfied were the board in their own minds that they had no power whatever to interfere, that, his opinion, all that it was necessary to do, would be to refer Mr. Buckmaster to the former communication of the board. As to entering into any wildgoose scheme for no purpose and no end, he never would endorse such a step.

Mr. Turner: Have the board ever had any legal opinion on the subject besides the clerks?

The Chairman: Well, sir, why should the board take action upon it at all, when the matter has been referred to the local committee, and they say it's not a public path at all? We are met here by Mr. Buckmaster

Mr. Turner: It's not Mr. Buckmaster! It's idle to disguise the fact. It's the inhabitants as well. The meeting originated entirely apart from Mr. Buckmaster — (Mr. Todd: "No, no") — with a man little known in this district. I don't want the board to bother itself about this matter, but if we have counsel's legal opinion, there's our answer to Mr. Buckmaster.

The Chairman: Why should Mr. Buckmaster, or any one else, force us into court of law

Mr. Dagnall: If Mr. Buckmaster wants opinion, let him go and take it. Mr. Turner: He's a ratepayer, and has a right to ask us if we can do anything in the matter — . Mr. Dagnall had been a good many years the parish — ever since boyhood; but there was no footpath across the Common in the place referred to.

Mr. Sarson: The argument amounts to this. If you take opinion for every dissatisfied ratepayer who comes up here with a crotchet and says: " Oh, you're only falling back the opinion of your clerk. Why don't you take counsel's opinion?" you would take it on the merest rubbishy trash possible. But we have not only the opinion of our legal adviser, but also that of Mr. Poupart, who is au authority in himself, and who was for years connected with the Highway Board. All the evidence that we can collect shows that this is not a footway at all.

Mr. Poupart: I have taken the trouble privately with Mr. Buckmaster of going over every map and plan of the parish I could get at — Lord Spencer's private maps and the tithe maps. There's not one that shows this track across the Common. The chairman remarked that it was an entire mistake to suppose that the board set itself opposition to the wishes of the ratepayers as regarded the enclosure of the Common. The only bit ever enclosed since they were a board, was the little piece taken for the schools. [?] They did all they could to prevent that being done. The other piece was taken by the railway, and belonged to it years before the Board of Works was existence.

Mr. G. Todd: it's not all wind of that great agitator, Mr. Rose, he distinctly said he should take a legal opinion on it. He told a falsehood, saying I was the nominee of the railway company — The chairman stopped the speaker.

Mr. Sarson: They are collecting funds for the purpose of litigating this question. Let them take the opinion. The Chairman: Can make this plain to them? So far as have evidence, and in the opinion of our law clerk, this is not a public footpath, and therefore the board cannot interfere.

Mr. Todd: We don't need counsel's opinion. You may depend Mr. Rose will get one if he wants it He had given notice of injunction against the Brighton Railway Company. He told me he thought he hadn't a leg to stand on, but thought it a good way of coming to a settlement. ("Laughter.) Excuse me for feeling rather warm on the subject, but Isuffered little at the hands of the mob. An answer was settled to be returned that all information had been already given. With regard to the elm tree, Mr. C. W. Todd observed that people shouldn't tell lies, and say the whole of those trees were going to be taken down. The chairman remarked that the board were most anxious to preserve all the trees if they only had the power to do so. There were other trees they would be very glad to get rid of, but they hadn't the power to do so. How would that part be answered respecting the application for the use of the offices Mr. Todd: 1 have gone into a society that wish to save your rates very much — the teetotal society. I should like the use of this board-room for them immensely, and have as much right to ask for it anyone else.

Mr. Dagnall observed: They have got their Lammas Hall. Let them meet there.

Mr. Turner thought the application very reasonable. The matter had been taken by many influential persons, and the board-room was a very central place to meet at. There could be no objection to let them have a little room once fortnight or once a month. The board ought to sympathize with their object. He thought any refusal of the room might be construed into the opinion that the board not only took no interest in the Common, but was opposed to the movement for its preservation.

Mr. Meaden could see why they should be asked if the committee consisted of gentlemen who lived in the neighbourhood, but it was a general committee collected from all parts of the metropolis he could see no reason for the grant.

Mr. Purdy also thought it would be wise to avoid ill-feeling granting the application on the understanding that the committee was composed of local residents.

Mr. G. Todd objected on the ground that the committee only sought to come there to get certain status to fight their battles with. He belonged to a private committee that had attempted to arrange the matter by taking the Common from Earl Spencer on lease or to buy the freehold of him. But they had been thoroughly thwarted the fact that people had been calling him names, that he refused to see anybody on the subject.

Mr. Barringer seconded Mr. Turner's motion, that the committee should have the room if it was composed of local men.

Mr. Dagnall Mr. Sarson, and Mr. Todd opposed the motion, which was after a long discussion lost by a very large majority. The board then adjourned.

[BNA: Link.]

"WANDSWORTH DISTRICT BOARD OF WORKS

. . . the Wandsworth District Board of Works have agreed the destruction of the ornamental water called the Black Sea, on Wandsworth Common : 'and to make or and making roads to facilitate the 'en.-Insure and building on Wandsworth Common Earl . . .

Published: Saturday 31 August 1867

Newspaper: South London Press

County: London, England

Type: Article | Words: 3758 | Page: 5 | Tags: none"

South London Press — Saturday 31 August 1867

WANDSWORTH DISTRICT BOARD OF WORKS.

This body met on Wednesday last at their offices. Present: Messrs. Meaden (in the chair), Carter, Sarson, Rolls, Gaitskell, Dagnall, Purdy, Riches, Loat, Barringer, Bemish, Lacey. Watlin, Young, Hewett, Turner, Poupart, Selwood, Clarke, Silvester, Clayton, Greenwood, Langton, G. Todd, C. W. Todd, Osborne.

HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT.

Battersea.Births 50, deaths 47. No remarks. Clapham.Births 35, deaths 17. The weekly average being now 8.15, the health of the district was good, though some epidemic disease prevailed. Streatham.Births 13, deaths 3. General health good, and zymotic disease rare. Wandsworth.Births 26, deaths 11. Health of the district continued very satisfactory; as indicated by the continued lowness of the mortality, the absence of any deaths from epidemic disease, and the character and amount of sickness prevalent amongst the parochial poor. letters were received From the Commissioner of Police, calling attention to a nuisance Chapel-place, York-road, Battersea; from Mr. F. Whitaker, requesting the erection of lamp in Cross-street, Battersea; from Mr. J. Blackmore, expressing surprise at any complaints of the state of the roads in Wimbledon Park after his sower work there; from Messrs. Few and Co., relative to the proceedings instituted by Messrs. Clark and Sons for compensation for damages done to them by the construction of new sewers Clapham, and requesting the amount of compensation and costs to be paid at early date; from Mr. Reed, Atkin's road, Clapham, complaining of negligence of the dust contractor; from Messrs. Baxter, Rose, and Norton, on behalf of the Brighton Railway Company, stating that the company's contractor had instructions as to what roads the company were liable to repair, and that if Streatham Church road was one, the work would be done.

Twelve tenders were received for sewer work at Putney. The highest was that of Mr. Blackmore (1,650), the lowest that of Mr. Thackrah (050). The latter's was accepted. the battersea local committee recommended That the clerk be requested to give his opinion as to whether the board are liable, the matter of Mr. Holland's claim for compensation for using party wall, &c, in the erection of the cottage at the stone yard. That the attention of the Metropolitan Board of Works be called to the serious nuisance arising from the ventilators of the main sewers. That the apportionment of the cost of paving Russell-street, Henley-street, St. John's Hill Grove, and Little Europa-place, as accompanying the report, be approved, and that Mr. George Nichols collect the amounts. That the clerk be instructed to take the necessary legal proceedings immediately against the liquidators of the West London Wharves and Warehouses Company, to compel them to reinstate the bridge in the Lower Wandsworth-road. That a sewer be constructed Landseer-street, and the cost thereof charged to the owners of property abutting thereon, and that the surveyor be instructed to prepare a plan and section thereof for the approval of the Metropolitan Board of Works. The whole of the recommendations were adopted.

The committee further stated that they have instructed the inspector of nuisances to take proceedings at the police-court against William Hexell alias Crisp, of Ashley's-buildings, Battersea, for offering fish for sale on the 9th inst., the same being unfit for human food, and in future to take immediate proceedings at the police-court against any persons whom he may detect offering food for sale, which the medical officer of health may pronounce to be unfit for human food. The inspector of nuisances reported that he has inspected houses, all of which are now drained into sewers, and are clean and well supplied with water; also that he has served nine notices, and that 14 nuisances have been abated. letters.

Letters were received from the superintending architect of the Metropolitan Board of Works with reference to Mr. Redwood's shop front in Orchard-street, Wandsworth, stating that such a shop front is permitted by the 26th section of the Building Act, and that such law is usually carried out under the supervision of the district surveyor, in cases where no interference with the powers of the street authorities is likely to arise, and that the proposal of Mr. Redwood, which was refused by such board, related to a larger projection. The like, inviting suggestions, with reference to an application by Mr. Thomas Cocks, for permission to erect a one-storey addition front house adjoining Pilgrim Cottage, York-road, Wandsworth. the like, stating that such board have approved of Messrs. Drew's plan for the formation ot a continuation of Leigham Valley, and of three new roads (40 feet wide) adjoining Leigham Court-road, Streatham.

WANDSWORTH COMMON.

The following letters were received on this subject: "The Elms. Wandsworth Common." Sir, — I have been served with notice t hat the roads by and across the Black Sea contemplated the parish are illegal. It certainly seems to me an unwarrantable expenditure of the parish funds. Dear sir, yours truly, 'Chas. Lambert. "A. A. Corsellis, Esq."

" 11, Salisbury-street, Strand, London, lir ~ T 23rd August, 1867. Gentlemen,l informed that the Wandsworth District Board of Works have agreed the destruction of the ornamental water called the Black Sea, on Wandsworth Common : 'and to make or and making roads to facilitate the 'enclosure and building on Wandsworth Common Earl Spencer. Ihereby give you notice that any such expenditure on the part of the board is utterly unwarrantable, and is, Ibelieve, illegal; and that Ishall oppose by every means in my power, by legal proceedings or otherwise, any such expenditure by the board I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, "J. Anderson Rose. " The District Board of Works." " 11, Salisbury-street, Strand, London, " 23rd August, 18(57.

"Dear sir, believe I am entitled under the Local Management Act to inspect and take a copy of the minutes of the board.

" Iunderstand the board has passed a resolution with reference to the Black Sea on Wandsworth Common, and it would be a convenience to me, and save the trouble of my personal attendance, if you would allow your clerk to send me a copy of the resolution of the board, for which Ishall be happy to pay any charge.l am, dear sir, yours truly, Mr. A. A. Corsellis, Clerk to District Board.

A long letter was also received from Mr. Buckmaster. In it he stated thart he was directed the committee for the Preservation of Commons and Open Spaces to inquire if the board intended to take any steps to preserve the footpaths on Wandsworth Commonespecially the footpaths taken away by the Brighton Railway Company, and the one referred to by Mr. Corsellis in a case drawn up by him to be submitted for counsels' opinion, as having been used without interruption for years(Mr. Corsellis : " Imay say that is incorrect")and if the board did not intend to do so, if they would kindly inform him of their reasons for non-interference.

He begged also to direct the attention of the board to the destruction an elm tree near Battersea cemetery, and asked, conclusion, that the board would allow the committee to meet the offices of the board occasionally, in order to avoid the expenses of meeting at a public-house.

The Chairman : The first letters are with regard to the road. 1 suppose our clerk can say whether or not we have legal right to make that road.Purdy thought that as it was usual for holders of private property to make their own roads, they ought to have any departure from the ordinary custom brought prominently forward on the agenda paper and properly investigated.

Dagnall remarked that the board had already agreed that the road should be formed. [At the previous meeting it was resolved,

" That the Battersea and Wandsworth surveyors be instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of the proposed new road across Wandsworth Common, and to report as to the relative lengths abutting upon private property and the Common iv each parish."] Mr. Meaden apprehended that no mischief could occur by waiting till the full report was ready, which would state the exact length abutting on private property. He thought every one would highly approve making a good road. The only thing was that in the minds of some persons there existed an impression that there were reasons yet behind the scenes why this road should not be constructed. The only notice the board had the matter was the desire to act for the public good, and no more could be done if the Common was the hands of the Metropolitan Board. If any member desired to oppose the construction of this road, he could call a special meeting of the board.Turner desired to give notice of special motion to be taken into consideration at the next meeting of the board"That the condition of Wandsworth Common be taken into consideration by this board " — as there had been a good deal of discussion on the matter out of doors" with a view of ascertaining whether this board has any power, aud, if any, what power, to preserve the Common." Mr. Dagnall: Better let it alone, for we have the promise of Lord Spencer that it shall be appropriated to public recreation.Sarson: Lord Spencer wants to help the parish, and the parish won't let him.Turner: It's said outside there's no member of the board who takes any interest in the matter.

The Chairman: Ibelieve every member of this board is as anxious as any one can be out of doors to preserve our open spaces, if possible, but Ifear our powers are limited. When the discussion comes on we shall know exactly what they are. I know what the feeling of the Metropolitan Board is in this matter. I have tried to find out what reason those members who oppose the making of this road have for opposing it, and I should like to ask Mr. Turner what it is that he wants done.

Mr. Turner: If you ask me, I don't want anything done at all.Gaitskell observed that the board had a meeting about a month ago on the very same subject. It appeared now that the surveyors for Battersea and Wandsworth were instructed to prepare estimates of the cost of the proposed road across Wandsworth Common, and to report as to the relative lengths abutting on private property. was given to understand that the property belonged to Earl Spencer, who had conveyed his interest in it to the board, and considered that the only thing that remained to be done by the board was formally to adopt the surveyor's estimates.Meaden observed that it was meant to indicate on the plan private property as distinguishable from common land, which had not yet been done. He advised the board to go on the right way, and take no notice of what was said outside.Sarson remarked that if Lord Spencer had been paid 1,000 for the land, it would have been all right. He hoped that as Lord Spencer had signed deed of gift The Clerk: It's not deed of gift. It's a deed of dedication.Sarson: Well, then, a deed of dedication. I hope it will be returned to him in common honesty, if the road is not made. The clerk said that the matter was still incomplete, as Earl Spencer had not signed the plan of the proposed road.

DRAINAGE EXTRAORDINARY.

Loat complained of the excessive depth of a main sewer that ran across Clapham Common. It lay so deep that it put those who had houses near it to enormous charges.Irving had to pay i > for the simple connection of his house drainage with the main sewer. The chairman suggested that four or five neighbouring residents should conjointly lay down a subsidiary drain to take the drainage off all their houses, having only one connection with the main sewer. Referring to Mr. Buckmaster's letter afterwards, he observed that there were three points in that letter for reference-the footpath, the elm tree, and the committee room.Poupart contended that the track referred to by Mr. Buckmaster never was a footpath. When the South-Western Company went across the Common long before the Brighton Railway was made, there was a footpath across by the Plough, near where the elm tree was now destroyed. On the railway taking away that path, the parish insisted on a footbridge being made the company, and one was made near the Freemasons' Schools. When the Brighton Railway Company came afterwards, they paid the parish as compensation, and entered into an arrangement with it to keep the arches and bridges in repair. the footpath they took was the one that went across from Wandsworth to Nightingale-lane. Those were the only two recognized footpaths. There was also a track by the Plough towards the Freemasons' Almshouses, but it never was recognized. Those to which he referred were the only two shown upon any maps. With regard to a path referred to as having been mended at the expense of the board, he would mention that when the board met at Bonnervilleroad, many members got out at the New Wandsworth Station, the nearest way from which was by track across the Common, and that being in bad state, requested the surveyor to lay a little gravel on it to make it a little cleaner.Dagnall corroborated this statement.G. Todd remarked that he had spoken to Sir Charles Forbes respecting it, and he said it was merely a beaten track, and not a footpath at all. He remembered when first it was made. The subject of the preservation of open spaces, more particularly that of Wandsworth Common, was dear to all. Many gentlemen then present had a great stake iv the neighbourhood, and it was manifestly to their own personal advantage, even if they were actuated by no more praiseworthy motive, to seek to preserve such open spaces. What they wished to do, however, was to act as the board desired to dolegally, honestly, fairly The chairman reminded the speaker that the subject was simply oue of the footpath.G. Todd said that the question had been discussed often, and invariably it had been decided that the footpath was not public, and that therefore the board had no right to interfere all in the matter.Turner had known the place 10 years, and certainly there was footpath there on which he could walk. All he would say was this :It is very desirable that the board should ascertain what is a footpath. If have any power to preserve that footpath, by all means let them preserve it full force.Meaden remarked that many years ago persons were very anxious respecting the Putney Park-lane question. It was told the board over and over again that they ought to press the question. They did so. It cost immense deal of money, and they found to their cost that the mere fact of a path being made and used for a term of years did not establish right. The Battersea Local Committee had decided this was not a public path. Should the board be justified in going to law on a question, compared to which that respecting the Park-lane at Putney was clear ? Mr. C. W. Todd: Supposing they gained their point, and found it was a parish footpath; if they tried to use it, they'd find themselves walking into the company's coal bunks. It leads nowhere.George Todd hoped that if the board interfered at all, it would be to take the Common upon a lease the same as that at Streatham. It seemed to him a very simple matter to do so.

Poupart asked whether the board had not already passed resolution in regard to Mr. Buckmaster's correspondence? Mr. Sarson was quite willing to give up a portion of his time for the public good, but certainly demurred at having it frittered away by useless repetition of the same discussion. The subject had been carefully gone into, and so satisfied were the board in their own minds that they had no power whatever to interfere, that, his opinion, all that it was necessary to do, would be to refer Mr. Buckmaster to the former communication of the board. As to entering into any wildgoose scheme for no purpose and no end, he never would endorse such a step.Turner: Have the board ever had any legal opinion on the subject besides the clerks ? The Chairman: Well, sir, why should the board take action upon it at all, when the matter has been referred to the local committee, and they say it's not a public path at all ? We are met here by Mr. Buckmaster Mr. Turner: It's not Mr. Buckmaster! It's idle to disguise the fact. It's the inhabitants as well. The meeting originated entirely apart from Mr. Buckmaster(Mr. Todd: "No, no")with a man little known in this district. I don't want the board to bother itself about this matter, but if we have counsel's legal opinion, there's our answer to Mr. Buckmaster. The Chairman: Why should Mr. Buckmaster, or any one else, force us into court of law Mr. Dagnall: If Mr. Buckmaster wants opinion, let him go and take it.Turner: He's a ratepayer, and has a right to ask us if we can do anything in the matte* — .Dagnall had been a good many years the parishever since boyhood; but there was no footpath across the Common in the place referred to.Sarson: The argument amounts to this. If you take opinion for every dissatisfied ratepayer who comes up here with a crotchet and says : " Oh, you're only falling back the opinion of your clerk. Why don't you take counsel's opinion?" you would take it on the merest rubbishy trash possible. But we have not only the opinion of our legal adviser, but also that of Mr. Poupart, who is au authority in himself, and who was for years connected with the Highway Board. All the evidence that we can collect shows that this is not a footway at all.Poupart: I have taken the trouble privately with Mr. Buckmaster of going over every map and plan of the parish I could get atLord Spencer's private maps and the tithe maps. There's not one that shows this track across the Common. The chairman remarked that it was an entire mistake to suppose that the board set itself opposition to the wishes of the ratepayers as regarded the enclosure of the Common. The only bit ever enclosed since they were a board, was the little piece taken for the schools. They did all they could to prevent that being done. The other piece was taken by the railway, and belonged to it years before the Board of Works was existence.G. Todd: it's not all wind of that great agitator, Mr. Rose, he distinctly said he should take a legal opinion on it. He told a falsehood, saying I was the nominee of the railway company — The chairman stopped the speaker.Sarson: They are collecting funds for the purpose of litigating this question. Let them take the opinion. The Chairman : Can make this plain to them ? So far as have evidence, and in the opinion of our law clerk, this is not a public footpath, and therefore the board cannot interfere.Todd: We don't need counsel's opinion. You may depend Mr. Rose will get one if he wants it He had given notice of injunction against the Brighton Railway Company. He told me he thought he hadn't a leg to stand on, but thought it a good way of coming to a settlement. ("Laughter.) Excuse me for feeling rather warm on the subject, but Isuffered little at the hands of the mob. An answer was settled to be returned that all information had been already given. With regard to the elm tree, Mr. C. W. Todd observed that people shouldn't tell lies, and say the whole of those trees were going to be taken down. The chairman remarked that the board were most anxious to preserve all the trees if they only had the power to do so. There were other trees they would be very glad to get rid of, but they hadn't the power to do so. How would that part be answered respecting the application for the use of the offices Mr. Todd: 1 have gone into a society that wish to save your rates very muchthe teetotal society. I should like the use of this board-room for them immensely, and have as much right to ask for it anyone else.

Dagnall observed: They have got their Lammas Hall. Let them meet there.

Turner thought the application very reasonable. The matter had been taken by many influential persons, and the board-room was a very central place to meet at. There could be no objection to let them have a little room once fortnight or once a month. The board ought to sympathize with their object. He thought any refusal of the room might be construed into the opinion that the board not only took no interest in the Common, but was opposed to the movement for its preservation.

Meaden could see why they should be asked if the committee consisted of gentlemen who lived in the neighbourhood, but it was a general committee collected from all parts of the metropolis he could see no reason for the grant.

Purdy also thought it would be wise to avoid ill-feeling granting the application on the understanding that the committee was composed of local residents.

G. Todd objected on the ground that the committee only sought to come there to get certain status to fight their battles with. He belonged to a private committee that had attempted to arrange the matter by taking the Common from Earl Spencer on lease or to buy the freehold of him. But they had been thoroughly thwarted the fact that people had been calling him names, that he refused to see anybody on the subject.

Barringer seconded Mr. Turner's motion, that the committee should have the room if it was composed of local men.Dagnall Mr. Sarson, and Mr. Todd opposed the motion, which was after a long discussion lost by a very large majority. The board then adjourned.

[BNA: Link.]

"[Rus in urbe!]

South London Press — Saturday 7 September 1867

WANDSWORTH COMMON.

To the Editor of the South London Press.

Sir, In a very interesting discussion, reported in your journal of the 31st ult., Ifind that the Board of Works gravely discuss the point of what is a pathway, it appearing that a beaten track is not footpath. May Ibe permitted to remark that I, for one, never walk on a beaten track when I can fresh turf for my feet; and it really monstrous to spend time in settling whether an open Common, traversed for thousand years from all points of the compass, is not altogether a footpath although not worn down into ruts and straight lines, as it is provident the public must learn to do.

Is there human being who can desire to have the only pretty walk within 10 miles abolished, and to satisfy practical builders, permit the Black Sea, with its islands, to be levelled and covered with angular villas, fitted up with backyards for the children to play in and annoy the neighbours Ishudder at the thought.

I am, sir, your obedient servant, Rus in Urbe.

[BNA: Link.]

1867-09-07-SouthLondonPress-07sep1867.png"

South London Chronicle — Saturday 23 November 1867

Wandsworth-common. The Clerk reported on the question referred to him to the public right? over the common. Was of opinion that there had not been a defined and distinct footpath that had been interfered With. A letter from Earl Spencer was read in answer the Board's application for a perpetual easement over the common, and in the event of that being declined, to know upon what terms he will part with his interest, with view to its being secured to the public for ever. The Earl replied that he should postpone any action in the matter until after a decision is given with reference to Wimbledon-common. It will be more satisfactory to wait for that decision than to act Upon any course which may afterwards be set aside. T

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 28 December 1867

Christmas Dinner to Poor Children at New Wandsworth.

At 1 o'clock on Christmas Day 70 poor children, picked up from the highways and byeways of Wandsworth and Battersea, sat down to a hunger-dispelling dinner at the Freemasons' Hotel, New Wandsworth.

Mr. G. Bickerdike was the prime mover in this charitable effort, the room at the hotel being freely lent for the occasion by the landlord, Mr. Hare. Several influential families of tho neighbourhood were present, and gave at once a charm and a heartiness to the occasion by their genial and untiring exertions in waiting on the little ones, and cheering them on in their enjoyment of the good things placed before them; and after the little folks had partaken freely of the good Christmas fare provided for them, they were gladdened by receiving from Mr. Buckmaster a gift of 2d. each to keep in their pockets for Boxing Day.

[BNA: Link.]

"1868 — 5000-STRONG MASS MEETINGS TO DEFEND COMMON — CALL FOR MBW TO TAKE OVER — SAMUEL BEVINGTON HAS BABY — DICK TURPIN & PLOUGH — LETTER TO TIMES RE BLACK SEA THREATENED — MBW & WC — BUCKMASTER FINDS A COPYHOLDER TO TRY THE CASE AGAINST SPENCER -

[BNA:

"CAMPAIGNERS FOR THE COMMON

[May 1868]

In May, 1868, the Vicar, the Rev. T. S. Jenkinson, invited a few gentlemen to meet at his house to consider if anything could be done to stop the continual encroachments on the Common.

A road was made by the side of the South Western Railway from the railway bridge, opposite the Freemasons Arms, past the old pumping mill to the bridge on Trinity road, another road, being a continuation of Spencer-road was made to form a building frontage to the Spencer Park Estate.

There was also an enclosure of a long strip of green sward on the side of the main road, which now forms the north frontage of the Spencer Park Estate.

A committee was appointed, and frequent meetings were held, which at last resulted in a memorial to Earl Spencer, which was signed by upwards of 200 ratepayers of New Wandsworth.

All these efforts were useless

At last the indignation and enthusiasm of the neighbourhood were fully aroused, and the way prepared for further action.

Application was made to the District Board of Works to take charge of the Common, and prevent further encroachments.

[17th of June, 1868]

This was supplemented by an appeal to the Metropolitan Board of Works, and at a meeting held on the 17th of June, 1868, Mr. Meaden presented a memorial from the Wandsworth Board of Works, praying the Metropolitan Board to enforce the provisions of the Commons Act of 1866, so as to save what remained of the Common from further encroachments. This was referred to the Works Committee.

A deputation attended of inhabitants of Wandsworth and Battersea, introduced by Mr. Meaden, who presented the following memorial:

The memorial of us the undersigned inhabitants of the parishes of Wandsworth and Battersea, showeth -

1. That the whole of Wandsworth and Battersea Commons are within your jurisdiction.

2. That these Commons formerly consisted of about 300 acres, but, in consequence of many enclosures and encroachments, the open spaces now remaining, do not, we believe, consist of more than 150 acres.

3. That from time immemorial these Commons have been entirely open for the public use and recreation, and were formerly noted for their great natural beauty and fertility, and are, not-withstanding their present neglected state, still greatly resorted to by the inhabitants of the metropolis, the access by rail being remarkably easy, and the fares low.

4. That the continual encroachments on these Commons, the excavation of gravel pits which are left in a dangerous state to the public and serve as resorts for dissolute characters — the deposit of rubbish, and other nuisances of a like nature, have given rise to a wide-spread feeling of regret and dissatisfaction, which has resulted in an application to the Board of Works for the Wandsworth District to enforce the Commons Preservation Act of 1866.

5. The necessity of maintaining the Commons and open spaces around London, in consequence of the rapid increase of the population, has been recognised both by your honourable Board and the Legislature, and we would respectfully urge that the preservation, unenclosed, of Wandsworth and Battersea Commons has become a matter of great importance to the inhabitants of the metropolis.

Your memorialists therefore hope that, in consideration of the public importance of the subject, your honorable Board will be pleased to direct immediate steps to be taken to put the Commons Preservation Act of 1866 in operation, to secure and maintain, unenclosed, for the benefit of the public, in perpetuity, the existing Commons of Wandsworth and Battersea.

J. S. Jenkinson, Vicar of Battersea.

E. R. Ransome, Rushmere Cottage, Wandsworth Common

H. Brown, Cornwall Villa, Wandsworth common;

J. D. Keighley, Ashdown, Wandsworth common;

Charles Gray, Chestnut Villa, Wandsworth common;

William Carter, Althorp House, Wandsworth common;

George Alder, Battersea Rise;

G. H. Page, Spencer road;

C. M. Hanson, Spencer road;

Hubert de Carteret, Spencer road;

Paul Oppitz, Vardens road;

G. H. Swounell, Wandsworth common;

John Costeker, St. John's hill;

Wm. Compton Smith, Ivy Lodge, St. John's hill;

Alexander Webster, 25, Oberstein road;

H. W. M. Wilson, Spencer road;

James Mudie, Park road, New Wandsworth;

Francis R. Bertollacci [Bertolacci], Park road, New Wandsworth;

John Archbutt, Wandsworth common;

Andrew McKay, Park road, New Wandsworth;

Ambrose P. Boyson, Wandsworth common;

T. S. Watson, The Gables, Wandsworth common.;

James Du Buisson, Wandsworth common;

Edward Coventry, Wandsworth common.

Mr. Lord and Mr. Buckmaster addressed the Board on the subject, asking them. to interfere for prevention of further encroachment without delay, pointing out the gradual increase of enclosure and buildings.

[Shortly after November 1868, the defenders of the Common finally despaired of the MBoW, who they realised were contemplating selling off parts of the Common.]

Moreover, Earl Spencer's agent with the connivance of the district surveyor, enclosed a long strip of common to add to the north side of the said estate, cutting the main road down to a mere 40ft road, instead of its being a good wide road as it had been from time immemorial.

A petition signed by more than 200 ratepayers of New Wandsworth was sent to Earl Spencer, protesting against, these encroachments, but a deaf ear was turned to us.

1870. — March 14th. — A large and influential meeting was held at the Lammas Hall, Battersea, convened by Mr. J. C. Buckmaster, churchwarden of the parish of St. Mary's, Battersea, at the request of seven influential parishioners, including the vicar and the late Tom Taylor. The hall was filled by eight o'clock, amongst those

5

present being Messrs. Lord, Eccles, H. Whiting, Lambert, Bertolacci, Buckmaster, Ransome, Bass, Bickerdike, Carter, Taylor, Goldsmith, Coventry, B. Smith, Clark, Owen, Noir, Griffiths, Poupart, Todd, and others.

Mr. Buckmaster, having been voted into the chair, read Mr. Peek's letter, addressed to himself, as follows:

" Wimbledon House, 7th Feb. 1870. " My dear Sir Iread your remarks in the City Press of Saturday, and I have sent a copy of the paper to Earl Spencer. The public may grumble as much as they please; that will never stop encroachments or enclosures. What I have been thinking of is this: round Clapham common there are many wealthy gentlemen, some of whom are beginning to feel alarmed at Lord Spencer declining to renew the lease of that part which belongs to him. And in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth there are also many well-to-do people. If these will pay 4,000 into a bank Iwill add 1,000, and, as a Battersea copyholder, would at once commence proceedings to take up everything irregular during the legal term, which, Ibelieve, is 20 years. " We are vigorously defending this common, and intend to leave no stone unturned to settle the question once for all. I have my hands very full, but am quite willing to do what I say, but not on a less scale, having named the precise sum we fixed on here.

Yours faithfully, HENRY W. PEEK .

To J. C. Buckmaster, Esq.

PS — Iwill hold myself bound to this offer to June, 1870, but no longer."

. . .

A substantive resolution, pledging the meeting to use its utmost endeavours to raise the sum requisite to secure Mr. Peek's offer of 1,000, was moved by Mr. Eccles, and seconded by Mr. Lord, who said he appeared on that platform as one interested, like them all, in the present movement, and he considered the time had now arrived when this long-vexed question ought to be submitted to a proper tribunal for a legal settlement once for all, and announced, amidst loud cheers, his subscription of 100.

Mr. Ransome, from the body of the meeting, congratulated those present on the practical turn it had assumed, and submitted that a committee of management should be then named, with power to add to their number, and that meetings be held at Wandsworth and Clapham, and sub-committees formed for raising subscriptions throughout the neighbourhood, and his 50 should be ready at any moment. Mr. Ransome spoke with much earnestness, and was deservedly cheered.

Mr. Lambert and Mr. Bertolacci also addressed the meeting, also several working men, whose remarks were listened to with marked attention, as showing how largely they participated in the movement and suggestions were made for establishing district committees amongst themselves for raising penny subscriptions.

The following gentlemen were named on the executive committee, viz.: — Messrs. Lord, Lambert, Eccles, Whiting, Ransome, Bertolacci, Rose, Bickerdike, and the chairman (Mr. Buckmaster).

Subscriptions were announced amounting to nearly 400.

A cordial vote of thanks having been given to the chairman, some of those present went home with a deep-seated determination to be up and doing, which augured well for the successful issue of this movement. In order to carry out the resolution for raising funds the members of the committee, with subsequent additions in numbers, divided the district for house to house visitation.

Mr. Ransome undertook the residents on the edge of the common. He called upon the late Mr. Du Buisson and told him he wanted 100, which he agreed to give, and invited the committee in future to hold their meetings at his house. The members of the committee used to go daily (mostly in the evening) to the various houses, perhaps ten or twelve in a day, and thus helped to rouse a wide-spread interest in the movement.

Collecting subscriptions involved a great deal of time and labour but nothing seemed to deter some of the more earnest workers.

Mr. Ransome stated that the moving cause of zealous efforts on his part was a religious conviction that it would be good, both morally and spiritually, for those who might succeed him, to have such an open space as this preserved for public use; that he himself had often felt the benefit of being able, even for a short time, to retire from the noise and bustle of city life, and quietly to enjoy what there might be left of country. This feeling, no

6_1

doubt, actuated others. We are now enjoying the outcome of labours but for which other portions of the common would long since have been devoted to building purposes, and Wandsworth-common by this time would have been a thing of the past.

On April 4th, 1870, a public meeting was held at Price's Candle Works Institute, York-road, Mr. Lord being the chairman, supported by Messrs. Buckmaster, Ransome, Bertolacci, Hatcher, and others, and a large number of working men of the neighbourhood.

Mr. Lord briefly alluded to the movement, and said that now or never was the time to be in earnest, that they might have an uphill battle to fight, but by all putting their shoulders to the wheel they would, he felt sure, ultimately triumph.

Mr. Buckmaster next addressed the meeting with his accustomed earnestness and fluency, pointing out the various enclosures and encroachments by which the area of the common had been greatly reduced, and rousing the enthusiasm of the audience to do their part towards putting a stop to further encroachments.

Mr Ransome followed in a somewhat similar strain, remarking that they were not there to interfere with Lord Spencer's rights, if he had right on his side, but they were there to vindicate their own rights, which they believed were being invaded. He preferred conciliation to coercion, believing that more flies were caught by sugar than by vinegar; but at any rate they were determined to come to an issue.

He exhorted the working men to believe that much could be done by small contributions, and urged them to take the matter up in a spirit of determination, as one in which their health and that of their families was largely concerned.

Mr. Fithian, Secretary of the Commons Preservation Society, stated the peculiarities of the law of common rights as between one party and other. Manorial rights differed in various counties; but the rights of copyholders and inhabitants were one and the same.

Mr. Ounds, as representing the artisans in Messrs. Price's establishment, stated the strong interest felt in every workshop on the question, and said that before June arrived they would be prepared with substantial evidence, by their subscriptions, to show their sympathy with the movement.

Mr. Conder and others made a few remarks, and Mr. Turner pledged himself to collect 5.

In the early part of April, 1870, Mr J. G. Mason and Mr Ransome were deputed by the committee to call upon the Lord Mayor for permission to have a meeting at the Mansion House, with the view of enlisting public sympathy and help, but the Lord Mayor did not at that time see his way to assent, although in the following July he consented to a public meeting.

[On April 13th, 1870, about 150 men in midday attacked some gates and fencing which had been put up at the rear of the "Plough" Inn, where there had been a footpath in constant use across that portion of of the common known as Plough-green.]

On the evening of this memorable April 18th [CHECK TEXT — actually 13th?], 1870, a crowded public meeting was held at the "Spread Eagle" Assembly Rooms, under the presidency of Mr. Bevington, J.P., supported by Messrs. Buckmaster, Ransome, Eccles, Coventry, Boyson, Hunter, [p.7] Mason, Conder and others.

The Chairman, who was received with loud applause, said that it was very inspiriting to himself and his friends to be received with such cordial marks of approval as had been evinced towards them that evening.

After referring to Mr. Peek's letter, he observed that they wished the work to be prosecuted in a temperate and strictly legal manner, and that he could not, as a magistrate, countenance the proceedings which had that day taken place near the "Plough" Inn, for such doings were calculated to prejudice rather than assist in determining what the rights of the Lord of the Manor really were.

He understood that Battersea had already commenced liberally to contribute towards this fund, and he hoped Wandsworth in this respect would not allow itself to be out-distanced.

Mr. Ransome then rose and announced that their chairman had just told him he would give 50.

The applause excited by this announcement having subsided, Mr. Buckmaster, who was greeted with a perfect ovation, came forward and said he was glad to have been privileged to bring before their notice a question, not of local, but national importance. He was there to deprecate, with just indignation, the gradual absorbtion of Wandsworth Common, an open space surrounded, for the most part, by poor people unable to help themselves, and which should therefore remain open and unenclosed. (Applause.)

He then described with great earnestness the various enclosures and encroachments made since the year 1846. His humorous reference to the Telescope piece and House of Correction served to mingle good humour with earnest determination. He stated also that the attention of the Board of Works had been repeatedly drawn to these enclosures, but that this had produced no practical effect.

The Chairman observed that after Mr. Buckmaster's eloquent address, he should like some gentleman on the other side to say a few words on the subject.

No one responding to this invitation, a motion was brought forward by Mr. E. Coventry, pledging the meeting to raise as large a proportion as possible of the sum of 4,000 for the parish of Wandsworth.

Mr. Boyson, in seconding the motion, observed that they should strive for their rights in a legal manner. He was quite sure they would do their best to collect the money, remembering that not themselves only, but all London was interested in the matter,

[NB We must include info about Mr Clark(e). And what was the name of the man who was paraded at one or more of the demos for having been fined for fence-breaking in the 1840s? Parsons! [https]://www.historyofwandsworthcommon.org/years/1849.html]

On the evening of this memorable April 18th [CHECK TEXT — actually 13th?], 1870, a crowded public meeting was held at the "Spread Eagle" Assembly Rooms, under the presidency of Mr. Bevington, J.P., supported by Messrs. Buckmaster, Ransome, Eccles, Coventry, Boyson, Hunter, [p.7] Mason, Conder and others.

The Chairman, who was received with loud applause, said that it was very inspiriting to himself and his friends to be received with such cordial marks of approval as had been evinced towards them that evening.

After referring to Mr. Peek's letter, he observed that they wished the work to be prosecuted in a temperate and strictly legal manner, and that he could not, as a magistrate, countenance the proceedings which had that day taken place near the "Plough" Inn, for such doings were calculated to prejudice rather than assist in determining what the rights of the Lord of the Manor really were.

He understood that Battersea had already commenced liberally to contribute towards this fund, and he hoped Wandsworth in this respect would not allow itself to be out-distanced.

Mr. Ransome then rose and announced that their chairman had just told him he would give 50.

The applause excited by this announcement having subsided, Mr. Buckmaster, who was greeted with a perfect ovation, came forward and said he was glad to have been privileged to bring before their notice a question, not of local, but national importance. He was there to deprecate, with just indignation, the gradual absorbtion of Wandsworth Common, an open space surrounded, for the most part, by poor people unable to help themselves, and which should therefore remain open and unenclosed. (Applause.)

He then described with great earnestness the various enclosures and encroachments made since the year 1846. His humorous reference to the Telescope piece and House of Correction served to mingle good humour with earnest determination. He stated also that the attention of the Board of Works had been repeatedly drawn to these enclosures, but that this had produced no practical effect.

The Chairman observed that after Mr. Buckmaster's eloquent address, he should like some gentleman on the other side to say a few words on the subject.

No one responding to this invitation, a motion was brought forward by Mr. E. Coventry, pledging the meeting to raise as large a proportion as possible of the sum of 4,000 for the parish of Wandsworth.

Mr. Boyson, in seconding the motion, observed that they should strive for their rights in a legal manner. He was quite sure they would do their best to collect the money, remembering that not themselves only, but all London was interested in the matter," 1868

"Mrs Braddon — Wandsworth Common

Philip Boys

To: Philip Boys philip.boys@btinternet.com;

12/12/21 13:15

1

Norfolk News — Saturday 11 January 1868

Eclectic and Congregational Review. — We have been endeavoring to read some of the articles this periodical, and by dint of much perseverance have scrambled through few pages. This is the first number we have seen for several years, and we had always entertained the opinion that the "Eclectic" was a well written and well edited review. We unhesitatingly pronounce this the greatest literary abomination that ever came under our obsorvatioa. Eots th ihei, is about it, " the printers' l -_ Pinters' readers are an unknown luxury We might select from nearly g of the truth of one. Page 29We must pass by Miss Bi-addon's extravagant untruthfulness, her comparison of objects; merelynqmring wherein lies the of comparing the 'Lady's Mile' the 'Great Sahara' and Wandsworth Common to 'patch 6361^111^ centre of Africr.' Toretnark that we do not conceive Miss Braddonto ia any sense whatever religious person, all her procuvities appear'to point in an opposite direction; true, dec, &c. ISow, we ask, can any one make any sense of those half-dozen lines? And yet there scarcely a page that we have examined that has not some like specimen of workm?JfPj Pint the passage as it should printed We must pass by Miss Braddon's extravagant untruthfulness in her comparison of objects, merely inquiring wherein liesthe reasonableness of comparing the ' Lady's Mile' to the Great Sahara, and Wandsworth Common to patch of desert in the centre of Africa, ' to remark that do not conceive Miss Uraddon to be any sense whatever religious person. All her proclivities appear to point in an opposite direction. True, " Ac, That may be said, is the printer's fault. Whose is this page 27, the writer is criticising Miss IJraddon s style, and proves his abity to do so the followmg sentence: "The one word more than any other which conveys to the reader's imagination an adequate idea of our authoress's peculiar diction, is embodied in that of dashing:' Does the writer mean that "dashing" is the word to describe Miss Braddon's diction? presume so. Why, then, does he say that the word he means i 3 embodied in " that of dashing? writer criticising the style of popular author should certainly write English. Take an another sentence in aiticle on the Key. John Campbell, which seems to have been written by the editor himself. At page he says: ' His literary tastes, however, were in the course of formation; the course of these years, and as illustrations of the power a strong and resolute lad, to help himself his pursuit of knowledge; we wish that his biographers had dwelt some greater length upon them hesems to have had no vantages either of early training or of wealthy friends to introduce him to his course of university discipline." Now, what in the name of common-sense does that mean By the exercise of little manipulation of semicolons and commas we might probably show our readers what the writer wants to say, but we leave it as a curious literary puzzle. After this, who will not be disposed to agree with the dictum on page 21 concerning John Campbell, notwithstanding its slip-shod English: knew how to edit a magazine — a gift not of the greatest — not equal to the writing an In Memoriain' or a 'Sordello;' bu.i a gift we know few who in the present dag possess among all editors, especially among religious editors. ' the interest of the p-ibiic, and in justice to the respectable publishers of this periodical we have lelt bound to point out the glaring defects manifest not on one or two pages only, but nearly every page of their periodical, papers are probably very well written on tne whole, but they are deformed by a want of common-sense on the part of the printer, and neglect of revision of the proof-sheets by the editor, that person of discrimination taste can possibly read them with comfort.

[BNA: Link.]

"Norfolk News — Saturday 11 January 1868

Eclectic and Congregational Review.

We have been endeavoring to read some of the articles in this periodical, and by dint of much perseverance have scrambled through a few pages. This is the first number we have seen for several years, and we had always entertained the opinion that the "Eclectic" was a well written and well edited review. We unhesitatingly pronounce this the greatest literary abomination that ever came under our observation. For all the workmanship there is about it, it might have been edited by the the printers' devil in an establishment where printers' readers are an unknown luxury We might select from nearly every page an illustration of the truth of our remarks. We select one. Page 29: "We must pass by Miss Braddon's extravagant untruthfulness, in her comparison of objects; merely inquiring wherein lies the reasonableness of comparing the 'Lady's Mile' to the 'Great Sahara' and Wandsworth Common to a 'patch of desert in the centre of Africa.' To remark that we do not conceive Miss Braddon to be in any sense whatever a religious person, all her proclivities appear to point in an opposite direction. True," &c., &c. That it may be true is the printer's fault. Whose is this? At page 27, the writer is criticising Miss Braddon's style, and proves his ability to do so in the following sentence:

[NEEDS PROOFING . . . ]

"The one word more than any other which conveys to the reader's imagination an adequate idea of our authoress's peculiar diction, is embodied in that of dashing:' Does the writer mean that "dashing" is the word to describe Miss Braddon's diction? presume so. Why, then, does he say that the word he means i 3 embodied in " that of dashing? writer criticising the style of popular author should certainly write English. Take an another sentence in article on the Key. John Campbell, which seems to have been written by the editor himself. At page he says: ' His literary tastes, however, were in the course of formation; the course of these years, and as illustrations of the power a strong and resolute lad, to help himself his pursuit of knowledge; we wish that his biographers had dwelt some greater length upon them hesems to have had no vantages either of early training or of wealthy friends to introduce him to his course of university discipline." Now, what in the name of common-sense does that mean By the exercise of little manipulation of semicolons and commas we might probably show our readers what the writer wants to say, but we leave it as a curious literary puzzle. After this, who will not be disposed to agree with the dictum on page 21 concerning John Campbell, notwithstanding its slip-shod English: knew how to edit a magazine — a gift not of the greatest — not equal to the writing an 'In Memoriam' or a 'Sordello;' but a gift we know few who in the present day possess among all editors, especially among religious editors. ' the interest of the public, and in justice to the respectable publishers of this periodical we have lelt bound to point out the glaring defects manifest not on one or two pages only, but nearly every page of their periodical, papers are probably very well written on tne whole, but they are deformed by a want of common-sense on the part of the printer, and neglect of revision of the proof-sheets by the editor, that person of discrimination taste can possibly read them with comfort.

[BNA: Link.]

[The Electic and Congregational Review 1867-10: Vol 13 = [https]://archive.org/details/sim_eclectic-review_1867-10_13]

[BNA: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Elizabeth_Braddon

[Wandsworth Common was as lonely this evening as a patch of sand in the centre of Africa]

[I] went out on this particular evening for a solitary ramble amongst the quiet Surrey suburbs, in any lonely lanes or scraps of common-land where the speculating builder had not yet set his hateful foot. It was a lovely evening; and I, who am so much a Cockney as to believe that a London sunset is one of the grandest spectacles in the universe, set my face towards the yellow light in the west, and walked across Wandsworth Common, where faint wreaths of purple mist were rising from the hollows, and a deserted donkey was breaking the twilight stillness with a plaintive braying. Wandsworth Common was as lonely this evening as a patch of sand in the centre of Africa; and being something of a day-dreamer, Iliked the place because of its stillness and solitude.

[BNA: Link,]

[SEE ALSO a similar metaphor — "a dreary desert transported out of Central Africa, — " used later .]

The railway journey between Shorncliffe and Derby was by no means the most pleasant expedition for a cold spring night, with the darkness lying like a black shroud on the flat fields, and a melancholy wind howling over those desolate regions, across which all night-trains seem to wend their way. I think that flat and darksome land which we look upon out of the window of a railway carriage in the dead of the night must be a weird district, conjured into existence by the potent magic of an enchanter's wand, — a dreary desert transported out of Central Africa, to make the night-season hideous, and to vanish at cock-crow. Mr. Carter never travelled without a railway rug and a pocket brandy-flask; and sustained by these inward and outward fortifications against the chilling airs of the long night, he established himself in a corner of the second-class carriage, and made the best of his situation. ]"

South London Press — Saturday 18 January 1868

1868-01-18-auction-farm-nightingale-lane-SouthLondonPress-18jan1868

WANDSWORTH COMMON. Important and unreserved Sale of the Genuine Live and Dead FARMING STOCK, powerful cart horse, two useful cows, three stacks meadow hay, corn and fodder, 10 sacks potatoes, three strong tumbril and loading carts, and numerous other effects.

MR. FLETCHER will SELL, as above, by PUBLIC AUCTION, at The Farm, corner of Nightingale-lane, Wandsworth Common, Surrey, Thursday, January 23, 1868. Luncheon at half-past 10 o'clock. Sale to commence at 11 precisely.

On view day prior and morning of the auction. Catalogues at Mr. Whipham'e, and Carlton Bouse, New Wandsworth. London-

[BNA: Link.]
target="_blank">Link]"

"Globe — Saturday 18 January 1868

WANDSWORTH COMMON

We hear that the Wandsworth Common Preservation Society has come to a standstill, after the expenditure of much vituperation but very little money. A rather good joke is, that the gipsies turned of a field they rented at Battersea for health's sake — being told by certain of the committee that the common was public property, and not Earl Spencer's — have encamped on it near their friends' houses, and prove such a nuisance that the latter have now applied to the Local Board of Works to get rid of them! South London News

[BNA: Link.]

[Is there a longer item in the South London News? It has not been digitised by BNA, so far as I can tell. Iassume this refers to something I've seen involving Anderson Rose?]

1868-01-18-WC-preservation-soc-gypsies-Globe-18jan1868

Ditto Morning Advertiser — Monday 20 January 1868 / [https]://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001427/18680120/013 /0002" target="_blank">Link.]
target="_blank">Link]"

South London Press — Saturday 18 January 1868

1868-01-18-auction-farm-nightingale-lane-SouthLondonPress-18jan1868

WANDSWORTH COMMON. Important and unreserved Sale of the Genuine Live and Dead FARMING STOCK, powerful cart horse, two useful cows, three stacks meadow hay, corn and fodder, 10 sacks potatoes, three strong tumbril and loading carts, and numerous other effects.

MR. FLETCHER will SELL, as above, by PUBLIC AUCTION, at The Farm, corner of Nightingale-lane, Wandsworth Common, Surrey, Thursday, January 23, 1868. Luncheon at half-past 10 o'clock. Sale to commence at 11 precisely.

On view day prior and morning of the auction. Catalogues at Mr. Whipham'e, and Carlton Bouse, New Wandsworth. London-

[BNA: Link.]
"

Newcastle Journal — Thursday 30 January 1868

Mr Craig had manufactured a refracting telescope with an object glass twenty inches in diameter; it was erected on Wandsworth Common, in a tube resembling a Brobdignagian cigar, but so imperfect was its achromatism and aplanatism that it has long been laid aside as practically useless.

etc etc

[BNA: Link.]
"

"SEARCH FEB 1868

[BNA:

"Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette — Saturday 8 February 1868

EXTRAORDINARY MURDER OF A CHILD. -

On Saturday afternoon Mr. W. Carter, the coroner, proceeded with an inquiry, in the Board-room of the Wandsworth Union, Battersea Rise, respecting the death of a female child about five months old, who was found in a pond called the Black Sea at Wandsworth Common. Evidence having been adduced respecting the finding of the child, and tending to the suspicion that its unfortunate mother had committed suicide, the jury returned the following verdict: — That the deceased child was wilfully murdered by being thrown into a pond called the Black Sea, but they (the jury) further say by what person or persons the evidence before them failed to prove.

[BNA: Link.]

May newspapers around the country report the event. Why so many?

e.g.

Bee-Hive — Saturday 8 February 1868

[BNA: Link.]
1868 2

South London Press — Saturday 1 February 1868

WANDSWORTH COMMON. It was resolved that the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway should be requested to remove the gipsies camping on their land at Wandsworth Common."

[BNA: Link.]

South London Chronicle — Saturday 8 February 1868

Suspected Suicide at the " Black Sea, " Wandsworth-common. On Saturday afternoon Mr. W. Carter, the coroner, proceeded with an inquiry, in the Board-room of the Wandsworth Union, Battersea Rise, respecting the death of a female child about five months old, who was found in pond called the Black Sea at Wandsworth-common. Evidence having been adduced respecting the finding of the child, and tending to the suspicion that its unfortunate mother had committed suicide, the jury returned the following verdict: That the deceased child was wilfully murdered by being thrown into a pond called the Black Sea, but they (the jury) further say by what person or persons the evidence before them fails to prove.'

[BNA: Link.]

See Amelia Alfrey, Amelia Pringle et al"

"Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette — Saturday 15 February 1868'

Juvenile Horse Stealers. — At the Southwark police-court on Tuesday, Henry Lovett, 11 years of age, whose head scarcely reached the top of the dock, was charged with stealing a hone, the property of some person unknown. Police-constable 26 M said about nine o'clock was duty in the Blackfriars-road, when he saw the prisoner leading hone up Friar-street Being so very young he followed him, and saw him turn into Green-street, where he rang the bell Winkley's, the horse slaughterer's, and wanted dispose of it Witness went up him and asked whose horse it and not getting a satisfactory reply took him to the stationhouse. He had since tola witness that he had fetched the horse from Wandsworth-commonMr. Burcham asked whether there was anybody else with him? The constable replied that there was a younger boy with him.

- Alfred Green, quite a child, was then put forward, and be said the other boy asked him with him Wandsworth common to get a horse. did not know what he was going with The constable informed his worship that the parents of both boys were hard-working people, but he was of opinion that some older persons had got hold of them.

Mr. Burchatn said could not think detaining such a young child for horse stealing. The horse would detained, and the child given up to his father.'

[BNA: Link.]

Also e.g. South London Chronicle"

South London Press — Saturday 15 February 1868

Blenheim Cricket Club. 'Phis chib held H eighth MtnxMtl meeting Seturdny evening Worm weld's, Windmill Tavern, Kennington-Inue.

Mr. George Welle (president) presided.

Mr. Ilartand secretary) expressed his gratification once more presenting the report of the club's doings during the past year, which stated to have been one of the most prosperous the club has yet known, they had not been beaten once upon their ground at Wandsworth Common.

During the season arrangements were made play 17 but owing wet Saturdays and other causes, only 13 were played, resulting in eight wins, two drawn, three lost. In addition, five matches were played amongst the members of the club and their friends, but these were only considered friendly games, their results are not reckoned in the averages. Referring to the doings individual members, the secretary announced Mr. Rood the winner of the first prize of the season, hawing made the largest avenge number of ntas; Mr. Boswell as the winner of the second prize, for having scored the second highest and Me. White the third prize, for having made the highest single score of the season. the athleyic sports held by the club Guy's Half-moon Ground, I'utoey, in October last, were reported a success, although the attend anee of members and friends was considerably marred the unusually bleak weatheit But thaseoretary, in announcing the club's intention to hold similar sports during the coming season, hoped for still better and more favourable weather. In oommeuting upon tbs want proper cricket ground accommodation, the secretary stated that Wandsworth Common, like all other spaces around the metropolis, had become so crowded with cricketers that the club have determined to play their matches at Guy's Ground at Putney, but as this spot lies too far away for evening practice, the committee have yet to determine where the members can practice; but an early intimation will be given. concluding his statement, Mr. Hnrlaod reported the club financially and numerically sound, and, assuring the members of a prosperous season for W6B, resumed his seat amidst loud applause. The president then presented prize bat eachto Messrs. Bead, Boswell, and White. The election of officers for the present year then took place, and Mr. George Walls was re-elected president, Mr. W. Strong treasure Mr. W. Uarland secretary, Mr. 8. Cox captain, and Hassrs. Boswell, Dana, Gilbert, Johnson, Beaker, and Sims oommittee. The president, in thanking the members for his re-election, complimented Mr. liarland upon the able report he hod presented, and also for his unceasing efforts the behalf, and assured the members that so long they continued united, the Blenheim Club would rank A amateur cricket clubs. the other officers haring responded in suitable terms, the meeting concluded with hearty votes of thanks to each and all of tbs ottoere for their exertions during the past season, and to the president for his. conduct in the chair. Lambeth County Court. (Before J. Pitt Tavuor, Esq., Judge*)

[BNA: Link.]

[BNA: Link.]

Sun — Tuesday 7 April 1868

THE CONSERVATIVE LAND SOCIETY

MEETING THIS DAY

. . .

The next allotment of land will be on Wednesday, the 29th of April, on which day the sale will be commenced of the first portion of the Clapham Junction Estate, well known as Bolingbroke Park, with fine frontages to Battersea Rise and Wandsworth Common. The proximity of this property to two stations, and the increasing demand for house property in the southern district of the metropolis, justify the anticipations of the committee that the Clapham Junction Estate will prove one of the most valuable building properties hitherto acquired for the society.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 11 April 1868

The lessees of Clapham Common are appealing for aid from the publichaving exceeded their income by .32. In the last quarter-century the inhabitants have laid out J87,000 in maintaining it. The committee for the preservation of Wandsworth Common are doing the same, the railway company having again made a further encroachment.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 30 May 1868

THE South London Press

Saturday, May 90, 1868. far possible, the election of any vestry all. In preventing one last year, it will be remembered some inhabitants were successful, the result being almost dead lock parish business. Messrs. Tuner and Brace to act as inspectors of votes for the chairman, and after half an hour's vain appeal to others. Messrs. Ashley and Barrow accepted the like office behalf of the ratepayers. The seats to be filled were those of Messrs. Aider Bardsley, Brown, Clarke, Condy, Denny, Finch! Lord, Mellor, Hellish, and Spooner, which ought to have been filled last year. Those Messrs. Acomb. Austen, Baker, Beauchamp Broad, Cattle, FlexmorS Gerrard, Poupart, Purdy, bellar, George Todd, retiring this year; and three "casual vacancies in the room of Messrs. Harris, Henry Smith, and James Walton.

The vestry clerk was asked for a list of ratepayers quaiified to serve, and stated that he had not one. A ratepayer in the meeting said that he had commenced to make out one, but "had been prevented by that uice-looking clerk of Mr. Corsellis'."

