Wandsworth Common

1891

South London Press — Saturday 3 January 1891

Bolingbroke Tradesmen's and Ratepayers' Club. This chib met on Tuolay night at the Plough, St. John's Hill. In the absence of Mr. Hyem, president of the club, Mr. Dupree occupied the chair. interesting discussion took place with regard to the removal of snow. This reported elsewhere. The chairman reported that a deputation from the club had waited on the vestry and urged that body light the main paths over Wandsworth Common. At the present moment the vestry had not arrived any decision the subject.

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Weekly Dispatch (London) — Sunday 4 January 1891" target="_blank">Link.]

The Streatham Shooting Case Caine again before the Wandsworth magistrate on Monday. James Penton, a horse dealer, residing at 2, Earlsfield-viUss, Balham Park-road, Streatham, shot Kr. James Harrow, chief clerk at Wandsworth Common railway-station. Mr. Thomas Cole barrister, who represented the accused, said Penton deeply deplored the circumstance, and was the last person who would intentionally inflict an injury upon Mr. Harrow, with whom he had for a considerable time been on terms of lois friendship. Mr. Denman pointed out that the prisoner was charged with intent to murder. He took up a gun, and, with a threat, deliberately shot the injured man. The prisoner was further remanded, the application for bail being refused. The injured man is still in the hospital.

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Sheffield Evening Telegraph — Friday 16 January 1891 target="_blank">Link.]

MISTAKEN IDENTITY A MOST REMARKABLE CASE. the Central Court yesterday Mr. Jnstic Smith, James AngeL painter and paper-! hanger, Ealham, aged GO, was indicted for com-] rape on Fanny Newell, 21 years ot age.' Mr. Matthews prosecuted behalf of the Treasury, and Mr. Gin defended.The prosecutrix stated that : some day in February last she was path leading towards the Routh road from Wandsworth Common, She met prisoner, who told her not to along' that path, as there were some rough feUows lower down who had got a young girl arid were nogood. He took hold of both her arms. She asked to let her alone, or she would call someone. Bfl then prodnced a broad-bladed knife, and said she murmured would stick Into her. Some footsteps being heart the man ran away, and she did not sec again until November IS, when she: was going across Wandsworth Common about half-| past six the evening. Prisoner came to her; and said, " Ibeg your pardon, miss, but I should! not over the wooden bridge." and then repeated] almost word for word what had said on thai previous occasion. , Sas Rtco"si3i!D Him Outers his voice and manner, and general appearance, though on the night February it was dark and she could not see the man's face. She turned to fun away, but he caught her round the waist and dragged her to the fnne. She called out " Murder," when he put his hand over her mouth and punched her tho chest, and showed her what appeared like a white-handled penknife, with which threatened to stab her. He also said had loaded pistol his pocket, with which would! shoot her she did not "hold her row." She! struggled, was unable to prevent the man! commlttmg the offence with which the prisoner was | charged. Witness, cross-examination, admitted] that she had first described her assailant as man with a black hat and dark moustache, -whereas the prisoner when she identified the station, had a brown hat and red moustache. was His Voics that Cosvinced that was the man who had assaulted her the two occasions referred to.Medical evidence having been given to the nature the assault, Caroline Jeffreys, another domestic servant, aged 28, positively identified the irrisoner haying: Indecently assaulted her in tho same locality on the same evening. November 13, when also threatened hex with a knife.Tho police evidence went to show that a number of complaints having been made indecent assaults upon respectable girls neaghbourrrood of the common, a special watch was kept and the prisoner, who had two hnlves his possession, and who seemed to answer the description given the girls, was arrested on suspicion while crossing the common. Police evidence was given as to Tint TnESTmcATioji op ths other girls In connection with assaults on Clapham and Wandsworth commons.Mr. Gill, powerful address to the jury, argued that this was a case of mistaken identity, and -produced iwltuesses In support of that theory.Mr. and Mrs. Hodgett. who the same house, stated that prisoner was man of excellent character, and that he was home on November 13 the time question. The prisoner was then placed in the witness- box and gave evidence straightforward manner on oath, to tally denying the charges brought against him, and accounting tor his presence the night in November home, and a mission which he attended close to the house.The prisoner's wife corroborated the statement, and Mr. John Taylor, Tooting, who was engaged at the mission, said the prisoner was A Most Man, thorough home husband and father, and total abstainer.The prosecuting counsel admitted that Sergeant Windsor, having made all inquiries, gave the prisoner the highest character man could bear every relation life At the same time urged the importance of the evidence of identification, and the erxtraordinary coincidence of the knives.Mr. Gill suggested that the real miscreant was still large, as similar assaults had been 1 made on women in the neighbourhood, accompanied similar threats, since the prisoner was under arrestThe case lasted the whole day. and at a late hour Mr. Justice Smith summed up, remarking that it was one of the most remarkable cases ho had had to deal with the bar or on the bench, and he urged upon the Jury the danger acting upon qnestiona of identity not corroborated other evidence.The jury, after a short absence, returned a verdict of not guilty.

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Reynolds's Newspaper — Sunday 18 January 1891

XTQAORBDIWARY CRAtGM -O nAPE At the Cectral Crimiuml Court, on Thursday, James Angel, 30, a respectablo-looking man, was indicted for a fe!onious assault upon Annie Newell, a girl twenty-two years old. The indictment oontain'!d counts charging the prisoner with indecently assaulting seven other girls, icaiced?? Kirk, Laura Lawrence, Caroline Jeffrey,,onisa Spenkling, hva Dredge, Amy Mallet, and Her- riot Soar. Mr. C. Matthews prosecited for the Public Pro- secutor, and the prisoner was?? by Mr. C. F. Tihe prisoner was a married man witli a family. It apucared that for nearly twelve months there had been conplaints that the neighbourhood of Wandsworth Common was frequented by a man who in the dusk of the evening WIs in the habit of committinge assaults upon respectable girls and women residing in the locality. The prosecutrix Newell was in service near the common, and from her evidence it appeared that in Feb-ruary hlst year sheo was assailedl by ticis man and in- decently nssarulted, blut he got awa . Onc Oiloveliber Is, as she wns returnilng bome in tbh evening, she was again cttlacked by a man, ncd shr recogised him by hci voice as theo ciall who had assa:ccltcd hier oic the pro- violld occasion. When sce screemed for assistance he drow a Irnife from his pocket nud threatenecd to stab her if sho macie a n )ise, and sho was so terrified that Ipe succeeded in committing thc o'fetce in spite of her resistancer.of the again iiiado hs escape on this occasion. Thei pcoseclltrix saw the pilsoner a few days afterwards, anl she swore positively to his identity Tice other girls whose naucaq were mecntioned spoke to hicivicnc been assaulted on other occasions by a man, who, threo or four of them swore positively, was the prisoner. A deteotire officer, who was place Ioi special duty on the comncon to cndecavocr to appreheud the oufender, took thie prisoner into custody on having seen him, as he thocight, conducting himself in a suspicons mannor, but when the accused was charged with the offence he declaced that?? was innocect. He was, moreover, very mimic excited, and made an attempt to escape, but the constable succeded in cocvceying him to the police sttion. The derence was that tic prisoner was inceocent, and thnt the witicesses were mictakon in speaking to his identity. With reccrcd to the charge umade by thc girl Newell an alibi was set up, and witnesses wer exa,- mined to show that lie was at anotlcr place at the time this offence was alleged to have beu ecommitted. The Prisoner himself was exaicined as a witness, and he swore positively thiat he wavs entirely innocent, and that there was not the slightest ground for accusing him of the crime laid to his charge. He declared that it was entirely by accident that lce WilS on Wandsworth Common whien he wccs apprehended by the constable. The wife of the prisoner was also examinec as a wit- ness on his behalf. Several witnesses gave the prisoner an excellent character. The leaxned Judge, in summnicg up, said that the case was undoubtedly a very remarktallde cc, and mcc- less tis prosecution had clearly established that the prisoner was guiltv of the offncne laid to lis echarge, the prisoner wvas entitled to be acqcsittcd t The jury, after a lshort deliberation, foundic thce prisoner "N~ot guilty,' and prisoner wi~as dibeharged,

