Wandsworth Common

"Bedfordshire Mercury — Saturday 2 January 1869

[Along with other articles under a general heading, "Christmas in the London Workhouses"]

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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.

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South London Press — Saturday 2 January 1869

Lost on Wandsworth Common — £1000 reward offered

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South London Press — Saturday 23 January 1869

The rapid swallowing up of all the open spaces near London, owing to the building operations going on everywhere in the outskirts, has attracted the attention of the board, which declares itself fully alive to the necessity, which springs out of the rapid extension the metropolis, of securing absolutely as much open space as shall provide for the inhabitants of London and its suburbs the proper means of health and recreation." It has had hard fight in various quarters owing claims of lords of the manor and other grasping litigants, and, among duties of this sort, it has had to step in to prevent the gradual enclosure of Wandsworth Common. This was attempted the ground of an alleged sale of part of the Common the London and Brighton Railway Company.

A deputation from the Wandsworth Preservation Society presented a memorial, in which they stated that the inhabitants of that district were most anxious to preserve what remains of the Common for public use and enjoyment, and complained that the company had enclosed the north-east corner, near the Wandsworth-road, so as to cause the greatest possible amount of inconvenience and obstruction the use of the rest of the Common, and, in fact, entirely block out the inhabitants of New Wandsworth and Battersea from the use of what remains.

The memorialists further complained that several footpaths had been stopped, the company maintaining the fences for stopping those footpaths, and refusing to try their rights to act in this outrageous manner. On this memorial the board appears to have taken prompt action. It has been referred to a committee with view to proceedings under the Metropolitan Commons Act, for securing the Common to the use of the public. The sooner the better.

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South London Press — Saturday 30 January 1869

[Vestry?]

Enclosure of Wandsworth Common . . . .the clerk Corsellis seeks legal opinion about Costeker's huge wooden barriers, covered with tar, across the footpath, the right of which is disputed . . . 

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In consequence of the stoppage of the footpath across Plough Green (a portion of Wandsworth Common) by Mr. Costeker, the Wandsworth Board of Works has appointed a committee to take evidence the subject, with a view of ascertaining the legality or otherwise of the recent enclosure.

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South London Press — Saturday 13 February 1869

THE South London Press, Saturday, February 13, 1869.

Battersea Vestry and the Vestry Clerk.

Serious Charges against Mr. Corsellis

Important Poor-Law Inquiry.

Allusion was made in our last issue to an inquiry by the Poor-law Board into a number of in a number of charges brought by the Battersea Vestry against their clerk, Mr. Corsellis. The proceedings being now closed, we give a full account of the nature of the charges. and the principal features of the evidence produced.

Supplementary to many complaints made from time to time by sundry ratepayers, the vestry appointed a special committee to inquire into several alleged defalcations and irregularities on the laid of a rate collector, and in consequence of their being of opinion — consequent on the report of that committee — that Mr. Corsellis had been guilty of persistently and wilfully thwarting the efforts of the investigators; also of neglecting a portion his duty, not affording requisite information to the accountant employed by the committee in accordance with the vestry's instructions; inefflciently discharging his duties, &c, they memorialised the Poor-law Board piire into circumstances of the case, with a Tl, .ic'nf deciding whether Mr. Corsellis should he iho iis from his office. It was believed he tilled the offices of clerk the county justices. .'rktotbe overseers, clerk the District Board if \V..rks clerk to the vestry. Besides having private leg d practice; that owing to the ul the duties lieiug fsrilled to sillxirdinate clerks who were not vaula to the vestry.

Mr. Corsellis win i.ua to afford proper information to the vedry respecting ali-tractiou of the account book'from the accountant, by his (tho vestry clerk's) private clerk representing him, which caused additional the committee, by wasting the accountant's time. vestry meeting held the tilth .Inly, IktlS, Mr. tterlolseej moved for the appointment of the committee of Inquiry, which was decided upon, five gentlemen being selected fur purpose, i'ower given (or the committee to employ accountant investigate the liooks. A'c., and also to engage mich other asetslaneo a* might be deemed necessary. retired police-sergeant.-Mr. Dudley-who had COMruble know ledge of the parish, waa employed prosc ute certain tuquirisa, which resulUid in the dis.-overy that several rates had been returned by the collector — a being past recovery, Although re eipw for the money had boon produced with ad collector's signature attached. eheok oust any inqiroper use the collected, eeiniterfoils were loft in the book, nml one the charge?dust Mr. OulmellU was that be had allowed Hi. h counterfoils doled occmiuls to remain in the (mads of the colluctors against whom they were inlciided to cheeks-lids in neglect of Ids duties stated in No. 4 paragraph the Act of I'arhsaient, and 11 Viet., cup. . )7. The committee, of which Mr. Hertohicri was chairman) being dissatisfied with the result of their labours, beingas they said-vexatiously opposed the vestry — erk, Inot pleased with the collector being appumteil the guardians, and responsible to the Overseers ( but not to the vestry), presented report to the ve on the 10th of November, of which the following is copy:

COMMITTEE'S REOPRT'

Your committee have ugaiu re(Kirt obstruction Mr. Arthur Alexander Corsellis, your clerk, to c ir labours carrying into effect your instructions Iinto the mode o( conducting the business o' the imrisli, and into the accounts of the rates collected.