Mr. Ayles proposed that the meeting should be adjourned till Friday next to enable the vestry clerk to prepare list.

Major Carteret moved that the present election forward, and that at all future elections list be prepared for the use the ratepayers. This Mr. Barker seconded, and Mr. Purdy supported.

Mr. Hugh Wallace, whilst believing that a list should have been prepared, hoped that such unseemly behaviour would take place to bring the parish into disrepute. After half hour had been wasted on this matter Mr. Ayles withdrew the resolution.

Mr. Buckmaster then, in proposing a list of names of vestrymen, defended his previous conduct, alleging that the people had lost confidence in those previously office, whom he had, therefore, left out of his list. (A Voice: "Poor things.") He then revived the complaints to which most of his hearers had listened time after time before, alleging deficient rating of compound houses and the Vestry Hall (Mr. G. Todd: " It's the guardians who rate property, not the vestry") — besides incompetent collection of rates, which had left 3,000 outstanding. (Mr. Poupart: "No, 1,000.'') The collector, Mr. Hilliers, stated that the close of the October audit there was about 1,000 out Since then 300 had been paid in. After some wrangling on this point between Mr. Buckmaster and the collectors, the former asked how were these irrecoverable rates to be reduced to the lowest possible sum.

Mr. Geo. Todd: the churchwardens doing their duty.

Mr. Buckmaster: And by the overseers not obstructing them.

Mr. Baker (overseer): Tell me how they've done so. You never came or attended at all.

Mr. Buckmaster: You obstructed me when Iobjected to pay some money charged by the vestry clerk perfectly inconsistent with the understanding made at the time of his appointment. Yon and a number of others signed it, and said it was a monstrous thing for me to object it. (Applause and hisses.)

Mr. Purdy advised the meeting to hand the parish over to Mr. Buckmaster altogether. The latter then told the collector he was thoroughly unfit and incompetent for his office, and promiesdl, if he would retire, he would use his best exertion to get the Poor-law Board to allow him a superannuation. The poor-rate made last March was not yet in course of collection, and the collectors couldn't get the books.

Mr. Baker; If you'd succeeded in your attempt to adjourn our last meeting, it would have been thrown back another month.

Mr. Buckmaster wound his speech by proposing his list of names, follows: William Baker, ftancis Bertolazzi. Henry Brown, Captain Carteret, Edward Clark, Win. Gerrard, John Costeker, John Doulton, Edwin Gammon, Chas. Lambert, Robert Mellor, Captain Mellor, Andrew Mackay, Edwin Gammon Anson, Wm. Duce, Thos. Elliott, George Swonnell, Henry Salter, H. Wallace, Philip Wood, Henry Condy, James Lord, Paine Shepherd, and Morgan.

Mr. Purdy did not desire to go to poll to the cost of the parish, but pointed out that this was not equally distributed representation, there only being two proposed to represent the district from Bridge-road to Lambeth. He proposed that no vestry should be elected, and that Mr. Buckmaster should be made Emperor of Battersea. There was a great deal of truth in what he had said, but a very great deal more of untruth. If his admirers joined him in the government of Battersea, they would soou find out what was. If would alter his list so as to give fair distribution representation, be (Mr. Purdy) would support it.

Mr. Poupart considered that if the assessments had been wrong, Mr. Buckmaster was to blame. He was churchwarden, and ought to have corrected what he knew to be wrong.

Mr. George Todd denied statement (to give his idea mildly) that he considered Mr. Buckmaster had put about respecting his connection with Wandsworth Common. It had also been said that the vestry were in league to give up parish ground worth 500 to Mr. Parsons. The fact was that Mr. Parsons gave the parish, without a penny, what was worth 500. malign men in such way was disgraceful in the extreme. He never built on or owned a single inch of the Common. He owned but the house he lived in, and paid his rates according to his assessment. (Mr. Buckmaster: "Was it your father's?") It was not. His father refused to assess it. The man who assessed it was he who gave Mr. Buckmaster a silver teaservice to keep him from opposing him churchwarden, and paid for it all out of his own pocket. He had the testimony of Mr. Wood — whose name appeared on the "testimonial" — that he never gave a penny towards it, or permission for his name to to used. He should be ashamed of traducing men, were another then present, who if not so educated, were very likely far more honest.

Mr. Buckmaster denounced the builders and publicans. He (the speaker) was surveyor and a teetotaller; but whilst the present customs lasted they had much right to be considered as a schoolmaster. The much-abused builders had made Battersea land worth 1000 an acre instead of 100. What was really wanted was a paid accountant. Then the silly statements thrown in their eyes like dust would be disproved. Here was the pitiful spectacle before them man who only came there about once a year, and then indulged in clap-trap, personal attack, and ungentlemanly language, complaining The vestry haven t made me do my duty." He could longer support such a man, and could only keep the company of gentlemen. Clap-trap and bombast were not what were wanted there. (Hisses.)

Mr. Buckmaster: He's performed his vestry duties and other duties very well, no doubt but there's one duty he's forgotten to perform, and that is — to pay his debts! A great uproar ensued on this climax to the previous assertions of the speaker, who forthwith had applied to him three words by Mr. Todd, which gave, m the tersest Saxon, distinct reflections on his lUU . To P them would be libellous.

Mr.?? continued gesticulating amid the uproar for some minutes regretted that there was nothing but gross personality at these meetings. He withdrew his name from Mr. Buckmaster's list, declining to be after had p — of calmness and sense there was nothing but noise H^wff OU 'to their credit that '-Another Howl from Battersea!" was to be seen in the South /?e suggested that two gentlemen should take the list proposed, and that which Mr. 1 urdy was prepared move, and decide those to submitted for election. . uded Mr. Buckmaster's list. Webster defended the action the Board of Works in reference Earl Spencer's claims. opinion adverse to them was given Judge Bayly' [https]://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18680530/012/0003''''''''''"

Morning Herald — Tuesday 28 July 1868

NOVEL PEDESTRIAN FEAT.

Yesterday named Wigley ran, walked, wheeled a barrow, trundled a hoop, and hopped on one leg over a distance of five miles, in separate feats of a mile each within one hour, for 20, and won with two minutes to spare. The feat was performed on Wandsworth-common.

[BNA: Link.]

Home News for India, China and the Colonies — Friday 31 July 1868

GREAT PEDESTRIAN FEAT.

On July 27, a pedestrian, named Wigley, undertook for a wager of 20 to run one mile, walk one mile, wheel a barrow one mile, trundle a hoop one mile, and hop on one leg one mile, and complete the five miles in one hour.

This herculean feat was performed over a measured mile of road on the Wandsworth Common.

Wheeling a barrow the mile occupied 14 minutes, running 8 minutes, trundling the hoop 10 minutes. walking 10 minutes, and hopping the mile 11 minutes, and the whole distance was accomplished in the several modes stipulated in 58 minutes, and Wigley exhibited no signs of fatigue at the conclusion of his task.

He subsequently ran two miles in 16 minutes for a wager of 5, winning easily.

[BNA: Link.]

Morning Herald — Tuesday 28 July 1868

NOVEL PEDESTRIAN FEAT. Yesterday named Wigley ran, walked, wheeled a barrow, trundled a hoop, and hopped on one leg over a distance of five miles, in separate feats of a mile each within one hour, for 20, and won with two minutes to spare. The feat was performed on Wandsworth-common.

[BNA: Link.]

Sydenham Times — Tuesday 4 August 1868

A MAN named Wigley ran, walked, wheeled a barrow, trundled a hoop, and hopped on one leg over a distance of five miles, in separate feats of a mile each within one hour, for 20, and won with two minutes to spare. The feat was performed on Wandsworth-common.

[BNA: Link.]

Repeated in several newspapers around the country."

South London Chronicle — Saturday 1 August 1868

OUR PAROCHIAL PARLIAMENTS. WANDSWORTH. The members met on Wednesday afternoon, when there were present Messrs. (in the chair), Dagnall, Gaitskell, Costeker, Hrown, Barringer, Yooght, Alder, Hewett, Batten, Wright, Ourney, Langton, Greenhill, Kempton. Medical Reports.

Wandsworth, fortnight ending July 18th: births 24, deaths 22.

The mortality was considerably above the average, such excess being due to a large fatality from epidemic disease, principally diarrhoea. The last named disease was extensively prevalent, especially amongst infants. The amount of disease current amongst the parochial poor underwent during the past week a great and sudden augmentation from that disease.

Battersea : births 91, deaths 39. The deaths from zymotic diseases had been more numerous, attributable chiefly to diarrhoea, which had become very general and continued to be confined very much to young children. One case of infantile cholera had been registered as occurring in a child three months old, and there were from scarlet fever, 1 from diphtheria, 3 from typhus, and from diarrhoea.

Streatham, Tooting, and : births 10, deaths 6. The locality Well's-lane, Streatham, had been affected by diphtheria, many as 3 deaths having been reported. The cause of death could not be laid to the want of drainage. There were two cases in one house, one case probably occurring from infection. births 21, deaths 14. Diarrhoea and fevers were prevalent. Amongst the parish poor there were 44 new cases of illness and 5 deaths.

Putney and Roehampton: births 10, deaths 4. The deaths were caused by bronchitis, chronic spinal disease, low vitality, and diarrhoea. The latter disease was becoming very prevalent. A deposit of manure at Howard's-lane was complained of.

The Disputed Footpath.

The Chairman asked what should be done with respect to the footpath of which Mr. Buckmaster had supplied the Board at its former meeting with evidence.

Mr. Loat: Refer it to the Battersea Local Committee.

The Surveyor: They will make no recommendation at all.

The Chairman said he was anxious that it should not be said that the Board had received evidence and would not use it. He thought there had better be a special meeting of the Local Committee, and that it should come to some resolution. It was impossible for members of other parishes properly to understand and go into the matter. The dispute was % was the path a public way or not ?

Mr. Buckmaster said it was and brought forward his evidence: was that evidence sufficient to go to court of law, or should counsel's opinion be taken. He thought these were the alternatives be decided on.

In answer to question, the clerk said he could not undertake the responsibility of the evidence offered. The Surveyor suggested that the Board should obtain the amended plans which were laid before the committee of the House of Commons. member said that Mr. Webber had stated that a few years ago he went to some expense to obtain evidence in order to obtain a legal opinion.

Judge Bailey's opinion was taken, and afterwards that of a learned counsel, which confirmed Judge Bailey's opinion that a common must not be looked upon as a street in town, and that if it were used by the public for a thousand years that would not constitute a public right of way.

The Chairman: If no one has any motion to make, the matter drops. There was no order.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Chronicle — Saturday 26 September 1868

PASTIMES. CRICKET. Wandsworth Distillery t. Eleven Gentlemenor the Civil Service. This match was played at Wandsworth on Saturday last, resulting in easy victory on the Distillery bide. Anuoxed is the score:

etc etc

[BNA: Link.]

"Bedfordshire Mercury — Saturday 2 January 1869

[Along with other articles under a general heading, "Christmas in the London Workhouses"]

[BNA:
He felt these explanations were due to the ladies and gentlemen who had taken an interest in the dinner, and especially to Mr. Leyland, for his great kindness in decorating and placing the room at their disposal, and in many ways helping their success; but for his ready assistance their object must in great measure have failed, because they could not have accommodated at any other place the same number of children.

Let those gatherings be solemn admonitions to more earnest work and the diffusion of a more enlarged and enlightened spirit of Christian charity and brotherhood, which recognises every human being equally precious in the sight of God, and help them to appreciate the childlike simplicity which is necessary for another state.

Mr. Leyland, in reply, said he was only too happy to render assistance to such an object. For more than 30 years had been deeply interested in the reformation of poor outcast boys, and he was glad to say that his labours had not been in vain.

Messrs. Taylor, Bickerdike, and Landon made humorous addresses, and thanked the ladies.

A lump of cake and oranges, and the singing of "God Save the Queen" brought the proceedings to a very successful and satisfactory termination.

[BNA: Link.]

"1869 — DOWN WITH THE FENCES — BUCKMASTER AGAINST FRAGMENTED WORK — "LIKE A READING FROM DICKENS" — WANDSWORTH PRESERVATION SOC — BUCKMASTER VERSUS CORSELLIS — VESTRY POLITICS — POOR LAW — HARE & HOUNDS ACROSS WC — LOOSE CHARACTERS ON COMMON — MORE POLICE NEEDED — VELOCIPEDE RACE — BUCKMASTER IN COURT — BUCKMASTER V TODD — NEW RD (WINDMILL DRIVE) — FOOTPATHS — HEATHFIELD COTTAGE — WC IS DISAPPEARING INTO THE POCKETS OF BUILDERS — SPENCER & THE IRISH LAND QUESTION — CLARKE THE BUTCHER V COSTEKER — BLACK POPLAR TO BE PLANTED — TRIANGLE OPP LAKE TERRACE ENCLOSED — TODD & GRAVEL — MUTILATION OF THE COMMON — COSTEKER AGAIN ENCLOSING COMMON TO PROTECT IT! — DEMANDS FOR END OF GRAVEL EXTRACTION

[BNA:

"Bedfordshire Mercury — Saturday 2 January 1869

[Along with other articles under a general heading, "Christmas in the London Workhouses"]

[BNA:
He felt these explanations were due to the ladies and gentlemen who had taken an interest in the dinner, and especially to Mr. Leyland, for his great kindness in decorating and placing the room at their disposal, and in many ways helping their success; but for his ready assistance their object must in great measure have failed, because they could not have accommodated at any other place the same number of children.

Let those gatherings be solemn admonitions to more earnest work and the diffusion of a more enlarged and enlightened spirit of Christian charity and brotherhood, which recognises every human being equally precious in the sight of God, and help them to appreciate the childlike simplicity which is necessary for another state.

Mr. Leyland, in reply, said he was only too happy to render assistance to such an object. For more than 30 years had been deeply interested in the reformation of poor outcast boys, and he was glad to say that his labours had not been in vain.

Messrs. Taylor, Bickerdike, and Landon made humorous addresses, and thanked the ladies.

A lump of cake and oranges, and the singing of "God Save the Queen" brought the proceedings to a very successful and satisfactory termination.

[BNA: Link.]

Here's a slightly random advert for the Surrey Tavern (now Brinkley's, on the corner of Bellevue and Trinity Road). It's one of a series of witty promotional ads by on behalf of the landlord, "G.Ferris".

South London Press — Saturday 2 January 1869

Lost on Wandsworth Common — £1000 reward offered

Wandsworth Common. A letter was received from the vestry clerk of Battersea, enclosing a copy of a resolution passed such vestry, as follows: "That the attention of the Wandsworth Board of Works called the present filthy and unhealthy condition of the Black Sea on Wandsworth Common, with a hope that steps may be taken to remedy it."

[BNA: Link.]

" target="_blank">Link,]

These were the last days of the Black Sea, and the house and extensive gardens of the Wilson family next to it. A deal was set up whereby Earl Spencer would agree to reduce the annual payment to be made by the people of Battersea and Wandsworth from £500 to £250. The Black Sea was soon filled in and Spencer Park built on the land.

"

South London Press — Saturday 18 December 1869

[BNA: Link.]

On dit that the Poor-law Board has charged three Battersea vestrymen (Messrs Buckmaster, Decarteret, and Thorne) the amount of 200 for expenses incurred in investigating the parochial rates at the latter end of last rear. The same authority declares that Mr. Buckmaster has been obliged to pay 30 into court, to stay proceedings him for breaking the windows of the beershop opposite St. Mary's Cemetery, New Wandsworth, which act be committed to assert the right of the ratepayers to forbid the erection of buildings on Wandsworth Common.

[WHERE WAS THIS "BEERSHOP"? — surely the Freemasons (now Roundhouse) was too far to be described as "opposite" the cemetery — and besides there were railway lines. [In another article I've seen it called "THE LORD OF THE MANOR", and the window broke while JCB was "removing" a poster]

Keith Bailey has written that it was on the corner . . . check his email

Pubology says "open by 1868" (on OS 1868)

[BNA:

"1870 — DOWN WITH THE FENCES POSTERS — BUCKMASTER LOOKS BACK — REFORMATORY FIRE — MEETING AT PRICES AGAINST ENCLOSURE — HENRY PEEK OFFERS 1000 — THREATENED ENCLOSURE — SAMUEL SULLINGS IMPRISONED — RIOT — ANTI-BUCKMASTER LETTER — MANSION HOUSE MEETING — COSTEKER V CLARKE

[BNA:

"[https]://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/search/results/1870-01-01/1870-12-31?basicsearch=%22wandsworth%20common%22&phrasesearch=wandsworth%20common&retrievecountrycounts=false&sortorder=dayearly&newspapertitle=south%2blondon%2bchronicle

DIGBY V SPENCER

South London Chronicle — Saturday 1 January 1870

Common Rights.ln the case "Digby v. Earl Spencer," in which a question was raided to rights of Wandsworth Common, an application was made to the Chief Clerk, Mr. Church, at the Rolls Chambers, on Friday, for time to amend. The bill of complaint was filed in January, 1868, and Earl Spencer has filed h's answer, aud time was required to amend. The Chief Clerk gave to the loth January, on which an objection was made on the part of his lordship, and the matter was referred the Master of the Rolls.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Chronicle — Saturday 15 January 1870

A fund is being raised to defray the coats of Mr. J. Buckmaster, 8.A., of St. John's-hill, New Wandsworth, defending the action brought against him in connexion with his assertion of the public right of way over Wandsworth Common. Sir Charles Dilke, Bart., SI.P., has subscribed 5 it.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Chronicle — Saturday 15 January 1870

A fund is being raised to defray the coats of Mr. J. Buckmaster, M.A., of St. John's-hill, New Wandsworth, defending the action brought against him in connexion with his assertion of the public right of way over Wandsworth Common. Sir Charles Dilke, Bart., M.P., has subscribed £5 it.

[BNA: Link.]

"BERKHAMSTEAD or BERKHAMPSTEAD?

BERKHAMPSTEAD COMMON

OUR readers may remember the great battle of Berkhampstead fought a few years ago, when the fence thrown up by the lord of the manor was levelled during the night by a detachment of navvies from London. The campaign opened by that vigorous action has been raging ever since, although transferred, from the field to the courts of law, and carried on by pleading instead of pickaxes. We are glad, however, to observe, that victory still adheres to the same side. The Master of the Rolls gave judgment on Friday last in favour of the rights of the commoners; and we may hope that one very charming bit of scenery will henceforth be preserved for public enjoyment.

It is a pity that Berkhampstead is not a little nearer to the metropolis; but every open piece of land, even at a distance of thirty miles, is beginning to have an increased value. The evidence taken before the House of Commons committee in the last session showed how rapidly and with what disregard to the interests of the poorer classes many waste pieces of land have disappeared before the advances of cultivation. It is a matter of congratulation when it is discovered that any unbroken stretch of gorse and heather is likely to be free from park walls, or from the worse fate of a settlement of suburban residences.

The case of Berkhampstead is in many ways peculiar. The warfare of which the present judgment is the last event began 250 years ago. A settlement was originally made in the year 1619, by which The lord of the manor — at that time the Duke of Cornwall — was allowed to enclose 300 acres, which it was agreed would leave a sufficient remnant for the commonable rights of the tenants. After this, in 1649, another attempt was made to enclose the same, or very nearly the same, tract of 400 acres which has been the subject of the present dispute.

The village Hampdens who resisted that attempt successfully were nearly the contemporaries of the original hero of the ship-money; and we are glad to see that their spirit is still extant. Mr. Augustus Smith, as their representative, has succeeded in establishing their rights of "herbage, pannage, and the cutting of furze and gorse."

The Master of the Rolls decided that, under the circumstances, it was incumbent upon the lord of the manor to prove that his enclosure would leave sufficient for the commonable rights of the tenants. This the lord neither did nor even attempted to do, and a perpetual injunction is accordingly granted against him.

This principle is obviously of great importance, and much in favour of the preservation of commons. It is very difficult — in any given case to determine precisely who are the commoners, what are their rights, and how much will be sufficient to satisfy those rights.

The difficulty is of course increased in the case of commons near the metropolis, where rights of the nature described have been allowed to fall out of use in consequence of the increase of population. If it were necessary to prove what was the precise extent of these rights in each case, the task would often be impossible, and the lord of the manor would get the whole advantage resulting from their practical disuse.

If, on the other hand, he is bound to show that he has left a sufficiency before proceeding — to enclose the surplus, the difficulty will rest with him, and the commons may remain in their native wildness.

We may therefore take the decision as a good thing in itself, and as a good omen for the various suits now in progress. We hope that the case may at any rate encourage persons now engaged in the defence of our remaining open spaces.

It is difficult to attract any attention to the matter while questions of more general interest are being agitated. Yet it is very important that something should be done, while we still have the commons, or some considerable fragments of them, among us.

It is due to a fortunate combination of circumstances that there are still within a few miles of London pleasant bits of unbroken country free from the formality of parks, and becoming every day more valuable as our great masses of hideous brick push their advanced forces farther into the green fields.

There are few pleasanter rambles than across Wimbledon Common or the still unannexed stretches of Epping Forest. The indifference of the inhabitants and the natural accumulativeness of lords of the manor have combined to fritter away many such open regions. Wandsworth Common is only a shadow of its former self; and railways and encroachments of various kinds have made sad havoc of several others.

The Commons' Preservation Society has done something to arouse public attention; and the lawsuits which are now being carried on will, it may be hoped, succeed in some cases in effecting a permanent rescue.

The Berkhampstead victory should encourage them to fresh efforts. If Mr. Lowe's principles of economy are to be carried out at all hazards, we may fear that Epping Forest will be simply given away to the landholders of the district. We will hope for better things; but meanwhile it is some consolation that the law does not seem to be so unfavourable to the rights of commoners as lords of the manor had generally assumed, and that a good deal may be done to prevent the whole face of the country being overrun by suburban villas-perhaps the most detestable variety amongst the various detestable performances of modern — or being surmounted in every direction by placards against trespassers, by simply putting in force the existing rights. Berkhampstead is but a small place, and rather too far for a Sabbath day's journey. But the precedent may be applicable nearer home. It is rumoured that the Metropolitan Board of Works is about to cut the knot in the case of Hampstead by the payment of £50,000. to the lord of the manor.

The Berkhampstead case should surely suggest that it would be as well to wait till the rights thus bought should be first established at law. If it is decided that the lords of the manor may simply appropriate our commons, it may become necessary to buy them out. But to buy them out unnecessarily is not merely to throw away money — a process to which the Board of Works may not be specially reluctant — but to form a very inconvenient precedent. The sums of money which would be necessary to purchase some of the larger commons would be so great that a purchase might well be impracticable, and though we would make sacrifices rather than lose them, we have no desire to raise difficulties by acknowledging rights shown by the case of Berkhampstead to be very questionable.

[BNA: Link.]

"Village Hampden" — John Hamden, staunch defender of democracy during the C17, whose attempted arrest by Charles Iin the House of Commons in 1642 sparked the English Civil War.

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hampden" target="_blank">John Hamden: "Hampden was used as an example of how rebellion against the state could be reconciled with patriotism, particularly as his death in battle allowed him to be positioned as a martyr to the cause of liberty.
It is in this light that he is referenced in a well-known stanza of one of the most famous of English poems — Thomas Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' (1751) — where the poet speculates that the churchyard's dead may include 'Some village-Hampden, that with dauntless breast/The little Tyrant of his fields withstood' . . .

The early 19th century British radical movement set up Hampden Clubs, while he was referenced by Radical poet Percy Shelley. In Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein, he appears as a symbol of rebellion against patriarchal authority."

The Wikipedia article: "Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" refers to the heroism of Hampden in the stanza: 'Some village-Hampden, that with dauntless breast / The little tyrant of his fields withstood;/ Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest, / Cromwell guiltless of his country's blood."

"

"Pall Mall Gazette — Monday 17 January 1870

BERKHAMPSTEAD COMMON

OUR readers may remember the great battle of Berkhampstead fought a few years ago, when the fence thrown up by the lord of the manor was levelled during the night by a detachment of navvies from London. The campaign opened by that vigorous action has been raging ever since, although transferred, from the field to the courts of law, and carried on by pleading instead of pickaxes. We are glad, however, to observe, that victory still adheres to the same side. The Master of the Rolls gave judgment on Friday last in favour of the rights of the commoners; and we may hope that one very charming bit of scenery will henceforth be preserved for public enjoyment. It is a pity that Berkhampstead is not a little nearer to the metropolis; but every open piece of land, even at a distance of thirty miles, is beginning to have an increased value. The evidence taken before the House of Commons committee in the last session showed how rapidly and with what disregard to the interests of the poorer classes many waste pieces of land have disappeared before the advances of cultivation. It is a matter of congratulation when it is discovered that any unbroken stretch of gorse and heather is likely to be free from park walls, or from the worse fate of a settlement of suburban residences. The case of Berkhampstead is in?? ways peculiar. The warfare of which the present judgment is the last event began 250 years ago. A settlement was originally made in the year I6 19, by which The lord of the manor — at that time the Duke of Cornwall — was allowed to enclose 300 acres, which it was agreed would leave a sufficient remnant for the commonable rights of the tenants. After this, in i649, another attempt was made to enclose the same, or very nearly the same, tract of 40o acres which has been the subject of the present dispute. The village Hampdens who resisted that attempt successfully were nearly. the contemporaries of the original hero of the shipmoney; and we are glad to see that their spirit is still extant. Mr. Augustus Smith, as their representative, has succeeded in establishing their rights of " herbage, pannage, and the cutting of furze and gorse." The Master of the Rolls decided that, under the circumstances, it was incumbent upon the lord of the manor to prove that his enclosure would leave sufficient for the commrnonable rights of the tenants. This the lord neither did nor even attempted to do, and a perpetual injunction is accordingly granted against him. This principle is obviously of great importance, and much in favour of the preservation of commons. It is very difficultin any given case to determine precisely who are the commoners, what are their rights, and how much will be sufficient to satisfy those rights. The difficulty is of course increased in the case of commons near the metropolis, where rights of the nature described have been allowed to fall out of use in consequence of the increase of population. If it were necessary to prove what was the precise extent of these rights in each case, the task would often be impossible, and the lord of the manor would get the whole advantage resulting from their practical disuse. If, on the other hand, he is bound to show that he has left a sufficiency before proceedingto enclose the surplus, the difficulty will rest with him, and the commons may remain in their native wildness. We may therefore take the decision as a good thing in itself, and as a good omen for the various suits now in progress. We hope that the case may at any rate encourage persons now engaged in the defence of our remaining open spaces. It is difficult to attract any attention to the matter while questions of more general interest are being agitated. Yet it is very important that something should be done, while we still have the commons, or some considerable fragments of them, among us. It is due to a fortunate combination of circumstances that there are still within a few miles of London pleasant bits of unbroken country free from the formality of parks, and becoming every day more valuable as our great masses of hideous brick push their advanced forces farther into the green fields. There are few pleasanter rambles than across Wimbledon Common or the still un annexed stretches of Epping Forest. The indifference of the inhabitants and the natural accumulativeness of lords of the manor have combined to fritter away many such open regions.

Wandsworth Common is only a shadow of its former self; and railways and encroachments of various kinds have made sad havoc of several others. The Commons' Preservation Society has done something to arouse public attention; and the lawsuits which are now being carried on will, it may be hoped, succeed in some cases in effectinga permanent rescue. The Berkhampstead victory should encourage them to fresh efforts.

If Mr. Lowe's principles of economy are to be carried out at all hazards, we may fear that Epping Forest will be simply given away to the landholders of the district. We will hope for better things; but meanwhile it is some consolation that the law does not seem to be so unfavourable to the rights of commoners as lords of the manor had generally assumed, and that a good deal may be done to prevent the whole face of the country being overrun by suburban villas-perhaps the most detestable variety amongst the various detestable performances of modern architects-orbeing surmounted in every direction by placards against trespassers, by simply putting in force the existing rights. Berkhampstead is but a small place, and rather too far for a Sabbath day's journey. But the precedent may be applicable nearer home. It is rumoured that the Metropolitan Board of Works is about to cut the knot in the case of Hampstead by the payment of 5o, ooo0. to the lord of the manor. The Berkhampstead case should surely suggest that it would be as well to wait till the rights thus bought should be first established at law. If it is decided that the lords of the manor may simply appropriate our commons, it may become necessary to buy them out. But to buy them out unnecessarily is not merely to throw away money — a process to which the Board. of Works may not be specially reluctant-but to form a very inconvenient precedent. The sums of money which would be necessary to purchase some of the larger commons would be so great that a purchase might well be impracticable, and though we would make sacrifices rather than lose themn, we have no desire to raise difficulties by acknowledging rights shown by the case of . Berkhampstead to be very questionable.

[BNA: Link.]
target="_blank">Link]"

London Daily News — 20 January 1870

A bitterly angry letter from John Buckmaster, looking back to c.1855. Notice his approval of Smith v Brownlow — the Berkhamstead fence-breaking case that had rumbled on for some years. Also of the tailor — Iassume this is McKellar rather than his successor, also in a sense a "tailor" — ? De Selincourt, [owner of] Swan and Edgar. [No — Inow think it's Costeker — prominent in the Merchant-Tailors Guild.]

href = "/years/1870/1870_01_20_buckmaster_angry_letter_LondonDailyNews_20jan1870.jpg" Target="_blank">

(Click on image to enlarge)

WANDSWORTH COMMON.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY NEWS.

SIR, — The decision in the case of Smith v. Brownlow will inspire hope in the hearts of those who, under enormous difficulties and discouragements, have been for years fighting almost alone the question of common rights.

It is now fifteen years since Iwaited upon the late Lord of Old Farthing Manor [Spencer?], and pointed out to him the gradual encroachments and enclosures on Wandsworth-common, and since that time, according to my ability and judgment, I have resisted and shall continue to resist these enclosures.

The late lord of the manor said, " Iquite agree with you, that no further enclosure of the common ought to take place," but since that time upwards of one hundred acres of the best part of the common has been enclosed, and these enclosures have been made, not by the poor but by the selfish aggrandisement of the rich.

The south part of the common was enclosed by a wealthy tailor, who was at the time lessee of the common, and ought to have protected it.

Ten acres was enclosed for the erection of a telescope, 12 acres by the railway company, 10 [?] acres to improve a garden, 60 acres for a girls' patriotic school, 20 acres for the prison, and very recently a lawyer and another have enclosed three or four acres which was out off the common by the South Western Railway.

Now these enclosures have deprived the public of several old footpaths and rights of way, which the [Metropolitan] Board of Works pretend they are powerless to preserve, or even attempt to protect, and they have kindly informed me that it was quite competent for me, if Ifelt aggrieved, to bring actions against the lord of the manor, two railway companies, a speculating builder, gravel contractors, and others.

Ibelieve it to be the duty of the district board, in the interests of the public, to preserve the footpaths, and it is clearly the duty of the copyholders to preserve the common and the rights of common, if indeed there be any such rights outside the lord of the manor.

It is not difficult to understand how many of these enclosures have been brought about.

Many of the copyholders — and there are now more than 40 left — are under small obligations to the agents and hangers-on of the lord. A beershop has recently been erected on the common in remembrance of his lordship's many virtues, and the servile obsequiousness of some men in the presence even of the agent produces in me a feeling akin to sea-sickness, and in the presence of the lord himself they would go on their stomachs.

Was this the spirit of our forefathers? Even in my time these enclosures would not have been permitted without a struggle. The decline of that old Saxon spirit which obtained many of our rights and privileges, and preserved them for our enjoyment, is a sad characteristic of our time.

I have seen a monument in Scotland erected to the memory of men who lost their lives in preserving their common lands against enclosure. Indecision and weakness give courage to those who have an interest in these enclosures, who are everlastingly whining before boards and sympathising friends that an open common brings a nuisance to their property, and the only remedy is, of course, to add the nuisance to their kitchen garden and croquet ground.

On a part now enclosed I can recollect out-door games which were encouraged by adjoining owners of property on summer evenings. Fruit was given to the children while the men played at cricket, bowls, and quoits. In place of all this we have beershops and dirty prostitutes — and for this decline in the morals and social habits of the place I hold those who have encouraged and defended these enclosures as chiefly responsible.

Not a single copyholder has derived any recompense or consideration; the most objectionable enclosures have been made without their knowledge or consent; they have been quietly arranged between the agents and the party enclosing.

I have been circumvented by a beershop keeper and a builder for breaking down the fences, but this reverse does not discourage me. I have faith in the ultimate triumph of what is right. If the public, the copyholders, and freeholders have no rights, then they are [illegible], and I want this position clearly defined and determined by [illegible] in any spiteful spirit. I am willing to recognise defined rights, and protect them: but the very idea of common right in land must mean something different to the right by which a man owns a freehold. I want this difference understood.

I am, &c., J. C. BUCKMASTER.

London Daily News, Thursday 20 January 1870
[ADD notes on "Smith v Brownlow"? "Wealthy tailor"? "Lessee of the common"? NB JCB includes the prison as once part of the common.]
"
London Daily News — 20 January 1870

A bitterly angry letter from John Buckmaster, looking back to c.1855. Notice his approval of Smith v Brownlow — the Berkhamstead fence-breaking case that had rumbled on for some years. Also of the tailor — Iassume this is McKellar rather than his successor, though also in a sense a "tailor" — ? De Selincourt, [was it he or his son who became owner of] Swan and Edgar]. [No — Inow think it's Costeker — prominent in the Merchant-Tailors Guild.]

href = "/years/1870/1870_01_20_buckmaster_angry_letter_LondonDailyNews_20jan1870.jpg" Target="_blank">Link,]

-- CLICKABLE PIC ENDS --

WANDSWORTH COMMON.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY NEWS.

SIR, — The decision in the case of Smith v. Brownlow will inspire hope in the hearts of those who, under enormous difficulties and discouragements, have been for years fighting almost alone the question of common rights.

It is now fifteen years since Iwaited upon the late Lord of Old Farthing Manor [Spencer?], and pointed out to him the gradual encroachments and enclosures on Wandsworth-common, and since that time, according to my ability and judgment, I have resisted and shall continue to resist these enclosures.

The late lord of the manor said, " Iquite agree with you, that no further enclosure of the common ought to take place," but since that time upwards of one hundred acres of the best part of the common has been enclosed, and these enclosures have been made, not by the poor but by the selfish aggrandisement of the rich.

The south part of the common was enclosed by a wealthy tailor, who was at the time lessee of the common, and ought to have protected it.

Ten acres was enclosed for the erection of a telescope, 12 acres by the railway company, 10 [?] acres to improve a garden, 60 acres for a girls' patriotic school, 20 acres for the prison, and very recently a lawyer and another have enclosed three or four acres which was out off the common by the South Western Railway.

Now these enclosures have deprived the public of several old footpaths and rights of way, which the [Metropolitan] Board of Works pretend they are powerless to preserve, or even attempt to protect, and they have kindly informed me that it was quite competent for me, if Ifelt aggrieved, to bring actions against the lord of the manor, two railway companies, a speculating builder, gravel contractors, and others.

Ibelieve it to be the duty of the district board, in the interests of the public, to preserve the footpaths, and it is clearly the duty of the copyholders to preserve the common and the rights of common, if indeed there be any such rights outside the lord of the manor.

It is not difficult to understand how many of these enclosures have been brought about.

Many of the copyholders — and there are now more than 40 left — are under small obligations to the agents and hangers-on of the lord. A beershop has recently been erected on the common in remembrance of his lordship's many virtues, and the servile obsequiousness of some men in presence even of the agent produces in me a feeling akin to sea-sickness, and in the presence of the lord himself they would go on their stomachs.

Was this the spirit of our forefathers? Even in my time these enclosures would not have been permitted without a struggle. The decline of that old Saxon spirit which obtained many of our rights and privileges, and preserved them for our enjoyment, is a sad characteristic of our time.

I have seen a monument in Scotland erected to the memory of men who lost their lives in preserving their common lands against enclosure. Indecision and weakness give courage to those who have an interest in these enclosures, who are everlastingly whining before boards and sympathising friends that an open common brings a nuisance to their property, and the only remedy is, of course, to add the nuisance to their kitchen garden and croquet ground.

On a part now enclosed I can recollect out-door games which were encouraged by adjoining owners of property on summer evenings, Fruit was given to the children while the men played at cricket, bowls, and quoits. In place of all this we have beershops and dirty prostitutes — and for this decline in the morals and social habits of the place I hold those who have encouraged and defended these enclosures as chiefly responsible.

Not a single copyholder has derived any recompense or consideration; the most objectionable enclosures have been made without their knowledge or consent; they have been quietly arranged between the agents and the party enclosing.

I have been circumvented by a beershop keeper and a builder for breaking down the fences, but this reverse does not discourage me. I have faith in the ultimate triumph of what is right. If the public, the copyholders, and freeholders have no rights, then they are [illegible], and I want this position clearly defined and determined by [illegible] in any spiteful spirit. I am willing to recognise defined rights, and protect them: but the very idea of common right in land must mean something different to the right by which a man owns a freehold. I want this difference understood.

I am, &c., J.C. BUCKMASTER.

[BNA: Link.]

London Daily News , Thursday 20 January 1870]

[ADD notes on "Smith v Brownlow"? "Wealthy tailor"? "Lessee of the common"? NB JCB includes the prison as once part of the common.]"

Daily News — Thursday 20 January 1870

aily News — Thursday 20 January 1870

WANDSWORTH COMMON. TO THE HD1IT0 OF TUB DALY SEWS. SiRt,-The decision in the case of Smith v. Brownlow will inspire hope in the hearts of those who, ssder enormous difficulties and discouragements, have beenfor y sis fighting almost alone the question of commnon xights.

It is now fifteen years since Iwaited upon the late Lord of Old Farthiing Manor, and pointed out to him the gradual encroachments and enclosures on Wandsworth-commou, and since that time, according to gny ability and judgment, I have resisted and shall conainue to resist these enclosures. The late lord of the manor said, " Iquite agree with you, that no further enclosure of the common ought to take place," but since that time upwards of one hundred acees of the best part of the common has been enclosed, and these enclosures have been made, not by the poor but by the selfish aggrandizement of the rich. The south part of the common was enclosed by a wealthy tailor, who was at the time lessee of the common, and ought to have protected it. Ten acres was enclosed for the erection of a telesoope, 12 acres by the railway Company, Ilacres to improve a garden, 60 acres for a girls' patriotic school, 20 acres for the prison, and very recently a lawyer and another have enclosed three or four acres which was out off the common by the South Western Railway.

Now these enclosures have deprived the public of several old footpaths and rights of way, which the Board of Works pretend they are?? to preserve, or even attempt to protect, and they have kindly informed me that it was quite competent for me, if Ifelt aggrieved, to bring actions against the lord of the manor, two railway companies, a speculating builder, travel contractors, and others. Ibelieve it to be the duty of the district board, in the interests of the public, to preserve the footpaths, and it is clearly the duty of the copyholders to preserve the common and the rights of common, if indeed there be any such rights outside the lord of the manor. It is not difficult to understand bow many of these enclosures have been brought about. Many of the copyholders- andt here are now more than 40 eft- are under small obligations to the agents and hangers-on of the lord. A beershop has recently been erected on the common in remembrance of his lordship's many virtues, and the servile obsequiousness of some men in presence even of the agent produces In me a feeling akin to sea-sickness, and in the presence of the lord himself they would go on their stomachs. Was this the spirit of our forefathers? Even in my time these enclosures would not have been permitted without a struggle. The decline of that old Saxon spirit which obtained many of our rights and privileges, and preserved them for our enjoyment, is a sad characteristic of our time. I have seen a monument in Scotland erected to the memory of men who lost their lives in preserving their common lands against enclosure. Indecision and weakness give courage to those who have an interest in these enclosures, who are everlastingly whining before boards and sympathising friends that an open common brings a nuisance to their property, and the only remedy is, of course, to add the nuisance to their kitchen garden and croquet ground. On a part now enclosed I can recollect out-door games which were encouraged by adjoining owners of property on summer evenings, Fruit was given to the children while the men Played at cricket, bowls, and quoits. In place of all this we have beershops and dirty prostitutes-and for this decline in the morals and social abie of the place Ibold those wvho have encouraged and defeuded these enclosures as chiefly responsible. Not a lingle copyholder has derived any recompense or consideration; the most objectionable enclosures have been made without their knowledge or consent; they have been quietly arranged between theagents andtheparty enclosing. I have been circumvented by a beershop keeper and a builder for breakingdown the fences, but this reverse does not discourage me. I have faith in the ultimate triumph of what is right anid j,1 the public, the copyholders, and freeholders have no rig}ts, ien Llte a5b"rncq~rs and I want this;cositios clearly defilued and determinaed By eo l.ind n piteful spirit. Iala willing to recognise deie naa oothn; u the vesv idea of common right in land mustmeansomsthing different to the right by which a man owns a freehold. Itiant thie difference understood.- I am, &c., J. C. BUCKMASTER.

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

The action raised against Mr. J. C. Buckmaster, M.A., of St. John's Hill, New Wandsworth, for breaking in the windows of a beerhouse erected at the corner of Wandsworth Common, to assert the public right to the use of the Common, and to protest against the lord of the manor (Earl Spencer) leasing the ground to builders, is still pending. A fund is being raised to defray the costs of the action, as Mr. Buckmaster acted exclusively in the public interest. Sir Charles Dilke, Bart, M.P., has subscribed £5 towards the fund.

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

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Wandsworth Common Enclosures.

Admirable in every way is the letter which Mr. Buckmaster has addressed to the papers in reference to Wandsworth Common. Its tone is manly, earnest, and unflinching, and the issue to which he is now sacrificing himself is simply and temperately stated.

The question involved is: What is Common-right? As understood by Earl Spencer, Lord of the Manors of Wandsworth and Wimbledon, it is something differing widely from that which the public, the copyholders and freeholders suppose, and it is gratifying to find that Mr. Buckmaster is determined on behalf of Wandsworth (as Mr. Peake is on behalf of Wimbledon) to have the point "clearly defined and determined by law."

For want of this being done (as it should have been done by those in authority long ago, instead of being left to individual pluk), the public have been injured to the most serious extent. The statement Mr. Buckmaster has to make is enough to arouse the indignation of the most phlegmatic.

Here is a noble Common, becoming more and more valuable every day in consequence of the land about it being built on, which has been nibbled at by one and another"

The Rochdale Observer, 22 January 1870.

LETTERS BY RADICAL.

London, January 20th 1870. The Duke of Cambridge, it is said, yahemonttv objects, he has always done, the removal of his office the Horse to the War Office in Pall, and powerful the present Government may be, will have to confess to Parliament that it accomplished this useful little bit of reform. Not that the change in itself is of any very grreat moment. A messenger two mi"ht probably saved, and Mr. Cardwell, whenever might wish to see the Duke, would only have to step into the next room, instead of walking across the Park. The real importance His Royal Highness refusal to move, lies in this — that it is typical of his obstinate opposition to all attempts at economy and improvement. It is of no use blink the fact, that so long is Commander in Chief we shall have to wait for the least approach to any of those brilliant successes which have distineruished The administration of Mr. Childers the Admiralty. It ii very foolish of His Royal Highness, bat than ho is not over wise.

My Uncle Toby in Tristram Shandy tells a story of Walloon officer, at the battle of Landen, who had one part of brain shot away by mnsket ball, and another part of it taken out by a French surgeon, and after all recovered, and did his duty verv well without it," which is not all improbable, our experience in the Crimean war having proved that many noble and gallant officers, enormously praised, had no brains whatever. It seems for long while past to have been favourite theory in this country, that not want any brains even for the place Commander in Chief, although prima facie to a non-professional observer it would appear that if there is one post on earth where they are necessary, it is there.

One the essayists in the volume recently published by the Cobden Club, calls attention to the extraordinary cost of conveying land in England, and mentions a case where £'23 14s. 7d. was spent to transfer land worth only iJIOO. I do not recollect anything quite so bvl that, bat I distinctly remember .£23 b.'ing paid to transfer land worth only .£l5O, and in addition there was all the waste of time in visits and correspondence, worth, at least, another j£lo. The investigation of the title meant going through mass of pipers a foot thick, searches the General Register Office, Inland Revenue Office, and the Will Office, while the now title to the purchaser was solemn, massive piece of sheepskin, ponderous enough to convey a principality.

What crying evil is this, and yet if any improvement were to be suggested in the House of Commons, the lawyers would one and all sit upon it and declare that any alteration for the better was impossible, and that the present system is simply perfection. Nay, it is very doubtful whether any improvement conld suggested, seeing that the proposal must come from the lawyers, who of coarse prefer that conveyancing, to suit their own ends and those of the solicitors, should be made intricate and expensive.

The preservation of open spaces is serious matter for the people that Mr. Augustus Smith, who has been successfully resisting Lord Brownlow in his attempts enclose Great Berkhampstead Common, deserves public thanks. Mr. Augustus Smith was formerly in the where he was usually considered a bore. had oiie pet subject, that of foreshores, on which he would talk, ia season and out of season, to alarming extent. However, all that is cheerfully forgiven quia muHum amavit the poor and their rights. When Lord Brownlow's agents put np the fence, some two years ago, Mr. Smith chartered train on the London and North Western Railway, filled it full of navvies, sent it down one night quietly to Berkhampstead, and by the morning the fence had vanished. Thereupon ensued an action at law, bravely defended Mr. Smith, who ia, fortunately, able to hold his own even against an Earl, and on Friday last judgment was given by the Master of the Rolls, that Mr. Smith had succeeded in establishing rights of u herbage, pannage, and the cutting of furze and corse," A perpetual injunction has consequently been granted against the Earl.

This is glorious, but "the misfortune is that every Common has not got a Mr. Augustus Smith for its champion. The profits of enclosing are enormous, and far more than sufficient tempt a wealthy lord of dho manor to spend years in the to gain possession of piece cf waste, while the commoners are generally poor, and have no such overwhelming interest in defending their interests.

The House of Commons ought to interfere — and would have interfered long ago if it had been anything else than what it always has been, is now, and apparently for vet will bo, a House of rich men. What these gentlefolks who lire in parks care about commons? What do they car, that T, who am forced to dwell in a suburb, am being gradually shut out from every breath of fresh air by the greed of man like Lord Spencer, the lord of Wandsworth and Wimbledon Here, at least there is one question which few working men in Parliament would help to solve little more satisfactorily than have done hitherto. Wandsworth Common has nearly gone, Wimbledon is threatened, Banstead Downs are completely rained, and Ensom, most magnificent of all, ia merely waiting to swallowed, half of the neighbouring Common at Leatherhead having already disappeared.

It is generally understood that the Education Bill, despite Mr. Forster's confident predictions, will not pressed this session. may be introduced, but that will be all. Mr, Forster, for a variety of reasons, some public and some personal, is very anxious to get the Bill through, but he will have to wait Waiting a very hard task for him. He says that the work of holding his tongue, when ho wishes to say something, is harder than sitting five or six hours in the House. Undoubtedly for him this so. marvellous and utterly unaccountable as it may appear. But he must not so anxious. Mr. Bright's is the wiser course, and Mr. Bright's opinion is that of every other member of the Cabinet. Mr. Forster would drive the six omnibuses through Temple Bar one after another, and would like the session to on." Oh, mercy

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

The action raised against Mr. J.C. Buckmaster, M.A., of St. John's Hill, New Wandsworth, for breaking in the windows of a beerhouse erected at the corner of Wandsworth Common, to assert the public right to the use of the Common, and to protest against the lord of the manor (Earl Spencer) leasing the ground to builders, is still pending. A fund is being raised to defray the costs of the action, as Mr. Buckmaster acted exclusively in the public interest. Sir Charles Dilke, Bart, M.P., has subscribed £5 towards the fund.

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

. . . absorbed in the one desire to keep out the Tory foe. Wandsworth Common Enclosures. Admirable in every way is the letter which Mr. Buckmaster has addressed to the papers in reference to Wandsworth Common. Its tone is manly, earnest, and unflinching, and the . . .

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

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Wandsworth Common Enclosures.

Admirable in every way is the letter which Mr. Buckmaster has addressed to the papers in reference to Wandsworth Common. Its tone is manly, earnest, and unflinching, and the issue to which he is now sacrificing himself is simply and temperately stated.

The question involved is: What is Commonright? As understood by Earl Spencer, Lord of the Manors of Wandsworth and Wimbledon, it is something differing widely from that which the public, the copyholders and freeholders suppose, and it is gratifying to find that Mr. Buckmaster is determined on behalf of Wandsworth (as Mr. Peake is on behalf of Wimbledon) to have the point "clearly defined and determined by law."

For want of this being done (as it should have been done by those in authority long ago, instead of being left to individual pluck), the public have been injured to the most serious extent. The statement Mr. Buckmaster has to make is enough to arouse the indignation of the most phlegmatic.

Here is a noble Common, becoming more and more valuable every day in consequence of the land about it being built on, which has been nibbled at by one and another apparently with the full knowledge of the Lord of the Manor, and even within the last fifteen years over one hundred acres of it have been quietly appropriated.

The District Board has watched this appropriation without a word of protest. There is no authorised Conservator of the Public Rights, no public Prosecutor even, who might have interfered with the tailor, the tapster, the lawyer, and the rest of the individuals with a taste for brigandage, who have taken what they wanted without molestation, and now there is every prospect of the rest of the Common going, since the Board of Works pretends that it is powerless, and Mr. Buckmaster can hardly be prepared to sustain actions against the Lord of the Manor, two railway companies, a speculating builder, gravel contractors, and other unscrupulous individuals concerned.

The thing is monstrous to reflect on — as monstrous as the picture Mr. Buckmaster draws of the sneaking obsequience and lick-spittle devotion of the copyholders to Earl Spencer and his underlings — and reveals a state of things which could have happened in no other country. Even in Ireland public spirit would have asserted itself, and the Lord of the Manor, or some one of his agents, would have experienced the benefit of an ounce of cold lead in his inside.

Such a thing is, of course, out of all question here. Agrarian outrage is, happily, the last thing to which an Englishman turns his thoughts; but there is surely a miserable want of patriotism, of public spirit, of all that elevates and digsflea manhood, in the tame submission and obsequious concurrence of those immediately interested in this outrage on their rights and privileges.

The question is a very simple one. If, as Mr. Buckmaster puts it, the public have no rights, then they are trespassers; if they have rights which have been violated, then the aggressors are well, we will not say more than that they are worthy of the severest punishment known to the laws of any civilized community. That they will receive any such punishment nobody is sanguine enough to suppose; but a stop may be put to further exploits in the way of enclosure, and if the neighbourhood is not sufficiently on the alert to back up Mr. Buckmaster in his patriotic exertions, why it deserves to lose the Common altogether, and to suffer all the consequences of its truckling flunkeyism and moral cowardice.

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"Rochdale Observer — Saturday 22 January 1870

["HOUSE OF RICH MEN""]

THE ROCHDALE OBSERVER, SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 1870. LETTERS BY A RADICAL

. . . question which few working men in Parliament would help to solve little more satisfactorily than have done hitherto. Wandsworth Common has nearly gone, Wimbledon is threatened, Banstead Downs are completely rained, and Epsom, most magnificent of all, ia . . .

The preservation of open spaces is serious matter for the people that Mr. Augustus Smith, who has been successfully resisting Lord Brownlow in his attempts enclose Great Berkhampstead Common, deserves public thanks. Mr. Augustus Smith was formerly in the where he was usually considered a bore. had oiie pet subject, that of foreshores, on which he would talk, ia season and out of season, to alarming extent. However, all that is cheerfully forgiven quia muHum amavit the poor and their rights. When Lord Brownlow's agents put up the fence, some two years ago, Mr. Smith chartered train on the London and North Western Railway, filled it full of navvies, sent it down one night quietly to Berkhampstead, and by the morning the fence had vanished. Thereupon ensued an action at law, bravely defended Mr. Smith, who is, fortunately, able to hold his own even against an Earl, and on Friday last judgment was given by the Master of the Rolls, that Mr. Smith had succeeded in establishing rights of u herbage, pannage, and the cutting of furze and gorse," A perpetual injunction has consequently been granted against the Earl. This is glorious, but "the misfortune is that every Common has not got a Mr. Augustus Smith for its champion. The profits of enclosing are enormous, and far more than sufficient tempt a wealthy lord of dho manor to spend years in the to gain possession of piece cf waste, while the commoners are generally poor, and have no such overwhelming interest in defending their interests. The House of Commons ought to interfere — and would have interfered long ago if it had been anything else than what it always has been, is now, and apparently for ever will be, a House of rich men. What these gentlefolks who lire in parks care about commons? What do they care, that T, who am forced to dwell in a suburb, am being gradually shut out from every breath of fresh air by the greed of man like Lord Spencer, the lord of Wandsworth and Wimbledon Here, at least there is one question which few working men in Parliament would help to solve little more satisfactorily than have done hitherto. Wandsworth Common has nearly gone, Wimbledon is threatened, Banstead Downs are completely rained, and Epsom, most magnificent of all, ia merely waiting to swallowed, half of the neighbouring Common at Leatherhead having already disappeared.

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South London Press — Saturday 22 January 1870

Halbrake School Athletic Sports.

The above annual sports came off on Saturday last, in a field situated near St. Anne's Church, kindly lent for the occasion by James Du Buisson, Esq.

The varied costumes of the boys, the numerous flags used in marking out the ground; the spectators, who included the fashion and beauty of Wandsworth and neighbourhood; and the excellent music dispensed by the indefatigable band of the 1st Surrey Artillery, under the direction of Mr. W. Bourd — all rendered the scene one of exceptional gaiety; and though the sun at times disdained to shine, and the envious clouds showered forth their displeasure, the effect was but transient — "all went merry as a marriage bell".

The successful athletes were well rewarded for their exertions, as it is a rare case in which prizes so elegant and valuable, and at the same time so numerous, are awarded in school sports.

One interesting feature of the day's proceedings was the fact of Mr. H. M. Stanley's boy Kalulu (who is being educated at the school) entering for several events, who, although not fortunate enough to win, displayed considerable aptitude in the various events in which he was engaged, and evinced much improvement upon his last year's attempts — his healthy, robust appearance being much admired. We are informed that Mr. Stanley would have distributed the prizes, had not his recent all-important engagement prevented.

The ladies' prize for general proficiency was won by E. HAwer; but owing to an arrangement that it cannot be taken by the same boy tee successive years. it fell to the lot of the second — viz., D. E. Bower, brother to the former. The president of the sports was the Rev. John Conder. headmaster of the school, and the committee were E. Nicholson. E. Hower. the Hon. Evelyn Denison, and J. Mossop. The prizes were presented to the candidates by Mrs. Conder, and the following is the

LIST OF WINNERS.

Throwing Cricket Ball (for boys under 12): G. Corvallis. Thr — jimg Cricket Ball (open): D. E. Bower, 7 3 / a rdb. Gilbert, Race (100 yards, boys under 12): F. Putt — the Weight: E. Nicholson. Flat Rae. Ow yards handicap, open): D. E. Bower, 1 Young, 2.. Flat Race 180 lards boys unaer 11): S. Perks, 1: South, 2. iopeol: Edg. Bower, 1, Mt. sn. Flat Race quarter of a mile handicap, open): H. Homo. Back Rao e (80 yards. open): W. H. Webber, 1. Walking Race (quarter of a mile handicap, opsn): J. I. Pole Jump (open): A. Hodges,;ft. Sin. Hurdle Race: E. Bower, 1. Three-legged Race: Hodges and Young, 1. Flat Race (half a mile handicap, open): E Bower, 1. Long Jump (open): W. H. Webber. Sack Ram (open): A. Hodges. Old Pupils' Base (1100 yards): W Corsellis, 1. radars' R&M (quarter of a mile): C. A. Gilbert, 1. Sack Race (boys 12): C. Madie, 1; E. Cox, 2. _ _ (100 yards, boys 12): Breboer, 1. Consolation Race (open, 200 yards): A. E. Parratt, 1, Race for the Members of the Band (200 yards): A. J. Ham, 1. An opportunity taken in the 'course of the day to vary the proceedings by chit exercises, in which the party selected displayed much skill and considerable muscular development. The following prizes for gymnastic exercises, which had been previously awarded, were distributed simultaneously with the above: First Division (boys over 13): Champion gold Medal, A. Hodges; certificate from Mr. Winterbottom, J. Mcsnop and J. Cunninghame. Second division (boys between 11 and 13): Silver medal, Eric. Conder; certificate, G. Corsellis. Third Division (boys under 11): Bronze medal, John Conder; certificate, L. Bowers. Drilling Prises: J. Moseop, 1; E. Bower, 2; H. Mossop, 3. _

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South London Press — Saturday 18 July 1874

Dangerous Condition of Battersea Cemetery.