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South London Press — Saturday 24 January 1891

The Alleged Assaults Wandsworth Common. — A Hard Case. — A correspondent writes: "James Angell, painter and glazier, Balham, was indicted for alleged assaults on Wandsworth Common. Being refused bail the police magistrate Wandsworth, the accused was committed and confined in Holloway Gaol for eight weeks pending his trial the Central Criminal Court. As recorded in your columns, he was acquitted; and what Iwish to lay emphasis on is the fact that working man is taken from his employment (his solo means of living), incarcerated for two months, has to pay Is. lid. per diem for his food daring that period only alternative being to partake of the ordinary prison diet provided for criminals), and, in order to prove his innocence at his trial, has incur great expense; is parted meanwhile from his wife and family, who arc dependent on him, and owing to his imprisonment are reduced to rely upon the charity of others. He is finally discharged, to find himself free man again, but with a burden of debt round his neck, his chances of re-emplovment imperilled, and his home in process of dissolution, and no claim by law for any compensation." t

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South London Press — Saturday 31 January 1891

cla-UHA-m; and TBATTB RiS'EA. On Wednesday the Battersea Vestry appointed deputation to wait upon the County Council to ask that body, as the custodians of Wandsworth Common, to light the principal footpaths.

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BRIAR BANK, WC?

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Cross-examined. I saw the prisoner on that occasion — my impression is that Ipaid him there and then — I knew him as representing Richards And Co., and Ibelieve Ipaid him the cheque — I had seen him repeatedly About the business he did for me.

JOHN COURT. Ilive at Alma Villa, Balham Park Road — in August lass I was indebted 3 14s. to E. Richards and Co.

- Ipaid that amount by cheque on 14th October — I destroyed the cheque when it came back from the bank — this is the receipt that was given to me by the prisoner. Cross-examined. I saw him several times about the business — he was the only person I knew as Richards — I thought he was the principal.

HENRY FLETCHER. I am a tailor, of 6, Bolingbroke Grove, Wandsworth Common — in October last year I took my present house from Richards and Co. as agents — Ipaid 4 2s. 6d. for fixtures — Isent that by this cheque on 22nd October to Richards and Co., payable to order — it is endorsed "Richards and Co. '; this is the receipt.

Cross-examined. I saw the prisoner several times about this business — Itreated him as Richards and Co.

- I know of his starting on his own account, because Ireceived a communication from him asking me to do business for him — I think that was about a fortnight before he was prosecuted — I cannot give the date.

DANIEL WHITE. Ilive at the Headquarters of the London Scottish Volunteers, and am the secretary — in August last Iengaged a furnished

house on Wandsworth Common — I saw the prisoner in connection with it — on 5th November Isent a guinea by post to Richards and Co., and this receipt was left at my house in the evening.

JOHN HENRY BARROW. I am a son of the prosecutor; I was engaged in the business at the branch office of which the prisoner was the manager — on 1st December Ireceived 1 1s. from Mr. Meets, due to the office; Igave it to the prisoner shortly afterwards — I have examined the ledger with my father, and find no record of it — during the whole of the time the prisoner was managing the branch office at Balham and Wandsworth Common I was engaged there assisting him — this account (produced) is the prisoner's writing — Isee in it the names of Dr. Clark, Rogers and Clarkson, Steel, and Hodges — the prisoner claims commission of 17 10s. as doing business for them, and 7 10s. for Hall, 50 for Barrow, 2 for Dut on, 41 5s. for Steel, and ten per cent, commission on 30 due from a Mr. Hodges, and ten percent, on 13 15s. due from Dr. Clark in December last — during that month no business occurred with Rogers and Clarkson, or Hall or Dutton or Steel, Hodges or Clark — I don't know what the Barrow 50 refers to.

Cross-examined. I was principally at the Balham office; I was there all the time the prisoner was there, and at Wandsworth — during that time I had the opportunity of being continually in communication with my father — I had access to the books sometimes; they were locked up sometimes, sometimes they were with my father — the prisoner was sometimes at Wandsworth, sometimes at Balham, and sometimes going seeing people about letting houses, or attending appointments with regard to fixtures and distraining in different places — I cannot say that he had difficulties with my father about money matters — I don't know of my own knowledge, only from hearsay, that he has given the prisoner cheques which have been dishonoured; I have not heard my father say so — I have not heard the prisoner press my father to go into the question of commission — the prisoner used to keep small memorandum books in his pocket, and made entries in them — my father came there once a week — the books were sent to him sometimes; Inever told my father that the prisoner was going to start in business for himself; I told him I had heard so about a week before he gave notice to leave — Inever heard my father tell him he had better look out what he did, for if he barked he would bite — Ibelieve he was going into business with Lewis Stoner, who had been in my father's business some time; he is in business at Clapham — I don't know that he sued my father for wages — I don't know when the prisoner started in business — we have had two managers since the prisoner left, one now and one before, not satisfactory — I don't think I have ever been present when the prisoner has discussed money matters with my father — commission is paid when the purchase takes place — the prisoner claimed commission upon all work done at the office — I know he had some negotiations with the post-office at Balham; not a long one, he wrote a few letters and saw them once, Ibelieve — I know the prisoner claims a commission on some property in Ramsden Road — we have not been doing anything striking in business lately, about 10 a month; it has dropped, certainly — Mr. Clark let his house to Mr. Truefit, with the option of purchase, for 1, 200 — that was through the prisoner's introduction — I don't know that Truefit has purchased, Iwill not swear that

he has not — the prisoner paid the petty cash — he used to complain of my father's method of doing business — I know that my father applied for a warrant against the prisoner — one Magistrate said he had better get a warrant; another Magistrate said he would not grant it, that it was not necessary — I know my father did have him arrested early in the morning, without any summons or notice.

Re-examined. With regard to the option of purchasing Mr. Clark's house, no purchase has taken place to my knowledge — our firm has never received any commission on such purchase — I have not known my father give any dishonoured cheques — proper books were kept at the head office.