In the present instance your committee call your atti ntion to a letter from Mr. Corsellis the chairman of the cuiumittoe, dated 2t|lh October, iHtiH; to a letter (nun Jir. C. Oray, your accountant, to our lirmari, dated — '7th October. DM)*; the of a letter from Mr, Dray to Mr. Corsellis, dutcu:llBt October. IMli*: letter our chairman to Mr. Corsellis, dated — ud November, 18(18, and to Mr. Corsellis letters the llrd November, 18(J8, to our — liairmaii, mid Mr. Oray refusing to produce to the latter, investigating accountaant. the poor rale of the West Divisinu for October, (B

In connection with the persistent and vexatious oppositions offered Mr. Corsellis the vestry, our commit!, are ul opinion that the facts may thus recapitulated:

That the information relating to the property of the parish, the amounts collected, Ac., called fur hy the v. >try leth.lune, t-Silg, have never been reud r. d bv the vestry clerk ordered by the vestry on that day.

That he has, in a spirit of opposition, not delivered to the eonntaut sp], oiiite, l investigate the accounts tUi' t.i which are necessary fur him prosecute Inquiry, that he has also declined to afford informalion the accountant, aml bus refused answer questions the relating to the business of llie |-n-h, sud that h-' lias thus oppose, l himself to the in-lrueiions of the vestry given him by your resolution 'i I th July, iktik, appointing the committee . a by your subsequent minutes of August, 1868.

That in neglect of No, t paragraph of the duties required of him Hie Act idth and VicU, — ii 7, he bas allowed the enmilerfoils of closed isles remain in the hands of the collectors of those rales against whom am h eils were ft check.

That he has inefficiently discharged his duties |mintc . . . 7th paragraph of them, rsqiiiriiig him > the church rate accounts.

That he has inefficiently performed or neglected to carry — the Mil section his Instructions requ.riug examine tliu arrears of poor rate. lias persistently and vcxatiously tried to If art the of the vestry and committee .q — iuled i, v the v> inquire into the conduct of (he, parochial business notwithstanding, has told by the members of the committee appointed to inquire ittlo the busim iuvusligate the aecuuuls tliat one of tin collietora had rei-eived several sums and not — ume.i for tliem yet, he has. through his clerk, through the infuence possess, s t>y his plurality of offices, and his own action, endeavoured to — the closed rate book in the bauds of the poor r-' — >ll. dor, against whom it is a cluck, ami for puqi-se lias ignored tlio fact tlial one of Hie orensaors has taken in the attempt place the nle Issik in ilia hands the defaulting collector; — 'I. m re vcr. that has prevented tlio investigat' l.y Hie committee and their accountant iuto Uic rin the rates which are under the colleehun, f another collector, ilmt although ha ia licit the overseer a. and is their legal adviser, he allowed the collectors (including the defaulting retain the counterfoils of Ihe reedpts given terra for |Kior rates, which counterfoils are the, '' t "'i the collectors, tuid, moreover (to wm, obliged cadi for such counterfoils), baa ~*". alatcl them ttia prouerty of the 'ten. wherein the cost of those counterfoils has — ci j-id out — I the money raised rates in the counterfoils, which should have been in the I-<-->!. u of the vestry clerk for paid local rates are i I'uitUcoming, and that the withholding such 4n, t hook, f n, .count he is screening ''* r — ', H'' o, or '' from similar Inquiry has dido ii-d .Icf.dt alious the poor ratea, — vestry clc. being the person to give the 'claims to vote for Parliament, i., i ""t lista of voters and get the same — led and published, and duly according law, should not take part engaging himself professionally in electioneering struggles, but should occupy an independent position above any suspicion detrimental to the idea of impartiality in thr operation of the law. That if is prejudicial the proper performance of the duties of the vestry clerk that should hold plurality oliiroH, being clerk the county justices, clerk to the overseers, clerk to tbs District Board of Works, and vestry clerk, besides having his own so[p-rat profession occupy his time, which, for the salary )-id to him. should be more devoted to parochial matters, and that owing to the system of duties being thus (armed out and performed subordinate clerks, not the servants of the vestry, the vestry clerk was unable on recent occasion afford information to the vestry when called upon to so respecting the abstraction of the account book from the accountant his (the vestry clerk's) private clerk representing him, such abstraction having caused additional expense wasting the professional accountant's time. Your committee, under all the circumstances of the case, instructed Mr. Charles' Iray, the accountant, draw a port for your vestry of his investigations far has been able to prosecute them, have directed him to attend your vestry therewith. Vour committee have also drawn a statement of the personal inquiries Mr. J. Duiftey. the party employed t>?st the actual arrears of rates said to be in arrear — K.

KKSOIIVTIO.V IIKPOeK THK VE-TKT i ILEItK. Ou the above nqiort the vestry paasid following resolution: "That for the reasons stated by Ihe ouuiaolUn) appointed the vestry 2llh July Inst to inquire into the mode conducting the business, and to investigate the sextants, the vestry is of opinion thst Mr. Arthur Alexander Corsellis is not fit proper person to be vestry clerk of the jiarish of Battersea, and this vestry wouM not discharging trust reposed in it, as the elected representatives of the ratepayers by large majority, were it not take immediate steps bring Mr. Corsellis proceedings and neglect before the Poor-law Hoard, and that cony this resolution, with copy the report now presented the committee, sent by the chairman of this meeting the Poorlaw Boarl, with re that that board will institute inquiry without delay the mattor."

