Wandsworth Cricket Club — Controversy Over Enclosure for Private Use
An influential body of residents have projected a new cricket club which it is intended shall rank as the leading club in the neighbourhood. 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.
Ratepayers' Protest — J. E. Hawkins to the Editor
Mr. J. E. Hawkins of Clapham Junction writes vigorously: "As to the legal aspect of the question, Sections 33 and 34 of the Wandsworth Common Act distinctly forbid the appropriation for any purpose of any portion of the common. The Wandsworth Club will have allotted to them the space in question in consideration of a sum for levelling, which amount will give the club the first claim to the usage of the ground, and when it is not being played upon it is to be enclosed by posts and chains which cannot be taken down by any other club unless they pay a certain amount for their removal." He asks: were the Battersea ratepayers consulted? They contribute twice as much to the rate as Wandsworth.
Battersea Vestry — Posts and Chains on the Common
Mr. Cleave said that since the last meeting he had found that a notice board had been placed upon the disputed space stating that it had been set apart for the use of recognised cricket clubs, who must give 14 days' notice for permission to play there. This, he contended, was contrary to the spirit of the Act, which provided for the unrestricted use of the common for purposes of recreation, and contrary to the purpose for which they, as ratepayers, were taxed. Upon being put to the vote, 14 voted for Mr. Cleave's motion (instructing the clerk to challenge the notice board) and four against.