JAMES BARROW. I am the prosecutor — I am a house agent and auctioneer, at 189, Victoria Street — I took the auctioneer's license out in the prisoner's name; I have not been in the business very long — in August, 1889, I appointed the prisoner manager of my branch offices at Balham and Wandsworth Common at a salary of 2 a week, and 10 per cent, commission on all gross commissions earned at those offices, less bad debts — I don't think there was a written agreement — these are copies of our letters. (One of these was the prisoner's letter of 10th August, accepting the appointment at 10 per cent, commission on the gross amount of moneys earned by him) — Ispecially excepted bad debts afterwards in conversation with him — he was entitled only to commissions on the amounts actually received by the firm — his salary was afterwards raised to 2 10s. a week — I have not given a large number of dishonoured cheques, only a very few — Inever gave the prisoner a cheque which was afterwards dishonoured — his duties at the branch offices would be to take the general management and superintend the collection of accounts, as Ipaid all the wages except the prisoner's, and all the accounts from the head office; he would simply retain in hand sufficient for daily disbursements of stamps and fares — afterwards Iallowed him to keep enough in band to pay his weekly wages and something on account of commission, but excepting those all accounts, and expenses, such as printing, advertisements, rents, rates and taxes, were paid from the head office — he was entitled to deduct money for his wages and petty office disbursements from cash only; Igave him cheques from week to week as he happened to be short — cheques he received were to be sent to the head office and not dealt with by him in any way — he had no authority to endorse cheques or to use them for the expenditure of the local office; Iconstantly gave him money, either by cash or cheques, on account of the local office — on 15th December I had an interview with him at the Wandsworth Common office — J complained very much of his being away on the Saturdays when I went down there to get the cash account; and also of his being away from the office for the previous two weeks, and I told him I was informed that most of his time was spent with Stoner; Icomplained that the cash-book and ledger had not been made up, and I told him peremptorily that I must insist on the books being made up, especially the cash-book and ledger — these are the two books Irefer to; they are kept in his writing — on one side of the page is an entry of every business transaction and the amount charged — on receiving money his duty was to enter it in the cash-book, and then post it to the person's, account on the other side of the book — on 16th December, the day after our interview, Ireceived one of these books

through my son from the prisoner as being made up and showing the state of persons' accounts, and the other was left at the office several days afterwards — I have never had the cash-book at all — Irequested the prisoner in very strong terms to send it to me — about 3 p. m. on 17th December Imet him with Stoner in Basinghall Street — I said, " I am very much surprised to see you here, Mr. Child, in Stoner's company after what took place on the 25th. I have not had the cash-book, and I must insist on having it, as Iwish to post up my own books and know the state of parties' accounts" — he said he had not had time to attend to it, but that he had the book at home, and he would make it up that night and send it to me — I have never had it — on 19th December I heard from the prisoner, giving me notice — he did not send nor refer to the cash-book — after other correspondence on 29th December Ireceived this letter — previous to receiving it I had made inquiries with reference to certain entries appearing in the ledger, and found a number of sums of money bad been received which had not been entered — my son directed my attention to the case of i Ireceived from Mr. Meets; no entry of it appeared in the ledger — there was no entry of 1 1s. paid by Mr. Whyte on 15th November, or of 4 2s. 6d. paid by Mr. Fletcher — Ipressed the prisoner several times to know why Fletcher had not paid for certain fixtures in a house he took; he said he had applied for it several times and could not get it — I found no entry of 3 17s. paid by Hewett on 6th August, or of 3 15s. paid by Court on 14th October — the endorsement "E. Richards and Co. " on this cheque for 3 17s., drawn by Hewett, is in the prisoner's writing; he had no authority to endorse in that manner or to use the firm's signature in any way — the endorsement "E. Richards "on this cheque for 4 2s. 6d. from Fletcher is the prisoner's writing, and also the endorsement "E. Richards and Co. " on this cheque of Baxter for 5 5s.

- the receipts for those cheques are signed by him; Whyte's receipt is signed "E. Richards and Co., " Hewett's is "E. Richards and Co. per A. J. C, " Baxter's is "E. Richards and Co., " and Court's is "Richards and Co., per A. J. C. " — this account attached to the letter of 29th December is in the prisoner's writing — on the first page Isee among accounts received, Best, 4 3s. 6d.

- there is no entry in the ledger of that nor of Ferguson, 1 Is.; Camden, 2 17s.; Holmes, 3 12s.; Kerrinden, 2 2s. 6d.; Wise, 1 16s.; Farlow, 3 10s.; Orm, 1 Is.; Muir, 1 Is.; Bryant, 1 Is.; Cooper, 1 9s.; Brown, 1 6s.; Lambert, 1 5s.; Hobbs, 5 5s.; Gilchrist, 1 Is.; Lidicot, 1 14s.; Williams, 1 12s. 6d.

- none of the people on the list are entered in the ledger; there are thirty-one accounts, amounting to 72 16s., not entered, and which have not been accounted to me for — the prisoner never complained to me of his inability to get on without more money — there were no bickerings about money; we never had any bickering till after 15th December, when the thing was ripe — he was entitled to deduct from the cash money for wages, petty expenses, and part payment of commission; he usually drew 1 a week — at the end of every month he sent me a commission account; Iproduce them from August, 1889, to September, 1890; some are in his writing, and others in the clerk's — I have compared, as to the majority of items, the monthly statements of account furnished by the prisoner with this account, which he forwarded with this letter of 29th December — I am ready, if necessary, to point out discrepancies between them — I checked the

prisoner's commission account in my private ledger upon the basis of his monthly accounts, with the necessary modifications and corrections; I should correct it by the accounts themselves — Iand the prisoner never came to any settlement, but Iintimated from time to time that he was overdrawing the account, and charging items on which he was not entitled to commission. Cross-examined. The account I have given to-day is, as far as I know, the same as Igave before the Magistrate — I was told that the prisoner was going to start in business for himself just prior to my interview with him on 15th; while he was in my employment and drawing my money he was spending his time at Stoner's office — I told him on 15th December, in reference to his accounts, when I found they were so bad, that he had better take care what he did; if Ibarked I should bite — I found his accounts were so bad just at the time I found he was about to start in business — I got this letter from him on 20th December. (This said that he had put up with the prosecutor's irregularities and the odium attaching to his name for some time, but that after his disgusting treatment it teas impossible to remain as his manager and he would take a week's notice) — Ifirst went to the place where he was carrying on business at the end of the first week in January; I went to Stoner's place; I did not know it was the prisoner's place, or that he was connected in business with Stoner — I went there with a detective in the daytime — Stoner was there; he had been in my service; he had summoned me at the Police-court — he sued me at the County Court for his wages — Ipaid one week's wages into Court, and he took it out; he did not recover what he sued me for — I think that was last spring — within a day or two of my going to Stoner's office with a detective I saw the prisoner's brother, a solicitor; he said if I had any complaint to make about him the prisoner would be willing to go to the Police-court; he did not say he had gone — it never crossed my mind that by going to the prisoner Imight be able to frighten him out of the neighbourhood — having heard from his brother that he was willing to attend at any time, I applied for a warrant against him; it was not granted — he was taken into custody by the sergeant, who had the conduct of the case, by the Magistrate's advice; I was present — Inever asked the Magistrate for a summons, he said I could arrest him — Igave sufficient evidence that day to get a remand; it was read over to me, and Isigned it as correct — " Ialways paid him his salary, and never told him to deduct it from the amounts he received, " is a mistake — I said I could not find the cash-book — the two charges Imade against him then were embezzling 1 1s. in the case of Mr. Whyte, and 1 1s. in the case of Mr. Meets — I heard from his brother that he offered to attend at the Police-court at any moment I chose to appoint — I did not hear it from the man who arrested him — I heard the man swear at the Court about his going to the Police-station, but not prior to that — I have a letter which the prisoner wrote to me on 29th November, 1890, before this matter arose. (This stated that as the prosecutor still had the prisoner's petty cash-book, the prisoner sent with the letter a rough statement for the last few weeks, and also receipts for rent and a demand note for taxes) — that rough statement was handed back to the prisoner with the cash-book, that he might enter it into the cash-book — no third person was present when the cash-book and statement were handed to the prisoner — Iswear these two amounts of Meets and Whyte were not set out in the statement, because Meets's account was paid subsequently — Whyte's was on a piece of loose paper — Iread the statement — I have seen one memorandum book of this kind which he kept, and checked it — the rough statement was not the same as this — Isee an entry here of Whyte, but this book has been mutilated — Ihanded the cash-book to the prisoner at the Wandsworth Common office on 15th December, with the memorandum, containing two or three weeks' entries, about 10 o'clock a. m.