DISMISSAL OF THE VESTRY CLERK.

t the vestry meeting held in the month of December, the board decided that it would best accord with the interests of ratepayers to require Mr. Corsellis's removal the Poor-law Board; and they, theiVore, dismissed him (as far the vestry was concerned) once. AGAINST THE OVERSEERS. Feeling that the overseers (to whom Mr. Corsellls was legal adviser) had not faithfully performed their duties, and that the rate-collectors, as it api-ared, bad masters, the vestry met the Bth December and passed another resolution, follows: — 'That the Board of Overseers, to whom the collectors are accountable, .signally failed in their duty allow their collector in numerous eases receive rales and not to account fur the money, and when such defalcations have been discovered the vestry, and the fact publicly stated in the presence of their (the overseers') clerk .nd legal adviser, that they (the overseers) have verthelcss ignored that fact, and allowed defaulting party to resign his situation without prosecuting him, or taking any steps to recover the money fur the parish, but have even their clerk.

Mr. Arthur Alexander Corsellis, to place the closed and rate-book in the custody of that collector; this vestry.aoting theelected representatives of the ratepayers, is of opinion that the present overseers have forfeited the confidence placed in them, and that Sir. Churchwarden Buckmaster was justilied, under the extraordinary circumstances of the case, in impounding the rate-books, upon which the pnhlio accountant had reported, until reply shall have been received to tiie communication mode by this vostry to the Door-law board; and tliat a copy of this resolution transmitted by the chairman of this meeting to the Board of Overseers, and another copy the Poor-law Board."'

ITIILIC MEKTINO.

conaiilomtion |>etition beinp forwarded to Mr. Churchwarden Buckmaster, cotnplimoatiDp' him upon hi* display energy in the interests the parishioners of Batterseo, and alluding to "the exro->i-e and yearly increase oi rates;" also to "certain disclosures recently made in the local pipers;'' and requesting that public meeting might convened for consideration of such questions, assembly of ratepayers (convened public announcement per Mr. Buckmaster) was held at the Freemasons' Hotel, Now Wandsworth, in the parish of Battersea, on the — 'Uth of January last. The requisition had been signed by ratepayers.

At the meeting alluded to, speeches were made by Mr. Buckmaster (chairman), Mr. Bertolacci, Mr. Turner (member of the Board of Works), and several other gentlemen, condemnatory of certain matters which appear in the resolutions adopted as follow; "That the ratepayers of Mary's parish, llattersea, now assembled in meeting publicly convened, are of opinion that owing to the |-ris)i having been made nart of a union under Schedule Jl of the Metropolis Management Act, 18 years ago (when the district consisted chiefly of market gardens with a//

MKHBBits' lueurs. Letters In reply to the communications mentioned above have been received during the past few days, the first and beiug from Mr. Brodrick, and the latter from Mr. I'eek: Feh. ti, P**r Sir.-l — m in reo fpt your farour. As Mr. Goschen — nd Mr. Pesl *re both personal friends of mine, Iwill communicate at once with the latter, who U secretary to the Poor-law Board, and place him in possession of the withes of the meeting over which yon presided. When hear from them IWill write to too again-Yours faithfully, C. Buckmaster. Esq. "William Brodrick." 9, 18C9.

Dear Bir, — I have Board from the secretary the Poor-law Board. he pointa out that the change of a parish from B to A belongs to the do

THE South London Press, Saturday, February 13, 1869. partmeut of the Metropolitan Board of Works. The Metropolis I.ocal Government Act (18 and 19 Viet. C. 120) regulates the present system of distribution. It does not appear that any power change is contained in the Act and Ipresume, therefore, that to carry out the wishes the meeting, over which you presided, enabling Act would required. the Board Works has no parliamentary representative, i I should recommend you having interview jrilh Sir John Thwaites on the subject. resident in the immediate vicinity, must healroady acquainted with the iacts the case. i Ishall be happy to accompany deputation should one he considered desirable, or see you here apimintmeut any morning, if I can be of use in the matter. Yours faithfully, William Bbodrick." J. C. Buckmaster, Esq.

20, Eastcheap, E.C., Feb. 8, 1809. Sir, have communicated with my colleague, Mr. Brodrick. Ishall be happy to act with him in the matter of the first resolution. regards the second-the preservation of Wandsworth Common shall only be too glad of the opportunity to help so desirable au object. But the neighbourhood must itself first come forward and distinctly state its wishes, and to what extent it is prepared to support them.

The Wimbledon Common Committee is doiug its best in the public interest, but there are great differences of opinion, and many think the Metropolitan Board of Works would be no improvement on Earl Spencer. Personally, I have already spent about — C.'.mm in ventilating the subject of opmi spaces, d shall quite prepared to join others in further action. Yours faithfully. "J. C. Buckmaster, Esq. W. Peek.''

POOR LAW CaiMMInSION INqt IRV. accordance with the prayer of the vestry, the Poor-law Board appointed Mr. Henry Longley, Poor-law inspector (assisted Mr. Fry) sit Lammas Hall, Battersea, for the purpose of taking evidence. The sitting commenced on the 2nd inst, and occupied four days. The petitioners were represented Mr. Brydges, barrister, during the first two days (other engagements proveutiug Ins continuance), instructed by Mr. W. Wood, solicitor. The latter-named gentleman conducted case during the remainder the sitting.

