"Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard — Saturday 6 January 1912 / THE VICAR'S SECRET. BY GEORGE A. WADE
Philip Boys
To: Philip Boys philip.boys@btinternet.com;
16/12/21 17:38
1
Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard — Saturday 6 January 1912
THE VICAR'S SECRET. BY GEORGE A. WADE Author of "Lad? Muril's Lovers, Mlles an Hour.' A Nit:row FAcor The T. of Tcwton. 'to. " As a matter of faM, 'darling." whimpr red th e curate, " beliiive I've loved you ever since Ifirst saw you come to the !peachday festivities at the school, when Vernon and Iwere chums there together. Do you remember. darling, how you used to wear a as a t Y..b r t itute tohe ed i w s it C h hoo y li icolours, i days? How lovely Iused to think you Indeed, strolling round the flue quadrangle at Christ's Hospital on a glorious summer afternoon! And bow little Iever thought at that ti:ny, 1d. dam, that the dsy wiuld cons* when you would promise to be my wife, so you havo .0,0. dons!" She mailed gaily, sod paid into his eyes with such a lov , -gbince so must have told him how much her heart wns his. They were walkirs together on the charming little beach at Babbsoonthe, with the big red sandstone roc:, lx- ..mtbire as the background, sod the delicious blue sea in front, lapping the apple-grams coloured stones with its gentle waved. ii was delightful at Horsham that first ymr or two," said the young lady, softly, bolding the curate' hand in her own as be bent to kiss her when they reached the projccdog cliff hid them from prying eyes. 'Yet even then Imat to be struck by your superiority to the other boys in father's bons.," eke went oa. " Iseemed to take to you from first meeting you there. and 1 think I've loved you ever Gino'', though, like all Moe :Irv! girls, had w keop my own secret till you yourself broke the bonds that held it, and set me free to confess my love by telling me how much you wanted me for your :wife." . .. .. . . . . " I do, I certainly do, dtrliog Ida!" he replied, full of isr,loar and eagerness. "Yes, I've loved yo.: from that first sight of you. I'm sure of it! Of eu..l e, then I thought that the good old house-master, Mr. Dailey. woe really your father. Ihad no idea that you were his adopted daughter only, his niece, in fact, brought up by him and Mrs. Dailey when your own mother was dead, and after your own father had disappeared. But it was yes Iloved , you, Ida dar ling; so what does it matter whether Mr. Dailey use your father or your ouekt I. ..ou't mote a pin's difference to our love end marriage, will itt". " I don't ace it able d, answered the girl, looking proudly at her lover as they turned their steps back again towards the white rived %bleb leads to top of the cliffs and to Babliscombe parade. " i don't see why it should. And yet. dearest Roland, Ioften wish Iknew where father bad died, and more about tem and mother. One seems to have only half a history when one knows so little about one's parents! Even my uncle end aunt never appeared to know more about father than that he went away to week his fortune abroad, and died somewhere in Australia, as they heard later. So you, dear, will have to take me on trust, solely for what I am on my own merits, small though they be. I've an fortune or influence to bring you, Roland, and you know well bow important and useful such things ar,.. to a young curate who has great talents, and much ability, who has many g':fts, an? is sheathed in his splendid work for (kid, but who has not family connections or high influence behind him to give him &WAlance when necessary." The Rev. Roland Watson bent out laughlug heartily, and took advantage of the bend in the white road to Cm the fair and beauti ful maiden again. She blushed end laughed in return, but her warm kiss in answer to his made him intensely happy, and told him how Ilicrtughly ho had won her heart. "Never mind either about wealth or loan*nee. darling Ida," he said. "We can live comfortably, at all events, for I'm not altogether dependent on the one hundred and eighty pounds a year that Iget as a curate, as you may know. Iwon that scholarship at Christ's Hospital, and Ibad a rare time at the fine old school to which Iowe so much te-dayincluding you. Then from it Igot the sehelarship at Queen's, Cambridge, and with that and the money the school gave me too I did well until I was ordained. And now, since I've obtained my heart's greatest desire in winning you, Ida, what does it matter that you've no fortune, or that your people are not of aristocratic influence! I've got yam: and I'd rather have you than all the money or influence in the world." Her cheeks reddened at his eager &velarstion of passionate affection, but her smiling face showed how much she wa r pleased. "It's good of you to say so, Roland," she answered. " try to make you happy, at any rate, dearest; I'll promise you that. you foolish boy, don't you know we're nearly at the top of the cliff, and that there are a doyen people wk. can see us?" The last remark was mane in response to the clergyrien's attempt to stet.' another kiss as they round the last turn of the wind. ing rc . d. But, with the chsrieteriAiie daring of an old Dimmest boy, he took it, neverth less.