- I had made a special appointment by letter for him to meet me — I was examined on each of the remands at the Police-court — Iswore on the second occasion that the prisoner was not represented as Richards and Co. at auction sales; the meaning Iintended to convey was that he had no authority to represent the firm as its principal — Iswore he did not sign the contracts; he signed some with A. J. C. under the signature — after Iswore it Iremember contracts were produced; I do not remember after that swearing that he did not sign them — I know he kept memorandum books of his own, in which he made entries from day to day — before the solicitor representing the prisoner produced these books I said I did not know of the existence of these latter books — he would make entries in a book of his own, and post them up when he had the cash-book — I did not know he kept a duplicate of the cash-book — I said, "In the small green memorandum books the initials pointed out to me are mine; Imay have seen that book from time to time; right through that book my initials occur " — it was a slip of memory when I said I did not know of any memorandum book being kept — I said, "Of course the prisoner was authorised to deduct his salary from the money he received; any statement that Imade last time that he had no such authority is false; " it was a mistake, the word is too strong — it was a mistake to swear he had no right to deduct his salary — Iswore, "Whenever he had not enough in hand to pay his salary Igave him a cheque on the Saturday; he never made disbursements on my behalf out of his own pocket to my knowledge" — two or three weeks there was a balance of a few shillings against me — he was not entitled to claim commission for matters that were in the office while he was there, when the money was paid after he left my employment; I was so advised — by his letter before he entered the employment he stipulates that he is entitled to commission on every matter — if a house were let or a purchase completed after he left he was not entitled to commission — I said, " I told him I did not often show my teeth, but when I did Ibit" — I don't think Iswore, "In no single instance has a cheque that I have given been dishonoured" — if it is on the depositions I must have sworn it, but it is a mistake — Iafterwards said, " Igave a cheque which was brought back in consequence of the irregularity of the signature " — that was the case of Simmons — I said one cheque on my private account had been dishonoured; that was one Ilent him to pay his rent — he did not say he must have money on his commission account — he did not at that time ask me for money on his commission account; his commission account was overdrawn — my private account for domestic matters is at the Peckham branch of the Imperial Bank; I have had it there for three or four years — I have only one account — I have one for business at the Victoria branch — I don't know how many of my cheques have been dishonoured — when Iswore that no cheque of mine had been dishonoured I had not thought anything about the getting a copy of a

banking account; I was not aware that there was a process by which a copy could be got — I don't know if from 1st May, 1888, to the present time bills and cheques of mine to the number of seventy, amounting to 2, 253, have been dishonoured — they have all been paid since — I have no means of checking this bank account now; it is a respectable bank — the cheques were taken up directly afterwards — the prisoner has not from time to time pressed me for money for expenses — I have not told him I had no money to give him, nor have I told him when he asked for money that he must go out and get money somewhere — I must have said, if it is on the depositions: "When he has asked me for money for petty expenses I have told him to go out and get money" — I did tell him that — I had no recollection of sending him for money, because I knew money must be provided to carry on the business — Igave him. money from time to time — I do not remember once when he asked for money saying I had. only got ten shillings, and changing that and giving him six shillings out of it — I said, " I did not tell him to got out and collect some accounts " — he had no authority to sign the name of Richards — I did not invariably sign myself at auction marts — contracts were shown me which the prisoner had signed "Richards" in my presence; they were private sales, not in auction marts — Iremember a memorandum of the sale of 123, St. James Road being produced to me signed by the prisoner, and saying I had never seen it, because Inever had; he conducted the transaction privately — I saw the contract in the case of Roseneath when it was produced in Court, not before, because that was sold privately — I did not say before the Magistrate that when he asked me for money Igave him 10, and told him to do as well as he could to put matters straight — I am not in the habit of changing everybody in my employment with being a rogue as soon as he has a dispute with me — Inever make a charge until I have occasion to do so — I did not charge Stoner with being a rogue; he was only with me a fortnight — Ireceived this letter from him after this prosecution was started. (This complained of the prosecutor coming into and prowling about Stoner's office) — Ireturned it after writing on it, " Ireturn you this with the answer that you are as great a rogue as Child " — Isent back this tradesman's account after writing on it, "You must be a rogue or a fool or a compound of both to send in this sss You ought to go where Child is" — that was because he applied for an amount that had already been paid — I have never signed the prisoner's name to any cheque to my knowledge — Iendorsed this cheque of 20th December, 1890, in the prisoner's name; because it came to me after he left my employment, it was my money — Iused to have business transactions with Harvey and Richardson, of Leicester — there was a dispute with them about the signature to acceptances many years ago — Iaid not then go to Spain; I went to Paris, and through France and Spain, and back to England — I was away about eight weeks — the question of the acceptances was not settled by my brothers in my absence; Isettled it myself before Ileft England.

Re-examined. The cheque which Iendorsed in the prisoner's name was made payable to him, and sent in after he left my service for an account due to me — Inever saw him after he left my office on 19th December — I did not sign his name to any other cheque — the cheques Ireceived from the prisoner in connection with the branch office Ipaid into the banking account of my firm, and never into my private account — on 5th.

August there was a balance due to him from me of 4 2s., on 11th August 2 2s. 11d. on 18th August 2 2s. 11d., on 25th August i I0s. 5d.; on each occasion I discharged the balance as soon as I saw it — Inever kept him waiting for money, nor was he unable to go on in the office without it — Istill bank at the Imperial Bank; they have not closed my account, but have paid every cheque that has been paid in — in the private sale of Roseneath the prisoner was authorised to use the firm's name, with A. J. C. under it; never "E. Richards and Co. " — it is quite untrue that he had frequently pressed me for money — when Imade the statement about his not being entitled to deduct his salary from the cash received by him at the office, I had no legal assistance — on the second Saturday that Stoner was with me he came into the office half drunk, and was very abusive and insolent, and I discharged him — Ioffered him his wages for the current week — he took out a summons for two weeks; Ipaid one week's wages into Court, and he took it in satisfaction — I have heard that he and the prisoner are now carrying on business as "J. Chester and Co. " — it is untrue that I am in possession of the cash-book — I had not seen it since 15th December — Ionly heard of the suggestion at the interview of 15th December and in the letter of 20th December — I applied to Mr. Denman for a warrant, and then to Mr. Partridge, who said it was unnecessary to have a warrant, I could give him into custody at once, as it was a case of felony — at the office there were all the ordinary books for such a business as Icarry on.

EDGAR HUGH SANDS. I was formerly in the prosecutor's employment at Wandsworth Common — Imade out under the prisoner's direction a good many monthly statements of account which were forwarded to the head office — these are in my writing, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September — the rest are in his writing.