Dr. ()Amen, medical officer of health for West Battersea, has recently submitted to the Wandsworth Board of Works a report on the state of the Battersea Cemetery, and the manner in which the law with reference to interment is carried out. lie states that he has visited the cemetery on several occasions, and finds that it centrists of eight acres in ertent, one-eighth of which is taken up with paths, which are fairly drained, chapels, mortuary, &e., and the remaining seven acres are used for the purpose of burials; the ie planted with trees, principally of the Ardor Vt,r claqs, and well covered with grass, and the Isurface of very many graves is laid out wi:h flowers. The cemetery is divided into consecrated and unconsecrated parts, in each of whieh are portions of ground called common ground. It is the latter poitions of the oemetery which principally occupy the attention of the report, as being the parts in which r.quirementa of the law are not Amerved, the other portions of the cemetery being let as private graves. 'the cemetery is situate on Battersea Rise, the south-west side taming Wandsworth Common, and the nor itmet adjoining the back gardens ot the houses in Middleton-road, and the south-east side adjoins the gardens of Malleson road. Houses are situated 25ft. from open grave ground in Middleton-road, and 5101 t. from Manama-road. tty open grove ground, meaning ground in shieh deep graves are dog, and remain open till sufficient corpses are forthcoming, with an intervening portion of earth, to fill the grave within a certain distance of the Bedew. This cloee proximity of houses, apart from the nature of the soil, makes the present site of the burial ground bad, though there can be no loubt that at the time the cemetery was laid out, no were within the prescribed limits. En order to be possessed of correct information. Dr. Oakman placed hims-If in direct communication with the Burial Board, and submitted to them a series of goestions, to which they returned answers. The substance of these answers is that the cemetery was first used as a burial in 1861. Ten thousand hun dred and ninety-five burials 'tare taken plaee from 1860 to June, 1874, and 518 svid-borne from May, 1889, to June 24, 1874, no account being previously kept. In 1873 there were 1,098 iuterments. The graves are dug at various depths ranging from 6ft. to Mlle.. Mt. of earth being left between the top coffin and the surface when the grave is full. On opening a grave already used, one foot of earth is left between the two coffins, second burial. The greatest number of adult persons in one grave is 14, and the greatest number under 10 years of age, 26. Formerly one foot of earth was left between two coffins, it now rft. The common graves after a burial are not immediately filled up, and it is not the practice of the board to never the sineace with turf or shrubs. Fourteen years are allowed to elapse before a foil grave is opened for second interment, but six have been opened since August, 1874. The grave space allowed for persons above 10 years of age is nine feet by four, and under that age six feet by three. Three feet depth of is left between the-coffins and the earth when it is full. In vaults or brick graves the are not seuerately entombe i in all oases. The cemetery is drained to the depth of eight 110 are taken to connect each grave with the drain.

Dr. Oakman's observations on the above are as follows: cemetery was opened on November 16, 1860, in which year 12 burials took place; since then 10,583 have been buried, besides 518 still-born infants, during the last five years, previous to which no account of still-born. was kept. In the yeer 11361 the number buried was 240, since that time the population has so increased, and consequently the deaths, that last year (1873) I,OJB interments took place. This large and increasing demand on the ep of the Geese tery must have plainly told the Burial Board that unless some means were devised the cemetery would soon be filled; for it is clear that with a burial ground of seven acres of actual useable space already containing 10,54. corpses, and burials now amounting to over 1,000 per annum, that if the instructions to Burial Boards were carried out, there wont i not be en:ficient space for one year's burials. These Acts, 15 and 16 Vie. cap. 85, and 16 and 17 Vic. c q) 134, state that if a dry, porous, gaudy, or earthy soil be selected, such a soil, speaking approximately, would admit of being buried in at the rate of 120 interments per sere per annum; if a wet or clay soil be choon, not more than 60 or 70 interments per acre per annum could take place in it." To make up then for the want of superficial space, Ifind that sleep opus running graves from eft, to hilt. deep were substituted in Deeember, 1868, in which a number of bodies are put. The greatest number of adult persons in one of these deep graves is 14, the average being 11, and the greatest number of persons under 10 years of age in one of these deep graves is 26. It will be sans by reference to question 21, that one foot of earth is left between each coffin. How then is it possible to place 14 adult coffins in a grave 1911. deep, and leave a foot of earth between **eh coffin The coffin would be one foot deep, and 141 t. of earth would make 28ft., and three feet from the surface would make the depth of the grave near 3lft. These open grave 4 are situate two in the common consecrated and two in the common unconsecrated ground, and at the times of my visits were tour in number. They were deep, far below the depth a drainage of the cemetery, which is eight feet, in dense day, mid contained water, which cool 10.17 get away by very slowly percolating in the direction of the lope of the cemetery; these graves are kept open until there are sufficient burials to fill them, and until oa receatt, 011 my representing the matter to the Burial rd, one foot of earth was left between each coffin, now two feet of earth are left. It may be a week, or perhaps a month, before such a grave is finally closed, dating which time the bodies decompose, and the soil being of such a nature (clay) the games given off are not absorbed, consequently they escape into the atmosphere. The stench from these open graves is very bad. and produced., visible effect on myself and surveyor when inspecting. Imay a!so mention that the have complained to me o f th e very disagreeshlderegi uty to perform the funeral service Dear theme graves, and when it is remembered that 'warners worn out with anxious attendance on their departed friends, or in a condition of health very snaceptakie to paon. s tee d on the borders of the, graves, it will be r -ftdily seen that the emanations from the decomposing bodies must be dlvirosa in the extreme. practice of deep oven ru nn i ng graves i s teary to the regulations for conducting intermeate in burial grounds provided under the Burial Art" 15 and 16 Victoria, cap. 85; 16 aad 17 Victoria, cap 13$; 17 and 18 Vie-laria cap. 17 and 18 and 19 Victoria, cap. 128. which 18, " Whenever a burial has taken place except in a private vault, the grate shall be forthwith filled up with earth, and the surface shall be covered with fresh tad or be pleated with fresh shrtslos, or other suitable vegetation, unless a is to be erected upon it, bat in 140 case shall the bare earth be left exposed." Page 246, regulation 11, says: "No more than one body shall be buried fa any vault or grave eraopt in a vault or grave purchased for the exclusive use of a family." Page 246, regulation 17, stales "No grave in which as interment has taken place except it be a vault or grave purchased for the exclusive use of a family shall be reopened for another interment until after the expiration of stated periods of time." It will readily he seen from these rules that no more than one body shall be buried in ene grave, unless that grave belongs to a private individual. That the common grave, in which as limey as 2t; persons are placed, is not the property of say one private person, or that they all belong to the came family, cannot for a moment be argued, therefore this mode of burial is in direct violation of the eiders of the Hume Office. Rule 18 states that whenever a burial has taken place, Rapt in a private vault, the grave shall be forthwith filled up with earth, and the Waded. The common graves are not forthwith filled up with earth, neither i the surface turfed or planted with shrubs, Sic.: the answer to which is " Not unless paid for." It would surely be a matter of controversy as to who should pay for turfing the surface of a grave in which are 26 bodies. In these respects the orders of the lions Office are not properly carried out. Regulation 17, page 248, states that no adult grave (except private) shall be reopened for second tate:- meat till after a period of 14 years. which states that six have been reopened. This question applies be common graves, anal was understood so by the superintendent. These graves contained as many bodies as the answers to certain questions states. I cannot understand why they should have been reopened. Regulation 8, page 249, states that no coffin shall be buried in any untrained grave within 44t. of the ordinary level of the ground, it contains the b.xly of a child under 12 years of age, when it shall not he less than Mt. the Burial Board allow at. in all eases, which is not sufficient for adults, which according to the above order should be 4f4. Buriars in vaults: Tim regulations, page 23), require each coffin to be separately entombed either by stone or cement, to be never rainsl again. /legislation 1, page 248, states: That the burial ground, if necessary, shall be ntderdrained to such a depth as will prevent water remaining in any grave or vault;" the graves being 18ft. deep, and the cemetery drained only Bft. deep, it follows that the deep graves are not drained so as to prevent water remaining in them. This may for water bein gin graves at the ti me of my visits. This regulation is not observed, sad no means are taken to connect each grave with the drain. The area. regulation 2, page 248, used graves, is not divided out into grave spaces, consequently no plan is kept shewing them; this regulation is therefore not observed. The regalationn which refer to private grates Ibelieve are hsibbfally carried out . . . . The grave space superficial allowed — viz., Oft. by Mt. for an shalt, and 6t1.. by Sft. for children, is the siorrect amount as ordered by Regulations 7 and 8, page 243. From what I have stated — viz., that only two acres now remain for burial purposes, and that the number of graves which will fall into the hands of the board by lapse of time, for re-interment. will be so few, and that the interments now number over 1,000 per year, it follows that the cemetery, if the orders of the Home Office are carried oat, must be closed as a burial ground in about three years; for two acres of ground, taking the deaths as half adults and half children, will but accommodate 3.630. Though if the board should apply to the Home Secretary, it is possible mine regulations might be issued, other cemeteries, which would give some extension of time. It appears to me just a question whether it would not be as well if the Burial Board were to clo4e the ground against all persons except those for whom the law compels the board to tind a burial place, and those who possess private graves or vaults; by this means it is true the parishioners would have to provide burial places at other grounds, but then they would be spared the expen, e for some years of purchasing fresh cemetery ground. Finding on inquiry that different cemeteries were governed by special regulation, I applied to the Burial Acts Office to ascertain if any special application had been made by the Battersea Burial Board to the Home Secretary for any special regulations to apply to Battersea Cemetery, and was informed that no application had been made, and that the Battersea Cemetery was governed by the regulations provided under the Burial Acts, . — . Ihare, gentlemen, in drawing up this report, been as brief as matters would allow. It is a wide subject, and requii%ci a considerable deal of time and attention. I have endeavoured to place before you the points in which Ifind the orders of the Home Office are not carried out, and have also referred you to the number and page of special order, where it is to be found on which any question arises, and hope they are in so lucid a manner as to be capable of easily being understood. I have also avoided any sensational remarks on what may be considered the moral aspect of the case. Imast, in conclusion, thank the Burial Board for their courtesy in this matter, for without their assistance, it would have been impossible to have presented anything like a reliable report; and, although knowing that the replies they gave to the questions Iput to them must be evidence against them, still they did not shrink the responsibility.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 18 July 1874

The Sanitary Condition of the Battersea Cemetery.

It will be remembered that iome tew weeks since Mr. Cleave brought before the local Vestry a complaint which had been made by several of the residents in the vicinity of the Battersea Cemetery with reference to its alleged unhealthy condition, and the prevalence of sickness rightly or wrongly attributed thereto: and we suggested at the time the medical officer for the district should be called upon to investigate and report upon the question. This has been done and at the last meeting of the Board o Works Dr. Oakman presented his report, which will be found at length in another column. It will be seen that the report is by no means so assuring as the opponents of Mr. Cleave would have the to believe, either as regards the sanitary condition of the cemetery, or its desirability as an adjunct to the houses in the immediate neighbourhood. The report states that the cemetery is eight acres in extent, and in portions of it the requirements of the law are not earned out. In the year of opening, 1860, only twelve burials occurred, but the interments have rapidly increased year by year until during the past twelve months they were 1,093, bringing the number up to 10,500 bodies which the cemetery has received since 1860. It appears, however — and herein lies the gravamen of the report — that the graves in the common ground range from six to eighteen feet in depth, and they are what are termed the " open ", graves, which are not closed until they have received a sufficient number of bodies to fill them, as many as fourteen adults, or twenty-six children having been buried in one grave. When it is stated, therefore, that the Burial Act imperatively demands that one foot of earth should be placed between each body, it will be at once apparent that this wise provision has been ignored, and the charge of overcrowding lies at the door of the cemetery authorities. Dr. Oakman also states that the graves have sometimes remained open for a month before they were finally closed, the result being naturally that after rain water remains in the open graves, the bodies discompose, and noxious gases escape. His words on this point are very emphatic. He says: 'The stench from these open graves is very bad, and produced a visible effect on myself and surveyor when ' inspecting." This but confirms what has been before alleged, that officiating clergymen have, whilst reading the service, complained of the smell, and consequently such a state of things must have come to the knowledge of the Burial Board. They are therefore inculpated in the serious charge which Dr. Oakman implies when he states that persons, while mourning over their loss at the grave, were peculiarly liable to zymotic diseases, and might, by reason of inhaling the noxious effluvia, be put in extreme danger. Mr. Cleave has done good service in calling public attention to so serious an evil, and as the practice is a direct violation of the Burial Act, we have no doubt that the Home Secretary, to whom the Board of Works has referred the report, will take prompt action to prevent a recurrence. Dr. Oakman received the thanks of the Board for his full and straightforward statement, and we think deservedly. It is only few weeks since we alluded to the efforts to improve the ornamental aspect of the cemetery; but it is to be hoped that the Burial Board will now be called upon to turn their attention to its sanitary condition. One important fact we should not omit to mention, and we are following the report, that were the Home Office regulations strictly adhered to the cemetery ought to be closed in one year. It, is imperative that the Home Secretary, to whom the report has been forwarded, should take some steps, not only to meet the present necessities of the case, but also to provide for the future.

[BNA: Link.]

Globe — Thursday 13 August 1874

DANIEL CLARKE LAWRENCE, aged 12 years, the son of a gentleman residing at 37, Heath-road, Wandsworth, was crossing a field near Wandsworth Common when he was attacked by a stray horse, kicked in the head, and so seriously injured that he died shortly afterwards. A verdict of accidental death was last night returned by a jury.

[BNA: Link.]
"

Daily News — Thursday 27 August 1874

THE " GYPSIES " OF EPPING FOREST. TO T251-: LDItTOi OF 'it

E D&ILY NEWS. Sin,Wo have lately Ileard a good dol about Epping Forest for the Peoplc." A recent experience of mine?? me to ask who " the people " are, and to uile upon the proper authorities, whosoever they may be, tlic dutv of settling this question pretty speodily. A few days silne. Iweut, with mnv wife and chcidreo, to a pert of the foreot ill the iminlldiato neigbourhood of Chigwell RO1W. We teok soms?? with up, and hoped to sudld a few hoars of quiet enjoyxuoit and recreaion ll t IC pleas:ll t shade. 1at our ho)ec wore, to IL great degree, frustrated by the sesterouitic and pertinacious annoyance to which we wore subjected by the vagabonds Wio, under the nam11e of "gypsies, " infest the place in swarms, The nuisance heogin by three women forcing their coiplily upon us and urging us to have our "fortunes" told — of course for a consideration. For a long time we could uot get them to believe that wve refaced to avail oursolves of their intimacy with the fates, oi to encourage their rascally trade by giving theic 2l0oev. When at length they lhad boneo00 convinced of our sincerity they plied us with all manner of insults, mingling jeers nud abuse in pretty equal measure, and winding up with the threat that we Should riot hlve a sno'xeut'e p2eace, for that they would secul uis pa ty if for 1arty witl donkeys, ponios, Aunt Sallios, and what nuot. Nor was the threat an idle one. Successive parties of vagabonds duly appeared on the scene, tethering their beasts in the little open space we occupied, thrusting themselves into our midst, and extending their filthy bodies en the grnas beside us — in short, perpetrating every sort of annoyance short of actual violence. I have since learnt that ours is by no inllsa an isolated case; on the contrary, that this is what all have to look forward to who visit the forest with the same?? as ourselves. Hence it would seem that " the people" for whom the forest is to be carefully preserved, are these so-called "' gypsies." But surely, Sir, this interpretation of "the forest for the people" is one that her Majesty's decent lieges have a right to dnmaid shall be abolished, Who is answerable for this disgraceful state of things? Surely there are magistrats, or commissioiners, or ofticers'of sonic kind who have the power, and therefore on whom devolves the duty, of regulating the procoedings of those noisuolne vanabonds, and proventing them froin molestiug quiet and inoffensive persons. I, for one, protest against the continsanco of this ahominatiou, and hopo this lotter will be followed up by energetic remonstrances from other quarters.

anm your obedient servant, SUB-URDBAUS.

[BNA: Link.]

"CHECK THE TIMES

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[BNA:
12 Mar 2020 Dr Francis Anstie was a workhouse doctor, also known for publishing the theory of the 'Anstie's limit'. He proposed that 1.5 ounces of . . .

THE LATE DR. ANSTIE. — The Lancet

[BNA:
Anstie's alcohol limit: Francis Edmund Anstie 1833-1874.

[BNA: ajph.aphapublications.org pdf AJPH.67.7.679

by AD Baldwin 1977 Cited by 36 "Anstie's Limit" or Rule refers to the daily amount of alcohol that the average drinking . . . quately how great is the loss to our country in Dr. Anstie.

Daguerreotype portrait of a Dr Anstie in case | Science Museum . . .

[BNA: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk objects

The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Daguerreotype portrait of a Dr Anstie in a tooled leather case, lined with embossed velvet, English, 1839-1860 . . .

Sexton Blake (TV Series 19671971) — Arthur Brough as Dr. Anstey . . .

[BNA:
ON Saturday, 12th inst., in his forty-first year, after an illness of only four days' duration, died Dr. F. E. Anstie, from the consequences of a . . .

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The Late Dr. Anstie — Thomas Buzzard — Google Books

[BNA: books.google.com books about The_Late_Dr . . .

The Late Dr. Anstie. Front Cover. Thomas Buzzard. Macmillan & Company, 1875 — Physicians — 46 pages. 0 Reviews. Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks . . .

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Leicester Daily Post — Saturday 19 September 1874

DEATH OF DR. ANSTIE . It Is with much regret that we announce the premature and almost sudden death of Dc. Anstie, which occurred on Satonlay at his house in Wimpolestreet, London, after a short illness brought on by exposure to sewer gas. The school of the Patriotic Fond at Wandsworth has lately been. visited by serious illness, Ievidently due to structural military defects; and,' sonic of the cases having terminated fatally, Dr. Anetie was called in, to advise not only as to the treatment of the survivors:, but also as to the causes of sickness. To the duties thus imposed upon him ha devoted six hours of Sunday, the 6th inst., and again visited the school on Tuesday, and on both occasiooi examined minutely into defects of sewerage to which he attributed the outbursts of disease. On Tuesday evening and on Wednesday ho complained of being ailing, Ind woe able to continue his professional avocations. On Thursday morning he was unable to leave his bed, and on Satunlay he died, with syroptons of overwhel going blood-poisoning. Dr. George Johnson and Dr. Burdondianderson attended him with sedulous care; but his case was characteristically hopeless from its commencement. Dr. Anstie first came before the public en investigator of the uses of alcohol as a food, not as a mere stimulus or spur, and succeeded in establishing by direct experiment the importance of the pantity administered in relation to this aspect of the question.

[BNA: Link.]

Stroud News and Gloucestershire Advertiser — Friday 25 September 1874

THE DEATH OF DR. ANSTIE. The Times, referring to the death of Dr. Anstie from miasma generated in the schools of the Royal Patriotic Fund at Wandsworth, and to a letter which it publishes from the architect of one of the schools, says :" It would seem that the girls of this school have been exposed to a noxious atmosphere compared with which that of many a common lodging-house is pure. It is often disheartening to perceive how hard it is to impress even upon intelligent and well-intentioned people the results of experience, the most painfully and laboriously acquired. Victims without number to typhoid fever and other forms of sewage poisoning have illustrated the fatality of any neglect of due precautions in this matter, especially in the case of large institutions ; and yet within a few miles of London a great national institution must sacrifice the gives of several children and one doctor before the perils of a stagnant cesspool can be appreciated. The time is at band, if it has not arrived, when no excuse can be admitted for such neglect. There are, no doubt, many obscurities in medical and sanitary sciences. But a number of leading principles are now so well established that to disregard them is nothing short of culpable stupidity. If diseases arising from "impoverished and poisoned blood" prevail among healthy children in a healthy neighbourhood,, there can hardly fail to be some plain cause for it. At' all events, if sewage is left to stagnate, if water supply flagrantly impure, if filters are allowed to become worse than useless through dirt, responsible persons deserve no more to be excused than if they stored up gunpowder in the neighbourhood of an open stove."

[BNA: Link.]
1874 9

"On 16 Sep 2022, at 11:55, Philip Boys wrote:

Dr. Anstie.

Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)

Issue: 28107

DB. ANSI';.,It is with much regriettlta we annouuco th4 premature and almost sudden death of Dr. Anstiec wrhich occured on Saturday at his house in Wimpole-street, after & short illness brought on by a= posure to seur erg. The school of tho Patrioti. Fend at Wandsworeh has lately been isited by serious illnesses, evidently duo to structural samtary defects; and, somec of the cascs having ternulnated fatally, Dr. Anstie wvas called in, to advisenot only as to the treatment of the survivors, but also as to the causes of siclness. Tothe tdties thus imposed upon him he devoted six hours of Sundav, the th inst., and again visited the school on Tuesday, and on both occasions exanined minutely into defcts of sawerage to which he attributed the outbursts of discase. On Tuesday evening and on Wednesday ho complained of being ailing, but was able to continue his professional avocations. On Thursdav morning ho was unablo to leave his bed, and on Saturday he died, with symptoms of ovenrhelming blood-poisoning. Dr. Gcorge Johnson and Dr. 2Burdon-Sanderson attended luhn vith sedulous care; but lis case was characteristically hopeless from its commencement.,Dr. Austie first caine before the public xi an investigator of the uses of alcohol as a food, not as a mero stimulus or spur, and succeeded in establishing by direct experiment the importance of the quantitv admiinistered in relation to thiis .aspect of the question. He wvas the originator and chief conductor oi the hrqury into the state of workhouses, which a..s published some years ag,o in tho Lan-ct, and -which, by the facts it disclosed, was the immediate cause of ,reat improvements in those institutions, as well as df 1r. Hardy's Act for the better treatment of the sick poor in the metropolis. At the College of Physicians he was an acknor.edged leader of the party of reform, by hliieh maany important inprovements in medical educationa havo been effected, and he was the instigator of the recent pStition of the College to the Preniier on tho subject of the overcrowded dwellings of the poor, which led to tho Act requiring Railway Companies to provideL houses for tlh,popuLations which they might displace. ALs a practical physician he was widely known by his researches into the nature and causes of neuralgia, on wrhich he had published a valuable treatise. He was Physician to the Vestminster Hospital, and, in addition to much literary labour of various kinds, he had been for somie years cditor of Tic Pracitiwwr.,By a large circle of privato friends Dr. Anstia will be long and sincarely lamented. Hlis hatred of oppression or w-rong-doing, hi3 love of truth for its own fake, his generous and chivalrous eharacter, had endeared hun to all who were brought within the rango of his personal nfluence. Of av warm heart and a somewhat combative temperament, ho was engaged in mauny controversies-but he never suffered his sLhare in them to degenerato into personality, aud never forgot to distiu ish Ibetween the abuses he condemuned and the possibly innocent persons who administered tbem."

"On 16 Sep 2022, at 11:55, Philip Boys wrote:

Dr. Anstie.

Date: Monday, Sept. 14, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)

Issue: 28107

DB. ANSI';.,It is with much regriettlta we annouuco th4 premature and almost sudden death of Dr. Anstiec wrhich occured on Saturday at his house in Wimpole-street, after & short illness brought on by a= posure to seur erg. The school of tho Patrioti. Fend at Wandsworeh has lately been isited by serious illnesses, evidently duo to structural samtary defects; and, somec of the cascs having ternulnated fatally, Dr. Anstie wvas called in, to advisenot only as to the treatment of the survivors, but also as to the causes of siclness. Tothe tdties thus imposed upon him he devoted six hours of Sundav, the th inst., and again visited the school on Tuesday, and on both occasions exanined minutely into defcts of sawerage to which he attributed the outbursts of discase. On Tuesday evening and on Wednesday ho complained of being ailing, but was able to continue his professional avocations. On Thursdav morning ho was unablo to leave his bed, and on Saturday he died, with symptoms of ovenrhelming blood-poisoning. Dr. Gcorge Johnson and Dr. 2Burdon-Sanderson attended luhn vith sedulous care; but lis case was characteristically hopeless from its commencement.,Dr. Austie first caine before the public xi an investigator of the uses of alcohol as a food, not as a mero stimulus or spur, and succeeded in establishing by direct experiment the importance of the quantitv admiinistered in relation to thiis .aspect of the question. He wvas the originator and chief conductor oi the hrqury into the state of workhouses, which a..s published some years ag,o in tho Lan-ct, and -which, by the facts it disclosed, was the immediate cause of ,reat improvements in those institutions, as well as df 1r. Hardy's Act for the better treatment of the sick poor in the metropolis. At the College of Physicians he was an acknor.edged leader of the party of reform, by hliieh maany important inprovements in medical educationa havo been effected, and he was the instigator of the recent pStition of the College to the Preniier on tho subject of the overcrowded dwellings of the poor, which led to tho Act requiring Railway Companies to provideL houses for tlh,popuLations which they might displace. ALs a practical physician he was widely known by his researches into the nature and causes of neuralgia, on wrhich he had published a valuable treatise. He was Physician to the Vestminster Hospital, and, in addition to much literary labour of various kinds, he had been for somie years cditor of Tic Pracitiwwr.,By a large circle of privato friends Dr. Anstia will be long and sincarely lamented. Hlis hatred of oppression or w-rong-doing, hi3 love of truth for its own fake, his generous and chivalrous eharacter, had endeared hun to all who were brought within the rango of his personal nfluence. Of av warm heart and a somewhat combative temperament, ho was engaged in mauny controversies-but he never suffered his sLhare in them to degenerato into personality, aud never forgot to distiu ish Ibetween the abuses he condemuned and the possibly innocent persons who administered tbem."

"The Late Dr. Anstie.

Author: H. SAXON SNELL.Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)

THlE LATE DR. ANSTIE.,TO THE ID1TOR OF THE TDIES.,Sir,-In your notice of tho lamented death of Dr. Anstio after a short illness, brought on by exposuro to sewer gas while examining defects in tho drainage of the schools of the Patriotic Fund at aYandsworth, it is stated that the children have lately becn visited by serious illnesses " cidently duo to structural sanitary defects.",Tho schools referred to consist of two distinct buildings situatedl upon adjoining grounds,and about 1,100 feet apart. The one, btuilt of whito brick, contains about 400 girls, aud the other, built of red brick, contains about 230 boys.,As the Boys! School was erected from my designs, you will, I hope, permit me to state that the illnesses wlich neceswitated the calling in of Dr. Anstie arose in the Girls' School, anid that no similar cases have occurred in the building for which Iacted as architect At the same time it is but just to the architect of the Girls' School that I should express my conviction, from professional inspections mande by rue, that theso illnesses arc in no wvay attributable to structural sanitary defect of either of tbo buildings, but rather to tho mode adopted for the disposal of the sewago after it Las left them. The sewago is carried by earthenware drain-pipcs from the buildings to largo tanks, covered with looso boarding aand situated withinabout 130 yardls of tho girls' dornmitories and 80 yurds from one of their playgrounds. In these tanks the sewage stagnates until it can be pumped over tho Land, and then it is distributed rotnm, and about the buildingsas wcU as over the kitchen garden and lueadow adjoin.,ing it.,The greater part of the illnesses to which the girls of this school have been subject for some years past is such as irould ariso from impoverished and poisoned blood, and it scarcely, therefore, Would secm necessary for the I toyal Commissioners of the Patriotte Fund to seek further than ticir sewvage tanks and Iother irrigation works for the causo of the diseases now and for some timt, past prevalent in their schools.,At a comprnatively small cexiense, the wbole of the sewge of both schools mT1igt lhe taken into the 3letropolitan fioard of Works' scver, and this should be done irasuediately. I am, Sir, your obedient servant.,IL SAXON S'?%F.T.,22, Southanpton-buildingw, W.C., Sept. 14. — -"

"The Late Dr. Anstie.

Author: H. SAXON SNELL.Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)

THlE LATE DR. ANSTIE.,TO THE ID1TOR OF THE TDIES.,Sir,-In your notice of tho lamented death of Dr. Anstio after a short illness, brought on by exposuro to sewer gas while examining defects in tho drainage of the schools of the Patriotic Fund at aYandsworth, it is stated that the children have lately becn visited by serious illnesses " cidently duo to structural sanitary defects.",Tho schools referred to consist of two distinct buildings situatedl upon adjoining grounds,and about 1,100 feet apart. The one, btuilt of whito brick, contains about 400 girls, aud the other, built of red brick, contains about 230 boys.,As the Boys! School was erected from my designs, you will, I hope, permit me to state that the illnesses wlich neceswitated the calling in of Dr. Anstie arose in the Girls' School, anid that no similar cases have occurred in the building for which Iacted as architect At the same time it is but just to the architect of the Girls' School that I should express my conviction, from professional inspections mande by rue, that theso illnesses arc in no wvay attributable to structural sanitary defect of either of tbo buildings, but rather to tho mode adopted for the disposal of the sewago after it Las left them. The sewago is carried by earthenware drain-pipcs from the buildings to largo tanks, covered with looso boarding aand situated withinabout 130 yardls of tho girls'dornmitories and 80 yurds from one of their playgrounds. In these tanks the sewage stagnates until it can be pumped over tho Land, and then it is distributed rotnm, and about the buildingsas wcU as over the kitchen garden and lueadow adjoin.,ing it.,The greater part of the illnesses to which the girls of this school have been subject for some years past is such as irould ariso from impoverished and poisoned blood, and it scarcely, therefore, Would secm necessary for the I toyal Commissioners of the Patriotte Fund to seek further than ticir sewvage tanks and Iother irrigation works for the causo of the diseases now and for some timt, past prevalent in their schools.,At a comprnatively small cexiense, the wbole of the sewge of both schools mT1igt lhe taken into the 3letropolitan fioard of Works' scver, and this should be done irasuediately. I am, Sir, your obedient servant.,IL SAXON S'?%F.T.,22, Southanpton-buildingw, W.C., Sept. 14. — -"

"The Late Dr. Anstie.

Author:C. AUBYN HAWKEN

Publication:The TimesLondon, England

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1874Issue 28109p. 10Letter to the editor

TlB ZATE D A8f,TO TH EDIToRl OF E TI,Sir,-ThO -tao enttited in 2 TJ& g of to.dq of ith,death of Dr. Aiste Mu havo been a panful suprise u4 only; to his ny friczds, bUt to ALa eprOpoetOa Of S me;ical profesion, to who I.is hligh scicatific stt&ime=b,must be so well koown Except his reltives, no yencn ca -nore keenly regret hir decease thn myself.,Th't V:). Austie died frome e os poisonuo ther is no doubt, but it wa not from inh3ig ewer gus. As the rOeasn assigned far the loss of such a vuble life is not only inasccrate,but Calculated to cause consideraiblc dnxiety to the fricuds of the inmates of the Royal Patriotic Fund Girls' School, I would beg the favour of your isating this letter.,This buildingis frequently inspectd by memb., of the Committee, cnd very -ccontly, before the outbre3k ef disease, tlle Sccrceta o' the lBoyal Coimiaiou ana myself made a ninute exanmnation of every closet. TIk whole were in goad working rder and free from smnelL Afte, the epiderio Lad shown itself another examination Wsu made, Wlies a deftc, which 'Was 'Lot appareut before, was disWvered ia a 3clost in a Part; o the building furthest r,mored froza the division of girls prin.ipally aHec Tho defect was immediatey remedied. This was befre Dr. Axistic came to tho s3chol,and on his fir4t visit Leo epressed his warm aProval of tho alteration mado to rmedy the defect aUuded to, which would elctualy pnrvnt th'l recurralcea of any objectio2iable smell,In all, there h,.e boen four deaths out of52 S streated iu IL VeCied of eight days. Tho first chlod sufed from m'sentoric abscess, but her death was hostened by tho epidminic then showing itself. The death of the second little girl folIowed so closcly au her first beingt nill,tlmt v:lien others were1 seriously affected D:. Anstio'S adviceand asius rC wcrc rc Quated, nd he wan s ai niL beforo the third and fourth deaths oc(uacir Tho disease was so pecular and novel that Dr. Anstie wasTery much intera:nd ; to use his own exprecsion, "It was wn3 in medical literature," antd, with his characteristic eergy, he sought to discover tie cause.,He only insected ono Or two of the closetc, with the couditin ofhibih hewas quito atiied,d hc felt Conilecd thlt invcstg;Uossmus bc made elswhere, and, ini fact, narrowed the search by ecluding altogether t}e idea of ewevrage having anything to do withl the outbak; cOnsequently, there was no yossibility of la having inhaled sev er gas. Had there been any poison of this nature, theJ Secretary of the Patriotic Fund, or myself, or some of the unca earoloved, would surely have raffered, as the wholc of us wvould hlve been much more exposed to seek igteneo. had it e-Lted. than lDr. Anstie.,The tanlrs and the means of filtrtion were tlhoro dy cleansed and ewi charcoal was put in t this sgt of tho preceedings, the Sunday on which Dr. Anstie w here for everal ho-four of whihel le WAs engaged in the poet mzorteia exaniination, aLot hbaf An hour in inspecting tho arrangoments for the water supply, the lan-S hving been previously cleased, and about another halflhourin seeing the children whLo were ill-his dilculty was to aceguat for the fact that one divisiou of the school sufferedso much more than the others. The water supply of cvery part of the building was traced, and it w.,s found that, from some uniaccountable tause, ono lavatory, where the &rls some tim3C drink water, was not Counneted with the tanb. a, every other part of the building was, but dreOVitasupplyfroma ciste in tho laundrywhich ars only intended for washing pur,eoses,and vis fillcd by water from a large rain-water tank, which from the long drought hod recently bcer. brouht low. unles from a de sire on the parb of thepltmbers to sve 'themaselves trouble gt the time of the firstitting of the building, is i=0po3_ aile to couiecture Why this lavatory W thus eneeted vith tho l'undsF,as within a few feet there wa supply of water from tho tans. Immediately tho discovery was mado the eounexion vwith the laundry was severed, and an improvement in tho heLalth of tho children,wau at onc manifested.,Dr. Anstie was here on tho Aondly after Mlee Important discovery had been smade in the momring, and ko then said our trouble would soon be over. Frorn that timo a( c,of tle same nature has occured, and thoso who lud been previously affec:ed have been restored to their uual state' Of health; in short, the epidemie has cntirely ceased, and the infirmary wards arc at thi moment in their usta COndition.,And now I would mention the retal cauc of Dr. Anstic; death. H I tookpart on the 6th inst. in the PO norten examination of tho last lite girl that dicd, and in the conr, of the operatiou slightly cut ono of his fnges, and thus imbibed the poison which so unhappily proved fitaL, ItruSt yoU ril pardon theo length of this letter, but after the sttement in your issue of to-day it seemed to ne eaential that tlhe full particulars shuld be serrvti., I have the honour to be, biir, your obedient servant.,V. ;3. AULBYN UAWEE!I,. ILILQSR,3etlcica1 Oficer. I toyal vietoria Patiotic Asylum for Girl,,Wand rth-cammnon, sept. 14.,Sertemlarl5.,PS-Thc forezoing lotter was wrifttn lat cvcnin. I,hawo saice s-en your article Of to-day, 4 Iare you that thero is no foundation for thc araunct Ued in rfrcnco to the sewazc, which is not staoznut in the pits, and from the distribution of which Dr. Austio had, after tha whole subject had been c.xplained to him, exprened his de,c:ied opinion that no i11 result could be anticipated. Iin. vito with co:didcrce an inspection of the building asd all its adjuncts by any gentleman interested. Exeept by such a minute testing as that adopted, it would hate bren imupossiblo to discover the fact of tho ofeending pipe having been led through a hole into the wll separatiogthe lvatory from t1he lautdzy."

"The Late Dr. Anstie.

Author: F. R. C. S.Date: Thursday, Sept. 17, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)Issue: 28110

TRE LATE DR. ANETsE.,TO THE EDITOR OF THE Tri .,Sir,-The letter of Zir. Hawidns, in ne Trimes of this day's date, has occasioned mne some surprise. A few days before hisla muneted death, Dr. Anstie told mie of tho invcstigation in which he was engaged, ansd drew a rough diagram to illustrate th state of the playground at the schools-a state wlhich he then thought was sufficicnt to explain the sickness amoug the pupils. According to this diagra tho playground is a quadraagle, excavated below the level of the surrounding soil, always damp, and entered by descending a flight of steps on any of three sides On tho fourth side there is a roof, covering in a portion of the ground for use in wet weather, and under the roof, in the centre of the boundaxy Wa1 oa this side, an opening leading to a row of latrines, which are otherwiso entirely enclosed. It follows from this arrangement that the gases gecerated by the decomposition of the contets of the latrines were poured undiluted into tho covered part of the ground, where, in wet veather, the ehldren wcro lilely to be thicldy congregated. Dr. Austio told me that this arrangerment was about to be altered forthwith; but it then,eemead to bina to be the prebable cause of the outbreacs of disease. He added that tae architect had originally made provision for filtering the water supplied by the L-ambeth Company, but that the filters had not been cleaued from time immemorial, that they were fuU of sludge, and that they fulfilled only the superfluous function of rendering tho water dirtier than it was before. Ho could hardly havo arrived at the knoNledge wvhich he imparted without such personal investigation as must have exposed hin to atlcmst the same risks as the children theiselves wcre daily caled upoato incur.,Itis, unfortunately, too true that he was pricked by a needle in the course of the posse-orlenz examination which hIr. Hawlins mentions; aid Ilearn to-4ay that Dra. George Johnson and Burden Sanderson, on a review of all the circumstances of the case, arc of opinion that this injury was the immediate cause of his decease. It is diffcult to exdude the belief that exposure to the emanationsawhich I have mentioned was at least a predisposing cause; and it is certain that, if the managers of the schools had brcnght reasonablo knowledge and care to assist them in tho discharge of their onerous and responsible du ties, the ocasimon for the post-2oiortcs would never have occurred., I am. Sir. vour obeaient seri-t,F. IL 0. S.,September 1G."

South London Press — Saturday 19 September 1874

The Battersea Burial Board have unanimously elected Mr. Albert Thomas Ackerman, who for the past seven years has been one of the charge officers at the Surrey County Lunatic Asylum, Tooting, as Superintendent to the Battersea Cemetery. The selection was made out of upwards of two hundred applicants. This is the first alteration that has occurred since the Government inquiry took place some few weeks since.

The dismissal of the superintendent of the Battersea Cemetery is to be made the subject luoiry at the ensuing meeting of the Battersea Vestry. The opinion that the kuperintexiimt, has been made a scapegoat ft r the I Iin their incompetent administration of at Ow zemetery, which, at the inspeeti u by rile Office authorities, was so etrougly mod e me . . . xl, is fast gaining ground. It i s difficult to believe that he is t'espossible for the overcrowding of the graves, inasmuch the returns would the cumber of the interments in each grave; and to this matter the superintendent should surely have received some official check from the Board itself. The pending inquiry will, however, probably elicit some informatio on this head. o

AN official inquiry has been made by the Home Office into the present condition of the Wandsworth Cemetery in South-street, which has resulted in Dr. Holland reporting that the burial ground must be closed at the expiration of next year to all who have not family graves therein. The inspection was made at the instance of the Rev. Dr. Chave, by whom, and the Rev. W. Buck master, Dr. Holland was conducted through the cemetery. It will be necessary, therefore, to be on the look-out during the coming sixteen months for an available site upon which to form a new cemetery.

THE official visit recently paid by Dr. Holland, the local government inspector, to the crypt of St. Mary's Church, Battersea, will no doubt result in the Rome Office issuing such instructions to the local authorities as will prevent the possibility of any nuisance arising from the large number of bodies which the crypt contains. The coffins of many of these are in many instances much decayed by age, and liable to leak or burst at any time, so that attention to the matter is absolutely necessary. There is always danger of their becoming most unpleasant to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood and the worshippers at the church. Dr. Holland recommends that in future the content of each fresh grave shall be so regulated by the depositing ot each coffin in a layer of soil and charcoal as . to admit of the reception of about four bodies.

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"The Patriotic Schools.

Author: H. SAXON SNELL.Date: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)Issue: 28114

THEB PATRIOTIC SCHOOLS.,TO THE EDITOlt OF THE TmE.,Sir.-In a letter to you of tho 14th inst. I described the taode adopted for the disposal of the sewage at these schools on Yandasworth Coramon, and Istated my opinion that it was unncess ary for tho Roytl Commissioners of the Patriotic Fuud to seek further than their sewage tanks and other irrigation works for the causo of tho diseases now and for soumo timoe past prevalent in their schools.,SincethenyoutLavepublishedtwoletters from the medical officer and the xecretary of the institution, denying edther directly or infcrentially these statements, and inasmuch as in your leading article of the 15th inst. you did we tho honour to accept and to comment upon my assertions and cndorse the conclusions I drew from them, I do not think it would be right that I should now furthor hesitato to defend them.,M1r. Eawlken states as the cause of the late outbreak that the girls were in the habit of drinking water only intended for washing purposes, and supplied from "a large rain. water tank, which from tho long drought had recently been brought low," and he says that this rain-water drinking tap> has existed without discovery " inco the time of the first fit'ing of the building"',Any one who has tasted rain water will at once have rejected such a proposition as this. The building has been created uplwards of 1 years, and the droughts in scme of them have certainly been far greater than tho late one. It is, therefore, not simply impure, but at times, istagnant, rain water that you arc told has for anl these years beenunconsciously imbibed by these children.,Neither of theso two correspondents attompts to deny that my statement as to the position and distance of the cesspools in referenco to the dormitories and playgroundsis considerably within tho facts. They confine themselves to stating that " tho 3ewage is not stagnant in the pits," and the publio is inNited to snake an inspcetion with the assurance that they will find this to bo the case.,In the maost naive manner, however, Mr. Mugford a few paragraphs previously says that since tho late outbreask and before Dr. Anstie saw thens " the filtering beds had been thoroughly cleansed, new charcoal having been put in andthe tanks scrubbed with a mixture of carbolic acid," and then ho asks triumphantly, " EHad sewer 5as been the cause of the epidemic, why has it not been continued ? as nothing has been done to tho drains or cesspools.",But observe, Sir, that so far from nothing having been donc to these cesspools, in the previously-quoted paragraph he has stated that sinco the outbreak they have been "s crbbed with a mixture of carbolic acid," and he midht have added that this was the first time since their erection that they had been subjected to such a cleansing process.,In further defence of these cesupools the secretary says:-,' The cesspits are not aLowed to become stagnant. They arc and have been pumped out every day, Sundays excepted, and sometimecs S3atu.-days, as the engine requires attention. The g,reat quantity of w;ater froml the laundry, the baths, anl the lavatories of so la:,e an1 institution not only cleanses the drains, but dilutes the sewage. The covers of thle ceespits have ventilatinlg apecrtures, so that the possibility of their generating gOas is reduced to a m??}i/ninsml.", I am at a loss to understand how the generation of gas could be influenced by these ventilating apertures, but it is quito easy to couceivo that tanks partly filled with fccal and other liko matter would generato and evolve a large quantity of noxious gases, especially when hot water from "the laundry and baths of so large an institution" is constantly poured into them froms a height varying with their fulness of from 3 to 20 feet. There can only bo txvo outlets for these gases-cither they retcrn through the drain,pipcs into the building or they permeate through the loose-boarded coverings of the tanks into the open air. Tho return of the gases into the building is prevented (so long as the tanks are properly pumped out) by proper trapping, and they therefore dislcharge themiselves, as Ibefore stated, within 80 yards of the cliildren's playground and 130 yards of their dormitories. Tho quantity of theso gases reaching tlho children is dependent only upon thc direction and force of the wind. It may bo true, as stated by tho secretary, "1 that you can staud wvithin tvo or threo yards of theso pits and, from their absence of any offensive smell, you would be unconscious ef being in their vicinity," but tho conditions are that thyc have been lately well "scrubbed," and tho wind must bo blowing past you and towards tho tanks.,it is admittea that the children's playground contains latrines which are emptied and flushed every morning, and that always on Sundays and sometimes on Saturdays the cesspools remaie unemptied. The matter collected in the latrines on the Friday is therefore not emptied on to the ground until tho following Monday. This is quite long enough in hot weather to produce staguation, aud certainly the cesspools have been une-mptied for moro than a weelk at a time when tho engine (the only engine) has been under repair.,If the ceaspoals of these establishlments are kept constantly clean 3nd disinfected by scrubbing and carbolic acid,and the soewage they contain is not allowed to stagnate before beinthrown on tho ground, Iwill admit that no serious results are to be apprehended. Iwill even go further and say that drains and cesspools aro entrely unnecessary, snd that " commodes " situated in the dormitories and day-rooms, if subjected to similar cleansing operations, are quite suEcoent for all sanitary purposes.,Why, however, shoula any ruch expedient be adopted when there run within 3,OOOft. or 4,OOOft. of the building tvo sewers beloning to the Metropolitan Board of Works? The first expense of carrying tho drainage into these sewers would in a very few years be recouped by the saving in euginecering works, carbolic acid, and scrubbing alone.,Had it not been that in your notice of Dr. Asnatic's death the impression was conveyed to many of my friends that structural sanitary defects existed in tho building for which Iacted as architect Ipossibly should not hLavo mado my opinions on tho subject pubec; but inasmuch as I have long sinco unavailingly represented to thc secretary my object6ons to the present mode of dealing with the sewage, the result will, perhaps, bo beneficial by caUing the attention of the Commissioners to at least tho necessity of an inquiry, and that the consequence wil be an entire change of the present system I do not for a moment doubt.,Somo years since, at a large institution nacr London, for which Iacted as architect, tho same system of irrigation existed, and it was only on the deaths of four or five chiL dren from typhus fever that tho authorities were induced to agree toan altcration of the system, and carry the drainage into an adjoining sewer. W"hen, however, this was done, tho chango in tho childrcn's health was most marked, and no such cases of fever have occurred since., I could mention other instances of a like character, but that I have already too much reason to apologize for the length to which this letter has extended., I am, Sir, your obedecnt servant-,IL SAXON sN9LT,zz, Nouthbption-buildingw, W.O., Sept 2L"
THE LATE DR. ANSTIE.-A large and influential Date: Thursday, Sept. 24, 1874 Publication: The Times (London, England) Issue: 28116

"THE LATE DR. ANSTIE.-A large and influential

Date: Thursday, Sept. 24, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)Issue: 28116

Tan LATm Dr. ILAsTiL-A large and influeutial meeting of the professional and privato friends of the late Dr. Anstic was held last evening at the houso of Dr. George Johnson, in Savile-row, for the pwrpose of talzing step3 to raiso a fund to bo appxlied in perpetuation of Dr. Astic's memory, ad in recognition of his publio and professional services. Dr. Georgo Johnson presided, and among thoso present wero Vrs. Andrew Clark, Sibson, Murchison, Burdon Sandersou, V. P1layfair, Liveing, Dfluin, Douglas Powell, Wiarton Hood, Sturges, and Glover, Messrs. MacmillaE, J. S. Storr, T. If. llslq, John Wood, Henry Smith, Christopher HIeath, Henry Power, Bond, Netten Itadcliffe, and Brudenell Carter, and many others. Ltters from many eminent professional men expressivo of sympathy with the object proposed and of regret at unavoidable absence, wvero read to the tuceting, and then Dr. Bur. don Sanderson moved, and Dr. Glover secouded, a resolution-" That, considering tho labours of the lato Dr. Anstic for the promotion of science, and the srcuinstances of hluntinely death, it is desirablo that somo permanent memorial of his career should be established." In speaking to this resolution it vas pointed out that Dr. Instic's widowand threo young children were but slenderly provided for, and henco that his only son would probablv be unable to obtain thu completo education whicb his ftser if his life had been spared, had intended to secure for him. It,was feltthat theproposed memorialnsightfittiuglyta+iethe for-n of a fundto be devoted to this object,and it washoped that such an applicat:on of monoymight not bounacce ;tailo to his family, and might bo receiwed bythem asatitting tribute to the estimation in which Dr. Anstio was held. By subsequent resolutions a large ceomittee vns appointed to carry out the objects of the meeting, and 3r. J. S Storr of 2t,, I;ing-strect, Covent-garden. was appointed treasurer and Ir. Brudencll Carter and Dr. Whaxton Hood were appointed joint honorary secretaries. An executive oemmittee was also nominated- and an opinion was eressed that the circumstances of br. Anstie s death, in tho discharge of his duty, as well as miuch of the work which he had done during Jifo to ameioratethe condition of the poor wer.i suflicient to justify an appeal to the general publie as well as to his own profession. T'he meeting terminated with a voto of tharsks to the chairman.,"

South London Press — Saturday 26 September 1874

The Battersea Cemetery Scandal

The lime Office has communicated to the Board of Works the result of the late tion into the alleged scandal in connectiOn with the Battersea Cemetery, and it certainl justifies the action taken b?' the residents wk tailed attentive to the existence of the gularities in question. Commencing by formally stating that the Home Office had caused an inquiry to be made In reference to the report of Dr. Oatmeal, the offieial letter states that the complaint as to the non-observance of the regulations directed to be observed in the cemetery founded; but the Local Banal Board haviag expressed their regret, and the manager It the cemetery having been dismissed. Mr. roes considers it sufficient to warn the Burial Board that a, strict observance of the regulation must be enforced in future. To know that an alteration in the old system is imperative will no doubt be satisfactory to the promoters of the movement, who, so long as they had to deal with the members of the board themselves, were only met with contradictions and recriminations of anything but a desirable character; but it is not felt in the neighbourhood to be at all satisfactory that the dismissal of the 'superintendent of the cemetery should be the panacea through which the virtuous and just indignation of the Government was appeased. No one for a moment believes that the whole and sole control of the cemetery has been vested in the hands of the manager. or that he was solely responsible for the wrong-doings of the entire Burial Board. His dismissal, therefore. seems an arbitrary measure, desigued to cloak the greater responsibility of those in authority over him, and whose duty it was to check any wrong procedure of their paid servants. Premising that the returns of the number of bodies interred in each grave were duly rendered, and that the periodical meetings of the board (from which, by the bye, members of the press were rigidly excluded) were something more than mere matters of form, it most follow that the Burial Board were fully cognizant of the action of their own servants. Moreover, when the subject was first mooted at the of the local vestry. Mr. Cleaver was met with the most indignant denial that any nuisance or any objectionable proceeding from the cemetery existed, and the accuracy of his statement was something more than called in question. We have been informed that subsequently to the question being mooted by clergymen in the parish, whose duty it was to officiate at interments, the foul exhalation from these open graves was noisome in the extreme, and that they had so represented the matter. That the superintendent was not wholly to blame was vouched for by Mr. Dnrrants a member of the board, at the time of Dr. Holland's visit of inspection, he (Mr. Durrant) stating that " if any irregularity had occurred, it was not the fault of their present manager, as he had only followed custom." Mr. Cleaver also stated that when a member of the Burial Board in 1870 he had asked for the regulations governing the cemetery, and was told they could not be found."

The evidence of the Battersea surveyor, Mr. Pilditch, was also confirmative of the dangerous state of the cemetery so far back as June last, that gentleman stating "that when making a plan of the cemetery he was surprised to And so much water in the graves, and the effluvia arising from these graves was so had that it made him ill, and his medical man ascribed his illness to these noxious smells." The superintendent admitted that they had made graves 241 t. deep, in which 14 adults were placed. This may certainly argue a degree of culpability on his part; but it is idle to think that the action of their superintendent was not known to the board, either collectively or through individual members. If it were not, then the periodical sittings must be mere matters of form, and the responsible portion of the supervision must have been left in the hands of the man who, of all others, needed direct personal supervision. How ever the amount of blame may be apportioned, we cannot refrain from an expression of surprise that such a stake of things could exist in the presence of a properly-constituted managerial body; and that, moreover, in the face of intimation from various persons outside their own body, that such a grave and compromising state of things really existed.

We trust that the Battersea Burial Board will see the error of its ways, and perhaps, by admitting a little more light upon their proceedings — by the admission of representatives of the press — they will n it rnntherisk of tuture official censure, and the stigma which cannot,Lil to attach thereto.

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South London Press — Saturday 26 September 1874

Battersea Vestry.

THE DISMISSAL OF THE CEMETERY SUPERINTENDENT.

On Thursday evening a meeting of the elected vestry of Battersea was held at the Lammas Hall, when there were present — Rev. J. Erskine Clarke In the chair — Messrs. Griffin, Cleave, Price, Denny, Kllite, Chapman, Milner, Lancaster, Colebrook, E. Lathey, Elmslie, Trott, Wallace, Chadwin, Kuipler, Durrant, Ward, Gosden, Gerrard, Kaley, Burroughs, Kesterton, S. lothey, Buist, and Trow.

The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, the clerk read a correspondence that had taken plaice with the Local Government Board relative to his (Mr. Harrap's) increase in salary, voted at a previous meeting; whereupon Mr. Cleave again took exception to the mode of payment of the iecrease suggeeled — vis., out of the local rates con. tending also that the clerk had acted prematu;ely in carrying on the correspondence prior to the deferred consideration ot the vestry, in accordance with the mantic@ at the previous meeting. He (Mr. Cleave) also endeavoured to re-open the question of the desirability of an increase by a motion which would virtually have cancelled the conclusion arrived at when the vestry voted the increase, and was supported by Mr., who wooded the notion, to which ullllit was moved by Mr. Wallace and seconded by Mr. Chadwin confirming the increase, but throwing the burden upon the parish rate, which was carried by a majority of four, the votes being — For the amendment, 1%; for the motion, 10.

OF TME CEMETERY MUCEEINTENDENT.

Mr. Gerrard rose, in pursuance of a motion, "to call attention to the dismiseal of Mr. White, superintendent of the Battersea Cemetery, and to ask the reason thereof fro m the Burial Board." In acing so he (Mr. Gerrard) said he was a member of the beard when Mr. White was first appointed, and could speak of the peculation and disorder which viously prevailed; but upon the appointment tier White the peculation ceased, and it was thought they had the right man in the right place. A change was certainly desirable, and it seas made. When he was a member of the Burial Board be had always believed that the cemetery belonged to the ratepayers, and not to the clergy. Be thought that an undue amount of ill-feeling existed on the pert of the clergy against Mr White, owing to the fact that they were under the impression that Mr. White was the instijcator of the increased number of internomts which had recently taken place in the unconsecrated portion of the cemetery, the use of which, in the matter of fees, proved detrimental to the pockets of the clergy. shad noticed latterly that "worldly affairs were receiving very great a ttention in the parish, but spiritual ma tt er s very little." (Cries of "Question" and Order.") He was surprised to see that although a portion af the cemetery belonged to the Nonoonforintsts, there was not a single member to represent them on the Burial Board. It was again understood that no person should be elected as a Wive of the ratepayers at the Burial Board w not a vestryman, although the subject when discussed at the vestry meeting was not pressed to a resolution. Be could remember the time whoa the accounts of the cemetery were kept in a tworony memorandum book, but since Mr. 'White's appotatment they had been efficiently registered. White had been a faithful servant to the board; but, notwithstanding, had been badly treated, and more especially by the clergy. He had been compelled by the board to levy illegal fees — fees upon which counsel's opinion had been taken and proved illegal, and the money actually returned by the parish clerk. It was a well-known fact that in the consecrated portion of the ground a charge of . £1 s. Gd. was made for every memorial stone, and he should like to know into whose pocket fees went — the ratepayers' or the clergy. He (Mr. Gerrard) could cite cases where poor people who wishedto erect a tombstone were debarred from doing so by this illegal foe. He maintained that it was nothing less than actual oppression. He cited these extraneous matters to prove what an irresponsible body the Burial Board really was, and the manner in which their affairs were oonducted. He (Mr. Gerrard) then vehemently denoasosi the action of Om board in laying the whole ease of the meat scandal upon the 'orris. tendeat's did the not discover he wrong? They held presided at which the ed, spa the minis' of the number of bodies were constantly beirre meeting; yet in ling as the fees were increased, Isot Gee word of remonstrance was offered. When he was a number of the board — (a voice: " I did yen uot remise ono?")--(" I was disgusted with the disorderlyconduct of the members") — the board belonged to the rstepayers. and now he thought it wa. unler the udinence of the clergy. He could only contrast the generous conduct of the lists Mr. Soule, the late Baptist minister. with the graeniug conduct of the clew, who drew their free from the consecrated part of the etery, while the former gentleman frequently and almost returnod the fees to the f ends of the d oe . ai. a when %Usk position not enable t h e m to lay. The patent aduaiarati in, as iastained in the tombstone fee, drew every vniay j passible from survivors. He again unhesitatlogy with c onsiderable warmth expressed it to opiaioa that Mr. White incurred the dis ORION of the clergy because it was thought be haduivieed isterinents in the imoonseerated portion of cemetery, where the foes were sot so high. Be npos the Burial Beard, therdore, to say why Mr. White had been diiintiosed. Mr. Cicero the question a% ti the fees levied at the cemetery with regard to their comparative and th eir legality, had be fated, was most important, and he had no doubt tam: chairman was prepared with a expusnatiun. As regarded Mr. White's dismissal, he mould be very sorry If it was thought be had any in triaging the before the and Me public, or incurring aloe We laie superiuteudent, whom be highly we:whew/tad tise straigutaorwani mama in wheat tie mei him in any be had to make Lounecied w.th books er the supervision of meet:mete:l. lie never dreamt that the result would be the deposing of iLr. % bite from his post of euperintendent. The chairmen said he was very glad that Mr. Gerrard had afforded them the opportututy ot clearing up this question. He would retrain teem dealmg the statements of a personal uature which had fallen from that gentleman, but would rather content himself with reterring to the dismissal of Mr. White, whom he (the vicar) believed was under the impression that in making use of the space at his disposal, he was best serving the interests of the Burial Board. As they were aware, Dr. Holland visited the cemetery and otheially inspected rs, after which a number et Alters were written by Dr. Holland to the Board, in one ot which he expressed his great surprise at the extraordinary disregard had evidentay prevailed for wine tune past ot toe teifulations ot the Burial A.t, and in which it was plainly mutilated that nothing short ot the dismissal ot the manager of the cemetery would satisfy the Horne thrice be that at a meeting ot the board it was resolved that no other course remained open to them, U they did not wish to piece thenmeives in opposition to the Lomat tiovernment authorities and the!Lowe Secretary, than tusuussal. tie (the curtaimy must admit that. tr. White was battering individually for tic misdeeds of the board thcmselves, who should have been better acquainted with what was gulag on. In contradistinctiuu with the feeling that slr. Gerrard had accused him ot harbouring against the late saperiutendeut, he (the vicar) had suggested that a letiriug peusiou should be uttered to air. White, and he should be most happy to take part in soy moveineut having that object in view. naiey said he had always thought that the Burial Board was a ratepayer's board, but it was evident that it was a Waal now — l4 remark which ceded forth cries both ot assent and dissent. A member here asked how many bodies had been interred in any one grave. The vicar said he tethered 27, hut this statement was oontriulicted, it being understood that 14 adult bodies in one 24 feet grave, or 26 children, was the maximum number. Mr. liatey said that before the advent of Mr. White, the bodies of stillborn children were touud under the trees in the cemetery, and the pecuniary condition of the board was anyttoug but heafilly; but now they had been euateed to erect a tent, mainly owing to the exemplary manner in which air. White studied the whiteout ut the board. Mr. Wallace regretted very much that the discussion had taken tue phase of a contest " conformity anti Ls oscouturieity," aid tie isuu.nds of prudence and propriety been exceeded at attribut-1441 religious mow es as the mainspring of Mr. White's dismissal. He was certainly ot opinion that Mr.;White had been made tie scapegoat of the whole business, and h.,d to bear tie whole weight of the sins which should have 'alien on the board. He wished to bear his testimony and that of all he had heard speak upou the matter to the respectability ot Mr. W bite — testimony which he was glad to bear aim fall the lips of the rev. chairman. He was of opinion that it wouid have beta much inure manly if the board had taken the iniquities upon their own shoulders, and pleaded guilty to the (merge of careassuese, without making a sacrifice of their superintendent. Had the latter body acted as they ought to have done, ltr. White would not have been in his present position. (Hear, hear.) it was clear that a tiuthtul and honourable servant had been dismissed, and he thought if the question could in any way be reCOollidered, so that what he considered a greet act ot injustice might be avoided, he should be happy to hear some such proposition. He was sure that if the Local Government Beard were made aware that the dereliction of the whole board was being visited upon Mr. White, they (the Local Government Board) would duly consider any such representation. A member here said that the board no doubt knew, or could hardly have failed to know, whet was going on, yet they palmed it over until an inquiry was set afoot, and then the whole onus had to be borne by a subordinate olficiaL Mr. Durrant endeavoured to justify the dismissal of Mr. White, but was evidently at a loss to defend them. Personally, amid as a young member of the board, he must certainly plead ignorance of the regulations — (Mr. Wallace: "They are all alike") — but it should be borne in mind that Mr. White was himself at one time a member of the Burial Board, and should have been conversant with the regulation contained in the Act. Mr. Whitt here volunteered to answer Mr. Durrant, but it was ruled, after some discussion, that he, not being a member of the vestry, would render such a course irregular. After a desultory cunversation, in which the prevailing opinion that Mr. White had been harshly treated, Mr. Wallace proposed that the Burial Board be recommended to reconsider the came, and that they should allow Mr. White as large a retiring pension as possible, if they were legally empowered to do so. The resolution to that effect was then put and carried unanimously, and the business of the meeting terminated.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18740926/027/0006" target="_blank">Link.]