Mrs. Dailey, widow of the former housemaster of Rotund at sehOol, in the little front room at her reSideUeat by the side of Wandsworth Common. And it was on the third evening af:er the betrothal of Roland and Ida ut 11.:.5hacuinbe that her son Vermin, who had heti let into the girl's secret, broke the interesting news to her. "Mother," said be, "whom do you think Ida and mrself not at Toesiteir? Why, good old Watson! You rernemb:r Roland Wstou, who ass iu father's house at ',duvet He was a clam chum of min,'on: if the best of fellows, as you may recollect." "Yoo. f e , rtaiuly rememit , Wamon." replied Mrs. Dailey, with a appearance of interest. "Let me bee, he u,come a clerGy man after leaving Cambridge, didn't lie?" "Exactly: Ho is curate in a village not far frnm Torquay. and is wry po,:id.tr. We met him several times v.tile we'd :ia:ty j.tuats logith.r. It was hie old ,Ity.:" " Isuppose he'd hanlly Ida. even though In: and you tore friend,." amid the lady, with eurioas g Iat her Fodor son, for Vernon was non a n naval officer. "Not remember Ida` Ci he did! Why, ware not Id and Iinit like broiher and sister, instead of COURiCIP. at that timer' Mrs. Dailey smiled, wanly aa i Ilia enthusiastic youth. " Iused to wonder in she said, ituizsiuglt nelf would ever rail in In And so did your poor fat! Vernon huglie:l till the ever. ''Not s bit of it"' ith each oilier? Lc acid. Inever thought of such a We are as fond of one anot6.r but not in that way. Ida's not nit style of girl for a wife. and I'm quite lik's ideal of a huslisiol. have mentleined it. Iha% you. mother. Itohind Iand she's accepted him. f lore each other. Of i on t.O really do a,k your onient ; but kno's 'll have that, di?
Rut firs Halley's w white and her form ire:711.1..1. Iler ^w^..; fell In the round. cid ie her I. anres twitched. T:: careless. genial Vernon stared at 1 . . . r an fur he aim that eumething ',ad occurred for which none of them had I.rgained. ' Whites is the matter. mother?" be *aid. "Ar. ii't you well " "Roland Watson ham *eked lila to he his wife. end she has (tormented? And he is coming here to ?et my sanction? Do Iunderstand you aright. Vernon?" " Esactly, ' answered t.io yonng men. mystified. "What is wrung in that! Hasn't Le known and toted Ida estr since be first saw her at school? And isn't he man to be proud of -a real, true eterayman of tloc very best sort? I think Ida extremely lucky. and Ishould say you do also, to have won the love of such man!" But Mrs. Dailey only sat staring. dry-lipped and haggard. So Vernon rose to roll Ida from the room shove to bring some restos-a- live. for his mother (teemed ready to faint . But she motioned him to all still, and then she spoke almost in a whisper. Vernon, this must not be! Ida's marriage with Roland Watson is Impossible! They two could never he man and wife!" Rot sit/" asked theounig man. utterly n..unlte, , d mid astounded at this unexpected turn of ~ff.gir. " Wh'. mother? What is a ith Roland, Inn Ihe a most desirable for our Hat" It can't be was the frightened reply. Whatev'r Mr. Watson is or isn't. Ida most never mare him. of a! Imvu': It is simply out of the question!" see you must give better han w {wk life's happiness s slake, and Rafe, Dal!es groaned ataild. let her Mend sink on her hands and sobbed. But to hir sitt;:ig therzi in wonder, all her utterly mysterious that spate lost. los must give es a utter reason. or neither Iloland ncr Ida ill ever draw back. — be vaid. II. A Ihopvtl it vroti!tt trrct Deed to abe montataed. Iof agato looe aro that liked tle , p , rl. we. of ii further .hen he got sway from the school. Aid now- . She quite broke down in her distress. Iler son p-t his arm round her Deck gently. "Tell me what is the trouble, mother," he whispered, softly, as be stroked her hair. And in brolt:n accents, with falling tears. she told him the bidden story. When she had finished it was Vernon Dailey who sat with a fans deathly white and with quivering lips. "Gracious heaven!" he muttered. "Aid I must tell them both that?" Vernon had gone down to that pretty little village just outside Torquay where his friend was so popular and well-beloved as a citrate. The two old chums were walking along one of the sweetest country lanes in all Devonshire, that lending to Cockington, and young Dailey had beet trying to tell his comrade how much his mother objected to the engagement. Roland stared in surprise at him, but luckily the two .n arrived at the curate's lodgings, and there, in ao attractive and pleasant sitting-room, they thrashed the affair out. The clergyman's dark eyes were resting tull on the lace of Vernon as he spoke. " Mrs. Dailey forbids our