Cross-examined. I was at the Wandsworth office nearly all the time — the prisoner was backwards and forwards there — Ibelieve the prosecutor "had the cash-book sometimes — I heard there was difficulty in getting the book before any question of this kind arose — Ionce went to the railway station with the prosecutor in order that he might change half a sovereign and give me 6s. to bring back to the prisoner — I think that was a Saturday, I don't remember the exact amount — the prosecutor's son was sometimes at Balham, sometimes at Wandsworth — he had full opportunity of seeing what was going on.

Re-examined. I am not in the prosecutor's employment now.

GEORGE THORLEY (Detective V). Iarrested the prisoner at his house at Wandsworth Common on the morning of 9th January — I told him I was a police officer, and should take him to Wandsworth Police-station, where Mr. Barrow would charge him with stealing 1 1s. paid him by Captain Whyte for and on account of his master, Mr. Barrow — he said, "All right; I hear there have been inquiries made about me; I went last Tuesday to Wandsworth Police-station and made some inquiry, but was unable to gain any information" — I took him to the station, and wired for Mr. Barrow, who came and charged him, and signed the charge-sheet — the prisoner made no reply when the charge was read.

Cross-examined. Iacted entirely on Mr. Barrow's instructions in arresting the prisoner — Iascertained the prisoner had been to Wandsworth Police-station to make inquiry.

NOT GUILTY.

There were three other indictments against the prisoner for embezzlement, forgery, and uttering, upon which no evidence was offered.

NOT GUILTY.

Kilburn Times — Friday 3 April 1891

SALES BY AUCTION. Wandsworth Common, and Worthing. — Fret'ltold Building Plots. Purchaae-monry payable instalments. Free cooreyances, no law MKBBRB. BAKER and SONS will BKIX AUCTION, FREEHOLD BUILDING PLOTS, follows WANDSWORTH COMMON. — In roaruuee on the Estate, on Monday Next, April 6th, at 2. 30, by direction of Executors late Robert Davies, Esq. , J. P. , first portion of tle Earlsfield Estate, five minutes Clapham Junction and Wandsworth and Earlsfield stations, adjoining the common, comprising 103 plots of Freehold Building Land, fronting Heathfield-road. All Farthing-lane, Earlsfield-road, and other roads, offering sites for medium-sized villas.

One lot will comprise the family mansion, facing St. Ann's-hill, containing five reception and 15 bedrooms. office, stabling, and gardens. Well adapted for school, institution, club, or similar purposes. The whole free of tithe and land tax. — Luncheon 1. 30 p. m — Vendors' Solicitors, Messrs. and Davis, 12, Paneras-lane, E. C. S

[BNA: //www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001813/18910403/056/0004" target="_blank">Link.]

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"https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?id=t18910504-442÷=t18910504-442&terms=wandsworth_common#highlight

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 8.0, 26 March 2022), May 1891, trial of JOHN BENTLEY (21) (t18910504-442).

JOHN BENTLEY, Damage to Property > unknown, 4th May 1891.

442. JOHN BENTLEY (21) PLEADED GUILTY to maliciously setting fire to certain furze on Wandsworth Common.

Four Months' Hard Labour.

Before Mr. Common Serjeant

MORE ABOUT HIM HERE:

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John Bentley

Life archive ID obpdef1-442-18910504

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Born 1870. Place of birth haslingden. Gender male. Height 5' 5". Occupation Labourer. HISCO 11. Complexion fair or fresh (fr). Hair brown (bn). Eyes blue (bl). Distinguishing marks shamrock, rose, thistle, &c., r., hand, tombstone, &c., l. forearm. Has tattoo yes. Tattoo subjects britain, national identity, death, nature, ireland. Tattoo descriptions tombstone, thistle, rose, shamrock. Tattoo body locations hand. First recorded 4th May 1891.

7 records. England and Wales Criminal Registers. Specific Tattoo Descriptions. Convict Tattoos. Newgate Calendars of Prisoners. Old Bailey Proceedings. Metropolitan Police Register of Habitual Criminals."189154

South London Press — Saturday 6 June 1891

Wandsworth Common Protection Association.

A public meeting of subscribers and friends of ibis association was held on Wednesday evening the St. Michael's School, Darley road, Bolingbroke Grove. Colonel A. Kotton, L.C.C., presided, and among those present were Mr. A. Black, Mr. Bargcss, Mr. J. H. Cowham, Mr. F. G. Delano (bou. treasurer), Mr. Diplock, Mr. W. K. Edwards, Mr. 0. Innour-, Mr. E. Johnson (hon. sec.), Mr. J. 11. Mace, Mr. Maxwell, Mr. J. B. Moore, Mr. E. Steele, the Rev. Russell-Wing, and others.

The chairman made brief and suitable reference to the progress and improvement which had been made since the Common came under the control of the London County Council. He said it was a great pity that action for the preservation of the Common not been taken earlier. It was most humiliating to think that in past years 365 acres — an acre a day had been filched from what ought have been an open space for the public. The of the association had been very successful in preventing further robbery — it deserved that title — of what ought to have been sacredly preserved as an open space for the enjoyment the people.

Mr. Steele, in a humorous speech, which reviewed the history of Wandsworth Common, moved: That the draft report and an audited statement of receipts and expenditure of the committee be approved and circulated." was stated that the financial report was of a very satisfactory character. Enough money had been subscribed to admit of copies of the various pamphlets connected with the agitation being bound into volumes and presented to various public libraries.

[PB: Bound volumes of WC-related pamphlets? In public libraries?]

The Rev. Russell-Wing seconded the resolution, expressing warm approval of the improvements recently carried out on the Common.

Mr. Diplock moved, and Mr. Burgess seconded, the following resolution; -- That this meeting desires to record its conviction that owing to action of the committee the association perpetual serious damage has been averted and numerous improvements have been made to the Common, and that the cordial thanks this meeting be tendered to the committee for their exertions." resolution was carried unanimously, and Mr. Johnson (hon. sec.) addressed the meeting, and returned thanks behalf of the committee, whom, stated, it had been pleasure to serve, meeting then passed votes thanks to Sir Henry W. Peek, Bart., for the gnat exertions be had made behalf the Common; Lord Spencer for his great kindness in transferring his manorial rights the London County Council; and to Parks and Open Spaces Committee of the London County Council for the improvements recently made to the Common.

Mr. Algernon Black rose to move — "That this meeting desires to place on record, and to convey to Mr. Edward Johnson, its sense of the value and importance and thanks for the service-- he has rendered to the public, and its appreciation of the ability and energy he has shown as honorary secretary of the Wandsworth Common Protection Association." Mr. Black explained, in sympathetic terms, that subcommittee had been formed, and under their direction, without Mr. Johnson's knowledge, appropriately worded and beautifully ill ain touted address had been prepared and framed, which would, when signed, presented to him as mark of appreciation of his services. Mr. W. Kershaw Edwards seconded the resolution, which was supported Mr. J. H. Cowham and Mr. F. G. Delano, and carried unanimously. Mr. Johnson briefly replied, and tendered Ins best thanks to his friends had spoken so kindly of his services. illuminated address was on view. The run as follows:

WANDSWORTH COMMON PROTECTION ASSOCIATION.