"DR ANSTIE

RVPA

Evening Mail — Monday 28 September 1874

THE PATRIOTIC School-%Mr. H. Snai l writes to us, under date Brighton, " A sentence your notice a Or. Atomic &fading' dered it incumbent upon we to state that the cause of prevalent at these was not atlass ur4 sanitary defects' in the budding for which Iacted as tact. Igreatly regret, however, that in doing appear nocesaarily to have cast a reflection tile management of the institution, and IWf gl.lly avoid saying more upon the subject. 3 X IJNr fonIL however, while disclaiming the for veraial cer.vsponibuca, insists upon denying a' ' melds, would now have you believe that because Iww not the architect of the original building I' can know no thing whatever of the condition of the cesspits or 00 1 41 pilice, or matters connected with that fthe mix ' Wliat Idu about these matters is sone yea!s since the whole of the drainage of this school was amine(' and partially reconstructed under my s uperman , ' once, that (under protest) Ialso designed en'l lu r j f i : tended the erection of one of the sewage tanks. L and auction pipes employed to empty all ed th e % It in not necessary or me to base teen main . irsou_, since in order to know what is the present conslitww " these ceaspouls, because' in his letter ot tl:e 19th last.th Ihmforil tells you, in support of his conviction.

Dr. Anstie WAS not exposed to sewer gas at Wandsworth the tanks had been scrubbed with a mixture of earbo'w, acid, and were in full working order before he (Dr. Awn . " ever saw them.' It is to be regretted that in a ference to this quotation Iused thu won't tissue; of 'tanks,' and thus gave Mr. filisgford the e pyortuals; accusing nie of mitetatement. A sudden weTd . ties has prevented my you this letter earlier.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Chronicle — Saturday 3 October 1874

Wandsworth.Dr. Nicholas reported 2t births and 13 deaths. This gave a death-rate of 12-40 per 1,000 per annum ; the health was in a satisfactory condition.

He was glad to report that no fresh cases of the lately prevalent epidemic disease at the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum for Girls since the period of his report on the subject.

[The matter alluded to by Dr. Oakman was the occurrence of 52 cases of peritonitis and 4 deaths from the 31st August to the 9th of September. After examining the institution and its premises on two separate occasions he agreed with Mr. Mugford (the secretary), and Mr. Hawken (the surgeon), attributing the epidemic to the use of the foul water contained in the rain water tank of the establishment, which was a underground reservoir receiving all the rain water from the roofs as well as the overflow from the drinking water cisterns, and which the time of the immediate occurrence of the outbreak, had run nearly dry.

The water of the tank was intended for laundry purposes only, but by some error had been laid on to one of the lavatories used by the junior section of the school, which suffered mostly from the disease. This water supply has been since cut off, and the b.id arrangements remedied.]

[BNA: Link.]

[Are there any newspaper reports of these 31 August — 9 September deaths? Can we find who hey were?]

Yet there was at least one more death

South London Press — Saturday 31 October 1874

Wandsworth

Dr. Nicholas reported 16 births ani 16 deaths. Four occurred in the Surrey Comity Lunatic Asylum, and Iin the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum. The facts showed a highly favourable condition of the health of the sub-district.

[BNA: Link.]

"The "Anstie Memorial Fund."-The com-

Publication:The TimesLondon, England

Saturday, Oct. 24, 1874Issue 28142p. 11Article

TiE " AsNsT -mEontAL FPUm."-The comnitte. formed to pronmoto a memorial to the late Dr. .Anstie now includes, hin addition to the leading mnembera of the trofession, tho Archbishop of Yorl, the Duke oft Wscatainster, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Henry Pertay, orn Julian Goldsmid, Sir Henrv CLavering, Sir. Shaw Stewart, SIr. Macmillan, the Rers. ilarry Jones and Henre o NWac,ansl ohers. The committee havo issued the fellowiug circular :-'" The death of tOm lato Dr. Anstie, which took place on tna 12th of September, in the 41st year of his Age, was occasioned by blood-poisoning, received, probably, tro;ugh an accidental Nound a i the coun-se of a po morteeth examination, while he was decnied in investiomatind the nature anacauses of an obscurie diseaso whicl' hai dbe,troyued the lives of some of the children ir the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum at W eandsworth. A few days later, on the 23d of September, aL meeting of some of his professional and privafe friends was hed at tho house of Dr. George Johnson, FALS., 11, Savile-row; and at this meeting it was resolved :-' That, conisidering the labours of th late Dr. Anstie for the prometion of science, and the circumstances of his untiinely death, it is desirble that some ermalnent memorial of his career nsould be established.' In order to giv effect to this resolution, the nucleus of a omraittte was at once formed by the gentleo Uuen present ; whiloe a second resolution afuthorized the commAttee to determine tlo precise form of the memorialei,andk othera appoistedan executive comnittee, a treasurer, and honorary secretaries, and furnished theim w%ith the necessary powers for the work they were shout to undertake Dr. Anstie has left a widowr Gand thre yong cilden ( aeand t-o daughters). Ile hadl not faild byt insurathes andoher proper and prudent means,,qtom,and proiion fo r tharenai t nant of his fanmly buttim inwhih t domer thn tis asnot affordead,im. The life of a London physician u to iis fortieth ter, is tusually ent of expendituro Tate r than of gain ; and,Jr. Anstie's estate, when invested as a source of income, till not procure for his chilaren any approachi to the educational and other alvantages whicehtheywould have enjoyed if he had been spared to them. Under these circurmstances, aud in accodaucoe with a wish very generally cxpressed,tho esecutive committee have decided to recommend that a small portiorn of the sumn subscribed, say ahout 20, sball he expended in the erection of a tablet or other metorial in ime sutable plae, and thatb thCe lesidue shall be deposited with trustees, so ho by them applied to theeucation of the chilren orto hei advnccentin ife insuch a mianner as crcustacesmayrendr eedi'itandin accordlance as ealy s ossbl, wththewiheswhchtheir lamented thi effect hsbe sulbmitted toMs.Asoanhs received her approval and acceptance. In the maedicaa profession Dr. Anstio was as widely known as he was warmnly beloved, anud the Committee entertain iso doubt that a, large number of practitioners will he anxious to embrace this opprtunity of testifying to the affectionate re-gard in -whichfMemenry is held, and to the vs,.lue of the -seletific work which he hus done aLnd from which he lhns beenL so early called away. Besides his distinguished mecrit as a. bhysician, Dr. Anstie did good service as aL pmeticaL philanthropist. H is disclosures of tho state of workhiouse infir. Lnarf. In the 3etropolis mairily led to Mlr. GaLthorne Hlardy's Act for the establishment of the present improved s1atein, and it was by his means that the College of P'lyslicans was Induced to represent to the Premier the overcrowded state of the dwellings of the poor in Londlon, and thus to obtain the Act by wbich railway companies will for the futare be compilIed to provide houese aor the population which they displace. Ho died a i-ictisn- to thte insanitary state of a public institution ; and on all these grounds it is felt that the public mnaygracefully and rightly combino with the members of his own calling in ini end eavour to mitigate, in such small degree as maybe possible,the effects of thio irreparable loss which his orphans have sustaiined. ISubscrip,tioms way be p~aid to the credit of thseAsstie MIemorial Fund at the bunkc of Sir S. Scott and Co.,Cavendizah.,Aoet-adx so, .O. or AtoneithrsofTherundersge, to5,,rtginal applications by articled clerks t.o be admitted as Mttoeraes Jn the ensulnx term,"

"The "Anstie Memorial Fund."-The com-

Publication:The TimesLondon, England

Saturday, Oct. 24, 1874Issue 28142p. 11Article

TiE " AsNsT -mEontAL FPUm."-The comnitte. formed to pronmoto a memorial to the late Dr. .Anstie now includes, hin addition to the leading mnembera of the trofession, tho Archbishop of Yorl, the Duke oft Wscatainster, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Henry Pertay, orn Julian Goldsmid, Sir Henrv CLavering, Sir. Shaw Stewart, SIr. Macmillan, the Rers. ilarry Jones and Henre o NWac,ansl ohers. The committee havo issued the fellowiug circular :-'" The death of tOm lato Dr. Anstie, which took place on tna 12th of September, in the 41st year of his Age, was occasioned by blood-poisoning, received, probably, tro;ugh an accidental Nound a i the coun-se of a po morteeth examination, while he was decnied in investiomatind the nature anacauses of an obscurie diseaso whicl' hai dbe,troyued the lives of some of the children ir the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum at W eandsworth. A few days later, on the 23d of September, aL meeting of some of his professional and privafe friends was hed at tho house of Dr. George Johnson, FALS., 11, Savile-row; and at this meeting it was resolved :-' That, conisidering the labours of th late Dr. Anstie for the prometion of science, and the circumstances of his untiinely death, it is desirble that some ermalnent memorial of his career nsould be established.' In order to giv effect to this resolution, the nucleus of a omraittte was at once formed by the gentleo Uuen present ; whiloe a second resolution afuthorized the commAttee to determine tlo precise form of the memorialei,andk othera appoistedan executive comnittee, a treasurer, and honorary secretaries, and furnished theim w%ith the necessary powers for the work they were shout to undertake Dr. Anstie has left a widowr Gand thre yong cilden ( aeand t-o daughters). Ile hadl not faild byt insurathes andoher proper and prudent means,,qtom,and proiion fo r tharenai t nant of his fanmly buttim inwhih t domer thn tis asnot affordead,im. The life of a London physician u to iis fortieth ter, is tusually ent of expendituro Tate r than of gain ; and,Jr. Anstie's estate, when invested as a source of income, till not procure for his chilaren any approachi to the educational and other alvantages whicehtheywould have enjoyed if he had been spared to them. Under these circurmstances, aud in accodaucoe with a wish very generally cxpressed,tho esecutive committee have decided to recommend that a small portiorn of the sumn subscribed, say ahout 20, sball he expended in the erection of a tablet or other metorial in ime sutable plae, and thatb thCe lesidue shall be deposited with trustees, so ho by them applied to theeucation of the chilren orto hei advnccentin ife insuch a mianner as crcustacesmayrendr eedi'itandin accordlance as ealy s ossbl, wththewiheswhchtheir lamented thi effect hsbe sulbmitted toMs.Asoanhs received her approval and acceptance. In the maedicaa profession Dr. Anstio was as widely known as he was warmnly beloved, anud the Committee entertain iso doubt that a, large number of practitioners will he anxious to embrace this opprtunity of testifying to the affectionate re-gard in -whichfMemenry is held, and to the vs,.lue of the -seletific work which he hus done aLnd from which he lhns beenL so early called away. Besides his distinguished mecrit as a. bhysician, Dr. Anstie did good service as aL pmeticaL philanthropist. H is disclosures of tho state of workhiouse infir. Lnarf. In the 3etropolis mairily led to Mlr. GaLthorne Hlardy's Act for the establishment of the present improved s1atein, and it was by his means that the College of P'lyslicans was Induced to represent to the Premier the overcrowded state of the dwellings of the poor in Londlon, and thus to obtain the Act by wbich railway companies will for the futare be compilIed to provide houese aor the population which they displace. Ho died a i-ictisn- to thte insanitary state of a public institution ; and on all these grounds it is felt that the public mnaygracefully and rightly combino with the members of his own calling in ini end eavour to mitigate, in such small degree as maybe possible,the effects of thio irreparable loss which his orphans have sustaiined. ISubscrip,tioms way be p~aid to the credit of thseAsstie MIemorial Fund at the bunkc of Sir S. Scott and Co.,Cavendizah.,Aoet-adx so, .O. or AtoneithrsofTherundersge, to5,,rtginal applications by articled clerks t.o be admitted as Mttoeraes Jn the ensulnx term,"

South London Chronicle — Saturday 31 October 1874

Wandsworth Board of Works.

The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday afternoon, at the Board-room, Battersea-rise. The following members were present: Messrs. Meaden (in the chair), Gordon, Brown, Kapley, Hodges, Riches, Weir, Todd, Durrant, Kaley, Stokes, Howick, Young, Hiscox, Gadskell, Cook, Gerrard, Kesterton, Tullv, Selwood, Vooght Adamson, Fenton, Webster, Uurney, Healey, lie Castro, Morton, Frodsham, Watson, Cox, and Corry.

Reports for the Fortnight.

East.Dr. Kempster reported 61 births and deaths. Nine deaths had been registered from scarlatina, and in every case of death from zymotic disease the inspector of nuisances had been directed to disinfect the apartments in which the death took place, well as the clothing, and to report as the general sanitary condition of the house.

About 2 cwt. of Ostend rabbits were condemned the medical officer on ' >ct. 17. ltatterKfa Dr. reported births and 24 deaths. The mortality is above the previous, three above the corresponding fortnight of last year, and three below the fortnightly average. l'ulnrif mid Roehampton. Dr. Whiteman reported i births and deaths. All the cow and slaughter houses in the sub-district were being carefully examined the medical officer, with a view to the usual report prior to the day of licensing.

Wandsworth.Dr. Nicholas reported births and ll> deaths, occurred in the Surrey County Lunatic Asylum, and 1 in the Royal Patriotic Asylum. The facts showed a highly favourable condition of the health of the sub-district.

Clapham Dr. McDonogh reported 41 deaths and deaths. In the la it two weeks the health the sub-district continued good, and but little epidemic disease prevailed.

and Tooting.Dr. Noel reported 16 births and 10 deaths. The general health was reported very favorable.

The Royal Patriotic School.

A report was read from Dr. Muter, to the result of his analyses of earth, sewage, effluent water, and drinking water from the premises and neighbourhood of the Royal Patriotic School on Wandsworth-common.

With respect to the effluent water. Dr. Muter observes, that in this case "irrigation is a dangerous and unsuccessful method of dealing with the sewage of the school." After giving the details of his analyses, he concluded: "The tap water an ordinary sample closely resembling Thames drinking water; but the well water is very bad, showing most marked contamination.

On the whole Ibeg to report that, in my opinion the outbreak of disease in the school fully accounted for.

(1.) By the keeping Open of the " Boys' School" well, which is a true disseminator of zymotic poison.

(2.) By the that the School to the fields upon the surface of which sewage in poured, and thus permitted permiacate soil, which, from its nature, does not possess the disinfecting and absorbent properties good earth. Until these defects are remedied, I have no doubt that the school will suffer from periodical outbreaks of typhoid fever and allied diseases."

It was decided that twelve copies of the report sent the manager the School.

The Deposit at Latchmere-grove. Dr. Muter, having made an analysis of sample of land at this deposit, reported : " I am of opinion that the poisons contained in the refuse are not volatile, and consequently could not of themselves do any harm to the neighbourhood, except in-so-far as any domestic animal might concerned which happened to eat a quantity. I am, however, of opinion that the sample represents a very offensive collection of decaying matter, which would render the surrounding atmosphere and disagreeable, and which would doubtless common with all such putrefying masses prejudicial to the public health."

[BNA: Link.]

DR MUTER — almost certainly John Muter

[BNA: wellcomecollection.org/works?query=john+muter"

"ANSTIE

Pall Mall Gazette — Friday 4 December 1874

THE ANSTIE MEMORIAL FUND.

The death of the late Dr. Anstie, which took place on the 12th of September. iD the forty-first year of his age, was occasioned by blood poisoning, received, probably, through an accidental wound to the course of a post-mortem examination, while he was engaged irk investigating the nature and causes of an obscure disease which had destroyed the lives of some of the children in the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, at Wandsworth.

Shortly afterwards a committee was fretorci, of which Dr. George Johnson, ?? rlsosician to King s College Hospital, is Chairman, and cf which the Archbishop cf York, the Duke of Westminster, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Lieut.- Central Lord Henry Percy, Sir Henry Clavering, the Roev. Hairy Jones, and Rev. H. Wace, together w5ithl nearly 2no of the most distinguished of the medical profession, are members, for the purpose of raising scme suitable tribute to his tremory.

After due consideration of all the circumstances of the case, it has been determined that the Memorial can assume no better forts than that of a Fund for the education and advancement in life of his children. For this purpose a sum of ;6,5co has been contributed by the medical profes sion, and by the personal friends and fellow-workers of the deceased, but the Executive Committee desire to increase this amount to at least L2,ooo, before they can feel that they have fitly discharged the task wihich has been entrusted to them.

Besides his distinguished merit as a physician, of which it would be superfluous here to speak, Dr. Anstie did good service as a practical philanthropist. jiis disclosures of the state of workhouse infirmaries int the metropolis mainly led to Mr. Gathorne Hardy's Act for the establishment of the present improved system; and it was by his means that the College of Physicians wvas induced to represent to the Premier the overcrowded state of the dwellings of the poor iii London, sod thus to obtain the Act by which railway companies will for the future be compelled to provide houses for the populations which they displace. He died a victim to the insanitary state of a public institution;* and on all these grounds it is felt that the public may gracefully and rightly combine with the members of his own calling in an endeavour to mitigate, in such small degree as may be possible, the effects of the irreparable loss which his orphans have sustained. The Executive Committee are permitted to quote the following words from a letter addressed to the lion. Secretary by Miss Ntghtingale: — "Though somewhat heavily pressed down by business and illness, I cannot forbear writing a line (with my contribution to the Memorial Fund) to express, what I cannot express adequately, how great is the loss to our country in Dr. Anstie. Had le lived, many thousands of lives would have been spared, which now will fall victims to the want of the Public Health Measures of which he was such a devoted supporter.'

SUBSCRIPTIONS may be paid to the credit of the Anstie Memorial Fund, at the bank of Sir S. Scott and Co., Cavendish square; to the Treasurer, J. S. Storr, Esq., s6, King-street, Covent-garden, 5.C.C; or to either of the undersigned, to whom abso any inquiries relating to the matter may be addressed. R. BRUDENELL CARTER. 69, Wimpole- Street, W. HOD. WisArTON HooD. M.D., 65, Upperj Sees. Berkeley-street, Portman-square, W., London, December, 2174.

[BNA:

"MRS NASSAU SENIOR

A Lady Poor-Law Inspector.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)

Issue: 28178

Ye

A Lady Poor-Law Inspector.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 1874

Publication: The Times (London, England)Issue: 28178

Ij LADY POOR LAW INSPECTOR, Wv called attention recently to a very intersting and important llepor, by Mmg. Nsi, Senior, upou the resullt of the education given in someo of a great sclhools for pauper girls; and our readers will regret to learn that, since this Report was published, Mrs. Senior has bean cornnolld by ill-bealth to retire frota her official p-txon. the appointment of a lady to be a Poor law Inspector was so rematkable a deparu froom established usago, and this departure lea been so conspicoously jnstitied by the results that the course, by the President of tLo Lwal covernnent oner-d tih regard to the Melectiou of lSrs. Senior', sulccessor will bo wtcled with considerable interest. It was i crhap3 the very novelty oE soeing a lady engaged in such duties which occasioned a feeling of surprise that heo should dischage them so well, and which will now lead many persons to estimate, perhaps too highly, the difficulty of Milnig the vacant offlce. To certain oxtent, no doubt, auch a ditliculty haa been created by the high standard which Mlrs. Senior set before herself. She is understood to have barely entered upon the tasks which abo had proposed to hrsoelf, and ber stccessor wili require no ordinary qualities in order to maintain the reputation of the office upon the an yet untrodden ground., The Poor Ilaw establishments are necessarily called upon to denl with a vastly larger number of women, gir;s, and infant children thiau of men; and, considenng that no ono would over dream of doing without nuatrorn, schoolmistreascs and nurwss in the establislunents themselves, it is surprising that they should so long h;tvo been aupervised by men only, or that it should have been left to MIr. Stansfeld to perceive h6w much light the scruitiny of a woman would be likely to throws 'Ipon them. There is, generallyspeaking, an instinctive feeling that this scrutiny is required, and, in m3ny Unions, somo irregular or voluntary effort is rnade to supply the iwant. Benevolent ladies living in the neighbourhood undertake to 4" visit" the workihouse, and to act in some sense as mediators between the officials and the women and childrcin under their charge. To this plan thoro is the manifest objection that it is open to the Guardians to permit or to prohibit the visitation; with the result that, if any abuse is ever brought to light by its means, the latter alternative in the one generally chosen. The voluntary viSitora, moreover, ara often irregular in the diciarge of such functions as they are r.llowed to Undertake, and their acts and iwords am regulated neither bya sensea of ollicis responsibility nor by a largo experience of the conditions with which they have to deaL Under such eircumstances it is cay to disregard their representations. The stato of workhouses bas boen viewed at head-quarters through the eyes of mca aloue; and, generally speaking, of man who were not even supposed to possess any special knowledge of the questions which were submitted to them. The first blow to this rystem was struck nmne years ago, when the lBtO Dr. Anstie brought the eye of a physician to bear upon the conitition of the infirmnares, and made disclomres which not only shtrtled both officials and the puiblic, but which led immediftely to grest and substantial mesueres of reform. The next'low was strtick when Air. Stansfeld refused to acrept the testimony of the Inspectors that nothing could be better than the working of the metropolitan schools for girls, and determined that he would bave also a Womn-ns view of a question so fraught with interest to the nation. Thc first result of his decision was that 3irs.Senior was not content witlh the well-doing of the l'atterm pupils of the various cstabVishmeats, but that she rot heself to fiitd out what had become of the rest. The results of her inquiries have been given to the public and the public are in a position to judge of their value. They have already aroused a new interest in-the ques;tion honw pauper children mnay best he dealt witlh, for their own good and for that of the communit, y. The lapse into pauperism of an adult generally points to somo ineradicable vice or weakness in the orgnnism of the individual, against wvhich it is almost vain to strive. But the pauperisia of a child may be an accident, and it is theo best policy, if noS the bounden dxt'y, of the State t.o give the victim, at least, ono f.air chance of escape., 'qthe appointmnentof a hdy Inspector w-as coinoident in time writh soe of the recent developments of that 1isM been ealled rho "wxvomnan question, " but must not be considered to stand in any closer relation to them. Whero thero is much female authority female supervision seems to be absolutely called for. WVomen can estimate wonian's work most fairly amd thoroughly, snIl the easo which w o are now considering sliows onlv too clearly that it was reserved for a woman to ask for more information than that which was voluntarily presented to her. The President of the Local Government Board has lately told a deputafion that Mrs. Senior's Report has been severely criticized by thoso whose experienceo of schools ia much greater thatn her own, and in sayingtluhs he mest have referred to the Imale Inspectors of tlho Department, sinee no criticismo-thol'eport ha: been made public. What these unpublished. critaicismsuna.yamnout to it is at present obviously impossiblo to jiudge; but Alr. Selaterllooth would, wo aro EatisfAed, bo among the most forward to recognize the fact that the merits of Mrs. Senior's Report arose rainly Ifrom the freshnessof her nind, which was Irnot case-hlardened by repeated contact with the conditions she came to examine, to that she at onceo perceived the importanc o otata which had been alotot entirely overlookcd by tlhoso wlho had pre-eded lier. That there in, as a Correspondeut remarkis, whose letter in defenco — of the existing school system wa pnblish this morning, " on the other side not the opinion of, but the evidence of many, " is an argument which mi-ht be, and, in fact, always is, adduced against every reform. in the present instance, th iPresident of the Local Government Board ma.y naturally feel a little I aprehensive that the pre-existin" Inspectors, having been appointed to districts within which they wvere once the sole representatives of departmental autliority upon every question, may possibly regard it an a grievance that the one lacdiy cannot be comfined to a district, but is necessarily accredited to institutions wherever they may be. She has, it is said, a sort of roving commission, and it is almost her business to "find out3al sorts of odd things in places which h:ve been systematically inspected before It is to be hoped that such feelings may not place any difficulties in the way of an appointment the necessity for which has now been made so clear. A President who is gifted with tact and discimination should have no difficulty in keeping thc peaco emong his snbordinates, or in estimating the relative weight of the informatiou vrhich tlhey rcspectively bring to him. So muech at least, the pubUie have a right to expect; andl for the future they will hardly rest contenited unless they can obtain, upon several points of thelworlchouse system, that " oman's view" which it will be a Iaatin-i credit to Mr. Stansfeld to have called forth. The azministration of the Local Government ]loard was not signally su-ccessfal in his hands, but the appointment of a lady Inspector was a step suiiciently wise to cover far more serious errors than any which can be laid to his charge."

South London Press — Saturday 2 January 1875

BATTERSEA WINSVIVAT lita,

Your correspondent, "Audi Allem* Nikons," wishes, from the tenor of his to hear what the members of the board bey* to urge in their defence. I had hoped the, would have forwarded somethinl of a statement; as they have not done so, Iconsider it Ii necessary for me to conclude my owe statement, end leave it to them to their owe comae in the matter.

The members of the board at their seeing wished to shelter themselves under the plea that they were ignorant of the number of interments that took place in each grave; but as every must appear in my books, which they had to examine, they being laid been them for that purpose, how can they support that plea, when if any certain number of 6, gra,* appears as entered 14 times, it must lsa plata to any one there must have been 14 interment 3 in,bet grave?

How they be Ignorant or their own books I am at a loss to know.

I this* it is a proof of my being a zealous perveat of the board that during my four years of no errors have ever beoripsiartid ant as existing in my books; no mistake ce tiet of mine has east the board a single In one matter atone I saved them pounds, carrying out the alterations in the drainage the graves being now comparatively dry. Ibuilt the north wall, obtaining the materials at cost price, without remuneration or even thanks.

The mode of burying, condemned by Dr. Holland, brought no advantages to me; I had no alternative but to carry out the orders of the board; and my reward been to throw all the blame on my shoulders, and to sacrifice me for their acts.

Yana, Le., Wane, Late Superintendent Battersea Cemetery. 83, Bridge-road, West.

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South London Press — Saturday 6 February 1875'

SOUTH LONDON PEOPLE AND PLACES

XIII.--IN THE MAYORALTY OF GARRATT. There are comparatively few people who remember that there was once a — Mayor of Garrett. Imay go further and say that not many people--unless we reckon the actual inhabitants of that particular district of South London — know precisely where Garrett really is, or could direct a stranger (off-hand) what direction to take in order to reach it. Yet Garrett has, so to speak, a history, though not exactly an antiquity, of its own; and is interesting enough to merit the honour of an excursion as a village of some note. The happy-go-lucky petleFtrian between Wandsworth and Tooting, who finds himself some mile and a half from the former, in the long thoroughfare still called Garratt-lane, is quite close to the village itself, almost without knowing it. But he has had a pleasant walk if he has chosen such a day as Thursday last, when the sun is bright, the air clear, cold, and dry, the ground firm, and the sky with the first intimation of spring in its golden glow. In spite of a queer series of half-rural cottages and rather squalid shops which form a part of the irregular highway known as Southstreet, forming, as it were, the first half. mile of Garratt.lane, there are glimpses of the country, and glints of the river Wandle, which meanders sometimes quite close to the road, and then again diverges to a quarter of a mile, but still follows about the same course as that by which we are proceeding. One quaint, old, one-storeyed mansion, with Fable ends, and standing in its own grounds, is perhaps old enough to have been on the spot when Foote wrote his once celebrated "Comedy of the Mayor of Garrett " and another old-fashioned buikling was probably at one time a goodly inn, though it is

now only a el a nmeiser which are to be fous cirtively short intervals all the way. we have Ises to au with the high row' 'with ihe iillage itself; and here, bernd

the meaner shops, with their stock in trade of dapping, sweetstuff, and old clothes, and Past the blank wall by the gasworks, we come to Allfarthing-lane, to open fields, stretching towards Wandsworth Common, to a nearer glimpse of the Wandk, to the mission-room of St. Anne's Church, and so, beneath the railway, to a good broad road, by which we reach the very centre of Garrett itself. And having reached it, what then? Well, not very much, truly. A few comparatively modern country cottages, of a very commouplam deficri 'on, and, twenty — five or thirty ruipau! 'Novels, lgfve ap.: parent4Y keen tu ahinre a ceetury, and are in such nTV $, ritinoof copdu

- especitilly those of number are comapeed Of wood and er — that it would really be a good day's work for some local board t? e r::: the order to have them sway. ancient tenements are by what appears to be a piece of covanioft garden ground; and at the end of the village s itretelt of meadow-land, with the river beyond, bordered by a row of really fine trees: In which of the decaying cottages the Mayors of Garrett were su pp osed to have held their state, no local history exists to tell; but in the centre of the village, the one important house is a plain unpretentious inn, of red brick, and bearin,, the good old sign of "The Leather Bottle." Now, as this quiet hostelry is certainly a good deal more than a hundred years old — as the late proprietor, Mr. Fenton, was born within its walls, and, as it had been in the possession of his family for nearly eighty years, we would imagine that here, if anywhere, the traditions of the Mayoralty would be preserved. This fancy is strengthened by the appearance of the snug bar — by the fact that in the tap-room is a veritable leather bottle, which, with one of the oddest old clocks in all Surrey, forms the chief attraction of the apitrtmept: Such expectations be diaappuinted, however; and beyond a few vagne notions that there such a persoa ae the Mayor of Oarratt, sad that the first individual elected to office was one Jeffrey (afterwards 'ffir Jeffrey) Dunstan, a deformed or d fellow, who was considered to be ha .witted, we shall obtain little clue to the leg i that s the object of our journey. here are records, however, which go beyond even the Fame to Foute's Comedy in explaining the origin and maintenance of the Mayoralty; and though moot of us have regar4e4 the play as the chief authority for the local historian, we may discover even from a preface, subsequently published with the drama itself in later editions, that Foote founded it on au actual custom, and that even _ _ . if Sir Jacob Jollup, Jerry Sneak, Lieutenant Bruin, Snuffle, and Sturgeon, were not copied from the life, the Mob, and fleeltap, the leader and orator of Garratt, were real enough. It is said, indeed, that the character of Major Sturgeon (usually played by Foote himself) was taken from that of a retired fishmonger named Lamb, residing at Acton, who .bad been appointed to a commission in the, as alio to another in the Middlesex militia, whose amiable officers the major describes as "quiet and peaceable as lambs." But the Oarratt elections, with all their pothouse humour and riotous absurdity, began some time before Foote wrote of them — and began, too, in a protest against those encroachments which have been but too successful in many places where the people have lacked the determined public spirit to protect their common lands. The inhabitants of Garrett had such a piece of common, their rights in which were ignored by certain high-handed gentry, who attempted to appropriate a portion of the 'village green but however humble the rude forefathers of the hamlet may have been, they had advanced so far in civilization as to meet together in a dub, and made use of this organization to elect s president, and ultimately to take successful action against the usurpers. It is not easy to fix the exact date of this triumphant assertion of rights and privileges; but as it occurred at the time of a general election, a certain mock solemnity and no little practical jesting characterized the whole of the sativ e urt proceedings. The president, who was the Mayor, was to hold office during the sitting of Parliament, and was to be re-elected or to have a successor, and afterwards two mayors or members were chosen to represent the local interests of Garrett, and all the rough excitement of a Parliamenta7 contest was carried on in the broadest spirit of turlesque. It need scarcely be said that the innkeepers of Wandsworth profited so greatly by the observance that when the general public participated in the joke, and the Garrett elections began to draw thousands of spectators to enjoy the fun, it was kept up with considerable ardour; in fact, the licensed victuallers subseribed to pay the election expenses, and all kinds of queer humorous fellows were put forward as candidates. Curiously enough, though 110 little information can now be obtaiued at the Leather Bottle on the subject of these elections. in one of three exmedingly lever and mirth-moving engravings in " lione's Every Day Book, " the Keno of the 4;arratt election is represented in front of this very inn; while the other two are taken from the front of the Spread Eagle and the Raw, awl at the entrance of Garratt-laue. It would appear that there was a kind of wasque ads procession, and the principal features in w hich were on wheels drawn by horses, and containing absurdly-dressed eharacters t _one of which, according to Bone was "Lady make." An old lady of li'audswohli, speaking to lions about this figure, bays — " Iremember her very and so Iought, for I had a good hand in the dressing of her. Ihelped to put together many a good pound of wool to make her hair up. I suppose it was more than throe feet high at least; and as for her mlays, Ialso helped to make them down in Anderwee Own. TlE:are neither than gc walingwithout the pot well coventil bed' ed outside 4 i I to a stomacher. As he sat in the boat, she was one of the .drollest creatures for size and dress ever seen." The common way opposite the Loather Bottle, and in the engraving one of the candidates is seen addressing his constituents from a phaeton drawn by six borses, amidst a crew of miukpiaraders in all sorts of extravagant costumes; while in a corner of the picture, representing the front of the Spread Eagle, is the figure of the celebrated Sam House, the publican, who was such a determined Foxite in the Westminster elections, and who never wore either hat or cost. The e ng ravings are the work of Valente Green, a arwickshire man, who came to London from arwickshire in 1765, and was afterwards appointed keeper of the British Institution on firet foundation. Of humorous and extravagant addresses of the candidates, examples have been preserved in a curious collection of handbills and broadsides in tte possession of the family of Mi. ttlacknoite, of Wandsworth, who communicated film contents to the Messrs. Chambers for publication in those most interesting volumes entitled "The Book of Days. Theis enable us to go as far back as 1747, 'when Squire Blowmedowu and Squire Gabbing were rivals contesting the election. The first was one John Willis, a Wandsworth waterman,

the second, James Simmonds, the landlord of the Gubbins Head, in Blackmanstreet, Borough. In "A Letter from an Elector, " the claims of Illowmedown are eloquently enforced, and the appeal concludes by saying "as our worthy candidate judiciously observes, if drinking largely, heading a mob majestically, huzzaing eloquently, and fetading voraciously, be merits in Any degree worthy the esteem of the good people of this land, a Garrott, I must ingenaously confess, is too mean an apartment for such a worthy; for Envy herself must confess, if the above qualifications are of any efficacy, the iniversal voice of the whole realm of Great Britain would not be equivalent to his wondrous deserts." Seven years afterwards the same candidates were in the field, when Gabbing asks, "Where was Esquire Blowmedown when the Jew Bill, Matrimony Bill, and Wheel Bill passed ?" And further, " Blowmedown washes his boat every Sabbath day, that he may not be induced to rise on Alouday morning before high water." Again there is an N.B. declaring that "time esquire entertains his friends at all the houses in Wandsworth on the day of election, which will be elegant and generous, without any other expense than that of every one paying for what they call for." Of course many of these handbills and addresses were written by the wits who joined in the "fun of the fair, " which . maybe said to have culminated in 1761, when nine candidates were in the field, and some of the squibs and harangues were said to hare been furnished by Foote. Garrick, and Wilkes. Foote was at the election, and with his. friends occupied a room in Wandsworth, opposite the church, paying nine guineas for the accommodation. The famous comedy was the result of his visit, and the characters of the play are said to have been drawn from actual persons. "Snuffle, " the sexton, was one John Gardiner, a cobbler, and the parish gravedigger. who was one of the candidates under the name of Lord Twankum. " Crispin " Heeltap was another candidate brought forward as Lord Lapstone. The other five were Kit Noisy, Esq. (one Beecham, a waterman), Lord Wede, Lord Paxford, John Crambo, and Beau Stivester. The address issued by the latter is exceedingly humorous, and concludes thus: My abilities will procure you the knowledge of your wants, if not the gratification of your desires; and those that dare advance the price of the darling essence of Sir John Barley will incur my displeasure, if not fail the weight of my reseatment. Through my purer and universal connection, your liberty and commerce shall be spread to the Antipodes, and Isill order yet undiscovered raglans to be alarmed with your &me; in your borough Ierect a non-existent edifice for the transaction of your timber business, and in your suburbs plant an imaginary grove for your private affairs. My unknown fortune shall be ever ready for your 1113

sistauce, my useless sword drawn in your defence, and my waste blood I'll freely spill in your protection. It was in 1781, when the Garrett election was again a very remarkable one, that the notorious Sir Jeffrey Dunstan became Mayor. "Sir .Jeffrey" was a big-headed, knock-kneed dwarf, whose business it was to deal in secondhand wigs, and his habit to cry them in the streets in a whimsical manner. Ile went about without coat or hat, with his shirt open at the breast, and his stockings about his leek Sir Jeffrey was a foundling, for he had been picked up as an infant at the church door by a churchwarden of St. Dunstan-in-the-East. His two daughters — one of whom, "Lady Ann, " married "Lord Thompson, " a dustman of Bethnal ( heen

- were fine young women, and he regarded them with remarkable affection, speaking of them as "Miss Dinah" and " beautiful Miss Nancy." The dwarf Mayor, of Garrett was a buineurist in his way, and his election speeches were full of an inflated imitation of statesman-like harangues. These speeches and his imitations of London crier he was in the liabit'uf delivering at public-houses in Whitechapel, for the amusement of the company, and so gained consitlerable popularity, his effigy appearing on numerous tradesmen a tokens and on t4vern b irJ eff rey died from the effects of a drinking bout in 1797, and the Garratt elections may b.! said to have died with him, for his saccessor, who gained the election witinrt him in 17teti, was Sir Harry pitartlale, a deformed muffin man, and dealer in tin ware; who, however, had nut many qualifications for the Aim, and died before his year of Mayoralty had terminated. Probably by that time public taste, even at Garrett, bad revolted from the low debauchery and riot of the elections. The original joke ba . it grown stale; the humour of the thing failed. Wits and dramatists no longer aided the ea!Wilde., and the publicans declined to linker& any more money. Thirty-four the rat son 1826) in attempt as Wily. the abairdif, but it fail, a on subject of the Mayors of Garrett, the Leather Bottle itsel has dried up.

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"Stamford Mercury — Friday 19 February 1875

EDUCATION

LADIES' COLLEGE, Prospect House, East hill, Wandsworth Common, near London. Every home comfort and superior Education. Eminent Professors, and Resident Foreign Governess. Pupils prepared for the Cambridge Examinations. Terms moderate. — Apply to the Principal. announcements.'

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South London Press — Saturday 27 February 1875

WANDSWORTH COMMON ACT 1871

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the WANDSWORTH ni (mu ON CV RV ATOM+, iscorooreied by the above h appealed FM-1/ 'Y. the 19th day of March. 1075. horn s o'clock In the forenoon until 10 o'clock in the and &eine, In the afternoon until ti o'clock in the eft et no..n. at the how of James du Buisson, Esq.. of Wandsworth Common of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace hr the County of Surrey to be the day. hour, and ple .:e t the see n. IP Iea! ton to be held tinder the Act. inited this t-ttli der of February. NJ GRANT C. WALSH. Clerk to the said Conservators.

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South London Press — Saturday 13 March 1875

Wandsworth Common Improvements.

It is seldom a report emanating from a body entrusted with the care of public rights is so thoroughly satisfactory as that which has just been issued by the conservators of Wandsworth Common.

The proceedings relating to the preservation were familiar enough to our readers some five years ago, but possibly are now but dimly remembered; but as the experience then gained is of some value we make no apology for giving a of the various stages which have at last culminated in the securing of the Common to the public in perpetuity.

The first step in the matter was taken — perhaps unintentionally — by a person named Digby, a copyholder who, in 1887 [1867?], commenced an action against Lord Spencer, as Lord of the Manor, for having alienated to certain parties a portion of the Common, thereby attracting his rights as a copyholder. Though this action was not settled until after the passing of the Wandsworth Common Preservation in 1871, public attention was drawn to the matter, and in 1868 a deputation from the parishes of Wandsworth and Battersea waited upon the Metropolitan Board to induce them to take steps for the preservation of the Common, but without goy moult.

In [?] Mr. J. C. Buckmaster went a step further by throwing down a portion of a fence which had been put round a plot of ground opposite the Battersea Cemetery, and matters were brought to a rids when, in 1870, the fence round a strip of land opposite the Freemason's Schools, previously sold by Lord Spencer, was forcibly tetnoted.

An action at law followed, which was tried at Guildford, and though abundant evidence was adduced to show that the ground had always been an unenclosed portion of the Common, Mr. Justin Bovill ruled that because no exactly defined path could be ascertained, the plea of free-user could not be established, and the appropriation of the land to private purposes was suffered to be carried out.

Public meetings were then held, and a committee appointed, and soon after Mr. H. Peek offered to give .Cl,000 and commence proceedings to test the legality of past enclosures, provided the inhabitants would raise £4,000 more for a guarantee fund. Subsequently, Lord Spencer offered to enter into a friendly relation for the cession of all his rights over the Common, and this somewhat modified the position of affairs. However, the sum of £2, 600 having been collected, Mr. Peek to contribute £500 towards carrying the proposed arrangement, which could be done by Act of Parliament.

Negotiations were then entered into with Lord Spencer, and the terms ultimately proposed were — the maintenance of all enclosures hitherto effected, and the transfer to some representative body of the inhabitants of all he lordship's rights and profits, including the piece of water known as the " Meek Sea, " for the sum of £500 per annum; or for £27, 0 per annum, providing the " Meek Sell" remained in Lord Spencer's bands. The latter alternative was agreed to, and an application was then made to Parliament to authorize the aoasomp . ish men t of the scheme bye rate not exceeding one halfpenny In the polled. When the bill sas introduced Into the House a difficulty was raised by opposition of the Metropolitan Beard, who put In an appearance for the purpose of gaining powers to purchase the Common out of funds at their disposal, and of course to assume the i Iownership and management. The committee, believing that a careful and economical adi Iministration of the Common would be more likely to be secured by placing it in the hands of some of the inhabitants than if it were placed ', in those of a public body not locally interested, opposed the proceedings of i I the board with success, the Act being ultimately obtained.

The result that the management of the Common was vested in eight conservators, to be elected by the ratepayers of Wandsworth and Batteries. and three to be appointed respectively by the Home Office, the Office of Works, and the Metropolitan Board. The import was submitted at this meeting of the conservators bold this week, and el which an account will be found in another g platen. It extends over three years — that is to say, from the time when the conservators came into office, and gives a vet, complete amount of the work which has out daring that period. The first step nee was to secure the restoration to the itres el l i s i r gm Common of certain portions which bed been previously enelogied.

This included the getting book of a fence adjoining Bolingbroke ()rots for ell feet throughout its whole length; the throwing open 41 an enclosure on the eastern side of the London and Brighton Railway, comprising several sores in esteem; the removing of a fence of many years standing surrounding that potion of the Common on which the large telescope formerly stood, and in extent about two acres, and the restoration to the of portions enclosed with posts and chains at the south-west corner.

In addition, Mr. J. Bevington has, during last year, made over to the conservators, without pecuniary consideration, his rights over the land, formerly part of the Common, situated at its north-western em that, on the whole, the formet of been considerably enlarged.

The opposition of the Metropolitan to the bill entailed considerable cost to the and consequently, when the conservators entered upon their duties, they found themselves considerably hampered by want of luau. A loan was consequently obtained, but Upon very favourable terms; and as the repay. meat is spread over years, the burden noon the ratepayers will be but trifling. The halfpenny rate, as may be iin%iined, does not produce a very large amount; but, Is spite of this, the conservators have

eon enabled to carry out some important improvement% While others have been effected by means of voluntary subscriptions, raiud through the activity of certain of their number.

The amounts thus subscribed were, in 1872, £174 0s. 7d. i In 1873, .L82 7s. 9d.; in 1874, .225 15s. ed. — sufficient evidence, as the conservators justly remark, of the advantage of placing the management of the Common in local hands As the receipts were of two kinds — statutory and voluntary — the conservators have decided to apply the money levied ender the rate in furtherance only of the general purposes of 'the Act, while the subscriptions are to be used for such purposes under the Aot as the donors. may sugttept.

The results attained by of the receipts under the thet mentioned h. ad, include the entire removal of encroaelon..ute of various kinds, the protection of trees, , tart, and gorse, the stoppage of the removal of gravel, Esc. Among the effected by means of money voluntarily contributed may be mentioned the formation of three uincheeeded footways, the restoration and maintenance of other footways formerly in a had state, the planting and protection of 300 additional trees, the tidying up of unsightly gravel pits, the provision of more than ?? seats, the fitting up of four sites for use its beating carpets, the establishment and maintenance (assisted by the Spencer Cricket Club) of the Spencer Cricket Ground in a condition suitable for the use of recognised clubs, the restoration of the spring well, the filling in of stagnant ponds, and the general improvement of the surface of the Common.

In regard to the formation of an ornamental piece of water, It may be mentioned that an erperiinental ponti (the cost of which was defrayed by subscription) was ventured upon, but the general opinion of those more immediately concerned being, so far as Gould be escort/duel, averse to the project, it has since been abandoned. From the analysis of the amounts which is appended to the report, it appears that the conservators have laid out the money with greet care. Of the total ausount (avert from subscription) about 33 per omit. only has been under their immediate control, the remainder being for charges (such as the annuity to Spencer, Sinking Fund, in regard to whit the conservators have no discretion. Of thet 33 per cont., 28 per cent. has been laid out upen the care and improvement of the Cotr.moi, whilst but 5 per cent. has been spent for administrative charges, thus contrasting very favourably with the outlay in other undertakings, where, in some instances, the establishment charges have been at no less a rate than 47 per cent. The total expenditure, we may add, including law charges (which, in consequence of the opposition shown by the Metropolitan Board, were very heavy), amounted to £3, 795 175., of which . £382 lod. was voluntarily subscribed. Judging from this report, it would seem that the ratepayers have every reason to congratulate themselves upon the feat that their money has been well spent, and that the conservators, if elected to serve another three years of office, will continue to maintain that vigilance and care they have already displayed.

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South London Press — Saturday 13 March 1875

Wandsworth Common Improvements.

It is seldom a report emanating from a body entrusted with the care of public rights is so thoroughly satisfactory as that which has just been issued by the conservators of Wandsworth Common.

The proceedings relating to the preservation were familiar enough to our readers some five years ago, but possibly are now but dimly remembered; but as the experience then gained is of some value we make no apology for giving a of the various stages which have at last culminated in the securing of the Common to the public in perpetuity.

The first step in the matter was taken — perhaps unintentionally — by a person named Digby, a copyholder who, in 1887 [1867?], commenced an action against Lord Spencer, as Lord of the Manor, for having alienated to certain parties a portion of the Common, thereby attracting his rights as a copyholder. Though this action was not settled until after the passing of the Wandsworth Common Preservation in 1871, public attention was drawn to the matter, and in 1868 a deputation from the parishes of Wandsworth and Battersea waited upon the Metropolitan Board to induce them to take steps for the preservation of the Common, but without goy moult.

In [?] Mr. J. C. Buckmaster went a step further by throwing down a portion of a fence which had been put round a plot of ground opposite the Battersea Cemetery, and matters were brought to a rids when, in 1870, the fence round a strip of land opposite the Freemason's Schools, previously sold by Lord Spencer, was forcibly tetnoted.

An action at law followed, which was tried at Guildford, and though abundant evidence was adduced to show that the ground had always been an unenclosed portion of the Common, Mr. Justin Bovill ruled that because no exactly defined path could be ascertained, the plea of free-user could not be established, and the appropriation of the land to private purposes was suffered to be carried out.

Public meetings were then held, and a committee appointed, and soon after Mr. H. Peek offered to give £000 and commence proceedings to test the legality of past enclosures, provided the inhabitants would raise £4,000 more for a guarantee fund. Subsequently, Lord Spencer offered to enter into a friendly relation for the cession of all his rights over the Common, and this somewhat modified the position of affairs. However, the sum of £2,600 having been collected, Mr. Peek to contribute £500 towards carrying the proposed arrangement, which could be done by Act of Parliament.

Negotiations were then entered into with Lord Spencer, and the terms ultimately proposed were — the maintenance of all enclosures hitherto effected, and the transfer to some representative body of the inhabitants of all lie lordship's rights and profits, including the piece of water known as the " Meek Sea," for the sum of £500 per annum; or for £27,0 per annum, providing the " Meek Sell" remained in Lord Spencer's bands. The latter alternative was agreed to, and an application was then made to Parliament to authorize the aoasomp . ish men t of the scheme bye rate not exceeding one halfpenny In the polled. When the bill as introduced Into the House a difficulty was raised by opposition of the Metropolitan Beard, who put In an appearance for the purpose of gaining powers to purchase the Common out of funds at their disposal, and of course to assume the 1 ownership and management. The committee, believing that a careful and economical ad- 1 ministration of the Common would be more likely to be secured by placing it in the hands of some of the inhabitants than if it were placed ',in those of a public body not locally interested, opposed the proceedings of 1 the board with success, the Act being ultimately obtained. The result that the management of the Common was vested in eight conservators, to be elected by the ratepayers of Wandsworth and Batteries. and three to be appointed respectively by the Home Office, the Office of Works, and the Metropolitan Board. The import was submitted at this meeting of the conservators bold this week, and el which an account will be found in another g platen. It extends over three years — that is to say, from the time when the conservators came into office, and gives a vet, complete amount of the work which has out daring that period. The first step nee was to secure the restoration to the itres el l i s i r gm Common of certain portions which bed been previously enelogied.

This included the getting book of a fence adjoining Bolingbroke (}rots for ell feet throughout its whole length; the throwing open 41 an enclosure on the eastern side of the London and Brighton Railway, comprising several sores in esteem; the removing of a fence of many years standing surrounding that potion of the Common on which the large telescope formerly stood, and in extent about two acres, and the restoration to the of portions enclosed with posts and chains at the south-west corner. In addition, Mr. J. Bevington has, during last year, made over to the conservators, without pecuniary consideration, his rights over the land, formerly part of the Common, situated at its north-western em that, on the whole, the formet of been considerably enlarged. The opposition of the Metropolitan to the bill entailed considerable cost to the and consequently, when the conservators entered upon their duties, they found themselves considerably hampered by want of luau. A loan was consequently obtained, but Upon very favourable terms; and as the repay. meat is spread over years, the burden noon the ratepayers will be but trifling. The halfpenny rate, as may be iin%iined, does not produce a very large amount; but, Is spite of this, the conservators have eon enabled to carry out some important improvement% While others have been effected by means of voluntary subscriptions, raiud through the activity of certain of their number. The amounts thus subscribed were, in 1872, £174 0s. 7d. i In 1873,.L82 7s. 9d.; in 1874, .225 15s. ed. — sufficient evidence, as the conservators justly remark, of the advantage of placing the management of the Common in local hands As the receipts were of two kinds — statutory and voluntary — the conservators have deeided to apply the money levied ender the rate in furtherance only of the general purposes of ' the Act, while the subscriptions are to be used for such purposes under the Aot as the donors. may sugttept. The results attained by of the receipts under the thetmentioned h. ad, include the entire removal of encroaelon..ute of various kinds, the protection of trees,, tart, and gorse, the stoppage of the removal of gravel, Esc. Among the effected by means of money voluutatilP contributed may be mentioned the formation of three uincheeeded footways, the restoration and maintenance of other footways formerly in a had state, the planting and protection of 300 additional trees, the tiding up of unsightly gravel pits, the provision of more than seats, the fitting up of four sites for use its beating carpets, the establishment and maintenance (assisted by the Spencer Cricket Club) of the Spencer Cricket (hound in a condition suitable for the use of reeognised clubs, the restoration of the spring weU, the filling La df stagnant ponds, and the general improvement of the surface of the Common. In regard tp the formation of an ornamental piece of watM, It may be metioned that an erperiinental ponti (the cost of which was defrayed by enbscription) was ventured upon, but the general opinion of those more immediately concerned being, so far as Gould be escort/duel, averse to the project, it has since been abandoned. From the analysis of the amounts which is appended to the report, it appears that the coaservators have laid out the money with greet care. Of the total ausount (avert from subscription) about 33 per omit. only has been under their immediate control, the remainder being for charges (such as the annuity to Spencer, Sinking Fund, in regard to whit the conservators have no discretion. Of thet 33 per cont., 28 per cent. has been:laid out upen the care and improvement of the Cotr.moi, whilst but 5 per cent. has been spent for administrative charges, thus contrasting very favourably with the outlay in other undertakings, where, in some instances, the establishment charges have been at no less a rate than 47 per cent. The total expenditure, we may add, including law charges (which, in consequence of the opposition shown by the Metropolitan Board, were very heavy), amounted to £3,795 175., of which . £382 lod. was voluntarily subscribed. Judging from this report, it would seem that the ratepayers have every reason to congratulate themselves upon the feat that their money has been well spent, and that the conservators, if elected to serve another three years of office, will continue to maintain that vigilance and care they have already displayed.

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 13 March 1875

Wandsworth Common Improvements.

It is seldom a report emanating from a body entrusted with the care of public rights is so thoroughly satisfactory as that which has just been issued by the conservators of Wandsworth Common.

The proceedings relating to the preservation were familiar enough to our readers some five years ago, but possibly are now but dimly remembered; but as the experience then gained is of some value we make no apology for giving a of the various stages which have at last culminated in the securing of the Common to the public in perpetuity.

The first step in the matter was taken — perhaps unintentionally — by a person named Digby, a copyholder who, in 1887 [1867?], commenced an action against Lord Spencer, as Lord of the Manor, for having alienated to certain parties a portion of the Common, thereby attracting his rights as a copyholder. Though this action was not settled until after the passing of the Wandsworth Common Preservation in 1871, public attention was drawn to the matter, and in 1868 a deputation from the parishes of Wandsworth and Battersea waited upon the Metropolitan Board to induce them to take steps for the preservation of the Common, but without goy moult.

In [?] Mr. J. C. Buckmaster went a step further by throwing down a portion of a fence which had been put round a plot of ground opposite the Battersea Cemetery, and matters were brought to a rids when, in 1870, the fence round a strip of land opposite the Freemason's Schools, previously sold by Lord Spencer, was forcibly tetnoted.

An action at law followed, which was tried at Guildford, and though abundant evidence was adduced to show that the ground had always been an unenclosed portion of the Common, Mr. Justin Bovill ruled that because no exactly defined path could be ascertained, the plea of free-user could not be established, and the appropriation of the land to private purposes was suffered to be carried out.

Public meetings were then held, and a committee appointed, and soon after Mr. H. Peek offered to give £1000 and commence proceedings to test the legality of past enclosures, provided the inhabitants would raise £4,000 more for a guarantee fund. Subsequently, Lord Spencer offered to enter into a friendly relation for the cession of all his rights over the Common, and this somewhat modified the position of affairs. However, the sum of £2,600 having been collected, Mr. Peek to contribute £500 towards carrying the proposed arrangement, which could be done by Act of Parliament.

Negotiations were then entered into with Lord Spencer, and the terms ultimately proposed were — the maintenance of all enclosures hitherto effected, and the transfer to some representative body of the inhabitants of all lie lordship's rights and profits, including the piece of water known as the " Meek Sea," for the sum of £500 per annum; or for £27,0 per annum, providing the " Meek Sell" remained in Lord Spencer's bands. The latter alternative was agreed to, and an application was then made to Parliament to authorize the aoasomp . ish men t of the scheme bye rate not exceeding one halfpenny In the polled. When the bill as introduced Into the House a difficulty was raised by opposition of the Metropolitan Beard, who put In an appearance for the purpose of gaining powers to purchase the Common out of funds at their disposal, and of course to assume the 1 ownership and management. The committee, believing that a careful and economical ad- 1 ministration of the Common would be more likely to be secured by placing it in the hands of some of the inhabitants than if it were placed ',in those of a public body not locally interested, opposed the proceedings of 1 the board with success, the Act being ultimately obtained. The result that the management of the Common was vested in eight conservators, to be elected by the ratepayers of Wandsworth and Batteries. and three to be appointed respectively by the Home Office, the Office of Works, and the Metropolitan Board. The import was submitted at this meeting of the conservators bold this week, and el which an account will be found in another g platen. It extends over three years — that is to say, from the time when the conservators came into office, and gives a vet, complete amount of the work which has out daring that period. The first step nee was to secure the restoration to the itres el l i s i r gm Common of certain portions which bed been previously enelogied.