marriage!" enclaimed the .orate. " And she has a serious secret reason for doing so! You have been told ii, and you also declare that our engagement is quite impossible? Is that what you wish me to understand, Vernon?" The other man's (yes looked troubled, and his gase sou ht the floor. He scarcely np at his friend as he said: " That's it, Rol' Iimmure you, old boy, it's made me feel worse than you can dream of at all! And I do tryst that you'll not require me to give you mother's reason, for I'd much rather not do so." " Ott, but you must see that's perfectly absu.d. Vernon," ext.laimed the clergyman, impatiently. "There's my darling Ida, who has 'vied me for years, and there's myself, who been loving and waiting and working and hoping ever since Ileft Christ's Hospital, eagerly wanting to win her affection and to takt her to be my wife. And now that we're both so happy you and Mrs. Dailey can't for minute suppose we are going to break our engagement without some extraordinary reason for so doi:ig. Why, it would break Ida's heart for me to leave her like that, and without her knowing why!" "Oh, Ifeel that; and Itold mother it would be necessary for you to know the secret, if you insisted," said Vernoo. " I do insist!" wee the curate's reply. "ig;ll, — ti;en. I'll speak. But you moat keep it from Ida's knowledge somehow or other. This is mother's story: "Your ~ther was, as you are aware, Leeds wuoileis merchant who made fortune. His head manager was man named Pi!son, a most capable fellow, who always expected to receive a partnership. however small, for what be bad dune in the business. He, under that espectancy, lived far beyond his means and got deeply into debt. When he found later that your father would not listen for a moment to any s uch proposal as his having a in the business he became half-mad. He hardly knew what be did, for he was in such financial straits. "Pi!son then owed at least three thousand pounds to various folk, and naturally his creditors began to demand their moey. But be hadn't the least idea where to end even half of it. Bo be forged your father's name to many cheques, and swindled him out of some two thousand pounds. Of course warrant was issued against him, but he had Bed abroad and was never caught--never teen again. No doubt be changed his name as well as his ways and work." "But what has all that to do with me and Ida?" asked Roland, staring and impatient. "Wait moment and you'll see. His wife died bsartbroken a few months afterwards. She was a sweet woman indeed; but this terrible business, of which she bad know. nothing till her husband was gone, killed her. Andale left behind her when she died--e little girl! Andthis Mrs. Pilson was the sister of my mother! Don't you understand now. Roland! Is it necessary for me to confess the shameful thing further?" The curate hastily rose and put his bands to his bead. He understood indeed! His darling Ida was the little girl, the daughter of that man who had robbed leis father, who had killed a loving wife by his dreadful crime. Ida's fatherlovelr, dear, sweet Ida's fatherwas a erisiitil of the deepest dye! No wonder Roland reeled as he stood there. But after a slight pause his lips whispered hoarsely: Yee, Iunderstand, old fellowl understand. Andishe--deadnow?" "Nobody knows," answered the other man. "But you see bow impossible it is for you ever to marry Ida, Boland," he said. " You and I have been friendsclose chumsfor years. Ishall never forget your kindness, nor, I am sure, will Ida; but as to your marrying her, of course you see it's quite out of the question!" The curate smiled as he laid his band tenderly on Vernon'. shoulder. His voice was. soft, and the love light in his eyes was worth going miles to see. "Is itf " be said, quietly. "What do you take me for? Should Ibe worthy of the grand school where you and Iwere charms together, where darling Ida used to wear the dark blue dress with the deep yellow flowers as our if Itleerteil you and her wbeu you need me sort? Not a bit of it, my boy. Let heigones be bygones, and let the dead past Lary its d, ad. Ida shall never know more t'-.:1 , he am, now. if I can help it. But Ida be my wife; whilst Vernon Dailey shall hs best friend. am ever. And Heaven blew yen both !" You're a fellow to be proud of, old " eselsised the eaval Iiutenant in hit enthrutiamae, as he grasped the other's hand warmly. When his old Cambridge college pry — enter] the. Rev. Boland Watson. M.A., with the vacant living of AU Souls. Richmond. there war no happier or more delighted couple in Chao the curate and his beautiful charming wiC,, who was just as popular in the village outside Torquay as her dear