Adilrrs-. bij a Testimonial, presented at a Public Heeling, hi Id the Schoolrooms of at. Michael's Church, Bolingbroke Grove, on the 3rd June, I totton, LCC., in the chair), Johnson, Eli. We, the undersigned, members of the Wandsworth Common Protection and inhabitants the vicf.aly Wandsworth Common, desire to convey Mr. Edward Johnson our appreciation of the eminent utrricea htta rendered to the public by his labours past fire years as honorary secretary of the stove association. He has been indefatigable, able, sagacious, and courteous, and, the tueatur-B has mainly devised and carried into effect, has stopped anti remedied a serious encroachment on the Common, has greatly improved its condition and attractiveness, boa stimulated and enlightened public bodies — directly indirectly concerned with the Common — in regard to their rights and duties, and has won universal respect and esteem. la the contemplation the results the work voluntarily undertook and has so successfully carried through, trust he may have the satisfaction attendant aimo achieved and suit-imposed duty accomplished, and knowing that he carries with him the regard and good wishes all who are acquainted with his good work, and especially of tlmse who have been associated with him in his arduous labours in connection with the protection and improvement of Wandsworth Common. [Then follow the names of the subscribers.] It should mentioned that the subscription-list to the Testimonial Fund is not yet closed. All who feel grateful to Mr. Johnson for good work well done should send to Mr. W. K. Edwards, 5, Morella road, Wandsworth Common.

An interesting meeting closed with hearty vote of thanks to the chairman.

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South London Press — Saturday 11 July 1891

STAFF ARRANGEMENTS. The staffs of the South London parks were recommended upon as follows: That the architect be authorized to employ one man for three months during the mowing season at Peckham Eye at a cost 11s.; that the architect be authorized to employ labourer for three months to mow Streatham Common, at cost of l7 11s.; that the architect .fee authonzed employ two extra labourers for mowing Wandsworth Common for three months, at a cost 2a.; that 12 additional labourers be employed in Battersea Park for period of eieht weeks, cost of 129 125.; that West appointed jobbing man at firockwell Park; that Mr. Melville, now superintendent of Dolwich Park be promoted to be superintendent of Finsbury Park* at fne usual commencing salary of 125 per annum and that sergeant-constable be appointed at the usual rate of wages in Southwark Parkviz., 28s. a week.

[BNA: Link.]

Globe — Monday 10 August 1891

A SNAKE ON WANDSWORTH COMMON. On Saturday consultation was held St. Thomas's Hospital with reference to boy named Minmon, aged U, residing at 22, BoshlU-road, Lavender-hill, who was bitten by a snake Wandsworth Common. The snake has been captured, and is now in the hospital.

[BNA: Link.]

[PB: The snake is now in hospital

Evening News (London) — Monday 10 August 1891

One is reminded of Goldsmith's mad dog by the account of proceedings in the case of a boy bitten by a snake on Wandsworth Common. On Saturday, we are told, "a consultation was held at St. Thomas's Hospital with reference to the boy; the make beat the hospital." Goldsmith's hero, it will be remembered, "recovered of the bite; the dog it was that died." The Wandsworth snake is a/ready in hospital.

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"Streatham Cemetery

CAROLYN ROCKMAN

Wandsworth Historian No.64 1992" target="_blank">Link.]

ALTH0UGH centenary celebrations would have been inappropriate, it may be noted that the land for Streatham cemetery was purchased on 12th August 1891.

A conveyance describes the site as all that piece of Iand forming part of Springfield in the Parish of Streatham in the County of Surrey containing by estimation 23 acres one rood and three perches or thereabouts abutting on the North and North East sides thereof upon Iand belonging to the Middlesex County AsyIum and on the South East upon Iand known as the Springfield Nursery and on the South Side thereof upon Garratt Lane" [The Wandsworth History CoIIection.].

The conveyance also contains a map of the Iand that shows the positions of three trial holes made before the punchase.

The vendors were Geonge Taylon and Henry WiIliam Matin who were selling off pant of Iands and hereditaments Ieft by another Henry William Martin (who had Iived at the Cottage, Stneatham Hill and died on Februany 17th 1888. The approval of Martin's widow, Sarah Ann Martin of 13 Tierney Road, Streatham Hill, had been given for the sale and the price paid £17,684 5s 0d was apparently suggested by her.

The purchaser was The BuriaI Board for the Parish of Streatham which was "incorporated under an Act of Parliament passed in the fifteenth and sixteenth yeans of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Victonia Caps 85 insituled ( sic) An Act to amend the Laws concerning the Burial of the Dead in the Matroplis

The Wandsworth Histony CoIIection."1891812" target="_blank">Link.]

Islington Gazette — Monday 31 August 1891

THE PLEASURE GARDENS OF THE POOR

The question of securing open space for the people is becoming every day more and more one national interest. Lord read paper on the subject before the Hygienic Congress, and the throwing open of Lincoln'siuo'heldfl. as we showed lately, is arousing public attention. London will soon be city of gardens and open spaces. Ere long will bare nothing to envy in the tree-planted citiea the Continent. few years ago the people the metropolis had the parks only, and not too many of these. The richer quarters had the charm of leafy squares but the poorer no trees cr flowers, no sight of growing grass or expanse sky, brought sweetness or freshness, or 4 touch distinction, into the dismal monotony never-ending streets and court-. At all points the compass now the park- and gardens spreading. The wilderness ibeginning to blossom like the rose. Taking the and commons, the gardens and playgrounds. the burial-grounds thrown open and planted for the enjoyment the living, it icomputed that within the metropolitan ares, or very little beyond it, there are between 230 and 210 open spaces, covering over 21,000 acres, which are definitely secured the people. The West is still most richly endowed, little judicious management will enable a man to walk from Kensington to Charingcross amid grass and trees, and to be scarcely aware that he the neighbourhood houses. Taking Holland-park as his startias; point, making his way through the alley- of Kensington — gardens, on trough Hyde-park, crossing the road over to the Green-park, striking across to Bt. James'spk. eurorges out of the grace and stillness cnltic&ted nature to find himself the entrance the Strand. Should choose to continue his walk through the gardens of the Emb&nkment. and through those of the Temple, he would find himself near the heart of the City. If a bird flew over the other parts of London, would find there, too, innumerable resting placegreen for the sole of its foot. There would be the larger expanses in the East — Victoria-park, Hackney-downs and Marshes, West and Wanstead-parks, above all Forest. in K.O. the bird would fare badly. The Southern and SouthEastern districts would, besides commons, heaths, and Peckham-rye, furnish Greenwich, Kenningtou, and Southwark-parks; opened last Jane, and given to the people the Dulwich College Governors; Hyatt'sfirids, another free gilt, upon the laying out of which the Metropolitan Public Gardens has spent over 9,000; Uaryou-park, opened last October, gift to the people from Sir Spence? Wilson. The North-West favoured district, with its breesy hill-tops and the Hampstead region. The North baa Finsbury and Clissold-parks, the Highgatewoods, and Highbury-flelds; it will soon have Waterlow-park, a free gift from ex-London apprentice. Sir Sydney Waterlow, to the London _ County Council. his flight, this social and philosophic bird would take in Richmond-park! and Wimbledon-common.