This included the getting book of a fence adjoining Bolingbroke (}rots for ell feet throughout its whole length; the throwing open 41 an enclosure on the eastern side of the London and Brighton Railway, comprising several sores in esteem; the removing of a fence of many years standing surrounding that potion of the Common on which the large telescope formerly stood, and in extent about two acres, and the restoration to the of portions enclosed with posts and chains at the south-west corner. In addition, Mr. J. Bevington has, during last year, made over to the conservators, without pecuniary consideration, his rights over the land, formerly part of the Common, situated at its north-western em that, on the whole, the formet of been considerably enlarged. The opposition of the Metropolitan to the bill entailed considerable cost to the and consequently, when the conservators entered upon their duties, they found themselves considerably hampered by want of luau. A loan was consequently obtained, but Upon very favourable terms; and as the repay. meat is spread over years, the burden noon the ratepayers will be but trifling. The halfpenny rate, as may be iin%iined, does not produce a very large amount; but, Is spite of this, the conservators have eon enabled to carry out some important improvement% While others have been effected by means of voluntary subscriptions, raiud through the activity of certain of their number. The amounts thus subscribed were, in 1872, £174 0s. 7d. i In 1873,.L82 7s. 9d.; in 1874, .225 15s. ed. — sufficient evidence, as the conservators justly remark, of the advantage of placing the management of the Common in local hands As the receipts were of two kinds — statutory and voluntary — the conservators have deeided to apply the money levied ender the rate in furtherance only of the general purposes of ' the Act, while the subscriptions are to be used for such purposes under the Aot as the donors. may sugttept. The results attained by of the receipts under the thetmentioned h. ad, include the entire removal of encroaelon..ute of various kinds, the protection of trees,, tart, and gorse, the stoppage of the removal of gravel, Esc. Among the effected by means of money voluutatilP contributed may be mentioned the formation of three uincheeeded footways, the restoration and maintenance of other footways formerly in a had state, the planting and protection of 300 additional trees, the tiding up of unsightly gravel pits, the provision of more than seats, the fitting up of four sites for use its beating carpets, the establishment and maintenance (assisted by the Spencer Cricket Club) of the Spencer Cricket (hound in a condition suitable for the use of reeognised clubs, the restoration of the spring weU, the filling La df stagnant ponds, and the general improvement of the surface of the Common. In regard tp the formation of an ornamental piece of watM, It may be metioned that an erperiinental ponti (the cost of which was defrayed by enbscription) was ventured upon, but the general opinion of those more immediately concerned being, so far as Gould be escort/duel, averse to the project, it has since been abandoned. From the analysis of the amounts which is appended to the report, it appears that the coaservators have laid out the money with greet care. Of the total ausount (avert from subscription) about 33 per omit. only has been under their immediate control, the remainder being for charges (such as the annuity to Spencer, Sinking Fund, in regard to whit the conservators have no discretion. Of thet 33 per cont., 28 per cent. has been:laid out upen the care and improvement of the Cotr.moi, whilst but 5 per cent. has been spent for administrative charges, thus contrasting very favourably with the outlay in other undertakings, where, in some instances, the establishment charges have been at no less a rate than 47 per cent. The total expenditure, we may add, including law charges (which, in consequence of the opposition shown by the Metropolitan Board, were very heavy), amounted to £3,795 175., of which . £382 lod. was voluntarily subscribed. Judging from this report, it would seem that the ratepayers have every reason to congratulate themselves upon the feat that their money has been well spent, and that the conservators, if elected to serve another three years of office, will continue to maintain that vigilance and care they have already displayed.

[BNA:

South London Press — Saturday 13 March 1875

The Wandsworth Common Conservators, ANNUAL MEETING.

On Monday evening the annual meeting the conservators of Wandsworth CeitunoL, appointed under the Wandsworth Common Act. , WI, was held, by die kind permission of the Rev. J. Conder, in the schoolroom of Halbrake House, Park-road, New Wandsworth, when, notwithstanding the interest taken in the preservation of the Common as a plaos of recreation, the attendance was but limited. Amongst those present were: Messrs. T. S. Watson, M. Ransome, -- cleave, P. he Foider. J. C. buckmaeter, and the Rev. P. Conder. Mr. Watson having been voted to the chair, that gentleman read a letter of apology ei the attendance of the chairman of Board of Conservators, Mr. James Du Buisson, on account of ill health. The clerk (Mr. Nugent Walsh) thee real the report of the doings of the board for the past year — a of which will be foiled elsewhere — and from which it boons that the conservators are endeavouring to fulfil the trust reposed In them under the by which they are elected. The report, which was considered satisfactory, was then, on the motion of Mr. Cleave, I3C 0 u led by Mr. Iin outer, adopted. sad the conservators empowered to take such steps es thoy may deem necessary kr its circulation amongst the ratepayers of the district. The amounts for the year ending the Ist Dec. , 1471, were then considered, the receipts being. 01. 604: mi. 10d. , and the total expenditure ba. tld. , leaving a balance in bawl of 2: 11 tts. td. Thu item of. 03 13s. Bd. for law charges, it was elisited, was principaUy spent in proesenting the case of the Conservators Hough, which wav reported at the time in these ooktune, whereby it was thought expedient to test the question whether persons not being copyholders could legally claim the right of pasturage. The remainder of the amount was spent in conveying the of ground at the north-west portion of tre im i g uirk front Ms. lievintrom to the cotiservatora. On the ity)tio cif 3lr. seconded 11 Mr. Buckmaster, the accounts Ore Unanimously paired.

Mr. Cleave proposed, and Mr. Le Neve Foster second, a vote of thanks to the rev. principal of Halbrake House (Mr. Conder) for use of the room on that and other occasions; and Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. Foster seconding, moved a similar vote to the conservators for the energetic manner in which they looked after the interests of the ratepayers, which, with the customary vote of thanks to the chairman, brought the prodings to a close. It should he mentioned that the election of conservators takes place on the 19th inst. , at house of Mr. James Du Buisson, when the flowing gentlemen, who are the only candidates, offer themselves for re-election — via. : Messrs. James Du Buisson, J. P. , Charles Eccles, Charles Lambert, Edwin Rayner Ransome, and Thomas Simons Watson.

[BNA: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000213/18750313/050/0010?browse=true

[BNA: https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000213/18750313/050/0011?browse=true" target="_blank">Link.]

"HEATHFIELD COTTAGES ETC / JOHN LEACH

South London Chronicle — Saturday 8 May 1875

"Wandsworth common and High, street, Wandsworth. — Six Freehold Villa Residences, known Xos. 1 to 6, Heathfield, with gardens, having long and important frontage* to Wandsworth-common and to a public high road. Five of these houses are at present let for short terms, amounting to 209 per annum : the sixth is occupied by the vendors, and prompt possession will be given of it. They are, therefore, all available either for early occupation, or for investment.

The gardens attached are sufficiently large to admit of several additional houses being erected, and the choice, open situation insures constant demand for such villas ; also the capital Business Premises, comprising a House and Shop, No. 84, High-street Wandsworth, let lease until Christmas next to Mr. Richard Beckett, at the very low rent of but now worth considerably more; also the Four Houses and Shops, Nos. 4, 0, 8, and 10, High-street, Wandsworth, let On lease to Mr James Fox for two lives, aged about 69 and 64 years respectively, at the very low rent of 25. On the decease of these lives the purchaser of this lot will be entitled to the full rack rents.

"MESSRS. DEBENHAM, TEWSON, and FARMER are instructed by the Trustees of the late Mr. John Leach to SELL, at the Mart, Thursday, May 20, at 2, in three lots the above-named very eligibly situate FREEHOLD PROPERTIES, all of which are deserving the attention of capitalists, affording unusually safe and improving investments. Particulars of John Pendergast, Esq., 334, Commercial-road, and the Auctioneers, W, Cheapside.

[BNA: Link.]

1875-05-08-heathfield-cottages-sale-SouthLondonChronicle-8may1875 .png"

South London Press — Saturday 3 July 1875

The Scene at Battersea Cemetery.

It will be seen by our report of the meeting of the Battersea Vestry that the rumours as to the unseemly proceedings at the burial of the unfortunate lighterman, Budd., which found an echo in last week's South London Press, were substantially correct. The grave was too small. Though wide enough to admit the coffin of the deceased, it was not sufficiently wide to permit of its being properly lowered; therefore it was of necessity taken out, and the sorrowing friends were perforce compelled to wait until the body could be properly and regularly interred. It is a matter of no moment whether the defect was at the mouth of the grave or at some feet lower down. That an unseemly impediment did occur is admitted. We are also at a loss to see how no blame attaches to the superintendent. Whose duty is it to see that the graves are properly and suitably made, and fit for the reception of the bodies to be interred Anthem? Is it the business of the clerk to the Board? Is it that of the irresponsible gravediggers? It is certainly somebody's duty; for if the superintendent was not to blame, who was? And what are the superintendent's duties and responsibilities? The officiating clergyman says in his letter to the Burial Board: "There was nothing unseemly beyond the delay, and the mourners bore the trial of waiting, and the distress it must have been to them, with great calmness and quietness." Now, in noticing the report as it reached us, we said there might be some exaggeration in it. The clergyman admits that ten minutes was absorbed in enlarging the grave, and the words in italics, which latter are our own, show that it was a great trial and source of distress to the mourners, as indeed it could not fail to be, and the substratum of truth underlying the slight exaggeration is not so slight as to be passed over, and waived away with the explanation afforded to the member of the Vestry who brought the matter forward. If there is no one to see that the graves are properly dug, then, to avoid a similar occurrence, which may at any time happen, the least the official representative of the Burial Board could have done would have been to promise that some such appointment should be made.

But again we ask — What is the superintendent paid for? Battersea Cemetery is not in good odour, and this twins from the fact that it would seem to be nobody's business to attend to anything. It was nobody's duty to prevent the overcrowding of the graves, which created the last scandal at this cemetery, though it appeared to be everybody's duty to wink at the fact of its being done. The Burial Board attempted to pooh-pooh the complaints of the parishioner, when stated by Mr. Cleave on that occasion. The matter was, it will be recollected, treated with levity, until officially substantiated; anl the same tone has been adepted now. But this will not avail. The only effect, or we are greatly mistaken, will be to convince the public of Battersea that the complaints as to the " scene " at Lighterman Sudds' funeral are well grounded, though, as in so many cases of the kind, there might have been exaggeration.

[BNA: Link.]

"GET THE WHOLE OF THIS

South London Press — Saturday 28 August 1875

Mysterious Murder of a Child.

INQUIRY BEFORE MR. CARTER, AT WANDSWORTH. Considerable excitement has been caused in the neighbourhood of Wandsworth and Batter. sea by the discovery on Sunday last of a newly. born child, under circumstances of a suspicious if not mysterious character. From the information furnished to the police, they were induced to apprehend a Mrs. Turtle, of Provi. deuce Dairy, Usk-road, Battersea, a widow, well known in the locality and very much respected ; but the magistrate before whom she was charged with "having exposed the dead body of this child on Wandsworth Common" considered the evidence insufficient to aupport the charge, and he accordingly dismissed it. The magistailed inquiry took place on Monday. On Wednesday evening there was a further inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of the child by Mr. Carter, the coroner for East Surrey. It was held at the Red Lion public. house, and lasted several hours; the evidence adduced being of a very conflicting character. The first witness examined was Police. constable James Bellew, 106 V. lie said he was on duty in the High-street, Wandsworth, on Sunday morning. About half-past 7 o'clock. a man named John Smith met him, and from what he said be accompanied him to Wandsworth Common, close tea place known formerly as the Black Sea, but which was now enclosed all round, and called" Spencer Park." He there saw Henry Davis, who showed him the body of a female child v. rapped up in a calico bed-gown, and there were three sheets of brown paper lying by it, and a piece of string underneath it. Witness sent for the coroner's officer, and handed the child and the articles he had mentioned to him. The coroner's officer (Mr. Planner) stated that he had received the child from the last witness. The child apparently had only recently been born. The nightdress had no name or mark upon it, and there was a needle in it. He received with the child three pieces of paper and some twine. The child weighed six pounds and a quarter. There did not appear to be any marks of violence upon the child. There was a caul attached to the child. Henry Davis. plasterer, 30, Paulk-road, Battersea, said he was in the habit of taking a walk every Sunday morning to Wimbledon Common. On Sunday morning last he took his usual walk, and on reaching the enclosed part alluded to by the previous witnesses, he had occasion to go inside for a purpose, and whilst there some cows entered, and he saw a woman also enter. Here the witness produced a plan, and entered into a minute description of the part where he had, as he asserted, seen the woman enter, and an opening in the fence from which, as he stated, he had seen her run away. Having no suspicion of her, he did not take notice where she went or the cows, until subsequently he was walking along outside the fence, and had his attention drawn to a parcel he could see in the small opening. The opening was too small for the parcel to have been pushed through without injuring it. The parcel was about one foot inside, he put in his hands through the opening of the fence, and lifted it uo bit and bit, until it reached the top of the fence, and then he was enabled to get hold of it in a proper manner. The parcel weighed about seven or eight pounds, and it was tied up with string. He cut the string and opened it, and then discovered the child in a chemise. He felt quite sick for a few motnents, and then called out to a boy who was passing at the time. Be sent the boy for a policeman, and he looked round and saw a neighbour, a Ir. Smith, and, at a little distance from him, the woman whom he had previously seen mar where he had found the parcel. Ile did not then see the cows. The cows were out on the Common. He spoke to the woman, remarking, "Here's"' pretty thing! I have found a child." Mr. Smith and the woman came to where the child had been left. He told Mr. Smith where he would be able to find a policeman, and he went away. The woman then made the remark, "It is born with a caul on its; head." The child was partly uncovered. The Coroner: How did she express heaself ? Witness: That is all she said. The Coroner: What then? Witness: I saw no more of her. I have since seen her. I did not know the belonged to her. I had never seen her begun. BY a Juror Whew she mime in had a stick in her hand. Ibelieve she told the detective she went in to take the cows out. I did not think of anything until I saw this parcel. Another Juror: Might it not have been put there before this woman went in? Witness: It would have been wet with the dew. By &Juror : Might it not have been placed there from the outside ? Witness: The opening was not sufficient to allow of it being pushed through. By &Juror : Could it not have been put over the ? Wicsiess — : If so, the piper would have boo

broken from the distance the parcel would have fallen. By a Juror: Could the parcel not have been Pot there in the same way you say you took ft out ? Witness : It might have been done that way. The Coroner: Did you notice any other person before you found the parcel? 'Witness : None at all before. The Coroner: How far from the opening did you see the woman? Witness: About a dozen yards, running iway. Coroner: Was the dew knocked off the ? Witness: I did not go to see. I did not see any other person than the female before I saw the parcel. The Coroner: You saw the child; what part of the body was exposed? Witness: It was lying sideways. The Coroner: Could you see the child's face? Witness: Only a portion of it; the smell was ',,so bad I had to give upit made me sick. [With the local knowledge of the jury and the coroner, together with the constant referenees to the plan, the evidence of this witness might have been intelligible to them. It certainly, however, was not at all clear to those not possessing the advantages referred to Detective-Sergeant Alfred Brook, of the V division, was then examined.

The Coroner: Did you see the lad witness on Sunday?

Witness: Yes; and in consequence of what he stated I went to Mrs. Turtle's house. I told her I was a police officer, and asked her to go with me to the police-court about a child that had been found exposed on the Common. She said, "Oh, dear! I went in to Spencer Park to drive my cows out, and a man spoke to me respecting the body of a child, and asked me to go for the police; but I did not see one until half-past 8 o'clock in Plough-lane, and I thought it was too late then." I told her all the circumstances, and she said, " Iwill go with you anywhere." I asked her if she had any lodgers, and she desired me to look over the house; but I found not the slightest indication of any one being there ill. Mrs. Turtle's husband is dead, but the business of a dairyman is still kept on. Cows are kept, and there is a van, and milk is sold. The cows are kept on the Common. She is in the habit of driving them there every day. She wra taken before the magistrate on Monday and discharged. The Coroner: You cannot trace this child to her possession? Witness: Not the slightest trace. The Coroner And the articles have not been identified by any one? Witness: No; these cases are very difficult. The Coroner: Have you seen the spot where the child was found? You know this man sees cows, and it is only reasonable to suppose that the woman would go in to drive them out, being private property, and aa there was some rough ground, she may have gone a little to the aide? _ Witness: The ground is very rough. The Coroner: The supposition of this man would seem to be that this woman put the parcel there. Looking at the nature of the qatrture, could it have been put through the fence? Witness: No; it might have been dropped over. , It was further stated to the coroner that the grass near the spot had not been disturbed, and that the woman could not have been within 10 yards of the spot on the inside. Dr. Hawkins, of 20, North-street, Wandsworth, was then examined. He said he went to the parish mortuary on Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, at the request of the coroner's officer, and there he saw the body of a female child. It was that of a well-nourished child. He was of opinion that the child had been dead some four or five days, as there were signs of external decomposition. The Child was lying in a night-shirt that had only ken half worked, the sleeves not being in; Ind numerous pieces of camphor were scattered around the child, presumably for the purpose taking of the smell. He then entered into various details of a scientific character respectlug the condition of the child as bearing upon the question whether or not it had had a separate existence, and also as to any violence having been used to cause Its death. The whole of the bones of the chest had been COZhiin. Great pressure must have been t to bear upon the child's chest, probably with the view to prevent its screaming sad breathing. There was every indication that the child had received no attention. On the had, and extending some distance down the back, was a caula most unusual thing. On the Monday he made a p44-tasortens examination of the body and the head of the child. There were no injuries to the head. The lungs were fully expanded. It was one of the clearest cases of a child having lived that he knew of. Decomposition would account for the weight of the child being so little, there were only two things against his assertion that the condition of the lung 3 indicated that the child had breathed, and these were absent. Death was, in his opinion, attributable to one of two causes: either hcemorxhage, resulting from causes which he explained, or the great Pressure which had been brought to bear on the child's chest. Witness asked to be allowed to make a statement in reference to Mrs. Turtle and those in her house, remarking that he wished to do so in justice to them. He then explained that he had, at the request of the magistrate, examined the inmates of the house, and that there were no grounds for the slightest suspicion in regard to their condition. The coroner here intimated that if Mrs. Turtle was desirous of making any statement, she could do so. At the same time she was not obliged to make any such statement, and if she did, it might be used against her. Mrs. Turtle said she felt justified in desiring to say something. She then explained that the man Davie had brought a charge against her for which she had suffered already, and it was so false that she felt in own mind The Coroner: Do you wish to explain why you went into the field that morning? A young man here stated that there was a witness present who saw Mrs. Turtle go into the field on the morning in question. Henry Bromley, a warder, was accordingly examined. He said he was going to his duty on Sunday morning, when he noticed a, female go into Spencer Park. She had a stick her hand, and followed some cows Spencer Park, the rest being in the road. She had nothing in her hands but the stick; if she had had he could have seen it. There was a man who kept raising himself up from behind a heap of gravel. He stood at the gate and watched the woman about ten yards away from the gate, and he then saw the man raise himself up from behind the gravel. That took his attention more than anything else. 'Dm woman was going in the direction after the cows. The man raised himself up and down twice behind the heap of gravel, about 30 yards from the gate where he (witness) stood. Witness wondered what the man was watching the woman about for. The Coroner: Are you quite satisfied in your own mind that she really had nothing Witness: I am satisfied she only bed a stick in her hand. I was only 20 yards behind her. I should have been bound to have seen a parcel if she had had one _ _ _ _ The Coroner: Did you see any more of her? Witness: No, sir. I was obliged to hurry on to get to my duty in time. After she had got inside the gate, and I had seen the man raise himself up twice, I went on a little further and looked over the fence, remarking that it was not a very pleasant thing to go amongst the wet grass, but the woman did not make any answer back; she kept on driving the cows. The woman did not go near the fence within 10 or 12 yards, except when she went in at the gate. The Coroner: Did you see her 'come out again? Witness: Istopped, and then went on. The Coroner: Did the man see you? Witness: I don't know; his head was no sooner up than it was down again. By the Jury: I was in private clothes. She did not drive the cows in; she followed them in, as Ibelieve, for the purpose of getting them out. I did not see her run at all, nor stoop down. The coroner, addressing the jury, asked them whether, after this testimony and that of the doctor, who had satisfied himself that there was no one in the house to whom the child could be traced, there was anything to lead them to think that the child could possibly have come from the house where Mrs. Turtle lived? As to the cause of death, the evidence of the doctor was very clear, and if the jury took his view, there would be no difficulty in regard to that point. The next question, however, was by whose hand the injury had been inflicted. Upon that there was really no evidence. If the jury thought the child had died from the injuries described by the doctor, they would either return an open verdict, or the inquiry could be adjourned. The , verdict would, in the former case, be that the child had died from injuries done by some person or persons unknown, or, in other words, "Murder." The evidence adduced by the various witnesses was not read over to thema circumstance to be regretted, considering the peculiar character of the evidence of the witness Davis. .1 he room was cleared whilst the jury were considering their verdict. . . . _ . . On the public being again admitted, it was understood that the jury had returned a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 18 September 1875

Halbrake House Athletic Sports.

The celebration of the annual sports in connection with Halbrake House Schopl, New Wandsworth, constitutes one of the permanent features in the diary of events to come amongst the middle and upper classes resident in the neighbourhood, and is looked upon by the parents of the pupils as entirely a red-letter day.

Saturday last proved no exception, and the principal, the Rev. John Condor, may be congratulated upon the success of the day's proceedings, the attendance being both numerous and select, notwithstanding that the sports had been postponed, on account of unfavourable weather, from July 15 — a period more favourable to a large attendance than the present, when so many families are absent at the seaside. Although on this account many familiar faces amongst the local gentry were absent, there were still many of the leading inhabitants present. The scene was an effective one. The ray toilets of the ladies, as the latter flitted hither and thither — the bright costumes of the competitors, in addition to the gay colours of the flags which marked out the scene of contest, afforded the necessary elements to the production of an animated and festive assembly, whilst the military-attired band of the Laylands Boys' Houle, under their evidently painstaking master, Mr. W. Herring, infused an additional spirit into the proceedings.

The locale selected — a field adjoining the residence of Mr. James Du Buisson, J. P. , which was kindly placed at Mr. Conder's disposal, was both central and well adapted for the purpose, the picturesque and rural surroundings lending an additional charm.

The original list of the officials selected to conduct the sports in July — viz. , Messrs. D. E. Bower, A. Hodges, W. 11. Webber, and the Hon. Evelyn Denison, as committee-men; the Revs. C. E. Jones and U. S. Winslow, and Mr. A. J. Seeatlebtu7, judges; Messrs. Matthews and Clark, starters; and Mr. Bower, clerk of the course — was adhered to almost in its entirety, the Hon. E. Denison and A. Hodges being enforced absentees, consequent upon the adjournment previously alluded to. Amongst those present we noticed the Rev. Dr. Chave. M. A. , vicar of fit. Ann's, Wandsworth; the Revs. C. E. Jones and H. B. Winslow; Dr. Darwen, Messrs. Long, Wainwright, Corsellis, Todd, Cleave, Bowyer, Millar, Memoir, &c.; whilst of the lady subscribers to a laudable feature in the programme — viz. , the Ladies' Prize, awarded to the winner of the greatest number of marks in sports open to all competitors, and whose names are as follows, the majority of them, or members of the family, were present — viz. , Mrs. Abbott, Bower, Bowers, Brebner, Bishop, Cleave, Corsellis, Conder, Dangerfield, Foster, E salt, Hodges, Hutchins, Hart, Law. rent, Lihme, Millar, Mills, Nelson, Parsons, Perks, Pemberton, Powell, Robinson. Sillett, Staineby, Webber, Webster, and Lady Otho Fitzgerald. The contests were many of them close and exciting, D. Bower and Webber particularly distinguishing themselves.

The following is a list of prizes and the successful competitors:

Throwing the Cricket Ball. — Prize, a silver mug. (Far boys under 12). by Barlow. Throwing the Cricket Ball — Open. — Prize, an ice pail. Won by D. Bone r. Flat Race, 100 Yards, Handicap (for boys under 12). — Ist prize, silver watch, S. Perks; 2, handled goblet, Brebner. Flat Race, 100 Yards Open Handicap. -I, Pember. ton; 2, Mills, . This race was won by D. Bower, was disentitled by having won two other prize& High Jump (for boys under 1 2). — Prize, goblet, given by the principal. Won by Cleave. 80 Yards Flat Race (for boys under 1 0). — Wonby J. E. Conder. High Jump — Open. — Prize, mug, given by Mr. W. Cutler. Won by Eric Conder. Flat Race, Half Mile Handicap. Ist prize, Pemberton; 2nd, Mills, . Back Race, 80 yards — Open. — Set of gold studs, given by Mr. George Gough Todd. . Won by Hutchins. Walking Race, Quarter Mile Handicap — Open. — Won by Mostop. Siamese Race — Open. — Won by Messrs. Perks and Hutchins. Pole Jtimp — Opsn. — Prize, boneypot, given by Mrs. Conder. Won by Webber. Hurdle Race — Open. — Priae, goblet, given by "Old Pupils. " Won by D. Bower. Flat Rene, Halt Mile Handicap. — lat prize, Wilson (60 yards allowance); 2nd, hionisop (16 yards allowance). Long Jump — Open. — Won by Webber. Sack Race. -15& prize, Wilson; 2nd, Bishop. Old Pupils' Race, 200 yards. — Won, easily by li. Bower. Sack Race. --1j hard; 2nd, S. Perks. Consolation Races. (for boys over 12). prize, Nicholson; 2nd, Gilbert; 3rd, Consuls; 4, Robinson. For Boys under 12. — let prize, Lihme; 2nd, Parsons; 3rd, Mudie. The winners of the prizes presented by the principal for gymnastic exercises were awarded: First Division, boys over 13. — Champion gold medal, A. Hodges; certificate, W. H. Webber. Second DiTi boys 11 and 13. — Silver medal, J. E. Conder; certificate, A. L. Bowers. Third Division, boys under 11. — Bronze medal, A. Libmc; certificate, F.). '. Parsons. Drilling Prize, presented by the instructor, Mr. Winterbottom. — Won by H. Mossop.

It should be here said that the principal has always considered it desirable to encourage the pupils in the eminently useful science of natation by the awarding of a silver medal to the best swimmer in the school, to be held three consecutive years. The winner this year having been once previously successful, and in consideration of the excellent nature of the present year's performance — viz. , the accomplishment of 1, 240 yards in minutes (very good time)-Mr. Conder decided to waive the third year's victory, and presented the holder, W. 11. Webber, with the medal, the announcement of the fact being received with hearty cheers. The holders of 'swimming certificates are the Hon. E. Denison, E. Raghib, Robinson, G. Langton, Barlow, Eric Conder, Parry, Waterer. S. E. Raghib, Powell, John E. Condor, 'rut Millar, I fossop, Hodges, Nicholson, and R. Todd. The last but not the least meritorious prize. given by the wife of the principal, Mrs. Conder, to the "most orderly boy in residence, " awarded to Parry.

At the conclusion of the presentation of the prizes — a ceremony gracefully performed by Mrs. Conder — three hearty cheers, again and again repeated, were given for that lady, and a similar compliment was most lustily paid to Mr. Conder.

It may interest many if, before closing our notice, we state that Kalulu — who is more familiarly known as "Stanley's boy, " being brought home by the celebrated journalist and traveller, Mr. H. D. Stanley — has once more cast in his fortune with his patron, and left Halbrake House, where he was placed by Mr. Stanley for tuition, and has gone out with Mr. Stanley to act as a medium of linguistic intercourse between that gentleman and the natives; so that Kalulu was not this year, as last, one of the lions, or rather the lion of the day.

[BNA: Link.]

[BNA: Link.]

Daily News — Thursday 11 November 1875

THE EPPING FOREST COMMISSION

In th6 courso of the sitting of the Commission at the. v uinidhall, lVestrousoter, yesterday, Mir. Fverott, continuitg his 8 address on behalf of tho Metropolitan Board of Works, who seek t to obtain control of the forest on behalf of the public, pointed t out thlat thoe Ietropolitan heard is an eleetive body iosplisible ja to the pablic, includes within itself three reproeselatives of the City, and has juriidictiou extending to the verge of the forest. ] 'hilo tilh City Sehenme vould involve no obhliation at all on the 1A Cororation, the AMetropolitanBoard of Worki had boen entrubted s by Parhlament with the preservatiors, amonic other ope spatefi, of Blacklhcath, containing 201 erres; Hasopatrad heath, 240 ares, and Tooting Common. On these, and ot grounds pro- viouely set forth, ho held that the Metropolitan Ilgard was the proper authoritv to Uave command over Eippsng Forest. Their schemo vwoandempowerthem todo cortamint upeeallaubstritially in accordanco with thse solchemues which Plarloainthad thought lit to approvo of in other ca8es. Itlprovidedhts far asprhcseaisbl to avoid interference evith the natural features of the forest, and i to this ead no perticular line or barrow would be mlade. It then- A proposed to allow village greces to Po retalned by the variosa ieatlitices, as they hid bcen in times, past. Their bye-laws had . beea found sufkirently oampreihnsive in other carts, aid had been approved by Act of IParliamsent. With refcriakce to cultivated lands, the rent or rate to be phid.l bhould be such as might be determined by the Conmmiseihuere. The loaxld sought a quite as much as the City to prevent ?? to the public, end uo bye-lowe would have effect until sanctioned and catirmd by tho decretary of State. As to the rights of coaunon, if the Comemissioners thouight itright to admit sheep to grace, thelloard N would raise no objection. Wood-ontting was peculiar to the i valley of Lomghton, and might bo dealt with eiither oln thi baste of value or by apportiolrins a partinitc part 01 the forest Iltl evould not be necessary to snalitain all the ancient forest courts. lhs Board did hot propose to hunt on Easter Mlonsday, and there- fore did not propose to beep deer any some than they would kelsp L a uenageie. At tle seine time, they would have no objection to preserving a few deer, ift uggested by the Commoosifonrs. With reference to the City soohienu the learoed counsel ooatenaded that the Act of Parliahent never contemplated enth-usthig the Coryu-r ration with jurisdiction over so largo a space as Eplpifg Foreu,. Large soasses of people in Shoreditehi, for exaniple, were ,usot ' within the jurieditetion of the City; and it was uiiquestfouaole that the Corporation never would btive juvisdietion over the = numerous populatiou onl whose behalf the Coneissisolrne were a. skaled to preseuit a schema. In coutintation of the natgemodtl Ale. Douglas StraIcht, who also appeared ol behalf of the Metro- politan itoard of Works, addressed the Coammssioaner. The mtetropolitan hoard of Wvorks, tic reeLarlced, had noa, spent 'the ratonayers money in a ClauLetry suit, lnamxted their barners in Epp ig Forest, or brought influence to bear ol niewspapers to induce them to pubirsh favourable artieles inut WeO I they on I)t this accoumt ttoe lees qualified for the snanagoslueit of the -. Yocest IIS any ostitleatuon of their claims wslr required, it was to be found in tho report of tae Open Spaces Committee, show- ?? that the Notroaliontaa1oard of Wollrs wvere the authority for dosliug; with theso eoonmnons. Upping Forelt, lb added, was largely freeoented by people from D])ruuy-laose, thotlinal-grcen i Poplar, Yor~ditrb, nod IHooileys all of whleh places vero roprestntti att the Metropolitan loard of Wortas Oui the oalier tand, what were the claimsl of the Lord Mlayor end lBhers9 to tlke charge of this vaste i( 'learlY ?? denov of the ituste of Cousmons Was not iii tho diretiini ot iox- tondingtho powers of the Corporation. hJJ hoped, however, tleet o whatever the reault might be, a e0heels ?? a ?? whidc st would secure to the public the beneilto whils Parliament ron tesm- plated should be seoured to them.

At the conclusion for the day of the addresses of counsel, Mr Clegg tendered a few observations.

He had lived in the forest 26 years, and had been disposed to see it preserved for the enjoyment of the public. Within that period his views had undergone considerable modification. What he had seen their head filled him with horror and discussed, I did his opinion to leave the forest as it would be to perpetuate the most disgraceful State of things. Demoralisation of servants who are permitted to Rovin the forest, prostitution, and thieving we arrive. Pauperism was increased, the percentage of illegitimate children in the neighbourhood was very large, and there were no fewer than 60 prostitutes in the small verge of Epping. The amount of indecency among person so went to the forest was shocking to contemplate. He would suggest that one third of the crown rights should be reserved for public recreation in the shape of a park or Gardens, and the residue should be divided fairly between the Lords of the manners, copyholders, and commoners.

The chairman pointed out that the commission had no power to close the forest. Several other suggestions were submitted, including a scheme of drainage and ornamental water.

The commissioners adjourned until this day

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 27 November 1875

Extraordinary Scandal in Battersea Cemetery.

We trafee again the painful task of recording a "scene" in connection with the conduct of funerals at Battersea Cemetery. The facts which have reached us certainly reveal a most unseemly episode, and as one of the parochial clergy has given his version, it will be interesting to learn what explanation will be offered by the Nonconformist minister concerned. The existing state of things at this cemetery reflects no great credit upon its authorities, and these fends between the clergy of the Church of England and the Nonconformists simply add to an unhappy state of things greatly to be deplored.

But to the facts.

A few days since, the Rev. C. Kirtland, minister of Battersea Chapel, went to officiate at a funeral, of which due, notice had been given to him. As soon as the corpse had been taken into the chapel, a young curate, the hey. Edmund Peel, entered, and in the name of the parents of the child required that the corpse should be given up and buried in consecrated ground. Mr. Kirtland expressed his astonishment at such interference, characterized the conduct of certain of the Church party in reference to Nonconformist funerals as ungenerous and mean, and said a demand like that which had just been made was a kind of "body-snatching," from which honourable men ought to shrink. He aided that it was not the first, second, or third time that funerals had been taken to the Episcopal side after arrangements had been made with himself to officiate. The curate replied that he acted for the parents, whose wish had but that moment been expressed. 'the Nonconformist minister observed that he could not think clergymen would stoop to such conduct as that of which lie complained, but an under-current of influence was at work against burials on the Nonconformist aide, which he would do his best to search out and expose. He could neither lose his time nor submit to be trifled with; and although he had no power to oppose the N% ish of the parents, he should mark his disapprobation of the course that had been pursued by demanding his fee. This was immediately paid by the undertaker, when the body was removed to the chapel on the opposite side, and interred in consecrated ground. The clerk asked the undertaker for his fee, but was told that it had been paid to the gentleman over the way. It is stated that the cause of these indecent and unseemly proceedings was this: Just as the mourners were about to follow their child into the chapel, a lady — whose name did not transpire — interposed, and persuaded them to have it buried on consecrated ground. The letter which we append, however, puts rather a different colour on the matter: Sir, — l think it well to call the attention of the Church folk of Battersea to the following painful incident. While rendering temporary assistance to the clergy of the parish the other day, it fell to my lot to officiate at the funerals at the cemetery. On arriving to take a funeral there, I found a father and mother waiting in the church in great distress because the body sif their child had been carried by the undertaker into the chapel belonging to the Nonconformists. I was requested to have the body removed into the church, so that the service might be read by a minister of the Church of England, and the body buried in consecrated ground. Thereupon I told the Dissenting minister that a mistake had been made ' and I asked him to allow the body to be removed from the unconsecrated chapel to that iii which the parents were waiting. He replied that he had received notice from the undertaker to bury the deceased, and he refused to give up the body unless he first received the fees, at the same time saying that it was not the money but the principle that he cared about, and adding that an extensive practice, which he termed bodysnatching," was carried on by members of the Church of England — a subject which I declined to discuss in the presence of the dead. On his persisting that he would not allow the body to be removed until the money was paid into his hands, the undertaker handed over 4s. in my presence, after demanding a guarantee from me that no claim would be made by the Parish for fees. This having been done, Iagain asked the minister whether he would allow the body to be removed into the church. He replied that now that he had received the fees he had no objection. I then performed the ceremony, and myself paid the usual fees due to the incumbent and clerk.

In justice to the Dissenting minister, I must add that the friends of the deceased had left the whole matter in the hands of the undertaker.

My object in writing is to guard the Church people of Battersea against tearing these matters in the hands of the undertakers, as they appear to have some mysterious interest in conducting funerals to the unconcecrated side — an interest which, perharps, some of your readers may be able to explain.

Yours, &c., EDMUND PEEL.

Battersea, Nov. 22.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18751127/073/0010" target="_blank">Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 4 December 1875

AT BATTERSEA CEMETERY. . elm -

Reluctant as I am to take pert in any public disputes, the letter which appared in your last impression, signed "Edmund Peel," renders it impossible that I should be silent. Although Mr. Peel does not mention my name, the paragraph that precedes the letter must lead all your readers to identify me with the Dissenting minister" to whom he alludes. ' Ihe writer states that "on arriving to take a funeral there (Battersea Cemetery), I found a fatherland another waiting in the church in great distress, because the body of their child had been carried by the undertaker into the chapel belonging to the Nonconformistk."

Further on, Mr. Peel endeavonre to fir the blame on the undertaker — " In justice to the Dissenting minister, I must add that the friends of the deceased had left the whole matter in the bands of the undertaker." Now, sir, some one must have imposed on he writer of this letter by a complete misstatement as respects the facts of the case. I have seen the undertaker in question, and he has assured me that, in accordance with his invariable custom, he inquired of the parents on which side of the cemetery they wished their child to be buried; and in taking it to the Nonconformist side he faithfully carried out their instructions. They distinctly told him the " chapel," or "unconsecrated" portion. What, then, becomes of the implied charge against the undertaker f having misled the parents? But how came the corpse to be taken into one chapel and the parents into the other? When the carriage reached the archway, certain influences were used which induced the mourners to change their minds. As to the" great distress" of which Mr. Peel speaks, that arose naturally from the loss which they had sustained; and if it was increased by the circumstances in which they found theneselves so unexpectedly placed, the blame belongs to those who separated them from their child. I cannot help calling such interference with the rights of parents at such a time as both "unseemly and indecent." Had Mr. Peel been acquainted with all the facts, Ifeel certain he would not have committed the indiscretion of denetnditig the body of this poor child. Mr. Peel says he declined to reply to certain remarks of mine " in the presence of the dead." I think it would have Ibeen only fair and honourable towards a brother minister if he had declined to act in the matter at all — at least, until the patents had expressed their wishes to me personally. Of course, I could not enter the other chapel and request an explanation. To me, for such a purpose, that was forbidden ground. Mr. Peel represents the minister" as Raying that "now he had received the fees, be had no objection to have the body removed." Igive to this my most emphatic denial. I said it was not the money that Icared about; but as a protest against such interference, and to prevent a repetition of such annoyance, I should require the fee. The fact is, sir, matters have reached such a pitch in the Battersea Cemetery that prompt iaterference is demanded. Ioften receive notices to officiate at funerals, but until Ireach the cemetery Inever know whether my services will be required. A few days since my name was inserted in the notice paper for the interment of a child. Before the funeral my name was erased and that of a clergyman insetted. Early in the prevent week I saw the father of this child, and asked the cause of the alteration. lie replied: "Why, sir, it's the women. Icare nothing for the Church; but a lady (Mrs. — ) came and talked my wife over. This is happening frequently; but the board might prevent it by resolving that when a notice has been filled up, no alteration shall be made. How these officious people gain their information I do Lot know. I have my suspicions, but they may be unfounded. Na.. conformists have never acted unfairly towards the Established Church in such matters. They shrink from such practices as those to which I have referred. Sir, from my very heart Ihate these squabbles. My desire and aim is to "follow peace with all men;" but the persistent and disingenuous attempts that are being made to bring'" unconsecrated" grouud and Nonconformist burial services into odium, call for exposure and rebuke. Iwish some one with the Bible in his hand would try and poin;; out the spiritual advantages conferred on those who are buried in " consecrated " ground, which those who sleep in the" unconsecrated" portion do not possess. — Yours. C. litamann.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18751204/086/0010" target="_blank">Link.]

"[There's a slightly abbreviated version on = Record 2837

Sporting Gazette — Saturday 4 December 1875

THAMES HARE AND HOUNDS

As a rule the T.H.H. would no more perform out of Roehampton than the Christy Minstrels out of London — bat there are exceptions to every rule, and one of such exceptions took place butt Saturday, when the club met for the first time at the County Arms on Wandsworth Common, only a short distance from Clapham Junction, a situation which, owing to its comparative contiguity to the Metropolitan Meat Market, held out, and correctly, a greater probability of animal food being obtained than at the old rendezvous.

Hares, H. Moresby and W. Rye (both T.H.H.), were sent out at 3.40 — far too late — and after nearly a quarter of an hour's interval, were followed by the pack, which consisted of the following, who had successfully grappled with the somewhat intricate map on the club circular, namely, H. A. Dryden (T.H.H. and L.A.C.), J. H. A. Rey T.H.H. and Civil Service), 0. W. Mapleton ( T.H.H.), R. Bargess, jan. T.H.H. and B.B.), T. R. boobs (T.H.H. and Harlequins F.B.U. ) P. H.: tanning (T.H.H. and Olevedon F. 13.0.), A. P. Smith (T.H.H. cad Richmond C.C.), A. E. Ball (T. 13.11. and L.A.0.), W. M. Green (T.H.11.), F. Heloke (T.ILU. and Twickenham R. 0.), J. Tyler (4. visitor), and W. E. Fuller (T.H.H. and L.A.C.).

The scent ran back a little, outside Neal's nursery grounds on to Wandsworth Common to the west of Nightingale-lane and the right of the station, over the broken ground behind St. James's Schools and across some meadows — with plenty of jumps — in the direction of Balham, till it turned back by the church and across Upper Tooting-street.

The rough furzy ground on Tooting Beck Common to the left of the Avenue afforded several opportunities for false scents, which were not neglected, one especially across the road by the railway bridge deserving especial notice.

Thence by St. Leonard's Church, Streatham, it stretched down the road, leaving Norfolk House to the left, till the turning for Streatham Wells was reached.

Up Wells-lane it extended to the Spa, where, crossing a big brick wall — jumped by A. P. Smith in a manner which will render the incident ever memorable in the club history — it was taken up some very steep grass fields and a road till Streatham Common was reached.

When it was reached, the hares incontinently involved themselves in a thicket of furze, from which they hardly escaped with any skin, but eventually struggling through, got off the Common on to a nice range of damp grass fields to the right of the Rookery, and so down into the Croydon-road.

Crossing a brook near the roadside by Hermitage Bridge, some more meadow land — close by the steeple-chase course — was reached, and after dodging over the brook, backwards and forwards, -ad nauseam-, the trail was laid to Pig's Marsh, where it grew so dark that, instead of going home by Colliers Wood and Merton Abbey, as was originally intended, the hares returned along the road by Lower and Upper Tooting, coming home about 10 minutes in front of their pursuers.

Of the hound, the visitor, who was not endowed with any supernatural torn of speed, was the first to fall away. which he did promptly.

Heinke was the next seceder, but the others went on together until three miles from home, when a general stampede, headed by Smith, took place.

Eventually Fuller, though he lost a shoe, ran the last two miles with only a sock on, came in first by fifty yards, Smith second, Ball, Green, and Stenning together eighth and ninth.

Reay, whose first appearance it was, went very well indeed for six miles, but not unnaturally got tired, and had the satisfaction of not being last.

The distance run has since been carefully measured, and found to be a trifle over 11 1/4 miles.

Hares were away 1 hour 20 minutes, and hounds 1 hour 15 minutes.

There will be a ran this afternoon over the course of T.H.S., No. 19, " whatever the state of the weather' may be.

Entries for this open race, which is to be run over the short coarse, close next Saturday. There wIll be four prizes, the first a silver cup, value 7. 7s., presented through Mr. C. R. Mason.

[BNA: Link.]

1875-12-04-hare-and-hounds-county-arms-SportingGazette-04dec1875.jpg]
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"SLIGHTLY ABBREVIATED . . .

Sporting Gazette — Saturday 4 December 1875

THAMES HARE AND HOUNDS

. . . the club met at the County Arms on Wandsworth Common, only a short distance from Clapham Junction . . .

Hares, H. Moresby and W. Rye were sent out at 3.40 — far too late — and after nearly a quarter of an hour's interval, were followed by the pack. . .

The scent ran back a little, outside Neal's nursery grounds on to Wandsworth Common to the west of Nightingale-lane and the right of the station, over the broken ground behind St. James's Schools and across some meadows — with plenty of jumps — in the direction of Balham, till it turned back by the church and across Upper Tooting-street.

The rough furzy ground on Tooting Beck Common to the left of the Avenue afforded several opportunities for false scents, which were not neglected, one especially across the road by the railway bridge deserving especial notice.

Thence by St. Leonard's Church, Streatham, it stretched down the road, leaving Norfolk House to the left, till the turning for Streatham Wells was reached.

Up Wells-lane it extended to the Spa, where, crossing a big brick wall — jumped by A. P. Smith in a manner which will render the incident ever memorable in the club history — it was taken up some very steep grass fields and a road till Streatham Common was reached.

When it was reached, the hares incontinently involved themselves in a thicket of furze, from which they hardly escaped with any skin, but eventually struggling through, got off the Common on to a nice range of damp grass fields to the right of the Rookery, and so down into the Croydon-road.

Crossing a brook near the roadside by Hermitage Bridge, some more meadow land — close by the steeple-chase course — was reached, and after dodging over the brook, backwards and forwards, ad nauseam, the trail was laid to Pig's Marsh, where it grew so dark that, instead of going home by Colliers Wood and Merton Abbey, as was originally intended, the hares returned along the road by Lower and Upper Tooting, coming home about 10 minutes in front of their pursuers.

. . . Fuller, though he lost a shoe, ran the last two miles with only a sock on, came in first by fifty yards, Smith second, Ball, Green, and Stenning together eighth and ninth.

Reay, whose first appearance it was, went very well indeed for six miles, but not unnaturally got tired, and had the satisfaction of not being last.

The distance run has since been carefully measured, and found to be a trifle over 11 1/4 miles.

Hares were away 1 hour 20 minutes, and hounds 1 hour 15 minutes.

1875-12-04-hare-and-hounds-county-arms-SportingGazette-04dec1875.jpg]
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South London Press — Saturday 11 December 1875

FUNERALS IN BATTERSEA CEMETERY

Sin, — The action of Ike clergy in respect of some recent funerals in Battersea CeMetery seems to be misunderstood. I ask, therefore, for space to state the feeling of those who minister in 4 t. Mary's parish. It is a common method of showing sympathy with any one who has suffered bereavement to attend the funeral or the departed member of the family. The clergy and district visitors, whose almost daily work it is to visit the sick and dying, from time to time wish to show such sympathy. Often when they have visited a sick person for many weeks or months, and have ministered to them the Word of Life, they desire to say the last thee over them, or to stand by and join in the prayers when it is said by another. Often the clergyman or district visitor has been a witness of the heart-rending grief of those who survive, and has tried to console them while de ath was in their dwellings. Every one knows that where the loss of some loved one is keenly felt, the time of leaving the remains in the grave is a time of supreme impish, and although it can do comparatively little, yet the presence and voice of one known and felt to sympathize with the sorrow does something to anstain and comfort a mourner at such a season. Now it has happened not infrequently in the last two or three years Hitt the clergy and district visitors have found that those with whom they have thus desired to sympathize have unwiltingly arranged for the funeral to take place on the unconsecrated aide of the cemetery, and when the mourners had arrived at the cemetery, they have found that instead of the clergyman whom they knew and expected to meet there, the femeral service has bcen conducted by some person engaged by the undertaker, who is not always a recognized minister, or even member, of any denomination whatever. It may be aeLed, "How can such a mistake occur?" and the answer is this: In most homes a death is not a fiequent occurrence, and people do not as a rule prepare themselves for the possibility of a death in their family by ascertaining beforehand the nature and rules of the cemetery. In their sorrow and dismay they probably send for the nearest undertaker. With the poor the expense of a funeral is a serious matter, and they naturally tell the undertaker that it must cost as little as possible. Not seldom in this railway neighbourhood the people have come from country parishes, and know nothing of anything but the churchyard. Cases have occurred to us in which people so little understood the technical phrases of the undertaker about the cemetery that the funeral has been taken to the unconsecrated side when the clergy were themselves paying the fees. The — retison — of this, Ibelieve to be, is that the undertakers can make somewhat more profit on funerals on the unconsecrated side. I had last year in my possession a printed card from a person who called himself an " Undertaker's Chaplain," and who offered a certain percentage on all funerals entrusted to him. Igave this card to a respected Nonconformist minister of Battersea, Mr. Shaw, suggesting that he should do what he coull to check such a ghastly trade. I have heard that there are others who offer similar inducements to the undertakers, and if this be so, it may account for some cases which have caused private pain awl public scandal. As far as the clergy of St. Mary's are concerned — and I have no doubt the same applies to the district parishes — it is not a question of fees. For myself, I would gladly give up all fees if I could do so in justice to others. The clergy have no wish to say the sublime scriptural office of the Church ever those who did not value the Church's teaching in their lives; but we feel that it is a cruel addition to the woes of mourners if, when they go to the cemetery expecting to meet there a clergyman whom they know, and to hear the office of their own Prayer-book, they find a stranger in his ordinary dress, who says over their dead what he thinks fit. Itrust the public discussion of this matter in the press may prevent the recurrence of apparent strife in what should be emphatically " the place of peace." All that is needed is that undertakers should put the case fairly and honestly before those who entrust funerals to them, and that Church folk, who wish to have their own office and minister, should state clearly and in writing that the interment is to take place in Consecrated grouud. — Yours, J. Vicar of Battersea. fool it necessary to write in answer Mr. Kirtland's let ter of last week. My object in bringing the matter forward at all was not to enter into a controversy, but to warn the Church people of Battersea against leaving to the undertakers the choice of the ground in which their friends should be buried. Mr. Kirtlandtakes exception to my former letter on the ground that I must have been misinformed as to the facts of the case. I can only say that had I known then as fully as Inow do, I should have acted precisely as I did. Mr. Kirtland states that he seen the undertaker, an interested party. I went to the fountain head, and ascertained from the mother of the that, though the parents had left the arrangements in the hands of the undertaker, she had distinctly informed him that they were members of the Church of England — in spite of which the undertaker took the body to the unconsecrated side, and further asserted that on the chapel side the ground was drier and the prayers nicer! The father also assured the clergyman — who, had he been able, would have taken the funeral — that he did not wish the child to be buried in unconsecrated ground. Mr. Kirtland objects to the words of my letter that "now that he had received the fees be had no objection." He did say that it was not worth his while to leave his home and lose his time for nothing; he did say that the bod: should not be removed from the chapel till he had received the fees; and after having received the fees he made no further objection. But to return to my original point. The fact remains that undei takers do convey bodies of Church paople to the unconsecrated ground without the sanction of their and Inatueally ask myself what inducement the undertakers have for doing so. Mr. Kirtland that he has his suspicions. I have mine; and Itake this opporlutiit f alkivg Mr.!Kirtland whether he has or has not at any time offered and paid to undertakers a percentige on his foss for funerals brought by them to the unconsecrted ground? If so, what becomes of his statement that " Nonconformists have never acted unfairly towards the Established Church in such matters, and that they would shrink from such practices?' Yours, to.. EDMUND Battersea, Dec. 8. think I can throw some light on the recent " scene" at the Battersea Cemetery. A gentleman of my acquaintance recently saw a circular letter which had teen sent by a Baptist minister to the undertaken, offering them a pere.mtage as an inducement to employ him at the cemetery. This fact needs no comment of any kind. Allow me also to give another fact. One day, when at the cemetery, I saw the same minister enter the Church of England Chapel and take therefrom the burial-service book, used by clergymen, and proceed with it to officiate at a funeral. This fact is highly suggestive, and also needs no comment. Again, allow me to inform your readers that there may be seen frequently officiating on the Noneonformist side a n, a little of whose personal history may re ei rstructive just now. This person, some time since, was an undertaker he is now a printer, and to his occupation he has tacked i on that of parson at the cemetery . . . . Imethion this in connection with the recent occurrence, to show that the parishioners of Battersea need to be on the alert. If they are not very careful, their deceased relations and friends may be taken by unscrupulous undertakers to unscrupulous ministers; and there is the possibility of this printer-parson being there to officiate on the occasion. — Yours, &c., Battersea, Dec. 8.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18751211/071/0010" target="_blank">Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 1 January 1876

Halbrake House School, New Wandsworth. SPEECH DAY. On Monday nail Tues.lay evenings the annual carnival of the pupils of Ha'brake house Collegiate School, presided over by the Rev. J. Conder, LL.D., was celebrated with the customary (Idol, the schoolroom being filled each evening with a highly fashionable and influential audience. Amongst those present were her Highness the Princess de Nar Hey.

Mr. and Mrs. Prior, Dr. St. Aubyn Hawker, Mr. and Mrs. Mossop.

Mr. Langton and party. Rev. and Mrs .Gilbert, Mr. and Miss Long, Mr. and Mrs. Dower, Mrs. Corsellis.

Mr. and Mrs. Abbott. Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence, Rev. and Mrs. Faunthorpe, Rev. C. E. Jones, Mr. P. Davis (an old pupil, and wrangler at Cambridge this year), the Misses Halle, Miss Davis, Mr. Cleave, Mr. Parry, Mr. and Mrs. Goddard, Mr. and: Mrs. Pemberton, Mrs. Lihone, &c., (t.c. — The schoolroom had been suitably decorated with flags, evergreens, do., and the stage had been rendered replete with the usual accessories, a handsome dropscene having been painted for the occasion by a scenic artist attached to one of the metropolitan theatres, the handsome proscenium transforming the schoolroom for the nonce into a bijou theatre, to which additional similitude was given by the ladies in evening dresses; and it needed but a slight stretch of the imagination to believe that the stalls were really in existence.

The scenery, it should be stated, had been painted by the pupils, and reflected the greatest possible credit upon the youthful disciples of the brush. Indeed, we have seen far worse scenery at leading provincial theatres. The dresses were thoroughly in keeping with the Ps scene, and this was more eepecially noticeable in the Shakesperian play. They were also genealogically correct, the view of the Principal being to render the pupils familiar with the costumes of the period, thus appealing to both the eye and ear to enforce a dual lesson. The best indication of the studious care and attention devoted to the boys was thus r, adored apparent; and that no little pains had been devoted to rehearsal was evident from the almost letter-perfect delivery of the text which characterized the by no means light programme which was set before the patrons, and which was frequently interrupted by universal applause. The plays selected were Shakespeare's "King John, " Diolire's " L'Avare, 'and the screaming farce "Turn Him Out, " which were through out so evenly rendered as to make any individual praise almost invidious. Exception to this rifle must, however, be taken in favour of Lawrence, whose excellent rendering of Arthur in the Shakesperian play deserves more than passing notice; and it is only just to say that In the concluding faros Mr. Mathews, one of the masters, rendered most excellently the low-comedy part of Nicodemus Nobbs, the itinerant vendor of toys. The part of the dandy and fop (Roselt at), well played, served to inculcate in the youthful mind a wholesome detestation of ridiculous dandyism and foppery. The following are the complete casts of the various pieces:

IF NECESSARY, TRANSCRIBE CAST LIST

view-source:[https]://www.historyofwandsworthcommon.org/years/1876.html" 1876 1

"'

Bee-Hive — Saturday 5 February 1876

CLASS LEGISLATION. (AN TUESDAY EVENING NEXT, FEB. BnT, a PUBLIC MEETING, will ho held at the LAMMAS HALL, BATTERSEA, to protest against the continuance of the dangerous and immoral laws known as the" Contagious Diseases Acts, 1866-69." Among the speakers will be EDMUND JONES (of Liverpool) President of the Working Men's National League for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts; G. W. OLIVER, B.A., Principal of the Wesleyan Training College. Battersea; and Dr. J. BAXTER LANGLEY.

The chair will be taken at a quarter to 8 o'clock by EDWIN R. RANSOME, of Wandsworth Common; who will be supported on the platform by a number of Ministers of Religion.

Among those who voted for the Repeal of these Laws in the last Session of Parliament were W. E. Gladstone, John Bright, James Stansfeld, Samuel Morley, W. E. Forster, Henry Fawcett, Anthony Mundella, Henry Richard, Peter Taylor, and many other representative men.

Doors open at 7 o'clock. (THE OLD HOUSE).'

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 12 February 1876

Metropolitan Board of Works. YESTERDAY.

. . . Mr. Meaden (of the Wandsworth District Board of Works) was unanimously elected a conservator under the Wandsworth Common Act, 1871 — Mr. Richardson, who proposed him, remarking that that gentleman had always taken the greatest interest in the commons in his locality.

[BNA: Link]

Meaden elewcted

[BNA: Link.]