Mr. Corsellis defended his own ease.

Mr. Charles (itay, public accountant, stated that he had examirn d aad proved great irregularities in rate books, shewing that the rates and arrears had been incorrectly entered, also that the additions of the columns did not produce the same sums those which were entered as totals, and, to use his own words, the entries appeared have been made to jit the ticcounU." The vestry clerk admitted that had exercised no check nor supervision over those irregularities, and sought safety in the statement that ho did not consider it his duty to so.

Mr. Francis If. Bertolacci, chairman of the committee of the vestry, was examined at great length. His evidence was given to show the systematic opposition of the vestry clerk to tile endeavours of the vestry and the committee of the vestry in investigating the affairs of the parish, and that owing to the vestry clerk at last refusing to give rate-book to the accountant employed tlia vestry, the investigations which had already disclosed defalcations on the part of the rate collectors had been impeded. also deposed that the vestry clerk had allowed defaulting collector to get possession of the documents which should be check on the sums he had collected.

Mr. Daniel Collins was examined, who proved that he had been treated defaulter the payment of poor-rate, whilst on the contrary his rates had always been paid witli the greatest punctuality; and that rate collector, to avoid accounting for the money received from him (the witness) had falsified counterfoil the receipt. On the same day Mr. J. Dudley, the inspector employed by the committee of the vestry to inquire into the alleged arrears of rates, gave his evidence to numerous cases which he had personally investigated, very large proportion of whlch he discovered not in arrest, whilst in numerous instances sums entered the collector irrecoverable had actually been collected by him and not accounted for.

Mr. Spico, the clerk and church-rate collector, deposed that the vestry clerk had not given him the churchr.iio book contaiuiug amounts claimed until the expiration of weeks after the rate had actually been in collection, and that, although the vestry clerk s duties required him to keep the church-rate accounts and check the sums collected, he Lad never done either the one or the other.

Mr. Buckmaster, the churchwarden, was examined. His evidence extended to a much greater length than that of the other witnesses. He said that from the date of the appointment of the present vestry clerk, whole affairs the parish had been neglected and mismanaged, and that oven the letters had addressed to the vestry clerk calling his attention to various matters importance, had been returned unopened, whilst the arrears in the collection of the rates had in five years accumulated upwards of — l,000 per annum, until they had reached sum of above Co,000, which had, in a most unaccountable manner, suddenly disappeared altogether in the account book. At the conclusion of the evidence for petitioners, Mr. Corsellis, who had conducted his own cross-examinations, produced witnesses to character-persons connected with the vestry during the time the allowed mismanagement was proceeding. The proceedings were conducted with great calmness both sides, bitterness being apparent. The Poor-law commissioner remarked that he could not anticipate the decision of the board, yet he considered that such a state of irregularity in the parish could not be allowed to continue. He took away with him one of the rate books, and some of the forms of receipts for sums different those which were actually payable, for the purpose of showing them to flie Poor-law Board. To vestry now awaits the decision of the Poor-law Board on the subject.

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Sporting Life — Wednesday 10 March 1869

BRIXTON FOOTBALL CLUB HARE AND HOUNDS

Ground in capital going order and bright sunshine rendered this run on Saturday last very pleasant.

The hares (Messrs F. Bone and Harry Foster) started at twenty-five minutes past three from Shepherd's-lane, and wore followed. after fiftenn minutes }--[ Dunt (H. N A. 0. ). W. Foster (B. K. ). A. Pollock (b. N. A. O. ). U. . Evans (B. F. O. ). W. T. Mainprise (B. V. O. ). F. O. Rainsford (L. A. UJ. H. Gold (B. F. O. ), 0. J. Chenery (L. A. C. ), W. Samuel (U. 1. — Brown. E. Olarko (8. F. C. ), E. T. Mason (B. F. 0. ). and T. Newman (B. F. U. .

Cutting across neighbouring fields, they picked the scent down Acre-lane, but were some time at the cross-roads before settling down the line taken the hares, which was past Heme Rill and down Norwood-lane. Thence, turning the left, they took to the grass on Thurlow Hill and cleverly kept almost entirely on turf for the greater part of the run. going over the hills to Streatham Mineral Springs and Streatham Common, over the common, and through the fields in circuit to Tooting Common; here there were several old scents lying about in all directions, and unfortunately, when the hounds had got thus far, they were so long at fault that they determined to make a straight run home, which they accordingly did by the roads through Park.

The hares, who had been going very perseveringly, made their first halt at Tooting, and then proceeded on to Wandsworth Common, but, doubling back through some capital grass fields to near Balham Station, crossed the line, and worked to the end of Nightingale-lane, when, striking across Wandsworth Common again, they went past the "Patriotic Schools", and passing the Black Sea, and over Clapham Common, at last parted from the turf, and made straight tracks for home, whore they ran to earth in 1 hour 15 min, having covered a distance of not less than fifteen miles.

The flrst hound, F. O. Rainsford. up in hour 48 min. from the time of their starting, and followed immediately C. J. Chenery. After a short interval came Dunl, followed in two minutes Cold and W. Foster; A. Pollock and W. T Mainprise came in together after another two minutes had elapsed, and wore closely followed by R. S. Evans. the remainder either did not go the distance or had not turned up when the spectators dispersed. Mr. J. Cockerell (captain) (B. F. C. ) acted as starter and timekeeper, a badly sprained ankle preventing his taking more active part in the proceedings.