The more especial object of this article Is not visit to the parks and breezy tracts of common lands, but to the little gardens, the green corners, the playgrounds that may be described the chapels of ease of our parks, and which are beginning to gladden the arid suburbs where dwell our working classes. Pour societies have now been work some years, their several ways, bringing about the extra ordinary results which we have just indicated. are the Commons' Preservation Society, the Eyrie Society, the Metropolitan Gardens' Association, and the London Playing Fields- Committee. The special work of the Commons' Preservation Society explained its name. its energy may be attributed the definite proprietorshlp by the people of sixty commons, measuring some 100 or 120 acres each, that girdle London; and the remnant of Epping forest, securing to it 6,000 acres of woodland shade and peace. The Society, which was founded in 1877 for the express purpose of bringing beauty home to the people, " has held it one of its first duties to help the work of acquiring, preserving, beautifying open spaces. The name of Miss Octavia Hill is one conjure with. This lady and her sister Miranda are the head and front of the Association. The society has planted a number of pretty gardens In dejected and forlorn districts; has secured for the South of London The Lawn, now known some eight acres extent, thrown open just year ago. Several public bodies subscribed towards the 50,000. Bliss Hill ret herself to collect for the purchase of the ground, and the society laid out the garden designs furnished w by Miss Wilkinson, its landscape gardener.- Mr. Fawcett lived toms years in The Lawn, and died there. His garden has become part of the park; his favourite tree is one of the landmarks of the place. On average, some 15,000 persons visit Vauxhall-park on holidays. Since 1883, the year of its formation, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, under the leadership of Lord Meath, has headed the movement for "open spaces." It has added 43 gardens and nine playgrounds to London, and has influenced the School Board to throw open 166 playgrounds on Saturday afternoons, thereby giving the children over 100 acres more to disport themselves on that day. It has spent during the past year about 1, 200 planting thoroughfares with trees.

The London Playing Fields Committee was founded scarcely more than a year ago, under the auspices of Captain Sinclair and Mr. Chandos Leigh. Its aim is to encourage and to keep within the area of London, the good old games of cricket and football. organises the demands of clubs, and inquires into their condition and requirements. It has established within a year new cricket and football grounds at Wandsworth-common, Raynes-park, In the St. Quentin estate near Wormwood Scrnbbs, at Flats, and Obingford, near Forest, and is now negotiating with public bodies for establishing pitches in Higbgatewoods nod Sudbrook-paxk.

Under the administration of the County Council the work of these societies has received great stimulus. Much has been done, bat much remains still done ere the gospel of innocent joy in beauty and nature is heard through every court and alley. Vast districts exist, especially in the east, south-east, and south, having still no playgrounds for the children, no sweet restfulness of gardens for the people. Let us Saturday afternoon visit some of the gardens and playgrounds in various districts. our way we pass Saint Paul's Cathedral, ami have a glimpse of children playing, and of elder folk sitting among the tombstones, gathered under the quiet shadow of the church. Flocks of pigeons strut about the sunlit sward. Toynbee-hall, the centre from which has emanated much of the New Learning, which teaches ttm value of innocent happiness life, is, in somewhat zig-zag voyage, our next haltingplace. The quadrangle this little bit in Oxford Whitechapel, is lit with festoons of coloured light, in the pleasant summer evenings when al-fresco concerts are given to crowded sadieuces. Our next visit is to the district about the Tower, the dockers' quarter. The Custom-house Quay, strip of ground some yards long 30 brood, was opened at the beginning of the summer as lounge for the men. Today the benches are crowded with resting labourers; pigeons swartn about the rich granaries, and add to the pioturesquenees of the scene. Lost May, the Tower-wharf, close by, was opened to the people. Here groups sit, and watch the steamers starting for Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Decently-dressed persons only are admitted here, out the Towergardens all may come. In the spring of ISBB, these gardens were first thrown open tentatively, for it was matter of speculation how the rough river-ride population would use the privilege. The conduct of the visitors has surpassed expectation. There need to put wires to keep the children and their elders off the grass, or preserve the flower-beds charmingly laid out Miss Wilkinson. The people behave first-rate, " said the carekeeper. Last Sunday more than 8,000 persons passed the gates, and not so much as a flower was trampled out of its place." The alleys and benches are crowded, men and women are reading, chatting, watching the boys playing cricket in the moat, sweethearts making love with the unblushing frankness young folk accustomed to publicity. Children make merry in every direction; the small Israelites are easily distinguishable by the Oriental love of colour their garments display. large per-centage of the visitors are asleep. Nothing strikes us more onr pilgrimage through the open spaces than the number figures huddled there slumber — wearied workers, old people, invalids, rough, tattered figures, wrapped in sleep. The ragged sleepers are the majority. This indicates the only abn-'e precious privilege, but one that mote 1-69 inevitable. The loafing poor, who ou find ratine ploco foe the iole their feet the London streets, come in largs numbers to dose in the public gardens. In this way they fill the dreary interval between the closing of the casual ward in the morning and the opening night. The ctrekcopers will tell us of men and women who come simply to sleep. Aft the gate Red Lion-square three or four women wait every morning for it to open, and, depositing themaelvee benches, sleep more less through the day. Baker's-row shelter, where 2,000 to 3,000 persons and children congregate on an average daily, the retired soldier who keeps order knows some men who have never missed their day's sleep during the eighteen months that he has been on duty. These loafers are kept strictly on their good behaviour, and, if they have fault, is that they are too quiet. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and of evenings, they seem instinctively to give place to those for whose benefit the gardens were designed, and who avail themselves of the advantage overwhelming numbers. On the off days of the week they steal back to the benches, and it must be admitted that they contribute nothing to the beauty of the scene. AU that can said in favour of the indulgence that extended to them that in the public gardens they are least out of mischief. There is incidental benefit to the public in their presence. It is right, perhaps, that we should be reminded these blots in the picture of public recreation bow much there is to before we can render It perfect in every detail. North, Booth, eaat and west, we go on oar pilgrimage, and the scene la always the same. The open spaces are immensely used. The garden done lot for the neighbourhood, " repeated with almost reiteration by the oarekeepen. Some of the open spaces, especially some of the disused burial-grounds, are mere apologies for gardens; some are simply asphalted enclosures. Others are spots of beaoty, blessed islands of foliage and per fa me, let into desolate seas of small bouses and sordid streets. It may be laid down axiom that the better oared for and more beautiful the garden is, the better the behaviour of the visitors. cornea home u how much the ignorant, the uncivilised, are susceptible to the spiritual influences of beanty and order, of music, now liberally provided the London County Council, and by many private societies. These open spaces have been aptly oaUed the drawing-rooms of the poor; they are also their day nurseries and their play rooms. In the heart of the Bast-end. St. GeorgeVin-the-Esst, one of the first disused churchyards restored to the use of the Uving. spreads an oasis of loveliness in one of the most sordid and dreary quarters of London. Its trees and fountains, its ferneries and flower beds, the gravestones ranged against the walls draped with creepers, add to its beauty. No garden in London is prettier than this stretch of God's Acre, measuring about three acres, through which a thoroughfare runs, and which the beloved haunt of the netghhood. Bed Gross-street Garden, in Southwark, characteristically exemplifies the rest hetic taaie of the Kyrle Society. A miniature bridge. the Old Bogliah style, spans stream covered with water lilies; a mosaic of the Good Shepherd is let Into the wall, with an inscription to the late Ur. S. Cross, who gave the money for this garden. A hall is attached to the little pleas ore-ground, where secular concerts are given on Sunday afternoons through the winter. Mr. Walter Crane has famished designs for future frescoes to decorate the walls. Playgrounds have been opened several districts — at Poplar, at Penge, Silver-street (London Docks), Drary-lane. The Horsemonger-lane Gaol is, perhaps, the most important. It covers half the site of the ancient prison. Some 1, 500 2.000 children congregate there in holiday hours. The space is divided a paliog — one side, given over to the girls and little boys, is famished with swings and a gymnasium; the other side, belonging the bigger boys, also bas Its gymnasium. No trees or flower beds oppress the youngsters' spirits with a sense of responsibility. The mothers bring their little ones, " the carekeeper says, and 1 see no barm comes them. We allow no fighting here. Bless yon, the playground is the msking of the children. one time the boys were always breaking the church windows. You see, they had no place to play In. Now they behave first-class." At Wspping we visit the Tench — street Recreation-ground, " lately opened. Two years ago it would have been difficult to discover green spot, amid the dismal streets roughly-paved courts of that nautical neighbourhood, where perhapa still linger the traces of the Glaimant's Infant steps. Out of Nightingale-lane we come two acres and half of gravel, through which rings the shrill voice of children at play. The space is overlooked low red-roofed houses, behind which rise the masts of vessels anchored in the docks. It was unsavoury spot covered with bricks of demolished houses when Mr. Day, of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, drew attention to tit. waste place and urged that it should be made into playground. The Metropolitan Board of Works bought the area for 52,000, and the London County Council spent 9OO in laying it out, half a playground for the youngsters, half a pleasureground for their elders. A memorial signed by number of schoolmasters, urging the use of gravel in preference to asphalte for playground, was presented by Mr. Day. The Drury-lane Garden, where there is considerably less garden than asphalted walks, stands next door to the London and County Printing Works, it is the daily resort of 200 or 300 children. The benches ranged around are much used the women and men porters of Covent-garden market. Time will not allow os to do more than peep in the disused burial — ground in Russell coart, Catherine-street, said to be the one poor Joe swept for love the dead law-writer who was " werry good to him." There is the miserable iron grating, the passage, the dismal labyrinth of courts. Five years ago the gravestones were ranged against the walls, and the uneven ground was asphalted over. It _till looks Go---spot. The trees are faded, the rough children have broken the drinking fountain, the tirinea ere out of order. Could not something done to bring touch of sweetness into the place, memory of the man who wrote of children with such incomparable sympathy Six o'clock is about to strike, the hour at wbiob the gates of the Temple-gardens open to the children. Till nine they can play on those smooth shaven lawns. From Lambeth, from the slums of Westminster, from the City, little feel are harrying towards those enchanted grounds. These are but a few of the open spaces given to the people and the children. The Court of Chancery has just decided in favour the people's right to the Poor-# Land, Bethnal-green. Among the citizens who took leading part the good fight for securing this garden for the East-end Sir. Edward Poulson. The Benchers of Lincoln's inn have now given permission to the children the neighbourhood to play the beautiful garden from five till dusk. Lord Meath is trying hard to win Victoria-park Cemetery. These eleven acres, situated in the roughest part of London, are the scene of ruffianism which only garden change. All such efforts tend to spread those influences of nature that are not earthly only but spiritual in their effect. — Ztai/y News.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 5 September 1891