"Field — Saturday 12 February 1876

ARABS V. A VERY pleasant and well.contested match was played between these clubs on Wandsworth Common, on Saturday List, and resulted in a win for the visitors by ono goal (disputed), one try, and five touches down to one touch down. Por the principal part of the game the ball was kept in neutral territory, the Arabs getting rather the best of the scrummages. for which the Kensington atoned by rather better back play. Shortly after the kick off the visitors. playing well together, enabled Leonard to score a try, but the place kick failed. After this nothing of any consequence was scored on either 'side until a minute before no side, when the Arabs, by a moat extraordinary weak piece of play, allowed Rawson to obtain another try, but the result of the place kick was disputed.

For the Arabs A. F. Wright, E. W. Mountford, and T. Simpson deserve especial mention; for the visitors B. James, T. Rawson, C. Chinn, W. Chanibers. — Arebs. W. E. Wallis (captain), J. W. Reid (backs), W. E. Houghton )three quarter back), A. F. Wright, J. Dixon (quarter backs), E. W. Monntford, T. Simpson, Robin. son, H. E. Wallis, J. T. Wright, A. Burrell. J. Shepherd, C. E. Sayer, A. W. Borman, 8. T. Penny (forwards).

Kensington: R. James (captain), T. Rawson (quarter backs), W. Compton (three-quarter back), C. Chinn, H. Judge (backs), M. Chambers, J. Bradford, E. Judge, A. Judge. 0. Durant, R. Leonard, 8. Leonard, E. Paul, E. Tustone, C. Torny (forwards).'

[BNA:

"Surely Du Buisson / Dubussion was an old man?

??

Births, Marriages, Deaths

. . . Stevenson, of a daughter. on Ole 4th Inst.. 36, Manor Park, Lee, the wife of Mr. W. Shrimpton, a daughter. the 4th inst., at Wandsworth Common, the wife of Mr. Jamies Du Buisson, of a son. the 4th 1,i4, ut Alliert Grin 7 e, reekham, the wife of Mr. J. Moylan . . .

Published: Saturday 12 February 1876

Newspaper: South London Press

Link appears not to lead to right page:

[BNA: Link.]

London Evening Standard — Friday 17 March 1876

V useful details of slaughter-house legislation in City of London

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 29 July 1876

Closing of Battersea Cemetery. No time should be lost by the Battersea Vestry in taking steps to provide a cemetery for the parish, in lieu of the one which ere long will be entirely filled up. A return issued this week by the Burial Board shows that the closing of the ground is but a matter of two or three years; and as land near London becomes every year more difficult to procure, the necessity for prompt steps is at ones apparent. From the return in question we find that the actual number of unused grave spaces available for interments amounti to 1.596. of which 871 are in consecrated ground and 725 in unconsecrated. In what is termed C ground, where common interments take place, it is the practice to bury tour adults, or live children; but as there are but 33 au this portivu, the extra numl,er accommodated is not very large. In the other portions only two interments take place, so that, at the very outside, there cannot be accommodation for more than 4.000. In the year ending June, 1874, the total number of interments was 1,174, while for the following year it had increased to 1,502, and in 1876 to 1.531. There seems to be considerable difference between the increase quoted, and the reason we are not prepared to assign, unless it is that owing to the notoriety wnich the cemetery has gained during the last two years, people prefer to go further afield. Taking the figures, however, as they stand, it is apparent that two years and a half is the longest period whieh can safely be given, whOe, according to a statement of the superintendent, certain portions can be used for two years only, owing to the difficulty of disturbing the ground. The Vestry, it will be seen, has referred the matter to a committee, and after the statistics quoted above, it is unnecessary to ca their attention to the necessity for a speedy decision. We might, however, suggest that, as Wandsworth is similarly situated, and must soon compulsorily close its burial ground in Garratt-lane, that the two parishes should take common action and obtain a site applicable for and suitable to the requirements of both. It is said that there is not that friendly unity between the two Vestries likely to be conducive to the amicable working of such a scheme, and if there be truth in the rumour, it is greatly to be regretted. The joint action of the two Boards would certainly ease the way considerably in regard to the selection of ground, and we hope the committee now appointed will take this into their serious consideration.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18760729/048/0009" target="_blank">Link.]

"Kentish Mercury — Saturday 8 July 1876

By order of Trustees.

Wandsworth, Surrey.

The St. Ann's Park Estate, eomprUng Freehold Ground Benia of 9O par n-innm, a auperior Beaidesoa and about 00 acuta of ig land. HARDS, VAUGHAN, ft JENKINSON Are Inauncted by the Tnatect of the Will of the lata William Nottidge, Eeq., SHX Auenow, to the Mart. f\Jf FRIDAY, Jnlf B>h, at Two o'clock. Id nU f able lota, Ttloablc FREEHOLD PROPERTY (land lax redeemed), known as the ' 8t Ann * Park Estate,' iltnate at St Ann's HU), Wanda worth, lying between Wanda worth Common and Garrett Lane, abort distance from the Wandsworth Station on the South Western Loop-line, or from Claoham Junction, and com prising about W acres of Building Land, haring frontages to All Farthlne Lane and to Garrett Lane, and extending to the South Wtalarn Railway Main line, affording facilities for new Station on the Estate. The Property has been partially dartloped, law residences of good rises hare been built, the remaining portion of the land being let for market garden purposes three months' Much of the land ilea high, commanding exteasire views. The soil is sand and grarsL anotheie is an excellent spring of water. The Property is ripe te immediate operations as Building Estate, and is HitaUe for the erection of modentteelssd rilias smaller houses, and offers more than one desirable site te public school or Institution. It is estimated that If jadiciotalr plotted, about 90,000 feat of frontage oould be secured.

Also FREEHOLD GROUND RENTS of AM per annum, secured upon 8 prirste ramdrncea and dwelling houece, being 4,8 t Ann's Park Tillas, tbs whole of St. Ann's Tames, detached houses known as ''Malaanatta,'* 1 to 4, Nottidge Terrace, and 0, Place. Also > enpancr deteehed Reeidence, known ee Ann's Honee," wHk stabling and good garden, situate in Sc Ann's Fwfc Roed, end let to reapaosibie tenant repairing leans, at the rery low rent of <9O per annuia.

St Ann's House may be viewed by cards sonly. Particulars and conditions of sale may obtained of Messrs. Wilkinson & Drew.

[BNA: Link.]

1876-07-08-Nottidge-estate-for-sale-KentishMercury-8jul1876.jpg]
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"Kentish Mercury — Saturday 8 July 1876

By order of Trustees.

Wandsworth, Surrey.

The Ann's Park Betata, compring Freehold Ground Benia of 90 per annum, a superior Beaidesoa and about 00 acuta of ig land. HARDS, VAUGHAN, ft JENKINSON Are Inauncted by the Tnatect of the Will of the lata William Nottidge, Eeq., SHX Auenow, to the Mart. f\Jf FRIDAY, Jnlf B>h, at Two o'clock. Id nU f able lota, Ttloablc FREEHOLD PROPERTY (land lax redeemed), known as the ' 8t Ann * Park Xatate,' iltnate at St Ann's HU), Wanda worth, lying between Wandsworth Common and Garrett Lane, abort distance from the Wandsworth Station on the South Western Loop-line, or from Clapham Junction, and co prising about W acres of Building Land, haring frontages to All Farthlng Lane and to Garrett Lane, and extending to the South Western Railway Main line, affording facilities for new Station on the Estate. The Property has been partially developed, law residences of good rises have been built, the remaining portion of the land being let for market garden purposes three months' Much of the land ilea high, commanding extensive views. The soil is sand and gravelL anotheie is an excellent spring of water.

The Property is ripe te immediate operations as Building Estate, and is HitaUe for the erection of modentteelssd rilias smaller houses, and offers more than one desirable site te public school or Institution. It is estimated that If jadiciotalr plotted, about 90,000 feat of frontage oould be secured. Also FREEHOLD GROUND BENTS of AM per annum, secured upon 8 prirste ramdrncea and dwelling houece, being 4,8 t Ann's Park Tillas, tbs whole of St. Ann's Tames, detached hooss known as ''Malaanatta,'* 1 to 4, Nottidge Terrace, and 0, Place. Also > enpancr deteehed Reeidence, known ee Ann's Honee," wHk stabling and good garden, situate in Sc Ann's Fwfc Roed, end let to reapaosibie tenant repairing leans, at the rery low rent of <9O per annuia.

St Ann's House may be viewed by cards sonly. Particulars and conditions of sale may obtained of Messrs. Wilkinaon & Drew. aoUdlon, Ul, Bermoodey Streot: the Mart i end of the Aacthmesn. Sum. To Btiekmakcrs and others.An extremely valuable Freehold (and email part LasmhoU) Property, oomprlsiog ebont 4M aerca of Lead, includiogTwo BHckOelds already tasead, paaawdeaof whieh can had.

[BNA: Link.]

"BV Slater

RVPA Boys and Emanuel School

19 September 1876 five girls were on the Boys' School ground talking to the boys . . . admitted through the windows by two of the yound servants etc etc"

"RVPA BOYS

Acc. to BV Slater,

On the evening of Tuesday 19th September 1876 ("between a quarter to seven and ten minutes to eight o'clock") five girs [from the RBV{A Girls School next door" were on the Boys' School ground taking to the boys. they were admitted through the windows by two of the young servants, Janet Bradford and Mary Jane Vickers". "George S. Cray wrote the note to the girls; Michael Delahery and George Ward were the channels of communicatioon".

[MinuteBook of the House Committee]

The servants were sentenced to be dismissed, the girls to be sent home to their mothers. The bouys who conveyed the notes were caned before the whole school."

"SMALLPOX

London Evening Standard — Friday 8 December 1876

THE SMALL-POX EPIDEMIC. The virulence of the small-pox ep!den appears to be travelling towards the extreme east of London. Mr. W. D. Co'dins, of the B. aural green euardians, yesterday reported that the parish, whisk had hitherto counted its small pox patients almost by units, hod now 22 Colin at the flomerton Hospital, and the guardian@ have rewired to continue the suspension of doh of paupers In the workhouse end the schools the prohlbiton extending even to those who In the spiritual oversight of the Mr. Wentzell reported on W. aziesZay to the Harkey guardians a rapid increase In the number of smit'l pos patiaaa from the parish. There been 40 additional cases during the week in Hackney. Hackney had DOW a total of smallpox patients in the hospitals, of were at Romerton, total number week ago being IV. Dr. Stevens, Local Government Board inspector, has made an Inquiry the vaccination work in Hackney, and 'czarists I to oiri, ion into two districts, the resent district being too large for ose during themmeht eir triter-F.

A meeting of the board of guardians for Westminster was held yea/airily, to deputation on the subject of the resolution passed by the board on the inst., . whereby the guardians agreed to give up possession of their schools on Wandsworth common to the Metropolitan Asylum Board tomorrow for the pupae of a tempormy borpital for small pox patients, pursuant to an order of the Local Government Board lamed last Bettazday night. Henn reek, lai P., intro. dared the deputation, which was comp at inhaM teats and OW err of property le the neighheurheod of the school. After representing how touch a hospital in that position would the utility of Wandsworth common as breathing et ace for the metropolis, and the injury it would do to the property to the looa:ity, it was stated that eenneelaapiniathad been taken which doubted the pewerof the Local use. rawest Board to tame the order.

A memorial then presented from several hundred persons resident on the Shaftesbury peak Estate, who represented that the drainage from the common passed late the sewer which flowed down towards the estate. — Mr. Wyatt, Rea of the reses, said be was authorised to appear C I the post of the Surrey maghstertes te protest against the enention of art older, which would neciessatily leave effect on the Inmates of the county prison and court, asylum for lunatics. — Alderman Six W. Rose corn' planed that the president of the Local Goverement Hoard had ref hied to receive deputation on the subject — Mr. Goat, M.P., she spoke the proposed teamster.

At a subsequent meeting the guardians adopted the following resolutien That the resolutions of the board on Tuesday, the sth Desember. the giving we el the mam en a Wandsworth Common. and lhe ebilaben le tbs else at the bused Union, be sad that the he required to inform the deeetesset Mead-- haviag mad to the state. by the bedded ad lodesettel deputation this day received by the heed sad regard to the, haste wlth whisk the ef de Lied Government Board was gulped ad breed, ad de burry with which the resolutions at the sad to the views at le el the and serious permanent dames Wm, wee temporary occupational the owe deo at trend indict upon the adjoining 14 urea in ter present to mrry taut the et tie Led IMAM sad Igive up possonisa at the sabeels takes this illegally compelled eel compellable to oarry out lame order."

[BNA: Link.]

"1877

QUOITS. — The proprietor of the Britannia, Wandsworth-road, has at considerable expense made what is certainly one of the best grounds for the practice of the above game in South London. The plot is 109! ft. by 60ft, wile, and is surrounded by a spacious lawn, shrub, arbour, de. The ground possesses an appreciable advantage in being Perfect Private, and should be well patronized by all who delight in the pastime.

[Implies quoits was dangerous when practiced elsewhere?!]" 1877

"CARRY ON FROM HERE

[BNA:

"ATMOSPHERE / AIR

Winters must have been particularly hard for Gypsies and other Travellers. They were widely employed in Wandsworth and Battersea, particularly in market gardens and nurseries, or working with horses (for example, at breweries such as Young's). George Borrow called an area of Wandsworth a "grand Metropolitan Gypsyry".

Families had pitched camps on and around Wandsworth Common for many generations, often travelling backwards and forwards outward into Surrey or across London to Epping. By clamping down on overnight stays on the Common, the 1871 Act that saved Wandsworth Common meant the end of a way of life for such "comers and goers". For a while, some found spaces on small empty plots of land around the Common, or near railway lines. Conditions were typically far inferior to the Common, which increased public hostility.

Dublin Evening Telegraph — Tuesday 7 January 1879

" . . . the scent of Mr. Miles' camp on Wandsworth Common"

OUR GIPSIES

There be troubles of all sorts in this ill-conditioned world of ours — the most important are not always the most keenly felt — there be some which should be no trouble at all, and yet do torment us greatly. We are worse than worried; we are outwitted by our gipsies, who, in spite of the rules which should govern their own health as well as ours, will persist in living in tents, defying the attacks of the atmosphere, rude enough to kill any Christian simply by poisoning it with their own emanations.

The magistrates have born sorely perplexed with Mr. Miles, who owns a plot of ground on which the gipsies have gathered (for it cannot be called spread) their tents, small hoods of canvass, beneath which whole families cluster together, and sleep away the hours of the night when many a denizen of a well-built house lies shivering in bed, unable to obtain a wink of slumber from the cold. What is to be done?

The ground belongs to Mr. Miles. No man has power to wrench it from him. Even Frederick the Great was beaten on that name plea of ownership by the millers of Sans Soucie, who defied his Majesty, "while the judges were sitting at Berlin." The only redress to be obtained by the neighbours round the field belonging to Mr. Miles is an indictment for nuisance. Wit.). While the doctors, less squeamish, gather about the spot in amazement to behold the strange sight of men, women, and children lying all night upon the bare frozen ground, with no other roof than a thin canvass covering; held down by the snow.

Some of the learned fraternity fancy that the clue to this endurance of cold is to be found in the manner of constructing their tents. The canvass tenement is divided within by wooden poles in the form of a cross. The feet of the inmates all converge towards the centre, while their bodies lie so closely wedged together in circle that it is impossible for one of them to move in one division of the cross to move without disturbing the others in the same division.

None of the doctors have had the courage to try the experiment of testing the possibility of sleeping on the cold ground in this vitiated atmosphere, all declaring that bottle of brandy and a barrel of eau-de-cologne would not be sufficient to combat the deleterious vapours amid which these children of nature lay down to sleep contented at night and rise rejoicing on the morrow, amid the frost and snow or pelting rain of winter, or in the stifling heat of summer, and yet, as a rule, live to a greater age than the most luxurious dwellers in houses well warmed, well ventilated, and well drained con ever hope to accomplish.

Travellers tell that the scent of Red Indian camp is made manifest for miles before it is reached; the scent of Mr. Miles' camp on Wandsworth Common will certainly reach to Buckingham Palace as soon as the permanent thaw sets in, and the wind blows from the right quarter.

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Alas, I have not been able to locate Mr Miles's camp (though Iwill continue looking). But there were clearly a number of such open spaces in Battersea and Wandsworth, often quite small, in which gypsies and other travellers could find a little space to live, having been turfed off the Common by the 1871 Act that handed Wandsworth Common over to the control of Conservators. These fields or yards were clearly often enclosed and wretched — far inferior to conditions once enjoyed on the Common.

I have a lot of remarkable material on the history of gypsies and travellers on Wandsworth Common which I hope to publish in some from in the nearish future. Let me know if you want to know more.

"

"1877-01-20-wandsworth-cricketclub-controversy-SouthLondonPress-20jan1877

South London Press — Saturday 20 January 1877

Wandsworth Common. We understand that an influential body of residents in Wandsworth and Battersea have projected a new cricket club, which it is intended shall rank as the leading club in the neighbourhood. Dr. Howell has consented to become president, and the Wandsworth Common Conservators have, upon certain conditions, granted the use of a portion of the Common, which is to be levelled and kept in order at the expense of the club.

The action of the Conservators in apportioning the Common, or a part of it, to the almost exclusive use of the club, does not, however, find universal favour, the objectors reasonably arguing that the Common was conserved for the use of the district generally, and they question the right of the Conservators to apportion any portion of it to any particular body of individuals, however influential.

The site chosen for transformation — or, as the opponents of the scheme allege, spoliation — is that nearest Bolingbroke Grove, and running parallel with the Brighton Railway. It cannot be denied that this portion of the Common is much resorted to during the summer for pedestrian and re-creative purposes, and now presents, from the profusion of gorse, etc., a decidedly rural aspect.

The gorse-bushes will of course be scrubbed up, and the picturesque aspect of the Common in this particular neighbourhood be, in a great measure, destroyed. Already a considerable portion is devoted to cricketing purposes, and should the same guarantee as to expenses and keeping up of the ground be given the Conservators by any other body of respectable residents in the vicinity, we can hardly see bow they can be refused, with the present instance as a precedent.

Thus the whole common may be parcelled out t 9 the exclmion of the legitimate user . That which is understood to be the cricket-ground proper of the Common — namely, adjacent to Mr. Du Buisson's residence — is, it is argued, sufficient for all practical purposes; and when it is considered that another private club has also taken possession of a plot at the upper end of the Common, it will be seen that cricketers have already a very large share of what was really intended to be, when secured to the people, a recreation ground for all comers.

The enclosure of any portion, whether for cricket or any other purpose. is clearly against the principle enunciated during the agitation for the preservation of the Common.; and the inhabitants are quite right in protesting against the contemplated action of the Conservators.

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Welshman — Friday 2 February 1877'

What is taking place in the Metropolis at this moment! The Metropolitan Asylums Board agreed to adopt a building in Dod-street, Limehouse, as a hospital for convalescent small-pox patients, under the sanction of the Local Government Board. The inhabitants in the East of London have spoken very plainly upon the matter, and a deputation, backed up by a considerable demonstration, saw the Asylums Board on Saturday upon the subject. The answer received was, that until the new hospitals at Fulham and Deptford are ready the board must use other buildings, .and the premises in Dod-street must be used if needful; at the same time the Board promised not to use the premises until compelled to do so. This did not satisfy the inhabitants of Limehouse, and on Monday the watch committee they have appointed met for the purpose of drawing up a memorial to Lord Beaconsfield, praying him to interpose in their behalf. A memorial was duly drawn up and approved, and while the committee were discussing the future proceedings a messenger from the firm of Messrs West and Co., army clothiers, of Dod-street, entered the room, and stated that an ambulance had just been driven into the hospital with four patients wrapped up in blankets, and that all the hands

-

about six-hundred in number--in Messrs West's establishment,

had struck work and had determined to leave the building, and not to return to it as long as the hospital was allowed to remain opposite. The committee saw the workpeople and reasoned with them, but all with one consent refused to stay. At other firms a similar state of things was found to exist, and the whole neighbourhood is in a state of excitement.

To take another part of the Metropolis, we find that at the last meeting of the guardians of the Westminster union the order of the Local Government Board placing at the disposal of the managers of the Asylums Board the lands and buildings on Wandsworth Common, belonging to the Union, for the purpose of providing for the accommodation of the smallpox patients of the Metropolis, was again considered. A letter was read from Mr Gorst, M.P., stating that " understanding that the matter would be again considered by the Board he was requested to inform them that those inhabitants of the locality he represented on a former occasion desired to urge the Guardians to resist the order of the Local Government Board, the opinion of counsel taken by them being that the order was illegal. They renewed the guarantee they had given to the Guardians to indemnify them for any loss they might sustain in taking legal proceedings to contest the order."

A letter was also read from the Secretary to the committee of inhabitants of Wandsworth Common to the same effect. He very properly stated that the establishment of a hospital on the common would not injure the rich residents, who could move away, so much as the many poor people who had purchased from the savings of years small freeholds and built houses upon them.

In consequence of these representations, and the indignation of the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of the Common, the Board of Guardians again postponed the consideration of the subject for two months, in the belief that by that time the epidemic would have so far abated as to render the appropriation of the land unnecessary.

So that life in the Metropolis is considered of some value, but in Carmarthen its value is very small indeed, in the opinion of the Corporation. The Carmarthen ratepayers are the most submissive people on earth. They are ready at any time to pay for a system of ventilation best calculated to promote the spread of typhoid fever in the town, and the next moment they are equally willing to spend their money on a hospital calculated to still further promote the spread of that or any other disease. As we have before remarked a portion of the station house was fitted up as a hospital some half dozen or more years ago; at what expense we do not remember. But it was never used except once, and then as a recepticle for a dead body on its way from some English county to Cardiganshire. Should the small-pox visit the borough we do not suppose there would be m ny virulent cases, seeing the strict attention which is being given to vaccination; and the few cases that might occur would be treated with far leas danger to the public by leaving the patients in the houses in which they are at first discovered, and finding a place of safety for the unaffected members of the'''

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"Alliance News — Saturday 3 February 1877

The Assistant Chaplain Of the House of Correction, Wandsworth Common, has written a pamphlet (which may be had of the author, price ad.), in which he descnbes "The Drunkard's Lot," and proves that drunkenness is the cause of greater crime. On the first page the fallacy that only the weak and uneducated are the victims of drink is refuted. Strong, thoughtful, and intelligent men, women of respectable positions and creditable families ; and poor women ready to buckle to and do a hard day's work when soberall these are brought down to the crying disgust of being shut up in a prison cell for periods varying from three days to a month. Bat the mere act .of intoxication is not so painful as the sins that accompany it." The writer, Rev. John Pitkin, is emphatic on the evil influence of the public-house. "Public-houses, either in themselves or their operations, are a fruitful source of crime. This Ibelieve from my heart It is this consideration that causes me to hail with delight any attempt to limit the building of them. Burs lam that if the respective parishes had more power in this matter there would be far less abuse, far less drunkenness, and 'far less crime." Mr. Mikis gives some painful cases in illustration of his thesis, that the greater crimes spring chiefly out of drunkenness; and, unpretending as it is, his pamphlet would do a world of good to many writers of high pretensions, who dogmatise on social questions with a confidence equal to their ignorance. Mr. Piddn's production may be usefully circulated in all quarters.

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"Surrey Comet — Saturday 3 February 1877

WANDSWORTH CRICKET CLUB.

FOR some years the want of a CRICKET A. CLUB in WANDSWORTH has been much felt, the chief obstacle baying been the difficulty in obis/rig a suitable ground. This year, owing to the kindness of the Wandieroeth Common Comparators (who have granted piece of the Common for cricket ground), this 'brick his been overcome, and a hen bees ersolsai trader brilliant aurplces and pallrerege. la to start the leer slab frldir if 2OO Ii to appeal to the al to bap either by beoserng honorary ast subscription of one or by any diarriller may pram to give. SUBSUNIPTIONS will be nerved at the Loolon and South Western Brisk, Wandsworth (by the Lindner of J. Moreop, , the hoe. tressurer), or by the following members of lb. committee M. Arcs, Freemasons' Hotel, Wandsworth Mr. Bum St. Ann's-hill, Wandrrorth. Mr. Coot, St Ann's hill, Wandsworth. Dr. UM. West hill Lodge, Waedsworth. Mr. New Wandsworth. Mr. New Wandsworth. Mr. SurivAlD, Sirigate-road, W. Mr. J. J. Wandsworth. Mr. New Wandevrortb. Mr. J. Lmt, Barnes. or Mr. B. ANGEL% Hon. Sec., St. John's-hill Hew, St. Ana's-road, Wasdewortb Common. llkesureene' Hotel, Wandsworth Common, January, 1817.

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Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Saturday 10 February 1877

ARABS v KINGSTON. Tb return match between clubs was played Wandsworth Common on Saturday last, and resulted in easy victory for the Arabs bv three goala, two tries, and several touch downs to nothing. Sides ; Arams W. E Wallis (captain) and P. Litchfield (threequarter backsl, T. Simpson, H. Simpson, A. Hurrell, H. Wallis, W. R. Haugbton, H. Gooosbridge, A. Wakeman.T. Ellenor and Watts (forwards), E. Dallas and J. Dixon (half-backs), W. W. Bolton and E. A. Raitt (backs). Martin, Adam?, Billett, Fielding, Jones. Field, and substitute (forwards), F Marriott and A. Marriott (halfbacks), Adkins (three-quarter back), and Eldridge (back)-

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South London Press — Tuesday 13 February 1877

STEALING HORSEREANI. Will;am Whtte (iti), of Wardley-street. Wandsworth, a labourer, was charged with stealing about a gallon of horsebeans, the property of his master, itobart Neal. James Boatnuht, detective of the V Division, said he saw the prisoner about 6 o'clock on Friday evening in Old Farthing-lane, NVandsworth, carrying a basket. The basket contained about a gallon of borsebeaus, and as the prisoner could not satisfactorily account for their possession witness took him into custody. Prisoner offered witness a sovereign to let him go. Robert Seal, of Wandsworth Common, contractor, identified the beaus as his property. Prisoner was a yardman in his employ, and had charge of the stores. He had been so employed about two years. Prisoner also had a little general shop in Wardley-street, and kept two horses. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and begged for mercy on account of his sick wife and seven children. He did not know he could have been so silly as to take the beans. He had the heartache all the way home after he had taken them.

Mr. Bridge sentenced him to six weeks' hard labour.

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"[Brief refs to George Neal, James Neal, Robert Neal]

Exeter Flying Post — Wednesday 14 February 1877

(Click on image to enlarge)

SLEEP-WALKER FOUND ON WANDSWORTH COMMON

[Subject of Illustration.]

A POLICEMAN found young woman, clad only in a night-gown, asleep on one the eats on Wandsworth Common early in the morning. He awakened her only after considerable trouble. It was then he learned that she had been walking in her sleep. She knew nothing of how she got the common. She is employed housemaid in a house three-quarters of a mile away.

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" target="_blank">Link,]

"Daily Mirror — Friday 4 October 1907

LONDON AT PLAY. How the L.C.C. Caters for the Pleasure-Seeker.

SPORTS AND PETS.

A striking illustratinn of the vngtnecq and many-sidedness of the work of the London County Council is revealed in the pages of the annual report, prepared by the clerk (Mr. G. L. Gomme), and published last night. No inconsiderable portion of the big orange volume — it consists of 465 pages — is devoted to a recital of the provision made for pleasure-seeking Londoners.

Here, for instance, is a guide for golfers: Golf links are provided on Blackheath, Clapham Common, Streatham Common, and Tooting common. Golf practice is allowed on Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill, and putting golf on hilly Fields and Wandsworth Common.

The following table shows the number of places at which various other games may be playeo and the number of the pitches, courts, or rinks provided: — No. of No. of Pitches, Courts, Places, or Rinks. . . . 14 6S . . . 42 451 . . . 2U 26 38 234 . . . 22 34 . . . 5 10 . . . 35 450 . . . 14 25 Games. Bowls Cricket Croquet Football Hockey Lacrosse Lawn tennis Quoits As everyone knows, the Council has paid considerable attention to the provision of a stock of animals and birds at parks and open spaces where suitable accommodation is available. Fallow and red deer, it is intelesting to observe, are kept in the enclosures at Battersea, 'victoria, and Finsbury Parks and Avery Hill. axle Council is now the happy possessor of about-50 Swans. I90 Geese (8 varieties). 650 Ducks (19 varieties). 7 Storks. Pheasants, doves, pigeons, guinea-pigs, and squirrels are also incluued among many other things over which the Council's parental care is exeiLised. Powers of control in regard to structure and maintenance are exercised by the L.C.C. over the following places: Theatres Music Halls Art Galleries Town Hails Assembly Rooms Dill' Halls Exhibitions Hotels Institutes Halls (Mission) Coming to figures, a total expenditure under Capital Accounts for the year of .3, 707, 262 is found.

Among the thousand and one duties devolving upon the L.C.C. are those of licensing racecourses in the County of London within ten mites of Charing. Cross, payment of the costs of prosecutors and witnesses at quarter and petty sessions and at the Central Criminal Court, and authority, at the request of one or more Volunteer corps, to purchase and hold land for military purposes.

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South Western Star — Friday 6 December 1907

ST. JOHN'S SCHOOLS, USK ROAD.

The distribution of girls' prizes took place at the, shove schools on Friday evening. The chair was, taken by Mr. J. J. Taylor, and Mrs. Taylor distributed the prizes with the exception of those for swimming, which were presented by the Rev. Hughes, LLD. Mrs. Hughes and Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were among the visitors present. The schoolroom had been tastefully decorated for the occasion by the staff, and it was packed with relative.; and friends of the children and not a few old pupils of the school, some of whom now hold pormible positions in other schools. The chairman, in hi 9 opening remarks, said he noted with satisfaction that the average attendance was 87.2.

It was also most gratifying to learn that so many were to receive prizes for good conduct and punctuality in attendance. The labours of the head mistress, Mrs. M. L. Chandler, LLA., end the staff under her must have been very great. Patience and painstakig alone could have produced the following report from the Government Inspector A high standard of discipline and attainments is taken by the head teacher, and the results are in consequence highly creditable, and merit special praise in the first class."

The chairman also observed that a branch of the "Children's Guild of Courtesy" had been formed.

In conclusion. he said he was sorry to hear that the portion of Wandsworth Common allotted for hockey was so far away that they were unable to avail themselves of it. He hoped that in the near future the London County Council might be prevailed upon to allow them a portion nearer home.

_ _ _ The prizes were then distributed, after which an entertainment was given by the scholars, which appeared to please every one present. At the conclusion of the programme the chairman said the parents ought to be proud of their children, who had attained such a state of proficiency, which nothing but kindness and mutual good feeling between teacher and pupil could bays brought about. The Rev. James Hughes, in presenting the prizes for swimming, said this was only the commencement of teaching the art to the girls, who at first appeared to rather dread the ordeal, but who soon acquired the necessary confidence. Some of them were now able to swim 100 yards with and many of them 50 yards. He had reason te believe he might be able to present more prizes for next year.

The entertainment programme was as follows: Pianoforte solo, Mice M. Norton; action song, "The Tailor and his Mouse, " girls in Standard II; recitation, "Little Red Cap, " Mary Smith and girls of Standard III: action song, "Snowflake., " Standard IV; drill, Ball Drill, Standard II; fan song and drill, music "Country Girl, " Twehe Elder Girls; song, "The Child and the Butter. fly, " Standard It " Roaa'n Dream " — fa glimpse of fairvlandl — Characters: Rosa, V. Nine; Mother Hubbard, E. Woods; Jack and Jill, H. Buckingham and A. Pett; 80-Peep, A. Knowehion; Little Boy Blue. E. Cook; Contrary Mary, V. Parker; Miss Muffet, J. Barnham; Cinderella, L. Sommerville; Don't Dare, K. Campbell; Tom the Piper's Son, F, Winter: Red Riding Hood, R. Deeding: Queen Maio, Elsie Buckingham: action song, "Fairy Circle., " Standard IV: song and dance. "Gypsies, " Standard II!: drill, "Bed-time, " Standard II: song, " Dolly's Good-night, " Stan' dard 111: part singing, "A Merry Christmas, " the school choir. the following is the primlist: GIRLS. PEtzes. STAND tan IT — Bessie Lanslwy. Julia Verken.. May rhate. Th, mas, Alice Janes, Gladys Flatware Anstrai. Svori.ann ITT — Emily Target% Daiay Woodr, FlNieJohn oo, Lily Mote. Connie Merryfield. ri oar Ayre., Bettie Buckingham, Kate Franklin, Annie Potts STAVD4RI) IV. — .Tana Barnhart), Camp. Winitie Floe;chem. Targett, Tins Sommerville. Chrh.vio White, Etta.' ernith. Bertha Ayres. STANDARD V. — Ethel Clark, AliPe Franklin, Green Johns, " Lydia Perry, Annie Knownidea, Mary Amon. STA VI. — LIICT Jonee. Lily ROW Edith Cook, Daisy Dsnison. ST 1, V Elsie Buckingham, Maggie Ayliug, Mabel Root. Screim. PRI/PA. — Lily Thompson and Ethel Clark (no ronduct marka Init during the year), Elaw Bucking. ham (top girl in the @chop!). — Mind Mountain varde), Elsie Birk in@ sm (100 yards). Mabel Root (50 yards), Annie Sales (50 yards).

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"North Down Herald and County Down Independent — Friday 3 January 1908

SUICIDE THIOUGN Yr. John Troutbeck held as inquiry. Batterere. as William Stewart aged 19, an insurance clerk, lately residing' witp his parents at Morella Road, Mailman, who committed maid& by throwing himself in front of an express train at Wandsworth Common Station on the previous He was identified by his father, Mr. Alfred Nicol Henderson, superintendent resistrar for Wandsworth, who dated that on Tuesday night Iris eon complained of headache. He had no troubles of any kind that the witness knew of. He attributed the unfortunate occurrence to Ter-study, as his son bad been working bard to pees an examination to be- come an actuary. He was very ambitious, and wanted to get more marks them the other pupils who were being coached for the exam. U worked very bard, bat when witoma asked him a week ago whether he was not , overdoing it be said he wan not. He said work at the office had been in arrear, but he had got it straight. Mr. Oeorge Kiniber, a draughtsman, of Colborne Road, ltaMaui, stated that on Wednealay mo ghe wee at Waudaworth Common Station. when he saw the deceived man .*anding at the Balboni end of the platform, near the signal-box. An up main-line exprewa ratite in eight, and the porters shouted for the paanetiger4 to stand clear. Rendereon, howcvek jumped into the ift. way, and fell with his body aercon the outer rail. A moment later the engine had gone over him. He certain the net of jumping was intentional.

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"Sheffield Independent — Monday 13 January 1908

Ministers and Their Homes. The President the Board Trade, wlio is about to transfer his London residence from Wandsworth Common, where he has been living for several years past, to Chelwa, will have m'ar neighbour one hts in the Cabinetthe Marquis of Rjpoowho occupies a beautiful mansion tle Brnbankment, few doors only from that of Lord Mookswell. Mr. John Morky and the President of 'lie Local Government Board are now t-he only members of the Cabinet who retdde on the south side of the riverthe Secretary State for India having house at W.mble
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"Staffordshire Sentinel — Monday 13 January 1908

The Union," and said he appreciated the conditions of life that the meg present had to work under, and he thought the Union to which they belonged had done, and could do, an immense amount to improve thei: conditions.. If there were a Managers' Union started to-morrow, he would be one of the first to join, on principle. If the success of their Union was to be ideal, if the Union was to grow to be more permanent, it rested upon the members themselves to bring that about Be had haq aorne experience of their officials, Mr. John Ward, M.P., and Mr. Blase in particular, and he could assure them that so far as their head men were concerned, they were in the right hands. In his opinion, dur ing the oast five years there had beeen a oecided change racially in the labouring awe( of this country. lie thought the labouring man was better than ever before. He never saw drunkenness now to the extent that he used to see it amongst the labouring classes. The workingmen now had better homes their children acre bettee cared for, and at a class they were far better than they were five years aro, and he put this improvement down largely to the success of Unions. (Applause.) If they wanted their Union to continue to be successful, let each man try to bring new members miring the amnia! year, and he was sure those new members would never regret joining. (Applause.)

MR. JOHN WARD, 11. P. Mr. John Ward, M.P., who was heartily remised on rising to respond, said the Union to him during the last 18 years had been prac tically himself; it had been everything, and all the energies he had possessed he had put into his organisation. Mt. Ward spoke reminiscently of the early (iays of the Union. and said he used to spend from, two to three months regularly in Bursiem, agitating the cause of the labourer and organising them into this body. He attended four arbitrations with reference to the wages connected with the labourers of the whole of the Potteries towns between 1880 and 1900, and he was pleased to say they were successful in advancing the rates of pay for labourers connected with the building industry 2
He remembered working on the Masonic Institute at Wandsworth Common, and he remembered perfectly well with what views he took up his pick and shovel and decided to strike out on a new career, wondering whether it would he successful, or whether the workingmen were utterly hopeless to their social condition; but he was glad to say that in spite of obstacles they had unquestionably been able to do an immense amount of good in raising the status of their workpeople, and giving to that section of the community known as the unskilled worker a senile of respectability and usefulness which he was afraid previously the unskilled worker did not possess, or at least, not in the way they would have liked him to have done.

He did not say that trades unions had been entirely responsible for that; there had been many agencies at work such as the P.S.A. movement and the Brotherhood movement. The calling of. men together in a sort of fraternal way and the mixing of the different strata of their industrial and commercial society, had in his opinion made their working population during the past 25 years self-reliant; it had taught them how to respect themselves; it had, as a matter of fact, taught them how best to enjoy life and human existence. He believed that if the workingmen would only put their principles forward, if they were fair and reasonable end if they would state their grievances properly and fairly and squarely, as man to man, to those who required their services, they could always get something like decent and humane treatment from the men who employed them, and hence lie said. if their condition to-day was nut what they would like it to be, they might take it from him it was largely of their own making. whatever it was, whether good, bad. or indifferent. When the people of this locality raised their standard of intelligence, when they raised their ideal of what life ought to be, and the amount of enjoyment that should be got out of human existence, just in proportion as they raised their standard and their outlook upon the world, so the standard of cornforth both social, mental, and physical. would be improved, not only for them, but for those who were dependent apon them. This was the beginning of the nineteenth year, and h.. was appointed an officer of this society, having nearly 10.000 members when he was 22 years of age. Whatever his leadership might have been, it had always been the best that he could give, and lie hoped whatever calling those pre ent might be in that they would decide to give the hest they could iu the wprk they undertook. They must not merely work as it were irksomely; they must understand that after all the meanest thing in the world had to be done by someone. The scavenger was as useful as the watchmaker or the architect. (Applause.) Let them understand that they were no mean things creeping about a: it were to save themselves dishonourable graves! applause.) They were men, performing useful inactions in the world, and they weye entitled to respect and consideration from those who required their services, and he thought that when they stood together solidly one with another and demanded fair play. that fair play would be their portion. If they only questioned them selves sufficiently deeply and sufficiently clearly they would understand that if their interest had been neglected it had been due to themselves. Let them band themselves together as men, not to take advantage of anyone. but to see that they got definite and fair conditions of life and labour for the work which they did. (A pplan se.)

This concluded the toast list. and a concert followed. which was given by the Spa Pierrots from Hanley. The varicus items on the programme were very good indeed, and were warmly applauded. The artistes were: Miss Annie Newmann ;soprano). Miss Lela Rayner (comedienne), Mr. Harry Barlow (bass). Mr. J. Maynard (tenor), Mr. J. Handles (comedian), Mr. Charles Leighton (banjoist) and Mr. Howard Redding (pianist).

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"Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail — Saturday 18 April 1908

The booking office of Wandsworth Common Station was destroyed by fire last night. It was built last year.

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"BOWLING NOTES.

On Saturday. May 2nd, the members of the South London B.C. may be reflected to outeemble in great force for the opening of the green at Lyford-road, Wandsworth Common. As exclusively announced in these columns, Mr. John Bryant was induced to retain the presidency of the club, and Mr. Torn Robertson, the erstwhile president of E.8.A., holds the office of vice-president. The latter gentleman is credited with the honour of being the first to introduce northern strand greens into the South of England. Mr. W. B. Dorlwell will, as last season, lead the " brew biddies " in the club's engagements, and Mr. T. Cook. as of yore, will keep a watch. ful eye over the finances of the club. The jovial and kindhearted Mr. J. E. Latham comm again into prominence out hon. Pecretary. and any new residents wishing to join the club should communicate with the above at May Cottage, Althorp road, Upper Tooting. The committee of management consists of ileum. J. Doherty, W. Kerr, C. Morel. T. Moseman, H. Musgrove, SeHey, and R. P. Walker. Entries for the elub tournaments close on May 18th, and for the handicap on May 30th. London County will have the pleasure of providing the first away match for the club on May 13th, and a week later a visit will he made to the Streatham Constitutional Club. Each match is for 12 aside. The Reading B.C. are due at Lyford.road on June 3rd. and three days later the Cardiff club will be entertained. The visit of the Welshmen will doubtless be accepted by Mr. Lloyd George, M.P., himself resident of Wandsworth.Common, as a fitting opportunity to " throw up the jack." This event, unlike arse other functions relating to M.P.'s, need not entail a by-election. Rumour has it that team of Canadian bowler.' will also be seen at Lyford-road during' the se on. A "scotching " time should be experienced on Friday, July 24th, when the South Londoners will receive visit from the famous team of Kirkcaldy bowlers. The preliminary round of the London and Southern Counties Bowling Association silver shield competition closes on Saturday, May 23rd. and the final will be played on Saturday, July 26th. Bowls promises to be well patronised on the London County Council green, this year, and Miss Nellie Gillespie, said to be the youngest howler of her sea, in the United Kingdom, will perform the ceremony of throwing the first jerk and bowling the first wood at the opening of one ot the above-mentioned greens. Its other contents include a " Historical Sketch of Bowls, " from the Pe of Mr. James A. Manson; " How to Bowl, ' by Mr. William Btoneliewer; and "Bowling Greens, " by Dr. W. G. Grace, The Earl of Eoriebery, K.G.. the Earl of Jersey, and Sir Thomas Brooke Hitehing prise some of the patron+ of the amoriation.

The members of the Balham Bowling Club will own the season at Boundaries road on Wednesday, April 29th, when a team match will take place between aides captained by the president, Jr. C. J. Garland, and the vicepresident, Mr. T. Simkins. Mr. W. -arson is captain for the ensuing year, and Ifni an abk lieutenant in Mr. R. Elliott. Mr. W. Pritchard is the hon. trea surer, and Mr. W. J. Rogerson the hon. secre. tary. The executive committee include Messrs. A. Cleaver, G. Edwards, E. W. Handcock, B. Dare, J. Ilan, A. J. Manning, and W. Wallis. The club trophies will be played for in the following order: — Club Cup (first handieap); Challenge Cup, presented by Messrs. Treves and Neal (second handicap); Garland Cup, presented by Mr. R. W. Miller (third handicap), and the cup presented by Mr. F. Curtis will be the Championship Cup. Each trophy has to be won three timot to become the property of the winner. The Lambeth Carlton B.C. will be entertained at home on Saturday, June 6th, and on the following Wednesday the club will visit the headquarters of the Hero of Switzerland B.C. The South Londoners are announced to visit the Ralham Green on Wednesday, July Ist, and the captain's and vice-captain's match takes place on Wednesday, September 30th.

[BNA: Link.]

South Western Star — Friday 3 July 1908

LIGHTLY PUNISHED

Edward Reynolds (35), chemist, 21, Galesbury.road, Wandsworth, was --anted on remand with indecently assaulting Lily Newbury, aged nine, 25, Newcomen-roed, Battersea, at Wandsworth Common on June IS — Mr. Hindle prosecuted and Mr. Henna appeared for prisoner. — Prisoner had been remanded for medical examination, which showed that be was quite right in his mind. — Mr. Francis fined him 5 or one month.

[BNA: Link.]

"Surrey Comet — Wednesday 22 July 1908

KINGSTON, Wednesday. July 221908.

A Grand Old Man.

Full of years, full of honours, John Charles Bnckmaster, Justice of the Peace and District Councillor, has, after a life of nearly ninety years, spent in the following of honourable callings, and the pursuit of great passed to "that bourne from which no traveller returns." If to leave the world better than one found it is a joy at the end of life, then that joy must have been Mr. Buckmaster's ; for from the time of his early manhood he was engaged as practical and active worker in social and political efforts for the betterment of the condition of the people, and was privileged to continue his activities until within few days of the end of his long life.

When he came to reside in this neighbourhood Mr. Buckmaster was already well stricken in years; but though an old man in years, his wonderful energy and vitality, his remarkable mental activity declared him to still young — younger than many men twenty years his junior.

The story of his public life in this locality would fill a volume. We find him engaged a Justice of the Peace, regular at the weekly meetings of the Spelthorne Bench, and daily hearing cases, when the police required, the local police station. Anon, the Licensing Sessions, see him descending into the arena of the Coart plead with his unwilling colleagues to exercise their powers for the reduction the number public-houses. observe him in the last two decades of his life fighting several contested elections lor position on the local District Council. In season and out of season see him contending for the establishment Free Library Teddington, or pouring out the vials of bis wrath upon jerry builders and district councillors who palliated their sins against society. A keen controversialist, ho had attained great facility in speech and writing, and his flow of language was remarkable. He was a picturesque speaker, and carried conviction his hearers hj his transparent honesty, earnestness and persuasive eloouence. Had Mr. Buckmaster been trained for the Bar, must inevitably have achieved distinction. It difficult for those who have known this veteran only during the past twenty years, to realise that before rose upon the local horizon had already >pnii half century in social and political work. The late Mr. A. J. Mundella said of Mr. Buckmaster's early life that "some parts may read like romance." Those who are interested in the story his life may find it in " A Village Politician: The Life-Story of John Buckley." Left motherless at the age two, and his early years served in sufferings beyond the ordinary, the child's character stiffened and formed, and wrought in him the mettle and the courage that enabled him to give practical sympathy and assistance to the moral force section of the Chartist movement and throw himself unflinchingly into the Anti-Corn Law agitation, in spite of the fact that his relations were chiefly agriculturists, who in consequence disowned him.

Through the enthusiasm and ability displayed in this agitation he attracted the attention of Lord Morpeth, who advised him to give up politics and turn his attention the growing cause public education. Says Mr. Mundella, " This was the turningand perhaps the savingpoint future life.' Anon we see him at training college, and subsequently Government official the head teacher at juvenile convict establishment; after that science master a new tradeschool, and finally professor science and art, and lecturer upon cookery, under the Science and Art Department, South Kensington. It remarkable career, and Mr. Buckmaster was remarkable man. He had dear convictions. and the ability and the courage to stand for therm all times and all places. By his consistency and straightforwardness no fern than ov ths loros of his ability, won tha admiration man who were firmly opposed to him in their convictions. Teddington and Hampton Wick are the poorer for the of this devoted life from their midst; and in wide district around kindly, well-esteemed presence will sussed and mourned among men and women in all classes of society.

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"Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette — Saturday 25 July 1908'

FRIEND OF COBDEN AND BRIGHT — The death is announced, at the age of 89, of Mr. John Charles Buckmaster, J.P., of Teddington, one of the best-known public men in the district. There were few local movements in which he did not take a practical interest, and at the time of his death he was chairman of three Education Committees. In his younger days Mr. Buckmaster took an active part in the Anti-Corn Law movement, and enjoyed the friendship of Richard Cobden and John Bright. It was largely through his efforts that Wandsworth Common was secured as a playing ground for London.

Mr. S. 0. Buckmaster, K.C., the well-known Chancery barrister, is one of the deceased's sons.'

[BNA: Link.]

"Surrey Comet — Saturday 25 July 1908

THE fifTT%inffT COMET.

DEATH OF MR. J. BUCKMASTER.

Termination %of Long sad Useful Public Career. A Friend sad rkomidMi %% the Mr. It with 4a%p ragnt to-dsj %%nwrii th% death of Mr. J. C. Buckmaster~~ which took plmo Moodoy r%u-toT--% l-. <^ilal be %M witk iUsat oe meiei %< Saeurdey, My A after bed been ttleediee leee Chedleld erd the Kiecetoa Guild ot the CHppled. Althdtwk et tMe bopee tteee eaterteiaed thet be mi(bt footer, yet, batiaff to bit adtaaoed eee. theee rate eery elaader. Deriae the ftrat week of bit illaaea Uiotieboet the emtar pert the lollowiae weak, altbaevk eery veak. tree perfectly ooaactoue. eiaapt hr oaeeeeieel peeled, ead bia eenditiM the aaae uatil Saturday, tree obaafe for the batter. On Sunday the tatprauemant wee ataiottieed until the Than beaaan iroiaa, and m Monday BWbtM UJS a poo deeay. It at worthy note, end etrikiafly in kaepiaa with the of hit liCAte iateaae lore for the poor%that hie laat publio tppeeream, tad leal apeeeh. wee in tapport of the crippled end afflicted. Deceased wee bore February O. IMS. la the little tcrioulMral nllepe of Slapton, Backs, when hit bed resided for upwards of wee therefore bia ninetieth year. Mr. Buckmaster cafe Teddiaitoa about twenty yea% ayo. tad tkiee yeera later aeSated the neat bereeseaieot of hit Hlo-the death ad hie wile, whoee awaory ha plaatd stained (laai wiadow in church of St. AlbaJL Hi had four mm daarhtor, oil of whom ourrivo him. the A. w %%%<% id irrotorlf of the Boord of Edocotioo; oeoood mb. Dr. Oootm Buckmaster. is Aariftesfe Prof%or an Uaiteraity of London; the third Stanlay Owen Buckmaster, K-C Me wollkaowa leading m the Coart of Chancert, and M.P. for the Borough of Cambridge; wwLl %Wm (oarth Mr. Mortio Buckmaster, — TosriSfcb~L His daujhtor in Mrs. O. W. ilieiafw, who ressdas ediabargk. An Interesting Career. F<> mi is this asishhsarhoed hsss mom Tsrisd end uatdul life then that e< John Charles Buckmaster, who, up to the last, haa baao almost as phjsioaUj halo has basn shet. Tbs majority of mss down thair Mr. Buckmaster oarer did. It was the asalous, outapokan tors inatioa and tknt Kaa aaiinklad him t-b- tMM h- public men if this dntriot, which tod him hull a-o throw Hiawaalf haadlcos into the Aatt-Con-Luw mcramant, which uucaedsfwd profound with theChartiat afitatipn, audaacniwd (or him tbs fricudihip of Richard CUdau, Jehu Bright. P. A. Taylor, and Fraccn Place, and many another man erf thoaa momentous days the first hall the maataauth cantury. To bare mot at the pramut day man who had rubbed shoulders wKh Dautal O%OoobaU and W. J. Foe, and knew Faurgua 0 Connor and Brootarts 6'Brian, was in ttoall thing. It was perhaps still mere woudarlul to lad that up tbs tost bn retained ity mind and an alaatiotty power which caadarad an oaailcation opicica unthinkable. sad reaction an iopcaatMr. peracasl appearance aid habits ware an laatinaoey both In hw home, in the toreah oaths ban-, or the council chamber. Nuody sear had any doubt about opiatout, and no cm sear auppoaad oculd act datofd them withe (cron amsaing a naan of bta had come an old inhabitant Teddington, and his the Dtalrirt Counoir alone has ertaodedallowing far SrtWjntroduct^~5 v tramways, which cSnd wTtcraMd. Ha mfired iSuJ'Jetite duty the Bute, and was b%7 roMa, being sixth out twentr-lre caUidataslor fifteaa It was eminently obaraetarialta of Ida bslligemat career that had an unopcoaed return, and that fought some hslf-dotaa during aoeeariline with the Council. The Qacatlen. It wm in 1900, when th% tnnvay the a< the atactica, that, ia oompanv with Mr. CW Deajtoa. oafaatad. baiaa, aa aiaht ha aappoaaJ. ona of thoaa pnbiioapiritad maa who I hoacM a tramway aompaay aajoyiac a practical acDopely the atraata foe mechanical traaiportatioa porpoaaa. ahould maka a aohataatial eoatribotioa the rataa Hie prarioa axpariaaw tracawaya Clapham and Waa&worth, and their affect a pea ealao of property and the oaoaral deterioration of naiffhhoarhood which their hronffht about, had aha made him aa cppaacat to their advent hare. How far time haa proved the accuracy of hie forecaat, the pohhc are ia paaitioa jndffa. re-appeared. fa the local arena la UOt, and lhe in the pre-vione year been divided into warda, ho waa nominated for Upper Taddinfftoo. Bat the advancad of naan of aiffhty pa boaainf, aaniution, jerry haildipp and the of ground valuer, proved too atrcog for younger generation, and ho left at the bottora of the poll. With pluck that elicited the adcairatioa of cppcocala aa aa frianda, Mr. Backmaatcr waa to the Md again the following yaar, aalantiag the Sooth Teddiagtoe Ward, in which ho raaidad. and thin oocaaioa ha by rataa The Working Man%- Friend. Bm sml for promoting oroijthior th%t the wollaro the diatnet, aad moro oapaoially baoaSt of working r- w wall known all who bara watohad' hs oaraer on Council la proriaioa of battar howaaa for the daaaaa, allotmanta for lahourinc man, the oaaaa of adooatioa, and many othar aimilar mattrn thara haa aarar baan mora ohampioo. It waa kiadrad apirit whom ha hoaoorad whoa ha araetad the memorial Timothy Baanatt. the ahoemahar, who loofht for and woa the rirkt way for the public Buahay Park. Perhapa of axat not able of Mr. Baakmaatar%a for the nod the pariah waa the of the boaattlul Proa Pablio Library, for whiah obtaiaad of coma %4,000 %5. 000 tram Mr. Camayir. and workad anal aamduomly in dataik which Ha araotiaa aad aquipmoftt tawolrad. waa aaeordad tin honour laying foundation building, in prnaaea of aumaraua aad diatinffuiohod oompaay, aad' hs maraorabla a poach will daahllan in rroollaetion of many our randan. of ralnad labonn oonnartioa with adaurabla taatitntion. public aubaariptioa waa raiaad for placing la library a pflactation portrait of Ilr. Buekfaaater, aad a cloak, aad the aaraaaoay of handing took plaaa Daeambar 8, im. v A Charmctcrintic Speech. The oondnaiaa of' hs atrikiag rpaiHh that worthy of raprodacaiac, waa thoroughly oharaaaariatio of aaan. Human lifat waa aaado of hard facta aad rugged aapariaaon, aad giraa to for labour ta aaaara' hs riatary arar natural torcaa. The alama ami rwrating dona in whiah largo of oar fallow araaturaa ware ooadamnod bra and work Mad Urn with aorrow aad alarm. Thia aaaaal aaaroky oould not go oa; woald right tamihoar. It waa ia diraot npanaitlim taacking Ckrin. The othar day law ladiaa abadmng team arar the nraaltiaa at the rubber atataa the Congo. Battar arar miaary aad hangar of wanna aad children in riohaat country world. A airiliattiau Chrimiaaily which waa mar/W' \ /\ \ IJmSmKm \ Mmm. trOClavteMS. J IflM Mr. J. Boekmartcr. J. P.