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1869-03-10-hare-and-hounds-SportingLife-10mar1869

DITTO "THE FIELD" 13 march 1869

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"The Sportsman — Wednesday 10 March 1869

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

BRIXTON FOOTBALL CLUB HARE AND HOUNDS.

On Saturday last the hares — F. Bone (8.F.C.) and Harry Foster (8.F.C.) started 3.26 from the ground, Shcpherd's-lanc, and cutting across the m-ighbouring fields, struck into Acrc-lanc, down which they proceeded to Brixton Church. Hero they separated, Foster laying a false sceut up the hill, while Bone went down Water-lane. Having again joined company, they laid some false scents at the foot of Heme Hill, and then, putting on the pace up Norwood-lane, turned off to the left, where Bone laid a long false scent in CToxted-lane. Mounting Thurlow-hill, they descended it on the Norwood side by the landslips, where there was some adventurous scrambling, and crossing the railway, made tracks for Loupell Park; turning again to the left, they surmounted the hill between the railway and the mineral springs at Streatham, and going through the postures made for Streatham Common. Hero Foster laid the scent through the fields to the top of the hill, and coming out into the common met Bone lower down, when they again mended their pace, and going through Greyhound-lane and across the different railways, made circuit through some turf fields on to Tooting Common. Skirting the common to the right, and forgetting to lay a false scent into the middle of swamp aa they passed, they worked round over some good wide ditches, with capital takes off, " till they came out at the cross-roads at Tooting. Here they made their tint and only halt, and then started for Wandsworth Common, from which they doubled back over some very pretty fences and gras- fields to near Station, when, crossing the line, they went through the fields to the end of Nightingale-lane, and on to Wandsworth Common again, which they crossed, going over the footbridge and round the ground- of the Patriotic Schools, past the windmill, and by the road on to Clapham Common; over the Common, and turning down Acrc-lsne, made straight for home, where they ran to earth, coming in side by side, one hour and fifty-seven minutes. Great credit is due to them for their choice of country, .-is from Croxted-lane to the end of Clapham Common they were almost entirely on turf, which was in capital going order. the high wind at starting scattered the scent on the roads so much that for some time the hounds had great difficulty in following, but when the turf, where it lay bettor, the running was made at good pace, Chenery and Rainsford, both going very freely, and taking moat kindly to the pace on Streatham Common being particularly good. The pack kept fairly together, the checks enabling the stragglers to come up, all but four reaching Tooting Common, where they were unfortunately at fault, the scent having been taken over some ground covered with white stones. After casting about for some time and not finding they determined to make a straight-run home, and accordingly came along the road through Clapham Park. The first hound in was F. O. Ruinsford, L.A.C., whose time was Ih 48min; he was followed immediately C. J. Chenery, L.A.C., and after lapse of more than minute came C. Dunt, B.N.A.C. After another interval of two minutes W. Foster, 8.F.C., and H. Gold, 8.F.C., arrived together, followed A. Pollock, B.N.A.C..and W. Mainprise, 8.F.C., R. 9. Evans, R.F.C., being close up behind. T. Newman, 8.F.C., and E. T. Mason, 8.F.C.. did not go the distance, and T. Brown, W. Samuel, H.F.C., and E. Clarke, 8.F.C., came in during the evening. A good deal of timo was lost at some of the checks, but when they were going the pace was good. The distance covered by the bores was not far short of fifteen miles; the hounds did not go far some miles on account of their straight run in from Tooting Common. Mr J. Cockerell, captain BJ?.C., acted starter and timekeeper, being prevented taking more active part the day's proceedings by sprained ankle.

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South London Chronicle — Saturday 13 March 1869

More Police for Wandsworth-common. The clerk was instructed to prepare memorial to the Chief Commissioner of Police, asking for additional police supervision on Wandsworth common, for the purpose if possible of removing the people of loose character who harbour there.

Mr. Costeker said the common was covered with loose women, who were accompanied bullies to protect them, and aid them in insulting people going across. He had succeeded in driving them away from his corner, and hoped the board would do what they could to drive them away altogether. The clerk observed that the board were about to take stops to ascertain who had the control of the supervision of Wandsworth common, and this end would, as a member had observed, be furthered by the memorial.