lit. -band as,. And when the new Vicar and Yea Walton fully i!irtal!ed in their pariah by the that made many friend, iind 1-iirerit as then had left behind the!:: iu nnth Devon. For Ida went about the parish lily like a regular ministering angel, and it hardly be exaggerating to say that . tlee, were many old toll in Richmond who :.:erall. worhipiced her. Iler pretence was like gleam or sunt!:ine brightening each poor home she entcr — sl, wl.i:st her gilt and smiles and eneetaaging were dispensed with gracinione. drrw all hearts to her shrine. Whether I. r protege a little cripple like I+era Itswne. or an old man like Thomas Backhon . . . . Ida Watson. the Vicar's wife, was to foal protegt.: a goddess Indeed! Old Thomas Backhonse was simply ent'."nai astir in his praise of his. Watson. He hail lived for the past live years in the parish on very. small private income, and his bold on life . was now fast ebbing away. He bad, in deed. been under the doctor's hand for some month+. and the doctor had hinted to the Vicar that it would he well for him to call on the old man regularly. as he would no. live tong:r. Ilene, it came that Rahn sod his wife were suds frat ' ueut visitors at Jim little cottage not far from the baiikii u: the river; and Thomas Rackhouse's fare alis..y* brightened when it saw them there. Is there anything more 1 (.au do for you, Mr. Backhouse!' asked the Vicar one a;tr-noon when the old man seemed *cater diva incr. " Yes, sir, there is oue thing o r.a.i do; if you will. But I'm afraid to mention it. Still, 1 must tell you, if you're to grant toy one deep desire err 1 die." doge if et all tioebible," tweeted tlw Vicar, " Well. sir. lie nil PAM /0114, no I. Vt . id before to y.. 11. OW. x6o is loot to nun. 11l 11l lie if I. for I'd like to losoo kis. from VP tie jowl roomain --Irons h.r Islet t;or null." The Vienr tooldd iroltdgetith I don't think she'd object!" said he. halt why do on sperially osido it to hot.. "Because." said . the old man, strange look in hi, Nee, the clergyman. "h. .daughter .1%. Istare, sir"'. The Vtear tip ..t..l.lealy. a. if Or' ek tonexpectudlt. 11.. .4.'0.1 1.. looked eagerly at the olsing man "And who are you he te.kt..l, not untenderly, after that ten..e. 'tient minute %o. " Pil , niior ans. 11,. %rm. Ron!" he murmured -- Yes. Isent to Australia. made a hit of Tommy after worm: years, and CAMP hack h.-re to lire my life out. Vet I did not wish to kill ms girl. as Ihad killed my sweet wife. by the awful crime. But soon as von and she came here to this pariah Iknew you both at mem! IM sorry. sir. and Ibeg your torgiveuess for it all now, Mr. Watson!" " Iforgave you long ago." was the quiet reply. " For if ye forgive not meu their trespasses. how shall your H Iv Father forgive you? So My. the good old Honk. and Ibelieve it Yes. Mr. PiNon, she shall is ope; Ida shall come and kiss you. But she must re main ignorant about your identity!" It was as they sat. together is his study at the Vicarage that evening that Roland said. as casually as he could: "Oh! Ida. Isaw old Rackhonse to any; the doctor thinks he's nearly done for. poor chap. And the old man made a curious request of me. lie says he's no relations living cseept one daughter. wherss name is like yours. Ida. WILTS AND GLOB anti wno is tar away somewhere. Anti be says he'd like you to give him kiss for her before he dies. since he's taken such a fancy to you. What do you think, dear? Can you humour the old man's whim?" Her face was lit with love for that manly form whose hands took it in them and kissed it most affectionately as be spoke. " You don't mind losing one, Rol?" she said. shyly, as she smiled. " Not in this case, dearest," be said, softly. " I think it would satisfy the poor fellow ere he passes away. for, from what be told me, he loved his daughter dearly." " I'll do it. darling," she replied. "I'll do it. though Iwere his own daughter, if that'll make him haPpy." And so next day ihe youthful and beautiful wife of the Vicar of All Souls. Richmond. leant over the bed of a man who was citing in a cottage near the banks of the Thames. His half-closed eves opened and smiled at her most tenderly as she kissed his face thrice affectionately. His life was almost gone: but he managed with effort lb kiss her in return. " Yes, I'm glad Ikissed him." she said to her husband that evening. " Yet it was a curious request, wasn't it, love?" And Roland looked at ber with his sweetest smile as he nodded. But his eyes appeared to be fixed on vacancy, as if he were ate:sg something far beyond that room. [Tea SUL]
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001955/19120106/097/0006" target="_blank">Link.]