Column 2

,fiuh. iohamoa canid BOt S%S2S%S. iSS? sSvx'dSSS^, 777, . . . . werhed let the itiie ud of hie iellow teeaMeae. % Iweed m% jf. kbMi. M^d-a. peep dowmthoM I. BpekS Be pjoafhed%ead wh. tewed ie not Be wha- baa Hie Adweesey Tenipurwooc. Wood had Cookorj Abm%Moa. in whaoh wawoeioftod with Uw Bomb% BordoU Co%o, who had o; e He h%l ho%. ooenty, %aywtc. te Mao. 1895, oad wm oWa- a%%bor of thoJotol Stoadimt for Poanty. Teddiarloa -M tSuWOOTiM, r with, hy lb. PW% secured from IbcM puhlsMtlMe WM shied to (lee bit Mae aollafa sad Mitetsrty tdaeatiM. A few mm. sro, miniatry of the Raw. Father Ooodndk el the of Saoied Heart aiaw hwhia haM. Mr. bapaa la lb. Catholio Che rob, bet wan. aeter — aA ekes friawddnp warn aware ilS-oth% lotb al-w%plaM wLy. His wse too brood. pint to ereeds and lermalitSM ohurohW pood is all of aed m ready to sSalwaboeArmy meetor mrt rherrk hit pieacnee aad hwpatM aa wee t. anpnert the Chorch ef Enjrlaad Charah of Rom. . H. wm deer ead wm often heard eomork thot woo in# rent%plotion her hio%iki ih%4 ha aonAd boot worship hit Ood. Mr. Bockm%ter-- Mr. BnrkmortVr hot pvt dank Storyof Job. BeSSy.. w ini- dpmiM Hw leW A%l. Maadtlla. who Tut PnwdaM of the IbM CommilUa Rderetieo. wm mo Mr. ok iris. Mr. Buckmarito was first iadaoad to attaotK- to adaMtioa. prinei pally the Mokamal rid. ri it, Lord Morpeth, aAarwatda the srteetk Bari o) Carlisle, and both Chief Serf!try aad Lord Lieutonaat Iralaad. Mr. Backawriar mat him whilat it kit leform work, for he lordship waa a atafalarly arikariarim prociea. altar tod knew all edwmeoad time. Ha waa mack impraasad by Mr. Mckmastar%a teal tad ability, aad h%aall bate the Boodior hit to Iraisin, colic reUltimataly Mr. Buekmeriar ahfaiaad appoiotmanl under OoaaraMaat the old SeiaaM and Art Dapartatont at South Km%inetoo. Ha labMied thaM for thirty-tra yaaia, asentually baatraa orgaaiain, teacher, pari he held for dared, after the asaal s%e limit, aad only roHaqaiabad when it WH abolishtd in ISM. Be waa than ptaiioatd off. thottrh hie dye WM net dim ate kit forte abated. %

Mis Work far ScScnec Art. Among tbs raried aottritiaa Mr. Bnckmaatsr%a career, that with this work to probably the meat important. Neither his youthful ardour the Anti-Corn Law League nor his picnam sCmnto in tbs attempt praaaree the MetropcCtan Ocmmoos open apneas, nor his untiring agorU at Battenea aU aanwbara for purity and Bonth kSirWn'SmeSm, whiah the nation the of Prince Albert and the energy of Sir Henry Cola, was (rat established, Mrr%ackmsster was appal atad mtiatant keeper nadsr the tow Lord Playfair, sad was placed in charge the Food CoUacticna. organised by insad Dr. Zdwin Tenkmttr who, liks kimsall. was the father dtotinguiahed seas. tkw poet showed such marked that whan an organising master wan requind urmme lbs country the raise ameaos and art isnlrac lion as the basis of national indutoriat, and explain tbs ocndiliont under wkmh the SSt tSs prwt occupied for thirty Tarious~hraachau U art sprsng wM-t& St^TtSlsfe to thus dan to Mr. aaiaasouary anal w muck as to the ndnuaistiaUrn afkrto South Keaaiagtcn aatkcriltos orally looked. That dam of the than Lord President ha tootwed on, the art traassru oollaetsd the annual esktbitlon IJ7I-UJI, whHe in I-7l. the Uesty of the ear lea of food mad mead throughout the ooantoy jlourtohing — daualopment gonial aaattl the eprand ef eemmee teaching, Mr. BuckanasWr, with Inrd Play(eir'a imcooragament, end the aaaitoaaoe. one two friends. publiaM setae altmtsdsty text books of sotsaeo which wwo prsctioaUy -We> Ante which stods%ls obtain laottag bom the work fiwrm the jmis of his Ufo to oslaod. A Hard Life. A oetin Favaral" in in the "aanay haw aaah aaperiaocaa left with %aa and aaeee; httaat environmant to being out kia heal qmalitha. Bereft of hie %otlm, . ha%ora W ay ta% yearn old. %p grandmpthar. tarna%thaaa arc the connecting liaka in the chain of not too happy invaailily. Thea ha Kna-ETStf fat Holy lectured freda Bench where ifty tea yearn aftarwarda eat adaeiaMar jantioa. raa pd Maa pa khia yyrtayMf MMMMfvllj, th- boildinf of ft Country m ansi on, which atill %lands "sn what work akoftld bo%; waa nesrlj csrriod off by %Mll-po-, bftl was the grataitoaa gipay: and finally manual laboar throw himaelf into anti-Cora Law ngititioa the lortiea The AnthCorn Law Agiletion. Beat rained and mmaggamtad aa Mr. BuekmaHar%a uarratira ia, cue can aamly aaa that' hs interact ia political wtaiwnl which culminated ia each important darrlnamiala m our national hiaaory aatirilp whali haartad that all anaaidaraticaa nalii ilr altimata aanaam ware of far anhnrdiaata import, aoca. Ha trarallad about tnuuliy lacturing and dobatiag ia town and rillaga. conducting alactinua, attending nagloctiag nothing that prnmata of oaura had at haart; aad did all thia with aad praciaa Utaullaa dntnil that aa hum hewght. and ifaquallly WQfninil. %mo% tarn cmr Boost%y %s% %os %illtoMU% can never on%end the%. One of the I%t %lections tknt Mr. BnakaM%cr ~ ef Sir Mallhl~ Weed, aad wte toe 3?SmamMLjalk%aSM apM MOM MS --~ paaMaSirS JS/w weald wear aam maenad the battle had what would b. Wm la sturdy Sffhfi the praaarratsM ad palitka M waa-tor bit help aad Itbanllly. The Asfis Hit Uay-. of many Ireuda. leaham Muad z ri thol they woroi%oto rifhft. Hcf% to the noM haiM the regret %d turnm mil who k%w him. o bright mo-jfU of doty well doae. nh%pio% of the poor oad oppri%d, kind bontfontor to tto widow bin

APPEBCIATION. The following it orttoo fi% the Mid-Wooklr CoonT of Wodnttdoy Imt: % of tall bl%. Jpbn Ctorko lUii, JmMm of the taoM %d boo. ofler o lilt of ntorly mi%y ytorth tytat in tto MMto bi%iarpMi ooUiofa, and tto panoit gi% idtok, %tto to a ltot tr% which tovno. — Imm the b%tr tton (tato Joy tto oad Bta, ttoa thot Joy anal haaa baaa Mr. iaekMaa%-a; trtto ttoa of tarty aaaatoto to waa eaaagto a araatfaaf, aad %fas warbar mc% aad aclitiflal cfferla tar battasMaat oaadi- tfaaaftto poopfap aad to waa artvtogto to otiaaa baa ocUritiM wftbta taw daya %f tto aad bfa to% Ufa. Wbaa to aa%to %lda ta this aaighboartoto Mr. Baatonrtif ahaady wrtl atrtrbaa ia ytaro; bat aa oM aaaa ta yoan, woadortal oad rttoUty. bit rwrtiiMi m%tol aetfaity dttfarto bto te atffl yeaaayoaogtr ttoa %ay twoaty yean bit Jaafar. Iht %ry bfafaMfa Ufa thfa faaaUty weald a rota%. Wo tod hto oogtgW M JaMiet tto Psaaa. far at tto %nliogt too bgaHbaraa ataph, dafly baariay oaato. %fata. Btmima, bto <%adfag lato tto or% the Coart to flood with hio aawOUag auMsto-ta %-%%aiaa thair far tto saiaatiaa the a%bar of baa%. iksirea hto ia tto laat twa daaadaa of' hs lilt dghtiag aaearal epatsafad ofaatfaaa far poaitioa tto Diatffat Coaaa%. Ia %aoa aad oat eaaaaa of at IVliiagtM, or poariag ont tto rfafa of wrath aaaa Jerry baflfato dfatrtat oeandDort who foOiatod thair aiar agaiaat %faty. A Malta%fallrt, had graat facility ia tpooch ond writing- and his tow was r%arbalda a fieta%oaqno tfookor. aarrfad Maeialisa to' hs bsariro bia baaaaty, ooraottotta aad Ttoodet tloantaea. had Mr. jnckiaatir boon troiord fortho Bor, to aMat \orto% who tors known thfa %otoroo only dnrt% tto part twoaty yo% to that bolero to r% aaaa tto tori- aaa to had alroody aaoat tolfoaaatary aoefal aad political work. The fata Mr. A. J. MaadaUa aaid af Mr. Baeto%far'o party life that -a%o parts a% rood Hto %%aaoa. Th% who art S%alrd tto atory hit life say tod it M A Tiltafo PoUtleioat The tita-Story tf Joha Baekfay. %- Left a%tort% tto ago baa. hio tarty yo% %rod with aatoriaga beyoad tto ordinary, tto atUfaaod fenaod. aad wroaght ia bto tto %Mlo tto eoorago that bto te giro practical eym- potby oad aarttoort fa tto fereo ttelita of tto moti%at aad fa throw Maoartf nafliaehiagly into tto AatMfara Law tgitotfaa, ia Mifa tto feat that hio nfallMi w% chfafly Mvioafaariafa. diMwnod hitoTlir%rh the oatbaafa% aad obOity to dfapfayod this agifatioa to attracted tto alfaatfaa of Lord Mbrprtk, who adriaod hto to gin polities attaatiaa fa growing oaan odaaatiaa. Soya Mr. Mm Jaffa, %The wm Ik. tacela, an. paakapa print af lilt. " _erila%a. ta. fceu\-ia%t!!ar "ri -a {aaaa%t one riot taMUfakaaoat; of% that m aafaaea %afar aaw tvodo-sehool, aad ftaally m pvofa%r aaiaaaa aad art, aad lartarar eookory. tto Seioaeo aad Aft Ifaparfaiaat. Sowtb K%fagfaa. It fa so%rtaMa Mr. SorHautw woe TMMrkable ana. had cfaor eerietfaaa, tto ability aad tto eowrago fa afaad afar th% a% tfa% aad aU pfa%% fosittfpy otvni|htforworda% go faot ttoa fore- his ability, to tto afaaimtfaa aaaa who wan ftrialy %.. e _. t. . Ie Dun to OMn%twa. -oaangv% mm H%pfaa Wick tto poenr far tto fan tkia dorofad Ufa ffaat thair artitt, la district oasaad kindly. woB stt%f

PUBLIC REFERENCES. At Taasday aight'a milting of the Ramptca baton heginaing the homana the Chainaaa, Dr! H. B. Nehea, J. F, nea capram the regret the the death Mri%odoMater. mid that although aat readme ia the village Mr. had tthia great iataaam la it. and had the mimnrial Timothy Bipaatt, which wm erected aotraam Boahy Park. AHkoagh (the nheirm. aj did aot profima to with dmaoaad worda Beantt memorial, leave world hotter ka iooad it. would move that rata of farwardad badly. Thin waa tiiinlil the Mr. Ba%oa. tad earriad la aeaal madhtr. ytlvg, ada. . 1 thT lUma which the public had mittlail through %pen the ef mam aprigkt irgiegai, whom cedent Mmit adCalaMraHaa at jacliae %--%---%% %% the mart at Siiikiag at the pebe diekHhatba the % u-n m! t- d, y dear Irimdi%. MeT %aeeter had gaaa hi. them wmw vary law mmAacc the Church and them wha warn act mem heir af it, who dad aog great doat him iar what M had fiar the poor dMtM. They Ml aaw. net they weald bat it mam haaaly wbea nevarty mam b wiadn aad that hemd had gaaa from tkma. Aad ka weald ach thma umialhli that goad mao wha had wartmd dMrM. aad mpamaJly far the pear. WhHe they. nmmmlil him aovk had data allavicHag paaarty of Ike poopla ia Tclfligtm. that work would atiH remem them as oharickaf cry, tad mnamcly kb work uaamtiia with that fa orgaaMag which taak oack liiiml af the Fwmagal wfll toaad aa page J, uS^wSTl%d dhan eem %la the Mawm. aedOn. Meiw Lanr.da oMaial analdmllna made laaaradyntimwtal i. Ar^-. . County Oouaeil im taamiu hmil % Wrldagrura mad. T lihlliti I I%%l %%d d%O%tf Oenmfl cn% Wfcw %%jr

[BNA: Link.]

SE ALSO FUNERAL REPORT, SAME DATE, p7"

"BUCKMASTER FUNERAL

Surrey Comet — Saturday 25 July 1908

THE LATE Mi G%n%ral ManifcatoUoiu ot B%ard mt Fantral Ycatcrdajr. Tto itowtt> tk. tot. Mr lit will, th. funeral nw'cTtkTtonr netor. Inot wtok," k. wrtWra! %% foe "i":?.%% ktot %Tfrito* %konld k* wnrahto aa mj MaoaaCia* 1 kara fiakked Ik. work Irad to d?^ %% peneihto tkra. wkhra %m rototi, ooetphod wMk b, hi. (natilr. Ik* bode %m .odoud ia rototod %%- ptoto MMtoaa ud tk. oely Inran it -or. Bra f.iail. wrratlo para, toiM. Bot atoarallT hi. awlrirad. whora too. factor ks had kata %% araar raan, oould not allow aa* * !& to . "% ptooa wtlkoot ahow ia, ttoir toot atark rrapro, (or kiu to thtor praMooa, and oonraqraotlj than tJa* praarot 81 AW. Charak, tad onwd of poraora oanjrtai,, in whioh all d.ata war. (all, rapra- Atth. ekoroh wm atamw otkwa. Mr. %f Brato. Mr. T, AWillroth, J.P.. H TraorKua, J.p,. Mra Tiaarr?%% Mr. PMlataa, JJ.. Dr. H. & Mr. Joka FaSaaa, Bar. (Vtoar.of P~%ptoa Wiokl. Mr a .J. Wtotortoora. Jat of Wwk). tto Rar. A. Tan era (ehoptoia to toittf Haraptoa Cbart Pttoea), Mr. O. Wrakinrtop Fox (Oeift to EinaMoa Bolfrrra.k Bada Fowfca tad ohto>l..B rad>rdin.rT Kin), Mr. F. WoodkooraMra A. Baporl Joora. Mr. W. X Scorirar. kr. Brwao-Atwtia. Dr. Pooto, Mr. Saadiarator of Hampton gyfktojl. Mr. W. H. T. Wrfcbor. Major Bom Mr. 0. Rmwuw%raa Mr. l . Loti, %w (rapramtoin, ton Natiooal Cookrrr aad Food Aaonatioal.. Mr. W. O. OnOtor. Mr. A. Molromx (nptamatto tha MidtHtm* % lott Mrmra Han Joan. ma. aad I to % N.twf , Oarrar, W. Mttor, A. W.ttrktoo aad J. ai:J^rrfc. w T%%r-i^i.%a At tha Chorcii. body waa eoa%yad in alirr iiamllld aar, by aa%a pri%to aarriawaa, waa mat tha Parry-road (aim fay IbaViaar Bar. .A M. Catalat) aad aim all choir, pmoadad the Crum, oarriad Mr. J. A Bn%y. Tba ahialmournamwa%tha tanraaaa daacaaad. Mr. C. A Buckmaster, Dr. Buckmaster, Mr. Stanlay Owan Buckmaster. M-P.. and Mr. Mmtia A Buckmaster; Mr. A J.P. Blnptoa, Buoka; Mr. W. Alaxtn'dar, alark to tb. Bdiahnnrh School Board; and Mr. O. B. Buekmaatar. Iran d%n. Mtanwkila .imp), aad appropriato h-d h%n t>l-%d by tha W. Tha body hayiaw bean wkaalad into the almreh on her. tWbtantifal Cbomk at Enpland ana l Ac waat door, with tha npaaina aa monrana paaaad the aa% and took thatr acata. Than fallowed ataritur tha mmarkaMy appropriate hymn, — Now the teak ia a'cr." Aaotbar kyaw waa alto anas donna mrriaa. — Puna, way to tha eamstary tha o'dMk to roaolatioa ayawathy aad eoadolanoa; joined funeral prnntaainn, walkwhil, th. local jnatiaaa aad walked hahind tha aartiaaw

The Interment. the oamitiry, aa wa ha% air%dy said, Aft- waa laraw crowd, whioh hnad both %{%% lha.dri% from patm to tha -h-P-H and meludad abowt tha polisa, with aarpaanla, and Shy bo% from tha Councol School. pamoaal friandt %d other, aaaamblad war. Prebendary Ram (Vmtr of Hampton and Rural Dean and ahnirnun tha Ramptoa Grammar Bebool Go%roori), Mr. John J.P. (ahniimaa of Baach), B%lo Mr. Williama loeputy clerk to. iaatiem). Aldermen ArtW^Pri^ !^* Bwkop Brook Lender nod the Bar. W. X. Younjr (of Chrirt Ckurokl. Mr. T. Wheeler, Mr. W. Sawyer. Mr. W. Beadior. Mr. D. Herdmr. Mr. R. B. Skinner, Mr. Hopei Mr. A. J. Walls. Mr. T. Pope, Mr. W. Jerroma, Mr. W. T. Millin. end many ctimu. The body borne to the grave by pel ice-constables, end the committal prayers which concluded the aarrice were said by the Vicar and tha Rer. W. Anderson. After the mourners had left, Mr. Sinclair, of the National Club. etaading.bT open grare. gars oration npon %M many virtue* aad good qualities of the deceased, whom, eeid. bed been hie privilege know aad love for greet many yearn. remarked that their daer friend. Jobs Charles Bnekmaater. wan not man who mads any grant parade or prefemioa about religious beliefs. f%H that hk nmnon ia life wan to do, and did. The funeral arnngwn%ts ware entrust if to Hid# aad Market-pines, Kingston. were ably carried oat under toe superintendence Mr. Onbbine. RsnohitMiis svnspsilrv nod boon received fnasilT from tbo Teddington Diet riot Council, tbs Teddington end Hamptons Reform Chris tbo TVddington end Hsmpton Wick Constitutions! Club, and staff of tbo Teddfagton Council Sobool; also numerous sympathy %fom pomonal friends. The Temperance Party** Sympathy. Aft meeting Cbsofield.. Wodneaduy, in connect ion with tbo temperaaoe fete, Mr. Treogrooso wao asked convoy Mrs. Alexander behalf of family, deep very groat torn cause of temperance boo sustained tbo death Mr. Boekmaster. who had give* addresses similar occasions, and whom earnest and continuous advocacy and efforts vnHoos way* would bo long cherished in grateful remembrance. Hod death net overtaken Mr. aster, end if able, be would bane been aa anal, Wednesday laai

THE COUNCIL'S SYMPATHY. Condolence Ezprcaecd Special Meeting. Yesterday afternoon a opeeial meeting of tb* Teddington District Council was bold prior funeral. There were prsesol Dr. Loam don-Down (chairman). Mr. H. Witten (vie, chairman), and Messrs. BoQ. Barge, Fountain. Gibb. Howe. Medoalf, Millsst, Orton, Leaden and The Chairman said thoy were me together that day to pay last tribute of respect ten very valued member of the CouneiL Mr. Buckmaster bad bad very buev life many ways %race came Into that district twenty years and an-age which would have entitled him to have osased from bis labours. Tbo# labour were of mean merit, but instead of resting upon bis laurels became interestod local affairs and agntn nought to onblie work by joining the District Council. Ever rinse be IIBt-with.one Acrt interval%be bed been oMoaber of their body. Couuefl had kwt not oaf, % twryility bat men who, aoemdaMC t% Hghtu. had trkd da gtaaM poamkla good la, dmtrial. RaTinir M(%md to tfco but pablio Joti%ad%rtaMa Mr. BMkaMMtor %a tin of tko CooDcil. tho CWinou mid u- wm ofanoMooUralT 400 toku.onrUoDA AM e^ss* (or thocoaotr >U Barkmrflter wrr nd% U opjmrrrd. wooU mo hiM.rory hroalT. JorW aria Wrldodly tho m%h 1, #Me4. il% would h%. eked.tehewele%ed with ho Sits. ".L Mod ho hod triad to mold So.WW ATomiem. Hi.oo.oto wgto tho fftaotaat ha It%cmgStsJgj %%t%hS wJd^faood , th. world, oad world rmcm* h% mwiory. _ . ~ . Th. Coaneii thro rhawoo odooM tho ftlUno

[BNA:

"Bucks Herald — Saturday 1 August 1908

By the death of Mr. John Charles Buckmaster. Ashleigh, Hampton Wick, which took place on Monday, 20th ult.. there has passed away an interesting personality whose memoir will "long kept green this district. Born "at Slupton more than 80 ago. when education had not obtained the prominent position in public estimation that it holds to-day, his own industry and exertions he rose "from the lowly occupation of " a farmer's boy" to a post of considerable prominence in the educational world. In fact, his decease numberless teachers and others of his acquaintance will fe-.-l that they have lost a valued friend. The late Mr. Buckmaster was one of the early students at Battersea Training College. He for a Iong time filled the post of schoolmaster at Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight, and later on was on the staff of the Trade Schools at Poplar and Wandsworth. Mr. Buckmaster's wide acquaintance with teachers was, however, due to his position as Organising Master of Schools and Classes under the South Kensington Science and Art Department. The remarkable success which attended his efforts in this post was largely due to the confidence inspired in the Elementary teachers the country, and to his nnfailing sympathy with their difficnlti.- Technical instruction in this country owes its present position very largely to Mr. Buckmaster's official work as the accredited organisations England Scotland have not failed to testify.

[BNA: Link.]

"Middlesex & Surrey Express — Friday 7 August 1908

Spencer A v. Ealing Park A. — Played at Wandsworth Common enclosure on Bank Holiday in tropical weather on a very fast wicket. Spencer were well represented, but the "Parkites " rendered a good account of themselves. They won the toss, and, although they lost Sydney Foster at 21..3. W. H. Wahid i42 — eight fours) and L. J. Norman carried the .core to 83, when both were sent back. P. J. Williamson (2.3) ', attest sell. hut wicket. fell cheaoly for a time. Sul, e-quently. A. B. Stevens (32) hit in fine Ay', and, thanks chiefly to him, the innings ("n pleted after luncheon) realised 167. S. ', Mi. took for 25 and S, J. Pettitt 4 for 54 runs for Spencer. If B. Corti-, Sydney Foster. and Williamson. backed by, , I to smart work in the field (capital catch, going to the visitors' credit) — the visiting captain (V. J. Prout) also &topping a hest cut, and enabling Collis to run out l'ettitt. who was batting finely — put in excellent work with the ball for the "Park." nine men being disposed of for only 78 run:. . 1 . Ruddy hit out well for 311. and 124 in all were obtained, the teams playing 12 a-side. Curtis a for 421. Foster (3 for V), and tt ii' lianison all bon led capitally. In their second venture Ealing Park compiled IST for 5 wicket., Fester (34). W. Seders. D. Southierwood. and Stevens (the last two "not out") all being seen to advantage. Thf, visitors won a well-contested match by 43 roan on the first innings

[BNA: Link.]

"Middlesex & Surrey Express — Friday 7 August 1908

Spencer A v. Ealing Park A. — Played at Wandsworth Common enclosure on Bank Holiday in tropical weather on a very fast wicket. Spencer were well represented, but the "Parkites " rendered a good account of themselves. They won the toss, and, although they lost Sydney Foster at 21..3. W. H. Wahid i42 — eight fours) and L. J. Norman carried the .core to 83, when both were sent back. P. J. Williamson (2.3) ', attest sell. hut wicket. fell cheaoly for a time. Sul, e-quently. A. B. Stevens (32) hit in fine Ay', and, thanks chiefly to him, the innings ("n pleted after luncheon) realised 167. S. ', Mi. took for 25 and S, J. Pettitt 4 for 54 runs for Spencer. If B. Corti-, Sydney Foster. and Williamson. backed by, , I to smart work in the field (capital catch, going to the visitors' credit) — the visiting captain (V. J. Prout) also &topping a hest cut, and enabling Collis to run out l'ettitt. who was batting finely — put in excellent work with the ball for the "Park." nine men being disposed of for only 78 run:. . 1 . Ruddy hit out well for 311. and 124 in all were obtained, the teams playing 12 a-side. Curtis a for 421. Foster (3 for V), and tt ii' lianison all bon led capitally. In their second venture Ealing Park compiled IST for 5 wicket., Fester (34). W. Seders. D. Southierwood. and Stevens (the last two "not out") all being seen to advantage. Thf, visitors won a well-contested match by 43 roan on the first innings

[BNA: Link.]

London Evening Standard — Thursday 10 December 1908

FACTS FROM MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.

Although political agitation in respect to unemployment has died down, at least for the present, in somewhat remarkable manner, the distress amongst worker# in many parts of London remains very acute. It was stated by Mr. Burns in the House of Commons yesterday that whereas 38, 678 unemployed had registen'd themselves in London to December 6, the number for whom work had actually been found was 4185. These figures leave very serious margin distress from unemployment, — although Mr. Burns declared in the Lobby, last night, that at least 10,000 men, who would not otherwise be work, had been provided with employment — from funds derived through rates, loans, and grants — by the Local Government Board, the Water Board, the London County Council, Central Unemployed Committee, borough councils, and distress committee-. Notwithstanding the efforts of these bodies, atx'ounts given by various London members, both Unionist and Liberal, of the acuteness the distress in their several constituencies show relatively abnormal industrial conditions in the present year.

The views given to our tabby Correspondent are follows; Battersea. Mr. Burns claims that there are proportionately fewer men out work Battersea than in roost other parts of the metropolis. ascribe# this the existence, in his particular district, of parks and common-, where London County Council have been able find a good deal of work for extra bands. For instance, ISO men ere employed this way Clapham Common, 70 men in Battersea Park, and others Tooting and Wandsworth Commons.

Clapham. The distress in Clapham proper, says Mr. Percy Thornton, decidedly worae than it was the foregoing year; but it has slightly improved, according the reports him by those who are position to judge, since the question of unemployment waa discussed recently in the House of Commons. Mr. Thornton admits that the improvement is due to the endeavours of the London County Council and the Local Government Board.

[BNA: Link.]

"DEER

HANSARD 18032005 1900s 1908 December 1908 14 December 1908 Commons Sitting Oral Answers to Questions

Deer Hunting.

HC Deb 14 December 1908 vol 198 c1253

1253

MR. G. GREENWOOD (Peterborough)

Ibeg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to an incident which occurred on 3rd November last near Uckfield, when a carted deer hunted by the Surrey staghounds, being dead-beat, and with one of its forelegs hanging from the fetlock, broken in an attempt to jump a fence, was worried by the hounds while vainly trying to limp away until the huntsman came up and killed it with a knife; whether he is aware that on 6th November last another carted deer, hunted by the Berks and Bucks stag-hounds, broke its neck in the course of the run in leaping into a lane; and whether, in view of the fact that such incidents are of frequent occurrence, and are inevitable when the sport is pursued under such conditions as prevail in the home counties, he will consider the desirability of so amending the Acts for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that such cases may be brought within their operation.

MR. GLADSTONE

My attention was not drawn to these particular incidents. I have stated before, in answer to a Question, that I think the hunting of carted deer is open to strong objection, but Iregret I am not in a position to make any promise of legislation.

MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a private Member's Bill before the House which the Government could, by consent, press through?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes, I am quite aware of that, and the Bill can be brought in again next session.

[BNA: api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1908/dec/14/deer-hunting"

"Newcastle Daily Chronicle — Thursday 14 January 1909 / man killed on line at Prison Bridge

Early yesterday morning the body of a man was found or the London and South Western Railway, near the Prison Bridge, Wandsworth Common. A train had passed over it, and the head was completely severed.

[BNA: Link.]

"Norfolk News — Saturday 2 January 1909

TOM SAYERS' FIRST FIGHT.

The following incident may help to explain bow it is that there have been many regularly put prize fight* which somehow managed to escape the interference of the police : Nothing occurred during the time wa* at Tooting, except this A new lunatic asylum w.i* l-eing built in Garrett Lane for the county o* rev. wa* told off for duty the works, Tom Sayers, afterward* the well-known pugilist, was one of th? workmen. There also fellow named McGrath. One dinner hour a pit hob* Wandsworth Common theso* two ntested with each oth-r which was the bct man was given in favour of Saver. was behind hedge watching the whole thing When called on why did not stop it. explained it all over before was aware of it Not true! Th-s was Sayers nrt real fight. No. more bricklaying was done him after

[BNA: Link.

Plus a LOT on "Inspector Bocking's recollectionsbreaking the heads of the Chartists""

"Norfolk News — Saturday 2 January 1909

TOM SAYERS' FIRST FIGHT.

The following incident may help to explain bow it is that there have been many regularly put prize fight which somehow managed to escape the interference of the police : Nothing occurred during the time wa* at Tooting, except this A new lunatic asylum w.i* l-eing built in Garrett Lane for the county o* rev. wa* told off for duty the works, 'tom Sayers, afterward* the well-known pugilist, was one of th? workmen. There also fellow named McGrath. One dinner hour a pit hob* Wandsworth Common theso* two ntested with each oth-r which was the bct man was given in favour of Saver. was behind hedge watching the whole thing When called on why did not stop it. explained it all over before was aware of it Not true! Th-s was Sayers nr*t real fight. No. more bricklaying was done him after

[BNA: Link.

Plus a LOT on "Inspector Bocking's recollectionsbreaking the heads of the Chartists""

"The Use and Abuse of the English Commons, 18451914

Bucks Herald — Saturday 2 January 1909

London the last days of the dying year have been rendered most unpleasant by a blizzard which produced all sorts of dire results. " Snow, beautiful snow " may be very nice in the country, but in London, to the vast majority of people it is an unmitigated nuisance. This morning it was difficult to get to the City, for 'buses were few and far between, and the muclilauded electric tram service had broken down as it always does when a little extra pressure is put upon it. In the main thoroughfares the surfaces were covered with churned coating of melting snow and mud, and when at last the City was reached it was found wrapped in sepulchral gloom. Anything more depressing could hardly imagined, and the few business men who had ventured up from their suburban homes soon returned to them, leaving their clerks to put in few hours under the glare the electric lights. The work of street-clearing is proceeding apace, and the "unemployed" are luck! The cost promises to reach huge total. The authorities at Westminster this morning placed the figure for the whole of London at from .130,000 to .150,000.

The irrepressible British youth has made something out our visitation. With plenty of snow to favour the sport, toboggan carnivals commenced at early hour Hampstead Heath. Wandsworth Common, Hilly Fields, Lewisham, and one or two other favoured spots around the Metropolis. Hundreds of people flocked to these resorts with every kind of article, from the solid bob-sleigh the impioved orange box. and the scene was one of great merriment. It is also good to know that at this trying season much being done to relieve the sufferings of the poor, and bring brightness the lives of neglected children.

. . . " Finally, if Inot too late, Iwill again take the pleasure of wishing my readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

[BNA: Link.]

"Bucks Herald — Saturday 2 January 1909

London the last days of the dying year have been rendered most unpleasant by a blizzard which produced all sorts of dire results. " Snow, beautiful snow " may be very nice in the country, but in London, to the vast majority of people it is an unmitigated nuisance.

This morning it was difficult to get to the City, for 'buses were few and far between, and the much-lauded electric tram service had broken down as it always does when a little extra pressure is put upon it. In the main thoroughfares the surfaces were covered with churned coating of melting snow and mud, and when at last the City was reached it was found wrapped in sepulchral gloom. Anything more depressing could hardly be imagined, and the few business men who had ventured up from their suburban homes soon returned to them, leaving their clerks to put in few hours under the glare the electric lights.

The work of street-clearing is proceeding apace, and the "unemployed" are in luck! The cost promises to reach huge total. The authorities at Westminster this morning placed the figure for the whole of London at from 130,000 to 150,000.

The irrepressible British youth has made something out our visitation. With plenty of snow to favour the sport, toboggan carnivals commenced at early hour Hampstead Heath, Wandsworth Common, Hilly Fields, Lewisham, and one or two other favoured spots around the Metropolis. Hundreds of people flocked to these resorts with every kind of article, from the solid bob-sleigh the improved orange box. and the scene was one of great merriment. It is also good to know that at this trying season much being done to relieve the sufferings of the poor, and bring brightness the lives of neglected children.

. . . Finally, if I am not too late, Iwill again take the pleasure of wishing my readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

[BNA: Link.]

"The Era — Saturday 9 January 1909

MISS ITALIA CONTI

At Liberty.

41, Crockerton road. Wandsworth Common.

[BNA: Link.]

"The Era — Saturday 9 January 1909

MISS ITALIA CONTI

At Liberty.

41. Crockerton road. Wandsworth Common.

[BNA: Link.]

"Shoreditch Observer — Saturday 9 January 1909

The proposal to form bowling-greens Wandsworth Park, and on Tooting and Wandsworth Commons has been abandoned for the present.

[BNA: Link.]

"Newcastle Daily Chronicle — Thursday 14 January 1909 / man killed on line at Prison Bridge

Early yeAterday morning the body of a man was found or the London and South Western Railway, near the Prison Bridge, Wandsworth Common. A train had passed over it, and the head was completely severed.

[BNA: Link.]

Manchester Evening News — Saturday 16 January 1909

MARRIED MAN'S DECEIT. A Pathetic Farewell A verdict of suicide was returned at an inquest at, Wandsworth to-day on William Powell, a chemist's assistant, of Kidderminster, who was found decapitated on the London and South-Western Railway at Wandsworth Common on Wednesday. The evidence showed that the deceased was separated from his wife, and had been passing as an unmarried man, gaining the affections of a young lady who lived with her mother. On his real position being discovered the mother and her daughter wrote him letters, as the result of which 'no, it was stated, attempted suicide in December by taking laudanum, for which he was bound over. On the body was found a letter addressed to the Coroner directing that all letters, photos, &c., be given to a young lady whose name was not disclosed, and that all property belonging to deceased, which was in possession of a certain Kidderminster lady, be given to her. The letter continued God forgive me for all my sins. I cannot stand this life any longer. I have not a penny in the world, and my heart is broken. I have no wish to live.

The latetst London parlour craze, "Futty," is football on your own table. Ask to see It.-E4D.I

[BNA: Link.]

"Manchester Evening News — Saturday 16 January 1909

MARRIED MAN'S DECEIT. A Pathetic Farewell A verdict of suicide was returned at an inquest at, Wandsworth to-day on William Powell, a chemist's assistant, of Kidderminster, who was found decapitated on the London and South-Western Railway at Wandsworth Common on Wednesday. The evidence showed that the deceased was separated from his wife, and had been passing as an unmarried man, gaining the affections of a young lady who lived with her mother. On his real position being discovered the mother and her daughter wrote him letters, as the result of which 'no, it was stated, attempted suicide in December by taking laudanum, for which he was bound over. On the body was found a letter addressed to the Coroner directing that all letters, photos, &c., be given to a young lady whose name was not disclosed, and that all property belonging to deceased, which was in possession of a certain Kidderminster lady, be given to her. The letter continued God forgive me for all my sins. I cannot stand this life any longer. I have not a penny in the world, and my heart is broken. I have no wish to live.

The latetst London parlour craze, "Futty," is football on your own table. Ask to see It.-E4D.I

[BNA: Link.]

"Sheffield Daily Telegraph — Tuesday 13 April 1909

EASTER MONDAY IN LONDON. Rain Interferes with Holiday Makers. Eastertide is essentially a Londoner's holiday. The three or four days' relaxation which is afforded by the festival gives the Cockney opportunity of enjoying himself such has at other period of the year, and, needless to say, it is taken full advantage of. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday created record in the way of sunshine, and this accounted for the unparalleled exodus which took place from London to the seaside and country resorts on those days. Yesterday, however, the Clerk of the Weather was unkind, and although the morning opened clear, later heavy clouds began to gather and rain commenced to fall, with the result that many who had seized the opportunity of bringing out straw hats and other summer attire had cause to regret their somewhat hasty departure from winter conditions. But notwithstanding the uncertain state of the weather, the many thousands Londoners who annually look forward to Easter Monday for outing took their trips abroad as usual, although the entertainments under cover had a rather larger percentage of holiday makers than is generally the case. The various theatres and music-halls, where special Easter Monday "shows" were provided, did excellent business, and the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the Wallace Collection, the Tower, and other places of artistic and historical interest, received their full quota visitors. Madame Tussaud's was also the Mecca of many. In the East End, brake load after brake load of Cockneys, with their women-folk, set_ off for Epping Forest and other popular spots, with flags flying and concertinas playing, regardless of threatening rain, and only intent on tlioroughly enjoying themselves. Many took the opportunity of having a day's racing at Kempton Park, while others journeyed further afield, and took their annual trip to Brighton and other seaside towns, which outings were offered at specially cheap fares by the various railway companies.

On the south side of the river, additional cars were ran on the London County Council tramway system to carry holiday makers to Clapham Common, Streatham, Wandsworth Common, and suchlike open spaces, and large crowds waited at the termini at the various bridges, in order to obtain a seat.

In the west, the London United Tramways Company. notwithstanding the threatened strike, had no difficulty in carrying thousands of trippers to Kew Gardens, which proved a source of great attraction, Richmond, Kingston, and Hampton Court, and other up-river resorts. In the north the tramway extensions, which have been carried out by the London County Council during the last twelve months, proved bo a t boon to the residents of Islington, Highbury, King's Cross, and other nortnern disbricLs. and the taims running to Highgate Woods, Bamet, and Finchley were crowded throughout the day. The Alexandra Palace had some 80,u00 visitors, and the special holiday attractions included a circus, minstrel entertainments, music six military bands, a grand firework display Messrs. Pain and Sons. What created most interest, however, was the ascent of two balloons during the afternoon, under the direction of Professor Gaudin. As at the Alexandra Palace, the chief attractions the Crystal Palace, wh:ch was visited by over 70,030 holiday makers, consisted of balloon ascents and fireworks display. The other attractions consisted of variety entertainments, a performance "The Gentleman Jockey" in the theatre, music the Coldstream, Grenadier, Irish, and Soots Guards, with the drums and fifes, and in the evening a display of Brock's fireworks — one of the finest shows of its kind yet given- The scenes on Hampstead Heath were of the usual holiday character. Londoners in their thousands assembled there, and the famous Heath presented the picturesque appearance which has made it celebrated. The rain in the afternoon, however, sadly interfered with the merry-making, and the crowd had, perforce, to forsake their favourite spot at a much earlier hour than would have been the case had it been fine.

[BNA: Link.]

"CYCLING

PLANE / AEROPLANE

AERIAL WC

[BNA: Link.]

What was a Cycleplane or "Cycloplane"?

Western Times — Saturday 21 August 1909

Inventive Physician's Sad Death A verdict of "Death from natural causes" was returned at inquest Wandsworth yesterday, respecting the demise of Taylor, 78, retired physician, and formerly coroner and magistrate for Woodstock, Oxfordshire, who expired whilst cycling on Wandsworth Common early on Thursday. The deceased, who suffered from heart disease, left home the early hours to try a cycleplane which had made, and the brought heart failure. He was found dead by constable.

[BNA: Link.]
1909 8

"On 12 Mar 2022, at 16:24, Philip Boys wrote:

[BNA: Link.]

Cycleplane?

Western Times — Saturday 21 August 1909

Inventive Physician's Sad Death A verdict 0 f "Death from nAtural causes" was returned at inquest Wandsworth yesterday, respecting the demise of Taylor, 78, retired physician, and formerly coroner and magistrate for Woodstock, Oxfordshire, who expired whilst cycling on Wandsworth Common early on Thursday. The deceased, who suffered from heart disease, Jett home the early hours to try a cycleplane which had made, and the brought heart failure. He was found dead by constable.

[BNA: Link.]

Norwood News- Saturday 28 August 1909

Mr. John Troutheck held an inquest on the body of Frederic Taylor, aged 74, of Beauchamp-road, Lavender Hill, a retired medical practitioner who died from heart failure whilst testing a contrivance.

The widow dated that her husband went out at four o'clock on Thursday morning to try a cyclo-plane he had invented before the traffic got too dense. He had often done so before.

A police-constable stated that be found the deceased lying dead on the road side near Wandsworth Common, with the contrivance on his head. Witness had previously seen him cycling with it, and he appeared to get along as if nothing was wrong.

Dr. Trevor said that the contrivance did not contribute to tie man's death.

A verdict of natural death was returned.

[BNA: Link.]

South Western Star — Friday 17 September 1909

COMMON SCHOOLGIRL COMMENDED.

John Johnson (69), a costermonger, of 56, Welford road, Croydon, was charged on remand with begging from house taboos* at West Side, Wandsworth Common, on Monday week. — Prisoner's arrest was the outcome of the smartness of a scboolgirl named Holly Leggett, 40, West Side, Wandsworth Common. He tried to obtain money from her by telling a pitiful tale about his wife having been robbed at Clapham Junction which she did not believe. She followed him and discovered that be told a somewhat similar story to a gentleman. She then gave him into custody.

- lt was stated that prisoner had served 30 years in prison, including 21 years' penal servitude for minor offences.

- Mr. de Grey said great credit was due to the girl, who followed prisoner and found him out. He would be sentenced to a month's bard labour.

Prieonee: Thank you, air.

[BNA: Link.]

South Western Star — Friday 22 October 1909

AN "INIQUITOUS" PROPOSAL

A proposal to spend 35 on tar-paving a footpath on Wandsworth Common. near Wandsworth Common Station, objected to by Mr. Phillip, who pointed out that the Borough Council paid heavy sums to the County Council and might not to do that body's work as well. He mentioned that in a similar matter the London County Council had turned its back on Balham.

Mr. Lidiard said the matter rennin-1 a gond deal of consideration. If the Borough Council started this kind if thing where was it going to stop. Mr. Wire said the path in its present condition wee a disgrace. Be urged the Council to carry out the work. Mr. Turnbull followed with the declaration that the proplesl was iniquitous. The Borough Council osteht not to make good the negligence of the County Council. Mr. Wise real document which showed that the Borough Council had agreed to maintain the path. The Council referred the matter back to the committee.

[BNA: Link.]

"Sheffield Daily Telegraph — Thursday 13 January 1910

Mr. Lloyd-George's Old House in the Election. Tho house in which Mr. Llovd-George formerly resided at Wandsworth Common bound up with Liberal traditions to such an extent that the present occupier has decorated the roof with a huge poster enjoining the neighbours to "Vote for Warren," the Liberal candidate for Wandsworth. The place has, indeed, become for the nonce a glorified posting station, election literature creeping up from the garden fence to the chimney pots, and the main poster can be read a mile away. But Liberals are few and far between in that part of London, which has been represented by Sir Henry Kimber for quarter of a century.

[BNA: Link.]

"[Needs closer attention since I can't work out whether Wandsworth Common was deemed good or bad!]

Leicester Evening Mail — Saturday 15 January 1910

COMFORTS OF WELFORD ROAD.

A topic that is very. mech to the front in The Match with ffirmineham. "Rugger" circles just now is that of ground To-day speculation will be rife as to the accommodation. There has been rather a outcome of the English Cup-tie between Lot said about the inadequacy of the Birmingham and Fosse. The tie is one of the new ground at Twickenham, but that is for, three in which Second Division clubs meet, perhaps, only one great event in the whole Wad although the League records of the rear. hat about a ground like that of the teams are of a totally different character, I,ondon Welsh at Wandsworth Common. there is not the slightest doubt that the game The Welford Road enclosure thought of in will be one worth watching. Fosse possess contrast is a veritable fur-lined drawing., far better record than Birmingham, being ro om. Local lover* of the have heaps 14 points above them in the and an to be thankful for. So have the players, the only occasion on which the clubs have when at home, for the club house on the met this season the Leicester eleven won by ground is a luxury. Compare it, for in-3-1. This game was played on the Filbert stance, with the dressing accommodation at Street ground, and it is very likely that as Wandsworth Common. 'fhe difference is as the Cup-tie is to be _played at Birmingham great as walking in a muddy ditch is from that this margin be reduced, for it is motoringl have done both inside the same well known vast difference exists minute. But think of it! In up-to-data between Cup and League form. Still, if Fosse London, and not an inch of cover around play with anything that spirit and dash the arena; not even a stretch of canvas over of which they are capable, and the defence the reporters' table. There are some open maintain that perfect understanding and flower-pot stands for spectators to sit and solidity which has distinguished its perform- risk every possible disease known to science, this season, there seems to be no reason Old as am I should not have preferred why the Leicester team should not delight playing in that keen NVeeterly wind to their supporters by pulling off a welcome watching. victory.

Enough of Wandsworth! It Fosse do not seem to have much luck in however, the comforts enjoyed by the cup competitions, however, and it is rarely titters of the Tigers' home matches. It that they succeed in advancing beyond the shows that not only in the calibre of second round. year they did make a sport provided, but in other matters, Tiger towardsthe Palace by defeating suporters get their money back. NOW, Watford in a replayed tie at Leicester, but transfer with me. in thought, to Twicken. their next opponents were Derby County, barn! Remembering our two great seated who inflicted defeat upon them. Fosse seem and covered stands extending practically to be warticularly unlucky in the matter of along the whole of both sides of the playing the draw, and it is rare that local people pitch let us enter into the indignation that have an opportunity of witnessing a cup has ben aroused by ts arrangements of the match on the Filbert Street ground. The Rugby 'Jnion for te -sal game coffers ef the club, therefore, do not gain between England . much advantage from its cup contests, but The first cause for I hope that this year the team will have a fact that there are littla better luck, and that it will some 3,500 are On Stand "i milky tangible advantage from partici- and that the whole PO,Czon. in be great football tournament of plied for and sold. country. the whole basins,' latAtrustional

[BNA: Link.]

"Illustrated Police News — Saturday 9 April 1910

THE RED BAND

or

The Mysteries of the Mint

By Douglas Stewart

Revelations of Life in London Seventy Years Ago

CHAPTER VI, The Mystery f Rose Lodge, Nightingale Lane.

At the furthermost end of Nightingale Lane, and facing Wandsworth Common, at the period our life romance, stood pretty cottage-like tenement that with thatched roof and covered with jessamine, clematis, and climbing roses, was a veritable arcadia in summer, and in the winter wore a cosy, cheery, comfortable appearance.

The night following the illuminations and festivities in London was a dark and murky one — the moon, in a clouded sky, only occasionally illumining the highway and open country.

Black, grim, and weird looked Wandsworth Common, with its thickly-wooded furze-bushes, brambles, and giant fern, while a finger-post at its cross-roads. in the flashes of pale moonlight, appeared like a tall, spectral form in the centre of the bleak, open waste.

Looming out in the gloom, Rose Lodge (as it was called), with its white stuccoed front and its grey roof, looked cheerful and inviting the passing wayfarer, a light from diamoud-paned window in the upper torcy throwing out bright gleam of yellow in the murky air. Faint and dull the hour of midnight echoed over the common as it boomed out from the parish church of the old town.

At the last stroke of twelve was dying away the muffled figure of a man suddenly striding forth from Nightingale Lane mad his way the gate of Rose Lodge.

This obstacle to the entrance to the garden running all round the front of the house being locked, was unhesitatingly scaled by the midnight visitor, who, darting across the grounds, and gaining the hall door, opened it without any delay or trouble with a key he had taken from his pocket.

Softly this mysterious and ill-timed visitor made his way into the hall, closing to tho door without sound of creaking hinge or bolt.

Well acquainted, in spite his seemingly burglarious entrance, appeared the intruder into the lonely house.

Though pitch dark he, w;ith unerring footsteps, made his way to a flight of stairs, and ascending these with the cat-like tread had pursued all along, presently paused at the door of that room from the window of which flashed the yellow light into the grounds outside. Placing his ear to the door listened intently for any sound from within. All, however, was quiet, and skilfully now, for the door was locked, he with a skeleton key, succeeded in gaining admittance. With flashing eyes that shone like polished steel from the eyelet holes of -a velvet mask, the man mystery passing into the room, at once made his' way to table upon which scattered variety of letters and papers, some fresh and of late date, and others yellow with age.

Stooping down for moment, the intruder cast glance upon an old man seated by the table, his head hanging back over his chair as though overcome by fatigue had fallen asleep.

Gone! as Pedro predicted, and I'm safe ! muttered the stranger, who leaning forwards, now clutched at the pile of yellow, faded papers the table, in his eager haste not hearing a soft footfall outside nor discerning the tall figure of woman standing by the now half-open door.

Only as a slight exclamation escaped the lips that spring figure at the door did the man, with startled cry. turn upon his heels, the mask he wore, as he did so, falling from his features.

"A deep-laid, villainous plot, carried out with all your usual cunning, Miles Belton!"

The woman's voice rang clear and menacing, ns with extended finger she pointed to the grim, ghostly form lying in the chair.

"How came you here, Deborah Sjmiiks? Il thought my undo had strictly ordered you to remain in the house at Portman Square? said the alarmed Belton, still clutching the coveted papers stood in rage and fear glaring at that tall, erect figure by the door.

"Sir Arthur Belton desired me not to leave his town house, yes, but I came here to warn him !

"Warn him of what?

Of a cowardly and vile plot on his life ! But 1 arrived too late! follower and assassin, Pedro Vinezzi, here before mo ! "-

Woman, you are mad ! There was an ominous glitter, a tigerish expression in the steely blue eyes now, the speaker made step forward.

Stand back ! Don't attempt any tricks with me. My clog, Snapper, is outside! said the woman, with a slight wav o! her hand huge savage-looking mastiff

PIC

CLUTCHED AT THE PILE OF YELLOW, FADED PAPERS.

crawled in from the dark corridor, and _ Maude Mainwaring, followed the servant sinking down at the feet of his mistress girl into the house tenanted by the burly with & fierce growl, fixed his gaze on the smith. stranger.

Conducted into a pleasant, cheerful little

You are playing dangerous game De- room overlooking the Thames, the servant, borah Spinks ! said Miles Belton in a despite their protestations that they did not tone of rage and fear. .

l}} lre anything, left the two frmnds alone while she went below to prepare refreah"

You will find you are playing a losing mentg for them one ! was her defiant reply. Very pale and wan was Maude's pretty

Bah! Do you think Ishall allow face, a hectic flush mantling her comlate uncle's housekeeper to thwart me in panion's cheeks, whose dark eyes kindled my plans? You should know me better, as exclaimed in an excited tone : Marm Deborah ! Cheer up, dear! When things are at your suggestion!"

I have known you long as an u.nprin- their worst they sometimes mend ! Rememcipled and daring schemer, man who her, Maude, have a very powerful ally hesitates at nothing to gain his ends, as working on our behalf. That good creawitnesa that wretched old gentleman ture. Bond, would not have sent that verbal poisoned your suggestion ! message by the dwarf Come,' without he

"My uncle poisoned? What can you be thinking of. He has evidently died of a fit!"

had learned something of importance." thinking of. He has evidently died in a But neither the honest smith nor anvfit i one else cau shield now, Laura, from my late guardian's wicked nephew ! Left his sole heirmy little worldly wealth confiscated unless Imarry him. 'That wretch, Miles, has me at his mercy," said the poor girl, gobbing bitterly. Not solely at his mercy, Maude, while lam near to protect you! See ! you know that writing?" Rising from her seat here, the lovely brunette, leaning over the table, at the other side of which sat the weeping girl, held out for her perusal time-worn and faded letter. Very brief were the contents, and starting up Maude, with a trembling, nervous grasp, clutched at the document. And I say has died by poison !

Perhaps you can tell next that you can prove it!

Yes ! I can do that Miles

There was startled uneasy look upon Beiton's taco now, and, forgetting the dog, made a step forward, only being saved from the latter's fangs his mistress forcibly held him back.

Have a care! I don't answer for Snapper."

Fierce giving utterance to fierce oath the enraged and discomfited villain exclaimed, Tell me, woman, what you know and what you want!

Ah ! Now we're coming to business.

But. uuh! we will hold further conference below. The dead with the deadthe living with the living! With shudder, still holding the mastiff by its collar, the woman beckoned Miles to precede her she left the death chamber, softly closed the door, and in another five minutes the strange trio were gathered in a back parlour of the house, the dog never moving its fiery red eyes from the face of the man as the latter conversed long and earnestly with its mistress.

CHAPTER VII, The Meeting with the SmithA Consultatio The Message from the River.

It was upon a bright and sunny morning, about a week after the incident related our last chapter that two women, making their way down Nine Elms Lane, came pause they gained detached dwelling standing on that side of the highway abutting on the river.

It was an old and time-worn building, its blackened wooden frontage (in parts worm-eaten and decayed) and its low red-tiled roof denoting its antiquity.

Knocking timidly at the door of the lonely-looking house, the summons was at once answered by a smart, buxom girl, with red face, and large laughing blue eyes, who with a genial smile exclaimed, You the young ladies master hev been awaitin' for, I suppose? He's jest gone out to Nat Whiffles, the butcher, and said as prap's you'd wait if you coomed?

Certainly we will wait until your master Mr. Bond's return. We are sorry we're late, but we could not get here before," said the beautiful girl, Laura -Anson, who, with her companion, pretty

Maude Mainwaring, followed the servant

[bit missing]

To-night at eight by the Pont Neuf," she read aloud. That was allno name or initials affixed. But in a husky whisper Claude breathed the name of her lover's hateful cousin. _ * Miles Belton? Yes ! You recognise the villain's handwriting?" "Yes! Was that brief message sent to you? said the girl with a shudder and questioning glance of surprise. No, Maude! This scrap of paper was found on the body of my young sister, Bella, when she was dragged from the Seine the night of January 1, 1835!" Poor girl! Andandshe was drowned then, Laura, that New Y'ear's Eye, two years ago?" Found drownedyes, and placed in the Morgue, but I am convinced that the hand a cowardly assassin hurled her into the river! How awful! And he, whom you suspect of having perpetrated so foul deedwho was he?" There was no reply from the now ashen Laura's lips, but with her fine eyes aflame, she tapped significantly with her — fingers the crumpled piece of paper she held her hand. God ! man is very fiend wilio holds me his power! cried the young heiress, she suflk again into her chair. Hold him in your undying hatred, but fear him not, Maudethe wretch will even, tually meet hia deserts, be assured. He is enmeshed into web of crime from which will only be snatched the hangman's hand. His wretched unde's sudden has given to the ruffian wealth and power, tout my wit against his gold! Iwill hunt him down to destruction tnd will know rest until I have avenged wronged sister's death ! Grandly beautiful Laura Anaon looked in her wrathher tiny hands clenched, and raised heavenward, while, like a lovely lily broken at the stem, Maude, with drooping head, aat by the table, apparently prostrated by grief and despair. A heavy footstep outside, succeeded by the opening of a door, now caused the two girls give utterance to a simultaneous cry of glad greeting, and in another moment the brawny smith was seated with them in the room. "Don't be downhearted, pretty," said the giant, kindly, as he gently patted with his huge hand the sunny hair of Maude. We have found out the tiger Belton's lair, and by his master, the devil, and my goodly forge hammer, I dare swear by this time to-morrow we'll have his cousin safe "out hia talons!" " I knew you had discovered poor Frank's prison house," said Laura, as she pressed with her soft palm, the hairy fist of the smith, who with smile exclaimed: "Well, it I exactly found out the place where that demon had hidden his cousin. It were Tiny Tit, the dwarf." " Heaven reward him for the deed," cried Maude, with excited fervour. "But where is poor Frank, and can we rescue him at once We can, do nothing until dark, pretty! It's a rough crib they've got him ina house the police is rather shy of." "And where is it?" asked 'Maude, with a shudder. ,~ Mint Street, Southwark, pretty. That devil of cousin has got Master Frank actually in irons in a cellar of the old Duke's Head, Warm him ! but I'll soon rid the youngster of his gyvesand to-morrow weil have him here with us ! How will you effect thief asked Laura anxiously. Oh, Bond, have a care! good fellow. Should that demi-devil have tho least suspicion of your intended project all Would be lest r' Never fear! I know man ! Heart alive 1 'tvyouldn't be such a daring job entering the Duke's Head to-night as yours was, misaie, when you really made your way into the old Marsh House, Battersea Fields! said the smith, cast an admiring glance on the lovely face the girl that caused a momentary flush to mantle her cheeks. (To be continued. J A curious accident has occurred on board the steamer Trafalgar, Cardin, which has put into Falmouth. A young stoker named" William Orchard was engaged shovelling coal into one of furnaces when there was a loud explosion- A sheet of flame shot out of the fumace> and there was a strong smell It is surmised that a stray blasting cartnac. must have been left in the coal- was so badly injured that died later.

[BNA:

"Illustrated Police News — Saturday 21 May 1910

CHAPTER X continued

[BNA:

"QUOITS

Ealing Gazette and West Middlesex Observer — Saturday 11 June 1910

Owing to the Wandsworth Common Police Club having withdrawn from the league, no match will be played this afternoon, but Mr J. Lane, of the Hanwell Quoit Club, will play a match with Mr. W.H. Davis, of Grove Park, in the first round of the Chesterman Cup at 5 o'clock.

[BNA: Link.]

"THE END

Illustrated Police News — Saturday 2 July 1910

[BNA:
and "FREE TO LADIES A SAMPLE OF THE MOST RELIABLE REMEDY EVER discovered" etc

column 1

CHAPTER XVII. continued.

The moon entirely shrouded now, it was so dark that she could see her own hands they clung the keel the little vessel.

In vain the poor girl strove pierce the inky darkness that hung over the deep but. black Erebus, nothing was to be seen.

The strange noise that had fallen upon her ears above the rush of the waters, still continued to be heard. Gradually now her stiffened fingers released their grasp of the boat. e

Slowly, but surely, she felt her hold was giving way ; her strength and courage were alike deserting her. Higher now, the green and hissing waves seem lapping round her, the angry seas appearing if eager enwrap her small form in their cold embrace.

With a last wistful look at the bright stars, Laura was slipping into the liquid doptlir, when an arm presently encircled her waist and dragged her from the yawning deep placing her almost astride the upturned boat.

" Hold on. Miss Laura ! The longboat is a-drifting about somewhere near'stop a little, and wo'H get alongside her.'

Loud and clear, the voice of the dwarf rang in the cars of the startled girl, who a moment before had given herself for lost.

With wild stare. Laura, as the moon now burst forth from the clouds, beheld beside her the ungainly stunted figure of her preserver, and some quarter of a mile away, drifting slowly towards them, the longboat of the lost ship.

CHAPTER XVIII,

A Perilous Night. Saved from the deep

Though the tempest shortly after almost died away, a heavy, rolling sea rendered the task of the shipwrecked couple dangerous and difficult one, every heave of the waters and rushing waves that washed over the upturned boat threatening to wrench away their hold upon tire keel of tire little vessel, the frail timbers that rested between th.'m and death-

It was then, with wild shout of joy, that the dwarf, the longboat presently surged forwards and dashed against the jolly, at once leapt into her and, seizing the sculls that lay at the bottom, kept her steady while Laura scrambled in, her first action being to sink on her knees and offer a prayer to the Divine Power that had rescued them both from a grave in the deep. are saved, Miss Laura! But sailor-men ! Ah, Ah ! They've all gone to their master, the Devil!' said the dwarf, in a tone of voice that had something of satisfaction in it. You think the entire crew of that illfated vessel have perished, Tiny Tit? said Laura, with a shiver. I know it! I saw the ship heel over to starboard, and down she went like lead, she did ! I knowed wot was coming, Ijumps overboard, cos I didn't care about being sucked under with the boat. Iwere getting pretty well played out, though, and was funking about it bit when I caught sight first of the longboat and then the jolly, with you a-hotding to it like winkin'. Hurrah! says I. Hurrah Miss Anson's saved ! and aren't gone down along them demons, .and we've done 'em last !' Gorl praised, my poor fellow ! yes ! and Ishudder to think of what would have been your fate, and mine, had those miserable men succeeded in carrying their vessel far away, and but for your timely aid just now, I, too, should have joined them in the ocean.' But you have escaped ! And oh, oh ! Inow have a mission to fulfil

column 2

'How, Tiny? What you mean? ' Why, sailor-men, and that devil Frenchman'they've all gone ! They'll trouble more. But one remains, and for him, oh, oh ! the gallows waits !' You mean that arch-hcnd, Miles Belton, who entrapped us? You arc right, for of all those now lying beneath the waves, not one is a more desperate, cruel, unscrupulous ruffian than he ! Yes! Yes! Justice must meted out to that monster. Tiny Tit, and sister, who perished through his vile misdeeds, must avenged !' cried Laura, excitedly, forgetful of her own immediate danger, she thought of the poor girl who had perished in the Seine couple of years before. A mass of black crowds having again obscured moon's rays, a thick darkness hung over the waters, and the boat, the wind rising presently, proved unmanageable in the hands of the dwarf.