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"The Field — 13 March 1869

BRIXTON FOOTBALL CLUB HARE AND HOUNDS. Tins good going and the bright sunshine rendered thin meet o n Sarinlay last, March 8, very pleasant. The hares, F. Bone and H. Foster, started at 3.25 p.m. from the ground, in Shaphard'aisne, and were followed after IS minutes' law by C. Dent, B.N. A.C.; W. Foster. 8.F.C.; A. Pollock, 13.N.A.C.; It. 8. Evans, 8.F.C.; W. T. Malnprise, 8.F.C.; 1, 0. Itsionford, L.A.C.; H. Gold, B P.C.; C. J. Chenery, L.A.C.; W. Samuel, H.F.C. T. Brown; E. Clarke, 8.F.C.; E. T. Mason, B.F.C.; and T. Newman, B.F.C. Cutting across the neighbouring fields, they picked up the trail down Acre. Las, and selected several Mee meant- before settling down on the line is ken by the hares. This was past Herne-hill, down Norwood-lane; when, turning to the loft, they took to the grans on Thurlow-hill, and cleverly kept almost entirely on turf for the greater part of the rue. The line then lay over the bills to Streatham mineral springs, and over latreathans Common, through the Sada in a circuit to Tooting Common. Here there ware several old lying about in all directions, and unfortunately the hounds were so long at fault that they determined to make a strnight roe home, which they accordingly did by the road through Clapham Park. The hares, who had been golag very perseveringly, made their first halt at Tooting; then proceeeW on to Wandsworth Common; bet, doubling hack through some capital grass fields to near 13.tlhani Station, crooned the line and, worked round to the dof Nightigainlane. Here, again atriking sen s Wandsworth Common, they went round the "Patriotic Scho Is, " passing the Mark Sea, over Clapham Common, at last parted from the turf, and made straight tracks for home, where they ran to earth in lh. 52m., having covered a distance sot lens than 15 miles. The first bound, F. 0. Rainnford, turns! up in lb. Plinin. from the time of their starting, and was followed diately by C. J. Chenery. After a short interval name C. Dent; then, in two minutes' time, H. and W. Foster. A. Pollock and W. T. Main. prise arrived together, after soother two minutes had elapsed, and were closely followed by R. S. Evans. The remainder either did not go the tante, or had not turned up when the spectators dispersed. J. Cockerel! (captain 8.F.C.) acted as starter and timekeeper, a hadlyspraineil and. preventing his taking a more active part in the proceedings."

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South London Press — Saturday 3 April 1869

Of late there have been numerous complaints made the management of tho Loyal Victoria Patriotic Asylum on Wandsworth Common. remember being present when the Queen laid the foundation-stone. It was supposed to be amply provided for by the balance tho Koval Patriotic Fund raised during the Crimean War; but for some time back its condition has been anything but satisfactory ; and, strange to say, there appears to nobody outside or in with sufficient power to put things on better footing. This week the report of the Eoyal Albert Orphan Asylum stated that thex'e are children in the institutio tho girls are trained for servants and needlewomen, tho boys are taught farming, tailoring, and shoemaking. They cost an average Xl 9 year per head. In the Victoria Asylum the cost-of the children has risen to -is. 9d.; and in spite of loans anil an increased subsidy from tho Patriotic Fund, the oflWials are yearly reducing the number of children supported Charity. Could not the Queen herself look into this matter a little?

A "ghost," dressd in the orthodox garb — a white sheetwas seen flitting in the pale moonlight at the "witching hour" on Easter Monday, in the neighbourhood of Clapham Common.

A batch of bacchanalians who were peregrinating homeward, were suddenly seized with fear and trembling at the sight of the apparition, and although they had been potvaliant only few hours before, it required an excessive amount of mutual taunting to induce any one to screw his courage to the stickingpoint. One of them having assumed the initiative, combined assault was organised; the men gave chase to the mysterious being, and flagged not an inch until approaching the churchyard of St. Paul, Clapham, when cowardice became the order of the night. A second rally was afterwards made, and the apparition was chased into block of unfinished buildings, when the mystery was solved, and the general terror dispelled. The "ghost" proved to poor woman, who had fled from homo to avoid the brutality of drunken husband, and had snatched sheet in her flight the only available means of sheltering herself from the inclemency the weather.

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South London Press — Saturday 3 April 1869.png"

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Morning Advertiser — Thursday 22 April 1869

RACE WITH VELOCIPEDES

Yesterday race took place with the now fashionable recreation o! velocipede riding level road on Wandsworth-common, between six amateur velocipedians. for stake of 151. The distance contested was two miles, and two of the competitors, who travelled with two-wheel machines, were handicapped, and pat yarde below the starting point. The other four, who contended with the old-fashioned four-wheel velocipedes, started level. The race was commenced sharp pace, Mr. Canton (four wheels) finishing the first mile in five minutes and 32 seconds, and commanding a good lead a spirited race was kept op, the riders of the two-wheel velocipedes working easier than their opponents; and when within half a mile of the winning point a French gentleman (M. de Ferne) a two-wheeler came from the rear, passed his opponents, and won by several lengths. The last half-mile was covered in two minutes and 28 seconds, and the two miles accomplished by the winner 10 minutes and 30 seconds.

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South London Press — Saturday 24 April 1869

Velocipede Race on Wandsworth Common

Wednesday a race took place with now fashionable recreation of velocipede riding on a level road on Wandsworth Common, between six amatenr velocipedians, for stake of XI-'-distance was two miles, and two of the competitors, who travelled with two-wheeled machines, were handicapped, and put cite> yards below the starting point The other four, who contended with the old teshioued four-wheel velocipedee. started level. The race was commenced at a sharp pace. Mr. Canton (four wheels) finishing the flret mil Tin five minutes and seconds, ami commanding good lead spirited race was kept up. the riders the two-wheel velocipedes working easier than their opponents; and when within half mile the winning point a French gentleman (M. Feme) a two-wheeler came from the rear, passed hie opponent*, and won by several lengths. Ihe last half-mile was covered two minutes and seconds, and the two miles accomplished the winner minutes sod seconds.