London Evening Standard — Saturday 6 January 1912 LONDON VICISSITUDES. MAN6IONS WHICH HAVE FALLEN ON EVIL TIMES
Philip Boys
To: Philip Boys philip.boys@btinternet.com;
16/12/21 17:40
1
London Evening Standard — Saturday 6 January 1912
LONDON VICISSITUDES. MANSIONS WHICH HAVE FALLEN ON EVIL TIMES
The constant announcement of memorial tablets upon paruoular honer* to indicato the there, at or other. of Noss famous man. recalls a melancholy femur* of lue in the oaptialths dedine of localitiea which once were the resort et *sebum.
Some of the courts about Fleet-street were originally the homes of rich or famous people. The dismal Blackfriars-road am owe the address et well-to-do Londoners. Now it Mader trict of lodging-houses. In its large houses derelicts of the town often sleep in lofty wainscoted room.. with rich friezes on the wal,s. Even where marble fireplaces are absent, the carved wooden fireside are still there to the glories of the old time.. The directly to the south of Blackfriars Bridge were, witliin the of Mr. Jones. who until recentlY was to the Southwark Beard of Gitardians, in the vitzrupsary of rich 3 wellies. OW Berton residents van remember when Acre-lane was the home of prosperous City 'merchants. Now one of its fine serves the porpore of & Church Army home for human derelieta. while many other firs t. 14 places are used for commegeod porpoises. The still rural (taphole Park. too. has had to ander. As its old monsioas, many of which mewl in acres of ground, become empty. new tenants be found. One is now used as home for cripples. In elephant Park, too, the London County Council has rented an old insesion for home for little boys. In other either.* large dwellings of the kind have been taken as private adventure lunatic *by- Innis.
The other day the London County Council gave a licence for the use of one fine mansion in Wandsworth Common as a home for inebriates.
In st. and the adjoining borough of Islington am n hundreds tit houses *boa SOW are diiided into apertmonte tor as WW Ihell M I can bon accommodated. Thum am plenty of wootierful old hini.eis in Islington, bnt the recent nt.inriesto ot the thleditai 011iter of Health, who dwelt upon the advantage tit in London, has :lad no elect in bringing tenant.. The explanation is teat tho people who cam stool to *campy such lam,e now exist, prefer to live out of Loodon, away trim the tnaddtng crowd. The district mind about Soho alto is rich in Matamoros of the decline and faU of past glories. Greek-street. described in one of police reports as the worst street in Lowden, Soho-ovum sro notable examples.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000183/19120106/093/0005" target="_blank">Link.]
TOOK MUCH MEDICINE. But Relief Came from Right Food. Food, when it i< the right kind, often accomplished what remedies fail to do. An instance of this truth is shown by the experience of Wandsworth Common, London, woman 11 For many year*," she say a, I have been terrible sufferer. Have had leave off my household duties several times in the day and gain strength to get through my work. "About twelve months ago 1 began to have dreadful nervous attacks, violent tremblings, and fits depressionfeeling .though the worst was going to happen. I have taken I don't know how many bottles of medicine. At last Ifelt it was useless to take any more drugs, I must look to food to me. One day Iread about Grape-Nuts, and told mv husband I thought it might do me some good. He only laughed, and wanted to know bow many more things are you going to try?' began on Grape-Nuts and cream for breakfast. Wonderful relate, I soon began feel brighter, stronger, happier. 1 left off taking drugs from that day, and kept taking Grape-Nuts. Now I have no more nervous attacks, my heed is clear, I can read and sing, and long walks without feeling tired, do my household work for my husband and three children, and grateful to Grape Nuts." "There's a reason."
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001084/19120112/093/0004" target="_blank">Link.]
The twenty spare acres of open space adjoining Wandsworth Common, which were threatened by the jerry-builder, may be saved after all. After two months of private negotiations with the Patriotic Commissioners, who own the property, the committee appointed to save it have made such arrangements as will justify them in issuing a public appeal for subscriptions in a few days' time.
It will be remembered that about two months ago a public meeting was held at the Wandsworth Town Hall to protest against the proposal of the Patriotic Commissioners to sell the land for building purposes.
Since then the committee appointed has met the commissioners, and they agreed to sell the land to the public for what the committee consider a reasonable price. The sum asked is £550 per acre, which for 20 acres means £11,000.
In addition to this, there must be the outlay of another £800 to £1000 for the construction of a wall to fence the land off from the playing-fields, as the commissioners think that the children should enjoy some measure of privacy while playing.
Six months — commencing on January 1 of this year — have been given by the commissioners for the subscription of the —12,000 required.
It is the usual custom in London, when land is to be acquired for open spaces, for the local people to subscribe a portion of the purchase price, frequently about one-third.
The Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Councils are certain to contribute something towards the £4,000 that must be raised locally. Wandsworth is a large and wealthy borough, and, though the fortunate possessor of many open spaces, has suffered much through encroachment on the common which bears the borough name. It recently subscribed £500 towards the purchase price of an extra stretch of land at Streatham Common, known as the Rookery.
As the piece to be added to Wandsworth Common is more than six times the size of the Rookery, it is anticipated that Wandsworth may contribute as much as £1000. Three thousand pounds more would have to be collected publicly, and from Battersea, a borough not quite so well favoured financially as its neighbour.
These 20 acres at the present time are being used as pasture land, for which a rental of £150 per year for the past 21 years been paid. The lease of this land expires in March.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000183/19120113/055/0004" target="_blank">Link.]
"1912113"Pall Mall Gazette — Thursday 18 January 1912
[PHOTO]
AN OLD CRICKET COACH.
WHEN MR. JOHN BURNS HAD SOME PRACTICE.
arm, first mt George Miles one warm afternoon last August. 1 was sitting a rustic seat under one of the old elms Wandsworth Common watching local cricket match. Point had missed very simple catch, and some one sitting by said, iult above his breath, Oh! dear me! The subdued sorrow expressed in the exclamation made me turn round to see who my neighbour was. A weather-beaten (ace, but keen eyes, a sturdy figure, describes the old veteran — and he is non- in his sixty-fourth year. Then began talking crir' I have seen some and played some in Hitt's country — he nad played for MidcT.esex before I was bom. Yes, sir," he began telling me. It was at Maidenhead, in Berkshire, 1 learned GEORGE MILES, the M cricket coach. play cricket. Those days the vicar Bray Church, Mr. Lee, was a* great local cricketer. There were eleven in the family, boys and girls, and they could all play a bit. Young Master Austen Lee — he afterwards sat in the House of Commons — interested himself In me, and one fine day he took me up to Lord's and introduced to old Tom Hearne. Then Tom took,hand, and in my second season Captain Kennedy engaged to to Scotland with his eleven; and as neither Shaw, Morley, nor Scotton could go, I was the lucky one. Flt Tear* with Middlesex. After that Iplayed five years for Middlesex, and well remember Dr. Gay, who always batted with a pad on his elbow, and those fine gentlemen players the Walkers and Lyttletons. But it was at Farpbofough College Ibegan coaching young cricketers, amongst them Lord Chelsea and the Hon. Gerald Cadogan, who both played for Eton afterwards, and the present Lord Dudley. Jlten Earl Cadogan engaged for Babranham Hall to finish off ' the two young gentlemen. There was one famous match in 1880, remember, when the Duke of Leeds' eleven (Gogmagog) played Earl Cadogan's eleven on the Duke's private ground. It was only four balls to the over then, and in the last over of the day 1 took four wickets, thus gaining victory for Earl Cadogan's side. He was highly pleased, and gave me a cheque for 15, a new cricket ball, and a cap with the Eton colours; and that cap Istill have in a little glass case at home. At Sandhurst Military College Fred Shaw and 1 were together for a couple of years. When Ihappened to be picked to go as umpire in an out match, well, it meant a day out for me. A four-in-hand, of course, the young gentlemen all on the outside, and Miles and the cricket bags the only inside passengers. "At Cheltenham College coached amongst others Mr. Salter, now of the Gloucestershire eleven, and then went Radminster. There I was fortunate enough to save gentleman and his son from drowning. Do you know, for weeks after that daren't go into Bristol Town; people all wanted to treat me. But the local folks made me a presentation and the club raised salary. Tottenham I coached Mr. Percy Perrin, and in later years I was ground man and coach at Battersea Park.
John Burns, b Miles.
Mr. John Burns, the member of Parliament, used to practise at the nets very often. And when the news would go round that John was going to pad up there would hundreds there to watch and applaud him. Mr. Bums's style was hit or miss, and one hot afternoon he pasted all over the place for ten minutes. Well done, Bums! ' the crowd shouted. Presently he walked down the pitch and called out, Miles, a new hat or half a guinea if you can bowl me in seven balls.' * very good, sir,' said I. At the fifth ball down went his leg stump. That's just fourteen years ago, but the new hat is still on the road.