Her thoughts now brought back to their still perilous position, Laura, cowering in tire boat, watched with fear the white-

PIC

THERE WAS A SHIP SURE ENOUGH

crested billows that rushed and raged arc and them.

In less than half hour now the wind began again to blow with such force that would have brought the most, gallant ship lliat floated to double-reefed topsails steering by, and to reasonably short canvas running free.

There was a time when the boat was only kept head to sea by means of the w ash of the waves that drove past! .

Occasionally one of these, chasing along, would come after the boat at racer's speed, such breaking and half filling her.

It was during one of these dangerous moments of peril that Laura cried out that she saw ship, the lights of which glimmered like pale stars in the darkness.

In wild excitement the little dwarf, as her cry echoed over the waters, started and glared across the waste.

There was a ship, sure enough, with her head to the northward and eastward struggling along through the raging ocean under her fore and main topsails and reefed courses-, all this fully revealed, as the moon with faint, pale, sickly lustre shonfc from rift of cloud.

The ship was not a cable's length from them when first, discovered by Laura, but unfortunately was dead to leeward, and drawing ahead fast lend to the probability she would forereach upon them.

Three several times the water lapped in upon the two unfortunates, rendering their boat more and more heavy, and mow a

col 3

welcome hail sounded from the deck of the ship. Boat ahoy ! There ! At .this moment, though guided by Providence, the longboat shot directly beneath the ship's lee quarters, and rounded to under shelter of her hull, when rope, thrown from the deck, enabled the two occupants by the help of several sturdy sailors to get on board-the vessel, which, fortunately for Laura and her companion, proved to be homeward-bound for the West India Docks! t Stepping forward, a ship's lantern swinging in his hand, an officer flashed the light upon the two shivering forms snatched from, the sea. Loud cries of pity and commiseration rose from the seamen who presently gathered round tlie rescued couple to whom every kindness and attention was shown. The good ship 'The Jdverna, the next morning lying-to at Gravesend for pilot, Laura and the brave dwarf, Tiny Tit, took the opportunity of going ashore, and were soon after on their wav to London! A happy meeting was it when the excited pair, having made their way to Maude's house, discovered there, Bill Bond, the burlv smith, Nat Whiffles, the butcher, and Frank Belton, the three men having just determined acquaint the authorities forthwith with the mysterious disappearance of Laura and the dwarf, their united efforts for days having failed to find what had become of them. Not an instamt was lost by th' victims of Miles Belton's audacity and villainy, and before the expiration of twenty-four hours a warrant for hie arrest for the dual crimes of abduction and murder was in the hands of the police.

PIC

CHAPTER XIX, Nemesis !

A thick mist falling from a leaden sky, and a high wind sighing, moaning, howling, and screaming by turns, drear, sombre, and wretched looked the lonely villa abutting on the Common, at the corner of Nightingale Lane, Wandsworth.

Although mid-day, darkness as of night hung over the house, the outer door of which is presently opened by the bent, slouching figure of man, who, emerging from the lane few moments before, had approached the dwelling like a thief meditating some audacious robbery.

The ease with which an entry was effected, the loud banging to the door as closed it after him, however, would have disarmed any suspicion of ill intent from the minds any,passer-by.

Bounding up the stairs, the visitor to Rose Villa, Asking his way straight the room in which, some months before, had died its former owner, 'Sir Arthur Belton, he threw himself into chair and gazed 'with blood-shot eyes and distracted mein around the darkened room, an apartment that was grim, weird, and repelling in its intense quietude, silence rendered more gruesome by the screeching, moaning ternpest outside.

In a husky kind of half-whisper the solitary tenant of the room communed with himself sat there, with pale face and a haunting fear in his dfea.

I cannot realise the hideous truth! It is all like wild dream! . . .

col 4

Gaspard Laroche escaping the wreck and prisoner in the hands the police! The vindictive sister Sella on my track-! and the dwarf, with confession written by the woimm, Spinks! . . All, indeed, appears at an end, and my master, Satan, has deserted me! There's no hope, none ! I'm cornered at every turn. How dark this room is! Pshaw ! it is fancy, course, but I could swear I saw the figure of old man there !'there, by the door !'

With livid features — his eyes staring wildly into vacancy, the wretched villain. Miles Belton, for it was he, now started up and made for the window, a stifled kind of howl escaping him as he discerned some half-a-dozen figures in the grounds below.

So soon . . . I did not think they were so close upon heels ! That Ijeautiful demon, Bella's sister, leading them on ! Ah, Bella ! whose white face as she rose up from the waters of the Seine, now hovers up before ! That mass leaden cloud, too, shaped so strangely, like a huge black hand, it is directly over the hoi'iva now, Ha they are forcing the door!'

With wild impetuosity and fury the miser, able man here, as a crash sounded from below, threw open the window, and leaning forward, first giving vent to an rwful maniacal laugh, then in a hoarse voice cried out:

I'm ready for you'all! And I-wait your coming !' Then shaking his fist the mass black cloud overhead, he banged down the casement with.- a crash that splintered every pane glass in its frame. '

For a moment there was grim deathlike silence, and followed a roar of voices, ' and the tramp of feet, and in couple of minutes little crowd of police and others burst into the room.

He . . . of whom they were in search'whom they jpurpcaed to arrest for the heinous crime of murder, bad kept his word! had waited their coming.

Already rigid, his face a livid blue, his eyes bulging out from their sockets, and hia tongue, swollen and purple, one hand with death-grip holding a tiny bottle, Miles Belton lay corpse that very room in which his unfortunate uncle bar! died some months before by the hands of an assassin !

* * *

Our romance of real life is at an end, and we have little more to add, but may mention that Gaspard Laroche, who had indeed escaped the wreck of the Santa Maria, did not escape the gallows. 'Two deeds of vile murder being proved against him, he was duly hanged, and died with blasphemy and oaths upon his lips.

The Jacobites, Colonel Montfort, and the young baronet, 'Sir Harry Tempest, went abroad, and died in Florence.

Bill Bond and his friend, Nat Whiffles, left London for Yorkshire, and throve well 'one as butcher, amd the other in village smithy upon the estate of Frank Belton, who, with his pretty wife (nee Maude Mainwaring) resides at fine old Manor House near by.

Tiny Tit, the dwarf became the landlord of an inn not far from the smithy of Bill Bond, his two best customers; being the giant inseparables.

Laura Anson went to the States, and, actress and singer, made money ing her hand, however, eventually to a rich Blanter, with whom, we believe, she lived happily.

At times, her joys were shadowed bv a remembrance- of the past, then she calleo to mind howl,. aided a beneficient Providence she had avenged her sisters wrongs, and brought to judgment her vicious destroyer.

With the deaths those children of the night and blood-stained criminals of the Mint, murder and atrocities in the neighbnurhood became less frequent, and in time almost forgotten were these evil days oi the Red Band.

[The End.]"

London Evening Standard — Friday 13 January 1911

START ON MAT 1. By May Ielectric trains will be running from London Bridge and Victoria Stations, right through to the Crystal Palace. Already the overhead girders are in position, and the contractors have promised a delivery of the rolling stock early in April. The carriages will be similar to those at present in use on the London Bridge to Victoria line. It is estimated that the journey, which DOW takes half an hour, will be reduced by at least ten minutes, and the large quantity of rolling dock ordered by the Landon, Brighton, and South Coast Railway will permit of trains being started ima& cliately they are full, and run at about five-minute intervals Many of these trains will be non-stop ones, and on Saturdays and holidays it will also be possible to introduce steam-driven trains to cope with the iecreassd traMc. The route to the Crystal Palace from Victoria will be via Battersea Park, Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Common, Balham, Streatham-hill, West Norwood, and Gipsy-hill; that from London Bridge via South Bermondsey, Peckham Rye, Tulse hill, and Gipsy-hill. From the Palace both trains will go on to Norwood Junction, where the principal power station will be situated. AU the high tension apperatus, which is of the simplest nature, will be inclosed in an entirely fireproof steel compartment, and access to it can only be obtained after the current has been cut of and connected to earth, thereby rendering it absolutely safe. This is otw tamed by a very simple interlocking arrangement. All the currents for lighting and control, and, in feet, every circuit to which it is possible to obtain poems, while current is on, in no ems ezcseds 300 volts.

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"Belfast Weekly Telegraph — Saturday 14 January 1911

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

ROMANCES OF CRIME

By the author of.e author of " My. Remarkable Clues," be., be.

STRANGER THAN FICTION.

A more singular series of puzzles than aal presented by the case of Adelaide Bartlett, &rwith poisoning her husband, can im cited. It explanation, and ems respect occupies a unique position. It instance in criminal annals of intentional poisoning where death Iran by the swallowing of chloroform. Apart from the mystery of the death itself. the story presents unusual elements of romance, such, indeed, as are more likely to be found in the creations of fiction rather than in real life. -The chief actor in the story was a fascinating French girl, with the attractive name of Adelaide Blanche de La Treadlie, who came to England from her native plant, Orleans, in her teens, on a visit to the family of a Mr. Charles Bartlett. She was slight in figure, with an olive vmplczion which bad not a trace of sallowness Ii it, big black eyes, and luxuriant haira trim daughter of Southern France. _ At the louse of Charles Bartlett she was Introduced to her host's brother, Thomas Edwin Bartlett, who straightway fell in love with her. Re evidently believed in the wooing that it, not long a.cloing. and before three months were over the two were married one bright spring morning in the parish ehnSch at Croydon. The bridegroom was considerably past thirty, the bride twenty. At the very outset Mr. Bartlett showed to .1: possessed of singular ideas. Thus the marriage we. not followed by the usual blissful honeymoon trip. Instead, the amorous Edwin peeked off his bewitching young bride to a wheal at Stoke Newington, to complete her education; and from there. later on, to a convent school in Belgium. It the oddest gement possible. the child-wife working hard at her studies, spending her holidays with her husband in apartments, and going back to school at the and of each vacation. Two years of this strange married iife went over. Aix! then Mrs. Bartlett came to England from her convent schoo! permanently to live with her htuiband. The year after the Bartlett* had taken np Their residenor M Herne Hill, here Hr. Bertleft bad grocer's ebop, hie mother and et the joint invitation of hu , band and wife Mr. Bartlett, senior, went to live with them. All through their married life, Edwin Bartlett and his wife were looked upon by all who knew them as a most affectionate couple. and if ever there a rift within the lute it occurred about this period. For Soon after her father-in-law came to reside with them he began to circulate defamatory stories with regard to his daughter-in-kn. Ultimately he was prevailed upon to write sr apology, which was printed and distributed at the instigation of Edwin Bartlett, who bad the greatest regard for his wife. Some two years later the Bartletts removed from Herne Pill to another shop in Lordship Lane. Dulwich; and soon after from 'here to The Cottage, Phipps Bridge, Morton Abbey. Dear Wimbledon. At Merton there entered upon the scene a young man who was destined to influence the futures of both Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett. This was George Dynan. a Wesleyan minister, then about twenty-seven years old. Mr. Dyson was in charge of a small chapel in the High Street. Merton. where the Bartletts attended, and he called upon them as members of his eongregation. The young preacher would occasionally take tea at The Cottage, and Mr. Bartlett conceived such a liking for him that he invited him to call more frequently. This pleasant friendship wan interrupted for while. Dyson going to Trinity College. Dublin, where he graduated, and took his B.A. degree. On his return to Merton, Mr. Bartlett said he would like his wife to take up her studies again, and requested Dyson to have the supervision of them. Be consented, and used to call and give Mrs. Bartlett lessons in Latin, hist or y, geograp h y , and mathematics. At the of September. the Bertlett* to reside at 85. Clarerton Street. Pim/ice, where thej engages' a furnished first floor. On taking possession of the rooms early in October, Mr. &Men told the landlord that a clergyman would come and dine with them there onee a week. IAt that time Dyson had gone to live at 18, Parkfield Road. Putney, where he had been appointed the minister of a large chapel. At C Ia verton St reef the lesson!' were resumed, and instead rf coining once a week. Dyson would call three or four times, generally about three o'clock in the afternoon. The close companionship of Dyson was indicated by Mr. Bartlett providing him with a season ticket, while a blue serge lounge coat and a pair of slippers were kept for his use so as to make him feel at home and comfortable. They sere now on such terms of familiarity that husband and wife ; would allude to him as " Georgic's Rex." ISome time previously Mr. Bartlett made a will, leaving all he possessed to his wife. This will was as follows: "Herne Hill. S.E. 3rd September. 1885. Iwill and bequeath all my property and everything I am pownessed of to my wife Adelaide for her sole use, and appoint George Dyson. 8.A.. Wesleyan minister. sad E. Wood. solicitor, my executors. (Signed) Thomas Edwin Bartlett. Witness to my signature. Herbert Eustace and Arthur Brooks." The Bartlett& had now been married some ten years. and up to this time Edwin Bartlett had been looked upon as a strong. healthy man. After coming to Pimlico. however, be suffered a good deal from neuralgia. and nerve disturbance generally, and there seems to be little doubt that be dosed himself with all kinds of medicine, as people who are in continuous pain often are tempted to do. Then came on a sudden illness, and for the time a doctor was sent for. Mrs. Bartlett acting on her own Iinitiative. Tbe doctor. Mr. Alfred Leach. a Furgeon, on entraining Mr. Bartlett was rather puzzled. The symptoms internally indicated gastritis, but the state of the gums suggested that the illness was due to mercury. Questioned on the point by the doctor, the patient attributed his condition to having taken a pill of unknown strength out of a drawer of sample pills. The explanation confirms the suggestion that Bartlett was addicted to physicking himself indiscriminately. The doctor's treatment was successful. condition of his teeth, however, caused trouble, and on December 16th, Mr. T. Roberta, a dentist, was called in to see them. Be examined Mr. Bartlett's teeth and gums. and formed the conclusion also that he was suffering from mercury poisoning. The dentist extracted on three occasions within week seventeen teeth. _ _ . On the 19th a Dr. Dudley was called in in consultation, at the special desire of Mr. Bartlett himself, on the extraordinary ground that if anything fatal occurred his friends might suspect his wife of having poisoned him. Dr. Dudley examined the sick man and found that his organs were healthy without the least sign of any disease. He approved the treatment that was being followed, and the suspicious symptoms soon passed away. From the beginning of his Slums Mr. Bartlett had occupied a small iron bedstead In the front room by the fireplace, while hie wife rested on a sofa or a chair. She attended to her husband night and day with anxious attention. at night-time seeing to the Ire. making beef-tea, etc., and the doctor stated he could not have wished for more devoted nurse. day his father called tome him. Mr. Bartlett mentioned that he suffered from Insomnia and was taking sleeping draughts. Be also complained of other ailments. Throughout his which Mr. Bartlett himself put down to being mainly due to his having been overworked in business, his condition was one of nervous exhaustion and depressiou. He was hypochondriacal and anxious. He had crying its. nod would sit in a chair and cry for an hour. When asked why b. did so. he gave the contradictory reply that it wee because be felt so happy. Dr. Leech advised him to Torquay wMbout Mrs. Bartlett. as be wan really an hysterical patient. and was too much petted by his wife. A sea voyage would do him most good. the doctor thought. On the oth Mr. Bartlett went for a drive sad came bases showing every sign of returning health. On December 10th he was so well that Dr. Leach decided to diaoonthine his visits. The next day he dined &tont three la the afternoon. when he ate a

____

Hearty meal of judged hare.

APL--6%;: tem prate. 4 alive, died. _ of e year. When be retir . ed from the dentist's, told his Landlady that he thought the worst wee over, and he would get better. Be theaked Las for the dines's. served sad told ber how mach be had enjoyed it. Be had a tea eujiper, with oysters, cake, chutney, etc. He sat up to eal, sad afterwards walked about the room. He wee altogether in moellest spirits, his mind dwelling da the good things of life, for he told the to set him a haddock for the lst asebines breakfast, saying he would ' get up ea boar earlier at the thought of baring It as &seek be alter. sated between over-eating and overdosing himself. At four o'clock as morning of Year's Day. tho Deigstts. who weed the bows. were aroused hy a Mackin at their doer. down. I"Mr. Bartlett is we the startling announcement uttered in the agitated voice of Mrs. Bartlett. Thee the servant was ant poet Mete kir the doctor, When the Doggetta reached the drawl. rain. Mrs. Bartlett &eked these if they thontbt bar wee dead; whereupon Mr. Dogett rat his baud over his heart. " Yes." the reply. " he most have been dead two or three hours. He is perfectly cold." 11;a. Bartlett then explained what had happened. " I had fallen asleep." she. " with my hand over his foot. Iawoke with cramp in ply res. and found him lying on Al. face. Iput him in the position in which you nee him, and tried to pour brandy down his throat." When the Doggett, saw him, he was lying on his hack with his left hand on bresst. Dr. Leach confirmed the landlord'e statement that Mr. Bartlett had been dead from two to three hours. lire. Bartlett then burst out crying bitterly. 011 tattler examination, the doctor found the pupils of the eyes much dilated. the mouth partly open, and the tongue white. The expression of the face was natural, there was no froth on the lips, and no appearance of any convulsive action. The chest smelt elt.ghtly of brandy, but the mouth had no odour whatever. The doctor wee puzzled. and aaked Bartlett whether she could give him any explanation. and she replied that she unable to do so. The post mortem examinatioa was reside on the following day. The organs were found to be healthy. and all that remained to de was . to analyse the contents of the stomach. The analisis waa made on January 12th. and on the 26th the widow called on Dr. Leach. " Mrs. Bartlett." said he, I think Isome good news for you. Report says the Government analyst is going to give acetate of lead as the oause of death, which is nonsense: and there is also another report that he is going to return chloroform as the comae of death, and that is impossible. At any rate it should set your mind at rest. Had it been one of thee cases of secret poisoning that is, poison given in small dosesyou might be accused by some people of having poisoned him." Mrs. Bartlett's answer was one which struck the doctor dumb with amazement. " I am afraid, doctor, it is too true," said she sadly. " Iwish that anything but chloroform had been found." Mrs. Bartlett explained that she had bad chloroform in her pospession" and that she had obtained it to soothe her husband when he fell into paroxsyms of neuralgic pain. On the first day of the year she took the chloroform to him, he looked at the bottle, took it, and put it on the mantelpiece by the side of the bed. She went to sleep with her arm round his foot, and then woke and found him dead. The inquest followed in due course. and according to the medical evidence chloroform was thy only poison found present in the body.. ..liive.rythiag pointed to the administration at a large and fatal of the drug. Then came another startling surprise. Tho Rev. George Dyson voluntarily related the story of his share In the mystery. Re warn the person who bad supplied Mrs. Bartlett with the chloroform. The result warn that the jury returned a verdict of" wilful murder' against Adelaide Bartlett, making Dyson "an accessory before the fact." 'l'he part that Dyson played was this. It appeared that during Mr. Bartlett's illnese he made frequent calls at Claserton Street to inquire after him. On one of these occasion. Mrs. Bartlett asked him to obtain some chloroform for her. She had been to get it from a name, but the latter bad gone to America. Dyson suggested she should get it through the doctor, but she replied he did not know she was skilled in drugs and medicines. and that he would not entrust her with it. She added that she possessed a medicine chest. and Droop had himself noticed a copy of "Squires Companion to the British Pharniacopoiia " on her bookshelf. Curiously enough. when the coroner handled this book at the inquest, it at once open at the description of chloroform, and there a note on the — Bartlett next confided to Dyson that her hothead suffered from an internal complaint. for which had doctored hies for or Mx yews. Ile was very aeneitive about it, and on that account would have no regular doctor. The disease. she said. ramod him very great pain, and to soothe him she was accustomed to nee chloroform, which she applied externally. . . Upon receiVing his explanation. about the truth of which there is a little doubt. tbe young Wesleyan minister promised to obtain some of the drug if he could. She handed him a sovereign to cover the expense. Al a shop at Putney. within a few yards of his chapel. be procured an ounce bottle of the drug, and at two chemists at Wimbledon, who had been members of his congregation. he succeeded in obtaining four ounces more. He poured the whole into a larger bottle and gave it to Mrs. Bartlett. When Mr. Bartlett died so euddenly and unexpectedly, and thinge began to look black. Dyson got nervous and asked the widow whether she had used any of the chloroform, and she assured him she had not. He, however. continued to harp upon the subject, oa hearing the rumours that were about, and she few into a passion and stamped her foot on the ground. She asked him why he did not charge her outright with giving chinroforus to her husband. Mrs. Bartlett's anger bad the effect of frightening Dyson, still more. and on Wandsworth Common be threw away the two bottles which were at his lodgings. His explanation afterwards was that the eight of them distasteful to him, but the wawa his atm= lest he should be further implicated. As for the larger bottle in the perms Mon of Mrs. Bartlett, threw it into the pond on Peckham Bye. No doubt she much terrified as Dyson. and their actions at this juncture certainly supported the theory of the prosecution. The trial came on en April. and lasted a Whole week. No being offered against Dyson, be was at once acquitted, and from the dock stepped into the witness-box to tell his story. The ptaitioa was not nice for the Bev. Occres Dywou. It' cannot be said that chivalry as hit strong point. lodised, it was clear be wee to minima, his shore in the trammel:km clear hismoff at any cost. But throughout hie airy there was set one word whisk showed that Mrs. Bartlett had any guilty inteat, nor that their relations wore other than strictly platonic , . It Is pretty certain that if the pragmatism could hays the reverse the widow would, have beet forthemaing. But as it the accused from the ordeal samathed. _ . Amid a of the wildest she declared to be not guilty. aka the crowded received the verdict with vociferous cheering, echoed by the mob outside. The verdict certainly a popular one. but it added nothing to the solution of the mystery. It simply suggested as the only possible alternative that Mr. Bartlett died by his own hand, whether intentionally or by accident does net matter very much. The medical wideness on the of chloroform takes interaally not with,- factory. The fact the doctors had no data to go upon. They sot say how or bow MU wsidd asides * aeons to by amok pada . If lbws bad pola, ci r. pot Moo tom OD am It shorty um I. whs. lo Os nem dfo. bided no miell of &boot Om lips. Aided to be tbe diflooky of peen. 2 . 1 . = woo of num. Ti. ofmelsokam to voluedoryl draught. Owe may be sr Agates MIM I, Judges aospestism pemon sellarbs professed insensate in mks IS ad. be rieesm- I for ofralimmi lag so of het kind. The key, bowevair, to wink eeteally NS plan on that dawn of New Year will probably our be known. (The Sad.) — - — LA? WALICER-4ganted to know the present whereabouts of John Walker, aged about 28" who was List beard of in India four yeare egos. a Rillensan. Any information will be thankful,' received by his father and mother. Catherine and Hugh Walk er . 17 Disraeli Street, Crtunlio Road, Belfast, Ireland. PAYNEWanted to know the whereabonte of Edward and Jamie Payne, eons of Alexeader or Samuel Payne. They were born ha

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"Railway News — Saturday 14 January 1911

THE BRIGHTON COMPANY'S NEW ELECTRIC LINES. Those who remember the long delay, quite unavoidable and unforeseen, which took place in connection with the electrification of the Victoria to London Bridge suburban lines of the London Brighton and South Coast Company, will be pleased but not surprised to learn that the . additional electrification scheme now in hand is making such rapid progress that the line to the Crystal Palace is to be opened in May next. The reasons wh;ch determined the Company upon the electrification of addifonal mileage are not far to seek. The South London lines have, since their conversion to electric traction, proved so popular as to bring back to the Company a very large amount of passenger traffic VICTORIA. the first-mentioned line is met, and on through Gipsy Hill to the Crystal Palace. There is also an extension to Selhurst, making a total length of line of 15 miles. The line already electrified is known as the South London line, and extends from Victoria to. London Bridge, via Battersea, Wandsworth Road, Clapham, East Brixton, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye, Queen's Road, Old Kent Road, and South Bermondsey, and is just under q miles in length. Inside Victoria Station seven lines have been equipped with overhead construction, giving access to five platforms, and in London Bridge Station, five platforms have been similarly fitted. The time taken by the steam trains from Victoria to LONDON BRIDCC CROSS. BROCKLE MONOsr:Y. 'V.

PLAN SHOWING ELECTRIFIED LINE COMPLETED AND UNDER CONSTRUCTiON FOR THE LONDON BRIGHTON AND SOUTH COAST RAILWAY. which had been lost, and it will not be surprising if the Company decides upon a far-reaching scheme of electrification of its system. Indeed, it is breaking no confidence to state that the subject is even now receiving serious consideration. For the moment, however, the Crsytal Palace electric lines claim attention. Tlx extension scheme which is now in rapid progress consists of the equipment ot the railway from Peckham Rye, where a j u nct ion is made with the South London line from London Bridge, through East and North Dulwich and Tulse Hill to the Crystal Palace; and fro . m Battersea Park, where a second junction is made with the South London line from Victoria, through Clapham Junction, Balham, Streatham Hill, West Norwood, where London Bridge was thirty-six minutes; electric traction has reduced this to twenty-five minutes, and permits a much more frequent service of trains. The installation of electric traction adopted in the old lines, and to be adopted for the extension now in progress, is the single-phase alternating-current high-tension system, involving the use of the overhead conductor, which is quite impossible when the ordinary continuous current system of traction is used. This system was decided upon after the most careful consideration, and since its adoption the majority of railway engineers throughout the world have concluded that it is the only satisfactory one for electrically operating any portion of a main line railway, and Herr Geheimrat Wtttefeld,

LINES ALREADY ELECTRIrIED WANDSWORTH COMMON. in NE am LINES BEING ELECTRIFIED fNORTH DULWICH. 44 WEST NORWOOD. 4 6 a_ GIPSY HILL. NORBURY. SELHURST NORWCOD JUNG I

[BNA:

"COUNTY ARMS — MUSIC — CHILDREN — LOSES LICENCE — THEN GETS IT BACK AGAIN

Kenilworth Advertiser — Saturday 15 April 1911

CONCERTS IN A PUBLIC-HOUSE GARDEN. IMPORTANT DECISION AFFECTING PUBLICANS. A question of importance to licensed victuallers and the public generally was decided ty Mr. Loveland-Loveland, K.C., and other Justices at the Loudon Sessions on Friday. It was raised by way of an appeal by Claude Lound and Messrs. Young and Co.'s Brewery, Ltd., against a refusal by the Wandsworth licensing Justices to renew a licence to the appellant Lound to sell intoxicating liquors at the County Arms, Trinity Road, Wandsworth Common. It was stated that the house had been licensed for over 100 years, and that Mr. Lound had an interest of in the premises. Mr. George Elliott, %vac, represented the respondent Justices, said that attached to the County Arms was a garden in which summer concerts were given, and children were Fermated to be present with their parents, the L.C.C. having granted a licence for music. He agreed that the character of the concerts and the people attending them were above reproach, but the Justices argued that the garden came within the meaning of the Children Act, because it was a place mainly used for the purposes of the sale of alcoholic liquors. The view held by the Justices was that it was an extremely harmful practice that children. should be present in such circumstances, and a distinct infringement of the Act of Parliament. These concerts, counsel urged, were only an auxiliary to a large consumption of liquor. Mr. Marshall Hall, K.C.. for the appellants, submitted that the suggestion that the garden was mainly used for the sale and consurnpticn of liquors was insupportable. The garden was used for the purposes of the concerts, and was only incidentally used for the serving of liquor to people legitimately and lawfully there. The whole matter was brought before the L.C.C. when the music licence was applied for, and the police had put the question before the authorities. As no proceedings were taken it was evident that the police did not agree with the Justices view. — Commenting on the fact that the licensee had refused to give the Justices an undertaking not to allow children to he present, Mr. Marshall Hall, K.C., said he admired the position taken up, because he thought it was directly opposed to the whole principle of modern temperance "That principle," said counsel, "is to improve the condition of public-houses, to give opportunities for legitimate and "honest amusement, and the service of drink is incidental to the enjoyment of the liberty and freedom. Isubmit that it is in the interests of true temperance that this licence should be renewed, ' that the policy of this licensee is to be supported, and that there is no evidence to say that there has been any contravention of the Act, which we all wish to see carried out in its . true and legitimate manner." The Judge: Is there any fixed bar in this garden? Mr. Marshall Hall: Nothing at all. The liquor is brought from the house. The Bench decided that the garden was not mainly or exclusively used for the sale of liquor, and the appeal wag allowed, and the licence renewed."

"EXTENSION

LCC

Evening News — Monday 29 May 1911

IN AND AROUND LONDON.

A Piece of Wandsworth Common for Sale.

A determined effort is to be made locally and by the London County Council to prevent some twenty acres of land, held by the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum on Wandsworth Common, from being sold.

This land originally formed part of the Common, and was conveyed by the Lord of the Manor in 1854 to the Patriotic Fund Commissioners for the purpose of the Asylum, for £3,000.

The twenty acres were leased by the Commissioners some fourteen years ago, and have since been used for agricultural purposes. Now it is proposed to sell them, and to this the Wandsworth Borough Council strongly object, being of opinion that the land should be restored to the or preserved as an open space.

The L.C.C. have the matter in hand, and are considering whether the land shall be acquired.

[BNA: Link.]
"

"Evening News — Monday 5 June 1911

The People and Wandsworth Common. Mr. Rive. Fisher, M.P.. NA ho is vice. president of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation, gives today an assurance that the agricultural land wbah lies in the middle of Wandsworth Common, and which belongs to the Royal Victoria Patriotic School, is not to be sold for building purposes. Such a proposal, he says, has never been considered. The Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation are anxious to sell it to the London County Council. so that these twenty acres may be added to the common . . . . . The Corporation are compelled to try to sell the land because the endowment fund of the sch is insufficient for the permanent maintenance of the building itself, The Corporation have had to spend 10,000 on repairs to the building, but there is fund from which to draw the money to pay the bill. The land was originally purchased in 1857 out of the national funds for those who had been dependent upon soldiers and sailors who fell in the Crimean War. In 1881, it was found necessary to sell the boys' school and eleven acres of laud on account of the inadequacy of the endowment.

[BNA: Link.]

Pall Mall Gazette — Monday 5 June 1911

Some needless but excusable alarm has been experienced by the dwellers about Wandsworth Common at the circulation of a rumour that the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation contemplated the sale of twenty acres of their grounds for building purposes, in order to increase the endowment of the Royal Victoria Patriotic School.
Such a calamity would be viewed with dismay by the whole of the inhabitants of Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea, and the districts beyond, for the loss of so large a slice of this incomparable breathing-space would be grievous and irreparable.

Mr. Hayes Fisher, the Vice-Chairman, reassures us this morning.

The Corporation would only entertain such sale as the very last extremity. At present they are offering the land as an open space, and if the London County Council do not entertain the offer, no doubt the London Playing Fields Society or some other body in search of recreation ground will.

The land can be had for this purpose at a reasonable figure, and it is good to that the Corporation are so mindful of their obligation to the public as to use their utmost endeavours to preserve the amenities of the Common in the way the public would approve.

[BNA: Link.]
"

Croydon Express — Saturday 10 June 1911

WANDSWORTH COMMON.

Possibility of Sale being Averted.

The prospect of a twenty-acre strip of ground in the middle of Wandsworth Common being sold on a building lease has caused considerable local apprehension. The ground in question is part of 55 acres bought ,n 1557 by tne Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation for the purpose of founding a boys 'and girls' institution for the orphans of soldiers and sailors. On July 11th of that year the late Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the institution, and the girls' school was opened on July let. 1859, the boyis' school not being opened till October. 1872. In 1881 it was found that the endowment fund was insufficient to maintain the boys' school, and this portion of the property, representing about 11 acres, was $01(1 to the United West minster Schools Committee for upwards of L 35,000. A. portion of the remainder. the twenty-acre strip now in question, was let as a farm on a 21 yews' lease, which will expire in March next.

Sir Henry Kimber's statement as to the intention c, the Fund Corporation to dispose of this property has attracted the attention of the London County Council, the Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Councils, the 0011 1110116. and Footpaths Preservation Society, and other bodies interested in the preservation of London's open spaces. Steps were at once taken to ea v e the property from the builder, and negotiations between the London County Council and the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation began about two weeks ago, and are still going on. It was urged on behalf of the council that the property should he restored to the common. seeing that it was no longer needed for the putpose for which it was originally acquired. The Fund Corporation Committee expressed their willingness to afford every reasonable opportunity for the land to be saved as a public space. They .had, they contended, purchased the property under a clear title from Lord Spencer, lord of the manor, in 1857. At that time they could have bought land for their purpose in other parts of Lindon at a fair price.

"The Patriotic Fund Corporation." remarked the secretary. Major Stanton, "are most anxious that this land should be preserved as an open spew, and if the Wandsworth Council or any other body will help to accomplish this, we stall be only too pleased. The position is simply that in 1859 0140.000 was set aside as an endowment fund, and invested at 51 to 6 per cent. In November, IWO, the then actuary of the Royal Commissioners estimated that the liabilities in respect of allowance@ to widows on the Patriotic Fund exceeded the reasonable assets by over £60,000. This report caused considerable stir at the time, and resulted in lengthy correspondence between the-Secretary of State for War and the Royal Commissinners. It was consequently decided in 1881 to sell the boys' school, the farm—then no required—lieing leased off.

"We are now faced by the fact that the income from the fund. originally invested in 6 to 8 per cent. stocks. has of late years shrunk to .11 nr 4 par cent., and this rednetiers is not vet at an end. The present income. therefore, is only sufficient to maintain the school without any extensive repairs to the fabric, and it is to 'meet the latter that we have to reconsider our finarie!al position. Tree, the increase of the income from the endenvir-ent fund has been counterbalanced Sri of the increment value of the land et Wandsworth. The committee, however. is nut appreaching any of the public in a purely mercenary spirit. Wha• they want to do is to see to the permanent manila of the girls' institution, which is otherwise PeE-supporting, and if any of the nehlie bodies are prepared to meet the renewatien expenses nre eoneonms9 aboet. I feel mite sere that the ittee would be fayoorahly disposed towards handier over the 20 acres in question with',lit fertiles rest on the understanding that the ground was to be preserved a an open grace. The committee. meanwhile, are in weenemication with the London County Creineil with a view to this land being purchased for nubile recreation groueds. and they sincerely hone that the council will Instil@ t,, rive nn nctecyuste sum to enable the committee to niece the endowment fund that will the necessity of selling Harland for building purposes."

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"BOWLS

Scottish Referee
AN INTERNATIONAL LOST. Refreshing and encouraging as is our nation's athletic victory over Ireland, this is discounted somewhat by England's victory in bowls over Scotland. This featEngland's third in the series since the institution of the matches in 1903was accomplished on the greens of the South London Club in Wandsworth Common. That England should conquer in a pastime which Scotland made her own, and was supposed to be superior to all other nations, is most creditable to John Bull's bowlers on the green. We must., however, lest they become boastful, ask them to remember that this victory was accomplished by the aid of the Anglo-Scots in her ranks, and who in her clubs have for some years been teaching Englishmen how to draw and strike, and, above all. how to build their heads in rink play. A purely national born and bred out-and-out match is desirable at bowls as in other sports r ,- heii a championship of nations is at stake. This was England's third national bowling victory. for she won in 1003 and 19013. Scotland can afford her a win, for she won the last four 'Nationals in succession. C

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South Western Star — Friday 21 July 1911

THE PATRIOTIC SCHOOL LANDS. PROPOSED TOWN'S MEETING

. lo the event of the result of des of the Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Council to the London County Council, on the subject of the proposed eels of the Patriotic Farm. proving unfavourable, be Wandsworth Common Protection Association are calling (by requisition so the Mayer of 50 ratepayers) town's meeting, to be bold, If necessary, on Friday, July 29 iost., as the Town Hall, Wandsworth. The Mayor of Wandsworth has provisionally consented to take the chair..-

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Daily News — Friday 27 October 1911

WANDSWORTH COMMON. At a public meeting held at Wandsworth last night protest against the sale by the Patriotic Corporation of twenty acres of land formerly part of Wandsworth Common, a resolution was passed deploring the suggested sale for building purposes, and urging upon the London County Council and the Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Councils the necessity of taking immediate steps to secure the land as an open space. A fund was opened in the hall for this purpose, and considerable sum subscribed.

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Sporting Life — Wednesday 8 November 1911

THE STORY OF THE L.C.C.

The London County Council, who play at Eltham, are not, perhaps, a Kentish club in the strictest sense, but since they play within the county's boundaries it certainly has some claim on them. The L.C.C. had a Rugby club about fifteen years ago, but it was disbanded owing to the number of officials who, through injuries sustained in the game, were absent from their duties.

In 1902 H. M. Rushworth, a member of the old Croydon team. got np a scratch side on two or three occasions, but it was not until the following year that the clrb was properly revived. Y. Hamill. an Irishman who would have held hiA own in tfirst-clasa football as a back, was elected captain, and Earl Vernon hon. secretary, and the latter, who has done any amount of good work for the club. has remained office ever since. — in — 190.3 . a1l the matches were played on:opponents' grounds, bat the club did very well, winning all but four of its fixtnres. I

At this time H. M. Roshworth was playing for the first fifteen of Roselyn Park, but in 1904 when a ground was procured at Wandsworth Common he joined his friends and captained the side until 1911.

During most of this time W. Maggs, an old Denstone College boy. was vice-captain. The L.C.C. soon learnt to play an attractive game under such able leadership, and they never enffered from lack of good outsides. Indeed. since the visit of the New Zealanders, they bays played seven forwards and eight men outside the scrum, a policy which may have been influenced by the number of good backs available. In 1904-5 they scored 537 points against 94. and in the following years, although the fixture list was strengthened each seamen. they won more than 75 per cent. of the matches' played. Their oldest opponents have been the Old WhitgiftianQ, who have been the only team to beat them so far this season. Hongkong and Shanghai Rank and Three Banks hare also been played eines the. club started, and the Old Charltonians are also old oppnnonts. The pre.ent fixture list includes Catforrl Bridge. MiddleQex and Charing Cro, a Hospitals, and the Royal lhigineers.

NOTABLE PERSONALITIES. A few words on the player., who have carried the club to witch n prominent _position will he of intereet. They have ha d two Ane full backs in .T. llamill, who played in 19034-5. and %. W. Wallington, the oil U.C.S. boy. who ha. played einre 1906. and ha: turned out for Surrey on two or three H. M. Rnebworth (190441), already referred to; R. R. Summer.. a Tory brainy centre three produced by the School for the Sons of Ifieetonsriee, who has inst retired; and, among the newer ntett. If. L. Mollie, If. W. Snelgar, and J. T. Real. have been the beet three-orrarters. Of half-bark.. the clevere.t hart, IV. A. I). Jones the present enotnin, who is .good both in attack and defence, end \V.

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Streatham News — Saturday 4 November 1911

WANDSWORTH COMMON PROTEST MEETING.

At the Wandsworth Town Hall. on ) Thursday evening of last week,a protest meeting was held against selling 20 acres of land which once formed part of Wandsworth Common. The land for a long number of years has been owned by the Royal Victoria Patriotic Corporation, but that body, now being in need of funds, proposes 1o obtain them by the disposal of the land.

The Mayor of Wandsworth (Alderman Archibald D. Dawnay) presided. supported by the Mayor of Battersea (Mr. Johm Astill) and other well-known public men in the boroughs of Wandsworth and Battersea.

Among the many letters of sympathy with the objects of the gathering was one from Sir Henry Kimber, M.P. for Wandsworth. Mr. Haves Fisher, M.P . . . who is chairman of the Patriotic Corporation, and also a member of the London County Council, wrote intimating that arrangements were being made with a view to the County Council taking over the land. Alderman Ennis referred to the huge sum—over one and a-half million pounds once possessed by the Patriot i Corporation, who, in spite of their past wealth, were now in need of an endowment. They did not wish to act in an unfriendly spirit.and hoped that the 20 acres would be restored to Wandsworth without their having to appeal to Parliament or to the Charity Commissioners.

Mr G. D. Faber, M.P. for Clapham. supported the general demand, but added that they must be perfectly fair in considering the position of the corporation. They were all agreed, he said, that it was vital to them that the 20 acres should be preserved to them in perpetuity.

A resolution deploring the proposal of the Patriotic Corporation was passed.

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South Western Star — Friday 1 December 1911

The great object of punishment is reformative. That is agreed on all hands there is not a member of Parliament who would dispute it. Wandsworth Prison is a great reformative agency. It is, therefore, a little puzzling to hear, as we have heard, the Rev. Theodore Wood assert that his church at Wandsworth Common has been pillaged five times in the course of one year, and that the pillagers were discharged prisoners. If there were nothing wrong with national theories and national principles, the neighbourhood of a prison ought to be morally the moat salutary in the land. All the undesirable persons would be safe in gaol, and all who were discharged would be reformed characters anxious to redeem the pron. Unfortunately persons who have undergone a course of reformatory discipline have been known to go straight to the nearest church and take whatever they could lay their experienced hands to. If discharged prisoners will rob a church when they get a chance, the private residents in the neighbourhood of the gaol must feel it their duty to be extremely watchful.

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"ECK-Gonner-Common-Land-and- Inclosure-1912

[BNA:
Inclosure is still a useful text for giving an introduction to any discussion of what common rights were, and how in theory they were to be applied. ' Therefore much of this chapter relating to the definitions of the type of different common rights are based on the first section of Gonner's opening chapter except where otherwise indicated. " Find his criticisms.]

CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

COMMON LAND

AND

INCLOSURE

BY

E. C. K. GONNER

BRUNNER PROFESSOR OF ECONOMIC SCIENCE IN THE ONIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL

MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED

ST. MARTIN'S STREET, LONDON

1912

PREFACE

The main object of the present work is to trace the process whereby the land of this country came into agricultural use under full individual control. That movement, as will be seen, is treated as continuous and as due in the main to the operation of large economic and, so to say, normal causes. While the rapidity and extent of inclosure varies from time to time, and while its kind undergoes certain changes, progress continues. Moreover, despite the particular features which appertain to different periods, the movement owes its impetus and direction to certain dominant though often undetected influences. Hence the emphasis laid in the following pages on such factors as the soil, the effect of the addition of new agricultural land on the use of that already in cultivation, the date of inclosure from the wild state, the influence of progress in farming, and of the new demands arising from an advance in industrial development. The connection of these with the progress of inclosure and with its results, differing as these often do from epoch to epoch, are treated of in detail.

But there is one subject touched on, with regard to which Imay be blamed for not attempting any definite and general conclusion. Irefer to the effect of the eighteenth century inclosures upon the condition of the labouring class. As a matter of fact the controversy of that period is subjected to very careful examination, and conclusions are reached which may be employed in support of varying views; but when it comes to a question of general approval or condemnation, Ifind a simple

vi PREFACE

one-sided decision difficult. Inclosure is so much a part of a wider economic movement, and so often a consequence rather than a cause, that to set out its results as wholly had or wholly good seems to me quite impossible. Some results, indeed, are fairly clear, but they do not point uniformly in the same direction.

Thus, on the one hand, it is pointed out that in certain parts of the country the inclosures of that century facilitated the operation of the forces which led to larger farming and so to the diminution and partial extinction of the yeomen and small farmers. Similarly, it seems probable that a considerable amount of common field inclosure in a district often led to a temporary pressure on poor relief

On the other hand, the beneficial effect on farming taken as a whole is undoubted. This displays itself on all sides, and particularly in the increased utilisation of what is, after all, the distinctive agricultural wealth of England, rich grazing and dairy lands. Again, the examination attempted and the tables adduced seem to me to prove that rural population at the end of that century did not vary with inclosure, and that this movement was not at any rate the main cause of the increase in poor relief expenditure. Nor does the accusation of general arbitrary or unfair treatment of the small farmer or the poor owner appear to me tenable.

In my view the inclosure movement was an inseparable part of a much wider movement, and hence an estimate of its results must take into account not only the local disturbance and the individual consequences it entailed, but the broad general effects which it achieved or rendered possible. But for this, regard must be paid to certain facts or aspects which for one reason or another have received inadequate attention. Among such are the importance of inclosure to progressive farming, the strict geographical limits within which inclosure occurred, and the close connection between inclosure from the wild state and the waste and inclosure of land under arable. Of

PREFACE vii

even greater importance was the change whereby agriculture from being a means of subsistence to particular families had become a source of wealth to the nation, a change in progress alike in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and one which made improvement in its productivity momentous in a national sense. From this point of view the retention of a system which withheld land from its best use was an obstacle to general progress only to be defended by arguments equally applicable to any improvement or invention in a productive process.

On the other hand, the consequences of the alteration were manifold. Owing in the main to the circumstances of the time, and principally to the mechanical change which led to the disappearance of industries allied to and plied with agriculture, the allotments to the small holders were often inadequate as a sole means of livelihood, and in a large number of instances soon sold. As a consequence, small independent holders grew rapidly fewer, and in agriculture as in industry' the proportion of those who work for and live by wages increased. But this occurred, it should be remembered, not only in counties or districts subject to inclosure in the eighteenth century, but in those where there was little trace of such; not only again in regions where at some time or other the open field had existed, but in those where there is reason to believe open field either never existed or played a very insignificant part.

I have purposely abstained from dwelling at length on the incidents of a few cases. Such a method, while it may make things more picturesque, is misleading when the instances are few out of many thousands, and not necessarily typical.

To touch further on this point would travel outside the province of a preface, and lead to a discussion of what forms the subject of the text itself

A few words are needed as to the maps and tables appended to or included in the present work.

Of the five maps three require little or no explanation.

viii PREFACE

The one based on Ogilvy's Britannia has been traced from the road plans and descriptions given in that book. The map may be taken as illustrating the condition of the country, open or inclosed, shortly after the Restoration, as far as that is reflected in the hedged, fenced, and walled or open condition of the roads. I think it is a reliable index, though no doubt some modification is necessary for reasons set out elsewhere. The two which depict actual inclosure by act, respectively of wastes and open field, need little comment. It must, however, be remembered that a certain proportion of so-called open field inclosures consisted of commons. The remaining two are attempts to represent the condition of the country towards the close of the seventeenth and the sixteenth centuries respectively. To arrive at them I have worked backwards, starting from the land inclosed in the eighteenth century and so open before, and making similar additions for other recorded inclosures, much on the lines of the tabular statement on pp. 268-9. Of course the treatment has been according to the registration district and not the county. In showing land as open they do not distinguish between waste or wild and open field. After some consideration Igave up any such attempt as too uncertain.

The main tables may be divided into three groups according to the particular aspect with which they deal.

Firstly, there are two treating of the progress of inclosure from the beginning of the sixteenth century either in general (pp. 268-9) o"" i" respect of direct inclosure into individual use from the wild state (p. 285). These two tables should be read in conjunction with the statements offered as to the development in the separate counties in Book II., Appendix A. Thus studied it is hoped that they will afford some brief indication of the very important matter which constitutes the subject of Book II.

Secondly, there are the tables which attempt the geographical allocation of the recorded inclosures by

PREFACE ix

act. For reasons given in the text the data on which these are based, though approximately accurate, are only approximately accurate, and therefore too much importance must not be attached to decimal points. Further, -the mass of detailed computation involved in the tables in Book IL, Appendices B and C, is so great that the occurrence of some error is possible. Ibelieve them, however, to be substantially correct. In Appendix C, the percentage of townships affected is added in round figures. To do this the list of parishes or civil townships given in the Census Return is employed. As compared with the percentage of land this indicates the degree in which inclosures were widely spread over the district, a matter, as it seems, of considerable importance in interpreting the evidence furnished by the tables as to the previous condition of the land. This calculation was difficult, and cannot claim to be precise. One thing more, it must be remembered that where percentages of land are given these are calculated on the whole acreage of the county or district as if the whole area had been open to inclosure. As a matter of fact some deduction must be made for the site of the villages and for the surface occupied by road or water. Hence the percentages of available land brought under inclosure are greater than those stated.

Thirdly, the tables giving the comparisons between inclosure, population, and poor relief need a word. In certain cases towns had to be excluded. When this was done, it was done impartially; and I consider that the case is under rather than overstated with regard to the greater density or increase of population, and the less increase 'in poor relief expenditure in the inclosed parishes. The large number of tables constructed with reference to this general matter is due, Iought to add, to my surprise at the absence of evidence as to any effective relation between inclosure and both population and poor relief But further calculation only corroborated the results already ascertained.

X PREFACE

I have to thank Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co. for permission to use the chapter on the seventeenth century, originally published in the English Historical Review, and also the map prepared from Ogilby's Britannia.

In conclusion, Iwish to express my sincere acknow4edgment of the opportunities for study offered by the various libraries in which I have worked. In Liverpool Ireceived much assistance from the officials in the .Public Reference Library and the Athenaeum Library, the University Library, partly by reason of its newness and partly owing to its inadequate funds, possessing few of the books or papers which I had to consult. But it is difficult to estimate my obligations to the officials of the British Museum Library and the Public Record Office. In this, as in other cases, I have found them not only willing but anxious to afford and extend facilities to the genuine worker.

E. C. K. GONNER.

Undercliff, West Kirby,, lUh Jan., 1912.

ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOOK ICOMMON ANp INCLOSURE

I

COMMDN AND INCLOSURE

PAGE

A. Difference between popular conception of common and its

early nature — - I

B. Description and nature of system of common cultivation -

1. Description 2

2. Nature of common and common right -

(a) Pasture 8

(i) Common of pasture on the waste 8

(ii) Common of shack 12

(iii) Other intermixed rights — 13

{b) Estover, turbary and miscellaneous rights — 14

3. Common as supplementing arable — 16

C. Widespread permanence of incidents of common -

1. General illustrations 18

2. Illustration of leading features 22

D. Significant tendencies towards adaptation — 29

1. In respect of common and especially pasture, common

in gross and stints — - 29

Effect as leading to general claims — 31

2. Methods of cultivation of land — - ^2

xii ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

E. Change and reasons for change — - 33

1. Basis of system, its suitability — 33 Conditions of suitability — - 35

(a) Universal importance of arable.

(6) Uniformity of method.

{c) Relation between arable and stock.

2. Alteration in these resptcts — 36

F. The eighteenth century -

1. Illustrating causes of disintegration while witnessing

to strength of system — - 40

2. Difference between various parts of country 41

II

EXTINCTION OF COMMON AND COMMON RIGHTS

Extinction of common and so indosure the most effectual means

of meeting defects in the common system — 43

Several methods -

A. Extinction of common in ordinary process of law 43

Its chief forms 43

B. Withdrawal from common by sufferance 46

C. Approvement — - 48

1. Nature and enactments — - 48

2. Importance — 49

3. Use made of it at different times 50

(a) Eighteenth century. (6) Seventeenth century. {c) Sixteenth century.

D. Agreement -

1. Nature and variety — 51

2. Use made of it -

(a) Eighteenth century 52

(b) Seventeenth century 53 Chancery suits — 54

ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS xiii

E. Private acts and parliamentary enactments — pack

1. Parliamentary enactments before eighteenth century — 56

2. Extension of parliamentary activity at end of seven-

teenth century — 57

3. Development of private act — - 58

(a) Aim of inclosure illustrated 60

(6) Need of safeguards revealed — 62

As to general provisions — 62

As to procedure 63

(c) Growth of uniformity — - 65

4. Demand for a general act — 65

(a) Early suggestions and projects — - 66

(6) Struggle at end of eighteenth century 66

(c) Act of 1 801 . . . 69

III

THE METHOD OF INCLOSURE IN THE EIGHTEENTH AND NINETEENTH CENTURIES

A. Inclosure under private act — 71

1. Matters outside the proceedings of the commissioners -

(a) Influence of large proprietors — - 73

(i) On determination to inclose — 73

(ii) On drawing up the act — - 73

(iii) In appointment of commissioners 74

{6) Commissioners -

(i) Method of appointment 74

(ii) Powers — 75

(iii) Exercise of powers — - 76

General fairness.

(c) Publicity of proceedings 77

2. Proceedings of the commissioners -

(a) Holding of meetings and appointment of officials 7j The survey and valuation.

xiv ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

PACK

(i) Claims to be met and methods of meeting them 78

(i) Expenses of inclosure, how met — 78

The History of Wandsworth Common

Old BNA database

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle

Sporting Life — 11 January 1882

Morning Post — Thursday 15 July 1802

Morning Herald — Tuesday 15 August 1826

SURREY, Seven Miles from the Bridges.

Morning Advertiser — Monday 19 May 1828 LINK^p Wandsworth fair will be held a* usual, viz.: on MONDAY, TUESDAY, and WEDNESDAY in the WHITSUN-WEEK. N. B. The first Day will he a Cattle Fair nsnal."

John Bull — Sunday 31 July 1836

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 29 June 1845 PEDESTRIANISM MATCHES TO COME JUNE 30 — Cheeney of Clapham and A. Twilley of Wandsworth Common — 150 yards. 5 a side, at the latter place. [BNA: Link.]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 29 March 1846 R. Inwood and R. Roberts — 140 yards, 0 a side, on Wandsworth Common. [BNA: Link.] "[ALFRED TWILLY or TWILLEY]

LEOPARD ON WC!

Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette — Thursday 11 June 1846

LEOPARD ON WC!

Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette — Thursday 11 June 1846

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 7 February 1847 MAR 1. — Norton of Windsor and Roberts of Somers Town — to walk ten miles, 5 a side, on Wandsworth Common, Norton giving one minute start. [BNA: Link.] "[PEDESTRIANISM]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 4 April 1847 Jones and Parry." "[PEDESTRIANISM]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 2 April 1848 A Novice of Kenningtoo (16 yeara of ago)to walk four miles and run two and a half miles within the hour, Wandsworth Common, the backer of time staking jfi'lO to 21.

Morning Advertiser — Wednesday 20 February 1850 [BNA: Link.]

Sun — Tuesday 2 April 1850 On the 27th ult , at Springfield, Wandsworth common , Jane, wife of Dr. H. W. Diamond.

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 6 April 1851 W. Bishop and J. Conner 300 yards, 10 a side, on Wandsworth Common. [BNA: Link.] Pedestrianism" "PUT A STOP TO BY THE POLICE?!

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 13 April 1851 Crates and GRBBrrr.This 150 yards race was have come off Monday on Wandsworth Common, but was put stop to by the police. We have not heard whether they have agreed upon another day to run. [BNA: Link.] SEE

The Era — Sunday 20 April 1851" "[PEDESTRIANISM]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 25 April 1852 Three single wicket matches will be played Wandsworth Common to-morrow (Monday) between Messrs Wells and Brown. Messrs Becket and Cooley, and Messrs Salter and Becket, commencing at four o'clock.

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 3 April 1853 JAMES JONES and F HOBBS are natched to run two mils, for 5 a side, on the 19th inst, Wandsworth Common. Jones to receive 20 yards start.

Morning Advertiser — Monday 19 May 1828

LINK^p

Wandsworth fair will be held a* usual, viz.: on MONDAY, TUESDAY, and WEDNESDAY in the WHITSUN-WEEK. N. B. The first Day will he a Cattle Fair nsnal."

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 29 June 1845

PEDESTRIANISM

MATCHES TO COME

JUNE 30 — Cheeney of Clapham and A. Twilley of Wandsworth Common — 150 yards. 5 a side, at the latter place.

[BNA: Link.]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 29 March 1846

R. Inwood and R. Roberts — 140 yards, 0 a side, on Wandsworth Common.

[BNA: Link.]

"[ALFRED TWILLY or TWILLEY]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 7 February 1847

MAR 1. — Norton of Windsor and Roberts of Somers Town — to walk ten miles, 5 a side, on Wandsworth Common, Norton giving one minute start.

[BNA: Link.]

"[PEDESTRIANISM]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 4 April 1847

Jones and Parry."

"[PEDESTRIANISM]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 2 April 1848

A Novice of Kenningtoo (16 yeara of ago)to walk four miles and run two and a half miles within the hour, Wandsworth Common, the backer of time staking jfi'lO to 21.

[BNA: Link.]

Morning Advertiser — Wednesday 20 February 1850

[BNA: Link.]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 6 April 1851

W. Bishop and J. Conner 300 yards, 10 a side, on Wandsworth Common.

[BNA: Link.]

Pedestrianism"

"PUT A STOP TO BY THE POLICE?!

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 13 April 1851

Crates and GRBBrrr.This 150 yards race was have come off Monday on Wandsworth Common, but was put stop to by the police. We have not heard whether they have agreed upon another day to run.

[BNA: Link.]

SEE

The Era — Sunday 20 April 1851"

"[PEDESTRIANISM]

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle — Sunday 3 April 1853

JAMES JONES and F HOBBS are natched to run two mils, for 5 a side, on the 19th inst, Wandsworth Common. Jones to receive 20 yards start.

[BNA: Link.]

"[PEDESTRIANISM]