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South London Press — Saturday 15 May 1869

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TUB SURVEYOR'S CUAROKS. report the committee for considering the surveyor's charges, respecting the paving of new streets, was brought up by Mr. Denny. The committee thought that the charge of 2 per cent, for incidental expenses charged surveyor was fair. Mr. Lyon made use of language which brought down the condemnation of the vestry, many members crying "Shame, shame."

The odious expression used towards the surveyor was withdrawn Mr. Lyon, who promised not to make usu of such language in future. Mr. Reynolds, in resenting the imputation, said that if Mr. Lyon had been outside the Vestry Hall, he would not have dared to utter such remark.

After it had been agreed to place four notice boards on Goose Green and the Rye, to prohibit the improper use of the common, and suggesting regulations for cricket playing, the vestry adjourned.

Battersea Vestry.

A meeting of this vestry was held on Tuesday evening, in St. Mark's Schoolroom, Battersea Rise. Present; Messrs. Churchwarden Buckmaster (chairman). Bertolacci, Clarke, Turner, Baker, Wix, Gerrard, Gammon, and Hadfleld [?]. It was anticipated that answer would have been received from the Poor-law Board, respecting the petition from the vestry in favour of removing Mr. Corsellis from the office of vestry clerk, respecting which a commission was held at the Lammas Hall, in November last, but no such communication had been received.

It was decided, the motion of Mr. Bertolacci, that such letter should be forwarded to the Poor-law Board as would ensure a reply. On the motion of Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Bertolacci, it was recelved that the resolutions passed at the various public meetings recently held the rating agitation, Ac., should be entered on the minutes the proceedings of the vestry. A sharp colloquy took place between the chairman and the vestry-clerk, the former asking why a notice of motion sent by him letter did not appear on the business paper that evening. He inquired whether the clerk had received that notice, and if so, why it was not attended to.

Mr. Corsellis replied that in consequence receiving so many gross insults from Mr. Buckmaster he had declined to open any letters from him, and had informed him some time ago that any communication from him would be destroyed. The letter alluded to by the chairman had been destroyed without the contents being perused. Mr. Bertolacci said he could not allow such language to be used towards the chairman of the vestry without notice being taken of it. On his proposition, seconded Mr. Gammon, it was decided to record those remarks, and forward copy the same to the Poor-law Board. After some further discussion, the board adjourned"

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"Illustrated London News — Saturday 22 May 1869

The rights of common were yesterday week vindicated at the Wandsworth Police Court. Mr, Buckmaster, one of the churchwardens, was summoned by a builder for having broken down a fence on Wandsworth-common. The complainant had purchased a piece of land from the directors of the Brighton Railway, and was in ignorance of its being a portion of the common. Mr. Buckmaster denied the right of the company either to inclose or sell the land, and mentioned that the inclosures Wandsworth-commonnow comprised 150 acres. The magistrate dismissed the summons.

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"Kentish Independent — Saturday 22 May 1869

Metropolitan Gossip

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Is Wandsworth Common "no man's land," Crown property, the property of the people, the lord of the manor, or what At any rate it to be disappearing gradually, and, so speak, going into the pockets builders. A case brought before a police magistrate brings out some curious facta. gentle man is summoned for maliciously destroying a fence. admits the destruction, but denies the malice, and urges that a railway company had enclosed about ten acres, not for tbs purposes of their Act, and had th-n sold it, ** in a quiet sort of way," a builder About Iacres of land have been inclosed in this way during the last fifteen yean.

In this particular case the summons was dismissed, the magistrate remarking

that the question of right has been raised — a matter

etc etc

and yet out suburban commons are being eaten away, not be inches, but by acres; and it seems nobody's business to stop it.

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South London Press — Saturday 26 June 1869

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THE South London Press, Saturday, June 36, 186

Battersea Park Bridge. Deputation to Mr. Layard. In furtherance of the propose . scheme for freeing the Battersea Park Suspension Bridge from toll, in support of which public meetings have recently been held, a deputation including the Hon. W. Brodrick, M.P., Mr. W. H. Peek, M.P., Mr. Q. T. Condy, Mr. F. K. Bertolacci, Mr. J. C. Buckmaster, and about 50 inhabitants of Battersea and Pimlico, waited upon Mr. Layard, First Commissioner of Public Works, Whitehall-place, on Thursday, at noon, to urge the abolition of toll for Battersea Park Bridge, and the establishment of a bathing-place in or about Battersea Park.

Mr. Peek introduced the deputation. Mr. Bertolacci, in giving a brief history of the establishment of the bridge, stated that on the first Sunday the park was opened free no less than 100,000 persons availed themselves of the boon, from which he argued that the extension of the privilege for the remainder of the week would be proportionately appreciated. He showed that there were no less than 1, 500 houses let in Battersea, many of which would be occupied by workmen the present impost on the bridge were abolished. The rates of the whole parish consequently devolved upon few residents instead of on many, and were consequently excessive.

He also showed that for want of the moralising and civilising influence which must necessarily follow the occupation the property by the better class of people many thieves and vagabonds took advantage the sparsity of the population, by up their abode in the tenantless houses, from which they sallied forth to the neighbourhood of Wandsworth Common the superior districts commit depredations by night and day.

Mr. Peek referred to the arrangement originally made, and now existing, for the bridge being free when the loan for its construction, and per cent, interest, hod been paid off the toll; he feared that at the rate of their receipts up to the present there was no prospect of any person now living being privileged to see the franchise the bridge. Indeed, said Mr. Peek, the circumstances of the case were such demand the attention of the Government.