My last engagement was at Mr. Percy Thornton's ground, near Clapham Common, and at mv benefit match Mr. Thornton put strong eleven into the field against Clapham United. G.' came down to play for Mr. Thornton, and he drove one ball right into Broomwood-road — the biggest hit ever made on the ground. cricket-coaching days are over now, and things are rather quiet. Although none of my lads ever turned out great cricketers, two of them are serving the King, one in the Royal Marines and the other in the Shropshires, in India, the latter being champion light-weight boxer of the regiment." This old-time cricketer quite unknown to the present generation, but his stories past champions would fill volume. George Miles, however^ still plays the game," and hravriv keeps his end up sunshine and in shadow.
G.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000098/19120118/135/0011" target="_blank">Link.]
"Truth — Wednesday 24 January 1912
I am glad to see that in this connection Mr. Stead has called attention to the case of Mr. Boulter. In November last Mr. Boulter was going to speak on Wandsworth Common on the evidences of the Christian religion. A number of rowdy youths, said to be " students and fish porters," whose religious convictions were deeply outraged by this proposal, declared their intention of preventing the address by force and of throwing Boulter into the pond.
A police officer gave information that a riot was to be apprehended, and that 500 policemen would not be sufficient to prevent it. Upon this Boulter was ordered by Mr. Curtis Bennett to desist from his intention and bound over to keep the peace, or alternatively to go to prison for three months.
This is probably the most outrageous perversion of justice where the right of free speech was concerned that has ever taken place in this country. The matter was made worse by the Home Secretary's subsequent declaration in the House of Commons that he was satisfied the police took a wise and prudent course. That the obvious duty of the police, when a number of persons who can be identified openly purpose to commit s breach of the peace in order to prevent another man exercising a public right, is to proceed against those prospective law breakers, not against the man who is exercising his right, does not seem to have occurred to Mr. McKenna any more than to the magistrate, or the policemen themselves. A pretty state of things in a free country under a " Liberal " Government! But there it is.
Had it not been for this case, nothing would have been simpler than for the Irish authorities to have Lord Londonderry and all who are acting with him bound over under the heaviest recognisance, to keep the peace
Leicester Evening Mail — Thursday 25 January 1912
RIGHT OF "FREE SPEECH." Radical Precept and Practice. As the Radical Press to protest in the name of the right of "frte speeoh" against the action of the Uhster Unionists, it may be interesting to gire following extract on this subject from this week's issue of "Truth": " I am glad to me that in this connection Mr. Stead has called attention to the ease of Mr. Boalter. In November Mr. Bonito" was going to on Wandsworth Common on the evidences of Christian religion. A number et rowdy . . . 2teetio.. to be 'students nod lab ' who. T A* I
by this proposal; declared their intention of preventing the address by force and of throwing Boulter into the pond. A police officer gave information that a riot was to be
espondent says to desist from his intention and bound over to keep the peace, or alternatively to go to that a "Herald" telegram from Honolulu prison for three months. states that the Ilambastr — Aineric-In liner "This is probably the most outrageous per- Cleveland, from New York, oa a world's version of justice where the right of free speech was concerned that has ever tak en c ruise with hundreds of passenger*, was in this country. The matter WaS up the h a rbour when the pilot was stricken with a vi The liner then made worse by the Home Secretary subse. suddenly swerved, striking the warship quent declaration in the House of Commons that be was satisfied the police took a w i se that which W^N at anchor, in the stern, and prudent eourse. l'hat the obvious duty d and rmged e occurred among the ilaMaging her. The liner was lin. A panic of the police, when a number of persons who p assengem can be identified openly purpose to commit a breach of the rsace in order to prevent another man exercising a public right, is to. — FR, proceed againet those prospective law breakers. not against a man who is exercising his right, does not .seem to have occurred Italy Pre — lared to Give Way. to Mr. McKenna any more than to the Magistrate or the policemen themselves. A l'he Paris " Mafia " states that Italy has pretty state of things in a free country under notified the French -truhasc.ader in Rollie et a "Liberal" Government! But there it ie. her readiness to hand over to France the 29 "Had it not been for this case, nothirg detained Turks. would have been simpler than for the Irish , Itenter's Home correspondent says that the authorities to have Lord Londonderry and French linhassador had an interview with all who are acting . with him bound over I the Foreign Minister to-day. ander the heaviest recoirnieances to keep the peace when Mr. Churchill conies to Belfast, or alternatively ordered to prison for three months. But, as Mr. Stead points out. Mr. Birrell and his colleagues are rather estopped from taking this course by Mr. McKenna's expreseed approval of the Oilhellion procedure adopted towards Mr. Harry &miter. Nevertheless, there may still be an opening left for Sir George Askwith. The Government could cave their faces by referring the 13 , Ifast diffieulty to arbitration, and the arbitrator ee , ile the matter by ordering Mr. Churchill to be bound over or sent to prison. So far as he is concerned, the case is precisely on al fours with the leading case of the King v. Boulter,"
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003329/19120125/009/0001" target="_blank">Link.]