Old Chartist's Funeral.

Monday the remains of Thomas Holliday were interred in Battersea Cemetery, The deceased was member of the Battersea branch of the Social Democratic Federation, and number of his late comrades were present, with their red bows draped with crape. One them carried wreath of flowers samonniud red flag, and with inscription stating that it was sent as mark of respect by his late comrades.

After the burial service had been read, address was given by H. B. Rogers, in he said their deceased comrade had reached the allotted age of man — three-score and 16 — 50 of which had spent [??] the cause of the workers. During the Chartist movement of he was active member, and was present at the great meeting at Kennington Common, afterwards becoming a member of the Magna Charta Association.

After broke np be joined the Social Democratic Federation, and since his membership be had never once been absent from any of their demonstrations or gatherings. The speaker urged upon his bearers follow in their late comrade's footsteps, and work in the interest of freedom, justice, and humanity. Then could it be truly raid, "O death, where sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18910905/180/0008" target="_blank">Link.]

The Sportsman — Wednesday 2 December 1891

VAMPIRES t. MS P. W. JANSON'S ELEVEN, Wandsworth Common. Vampires AJ. Walk (Ml . A Cro-sbUy and W. 1. Lirl ( ton (hscks). O. 8. Prseels. F. A **U. A O Mills . KiJd ul A. Lmlmt (Mi wieg). L. (centra}. A. Cball* and Bogart (right wiog) F. W. Jum'i Blor*n: F. I. 8. Joyce (imD, 0.1. Fox sod O. A South*/ (beaks). A H. Jorc# Lots, P. W. Jsbmo (boll-book*). J. _. mod P. 8. May* (ri .ht vino). A . Ihbs (contra). W. owl Graham Boberis (Ml lnc> (lorwarlo). Train Ll. Victoria Wandsworth Cnumo. Change Surrey Xsvwa.

[BNA: Link.]

South London Press — Saturday 26 December 1891" target="_blank">Link.]

Opening of Battersea Cemetery.

Monday afternoon, in the midst of a dense fog, Mr. J. Ren, chairman of the Battersea Burial Board, performed the ceremony of formally opening the new cemetery which has been laid oat Morden, near Raynes Park, for the use of South London in general and Battersea in particular. Battersea has long _ceded such a place of interment for such populous perish, the old cemetery at Battersea Rise having been dosed for some lime. The present cemetery has lily been obtained after efforts on the part of the Banal Board, which might almost be described as "heroic." Attempts were made to obtain a site at Rose Hill and other places, but these attempts fortunately failed. We say fortunately for there is manner of doubt that the present site was the cheapest and best within reach of Battersea.

The rite Morden, comprising 125 acres, was secured for 3616,890. Sixty acres have been laid out for the purposes of a cemetery and the remainder left untouched for the present. A considerable amount has also been expended in the erection of chapels, offices, and other necessary works, and the total cost of the whole will exceed . £30,000. Some acres have been set apart for consecration; and to meet the requirements of both Church and Dissent two commodious and hand_ome chapels have been erected from designs by Mr. C. Poole, A.R.1.8.A., architect to the board. The Rev. William Hamilton, of Battersea Chapel, baa been elected chaplain to the board. Monday's ceremony was commend ably brief character. Taking a position the entrance gale, Mr. Rees, who had becu presented with a silver **7 by the architect, and was supported by Messrs. W. Wilkins, G. N. Street, W. F. Grey, W. Poole, W. Hammond, Daws, Bishop, Donaldson, Ugle, and ttocr members of the board, vestry, &c., said they had taken the greatest care to arrange scale of fees *, * * ass could feel that their position had been overlooked. The time when the eemetcnr would be pen would extend over nearly the whole ffliy, and, as spokesman for the Burial Board, thought that the chapel and other works would satisfy every requireent. course great deal of work yet remained be done, from a landscape point view, but that would have to be approached gradually, mid there remained 5 acres which could be taken in when necessary. Mr. Rees then unlocked the gate, and declared the cemetery open for public use. The Ret, y; y — ilton offered brief prayer, and mn ceremony closed. Later in the day the members of the Burial Board, vfllli few friends, partook of refreshment the Angel, Sutton. Mr. Rees again alluded the difficulties which had been successfully overcome, Mr. Donaldson and other gentlemen spoke, and warm praise was giver, to Mr. Poole, the architect, Mr. Bishop, the superintendent, and others who had worked hard to secure the new cemetery for Battersea. It may be stated, typical of the promptitude and public spirit of the Battersea Burial Board, that the board offered to bury the victims of the calamitous fire on Lavender Hill free of cost, some little aid to the sufferers by the fire, a public expression of regret at such terrible calamity.

[BNA: britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000213/18911226/130/0006" target="_blank">Link.]