Mr. Buckmaster then addressed Mr. Layard on the proposed scheme (or disposing of the surplus land on the outskirts of the park. He explained that when the park was laid out, 140 arena of land wen aet apart on the borders in the expectation that it would be let or eold for building purposes, and so tend to reduce the rates the district, bat scarcely any property had yet been erected. that time, a builder offered 1,000 per acre for the whole of the land, bat it was mmtionable whether any approach to that pnos could now be effected, and time wore on the case would be still won-. He believed the land would fetch more money now than in future, and that every delay deteriorated the value of the land for the better class of houses, where a large number the poor were aggregated in one corner of the metropolis without the civilising influence of better people. He recommended that the bridge-toll should be abolished, and compensation be obtained by selling letting the surplus park lands.

One of the members of the deputation, whose name did not transpire, appealed in favour of bathing being permitted in the park lake before o'clock in the morning. To show the appreciation bathing convenience by the public, he stated that as many as 100,000 persons bathed in one day in Victoria Park.

The Hon. Mr. Brodrick showed the necessity for some provision being made to prevent the many indecent exhibitions he had seen a pond beyond the park where numerous people bathed in a state of nudity within sight of passengers in the railway trains.

Mr. Peek did not approve the use of the present lake for bathing purposes, but thought a bathing ground of four or five acres might be made on the surplus land, and the soil which was dug out might used for mounds on the edge to shelter the bathers from the neighbouring houses. said that many people now went into the Thames near to the park, and although they chose suitable places, they were sometimes carried beyond their depth by the wash of passing steamboats and were drowned. He thought that the sum of JBIo.000 was to be spent on the Serpentine, and a huge amount on Victoria Park. a large bathing place ought to be made in Battersea Park.

Mr. Layard replied that with regard to the bridge, it was a question not competent for him to interfere with, it being a financial question. His own feeling was against tolls. Honey had been borrowed from the Commissioners of the National Debt, and they were under obligation to repay that money. The question must be settled by Act of Parliament, and application must be made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but he feared it was too late for this session. He referred to the system recently adopted by Government for recouping the costs of parks by the sale of portion of the lands, and also the objections raised by country members to metropolitan improvements being made out of the general rates. He was of opinion that metropolitan matters differed somewhat from provincial towns, as everybody had interest in the former. After expressing his sympathy with the object of the deputation respecting the bridge, he alluded to the bathing question, and said he thought it utterly impossible to use the present lake for bathing purposes, it being very small and only three feet deep. He much preferred Mr. Peek's suggestion for constructing new place, and promised to pay early visit to the park and its surplus land with view of testing the suitability and practicability of the scheme. The deputation expressed their approval of the answers given, thanked Hr. Layard, and withdrew."

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Morning Advertiser — Monday 13 September 1869

LONDON, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1869. LOST, on Wandsworth common, on Wednesday, of September, a SKYE TERRlERanswers the name of Dan -had on a leatner collar, with the words, Champion, Wandsworth-common," on it. Whoever will bring the little dog the address will receive TWO POUNDS REWARD.

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South London Press — Saturday 2 October 1869

THE South London Press, Saturday, October 2, 1869. Verily, we appear to have just entered upon an epoch of crime of the darkest dye. During the last ten days the papers have been teeming with accounts of murders, attempted murders, and suicides from all parts the country, and the Continent as well. Unfortunately, South London has supplied its quota. This week it is our unpleasant duty to record no less than three murders, three attempted murders, two suicides, five attempted suicides, an alleged attempt to murder by poisoning, the death of a child through the carelessness of drunken mother, the mysterious disappearance of a man who is supposed to have met with foul play, old gentleman assaulted and robbed in broad daylight, a brutal outrage upon a woman, and a savage assault by a ruffian who tried to bite a barman's nose off.  . . . 

It seems, on his own explanation, that Mr. John Costeker has only had the public interest in view in enclosing part of Wandsworth Common! The part in question had come to be frequented by idlers and prostitutes, and length the nuisance became so intolerable that he consented to take it on lease, and enclosed it. Ill-natured people who couldn't be brought to view this public-spirited act in right light complained to the Hoard of Works; an appeal to counsel was the result, and an opinion was given to the effect that no right of way could be established." Reflecting complacently this act of disinterestedness, Mr. Costeker says, I think you will now feel that the person who so maliciously damaged my property was leniently dealt with, especially when Iadd that for the last twelve years I have paid him for meat nearly three pounds weekly !" Of course now feel " Mr. Costeker feels and everybody else must feel. The explanation may have its weak points ; but the meat argument is conclusive. It may even be invidious to inquire whether he // the throe pounds of meat he paid for weekly, or the meat he paid three pounds for weekly, whichever was ?

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South London Press — Saturday 16 October 1869

BLACK SEA

The chairman called attention to the filthy and unhealthy condition of the Black Sea. The water had been drawn off, and it was filled up with similar refuse to that which was placed in the holes in Wandsworth Common. It was agreed to draw the attention of the Wandsworth Board of Works to the subject. The vestry then adjourned.

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South London Press — Saturday 6 November 1869

Wandsworth Common. A letter was received from the vestry clerk of Battersea, enclosing copy of 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."

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South London Press — Saturday 6 November 1869