Sporting Life- Tuesday 6 February 1912
:Rugby net-ball is allowed at Battersea park, Clapham Common, and Wandsworth Common
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000893/19120206/043/0002" target="_blank">Link.]
Sporting Life — Tuesday 6 February 1912
ATHLETICISM IN LONDON
HOW THE PUBLIC PARKS ARE UTILISED.
An interesting return appears in a report to be presented today to the London County Council by ths.Parkii and Open Spaces Committee. It sbowe the extent to which advantage had been taken dnring the year ended September 30 last of the facilities afiorded for the playing of gamee at the parka and pep space. under the control of the Council. It is pointed out that a complete record iv kept of the number of games played on " reserved " pitches, but, as many games of cricket and football are played on unreserved" pitches they are not recorded, and the figures given cannot be regarded en giving a complete return, although they give an indication of the extent to which the various games are indulged in at the several places
No. of Games played pitches. during year ended courts. Sep. 30 Sep. 30 Games or rinks. 1910 1011 Bowls 100 . . . 14, 122 15, 558 Cricket 470 . . . 2.1, 508 ~. 24, 728 Croquet Football Hockey Lacrosse Lawn Tennis 493 . . . 98, 739 . . . 134.405
Quoits
In addition to a golf course of 18 boles at Hainault Forest. facilities for playing golf are provided free of charge at — Blackheath. Clapham Common, Streatham Common, and Tooting Common. while golf practice is allowed at Hampstead Heath. Hilly Fields. Parliament Hill, and 'Vormwood Scrubba. Rugby net-ball ie allowed at Battersea Park, Clapham Common, and Wandsworth Common. Badminton, basket-ball. hurling, and shinty are also allowed at a few places. Organised games by pupils and scholars of institutions under the Council to the number of about 15,000 were also played at 42 parks and open spare during last year.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000893/19120206/043/0002" target="_blank">Link.]
South Western Star — Friday 16 February 1912
Progress h:is been made with regard to the preservation of the "Farm", Wandsworth Common. The Farm is the picturesque estate, once a part of the common, which the Patriotic School commissioners must sell in order to raise the wind.
As most of readers know, a committee was formed for the purpose of securing the land for the public. The Mayor of Battersea (Mr. J. E, Astill), and the Mayor of Wandsworth (Mr. A. D.Dawnay), took a leading part in the matter, , and obtained the support of their respective borough councils. Mr. Astill is now hon. treasurer of the fund which is being raised towards the purchase of the estate. The committee have secured a six months' option for the acquisition of the property for 11,000 or 550 an acre, there being about 20 acres. In addition they will have to construct a boundary wall and iron fence, which are estimated to cost I,I00. The price is considered very moderate; it is said to be less than one third the value of the land as a building estate, if teoltsi can be raised by subscription it is hoped that; the London County Council and , other public bodies will provide the remander.
We trust the land will be secured for purposes of public health and pleasure. On the subject of the price, however, we have a word to say. ft Imay be perfectly true in theory that, SP a building Iestate, the farm is worth three times more than are asking, but in these days theory and practice are not infrequently separated by a great gulf. We have in mind a noble estate far more advantageously situated that The Farm. It was acquired at great cost and laid out as a building site some years ago, but it is still far from being completely built on. There are wide, dianallooking empty 'Tacos, and there are a number of half finished houses, technically termed carcases, which give the estate a derelict and melancholy appearance. The roadways are quagmires, a disgrace to the district and a menace to its health.
Speculative building has had its day. The thrifty public are not so easily attracted as they used to be. There is not the least probability that. The Farm estate would prove profitable as a field for the builders' enterprise. It is faced by the county gaol, the cemetery is not far away, and close by is the main lino of. a great railway. In all the circumstances, ill,fmn is a generous price. The commissioners might not unreasonably be asked to lower it. — -
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004606/19120216/141/0005" target="_blank">Link.]
[WHERE WAS THIS DISMAL ESTATE ? Magdalen park? Especially. The lower end?]"1912216
Norwood News- Saturday 16 March 1912
WANDSWORTH'S OPEN SPACES.
AN APPEAL FOR FUNDS
A public meeting was held at the Wandsworth Town Hall on Friday evening of het week under the auspices of the committee inaugurated to raise a sum of 12,000 for the extension of Wandsworth Common by the purchase of the Royal Patriotic Corporation lands. some 20 acres in extent and known as "The Farm, " Wandsworth Common.
His Worship the Mayor of Wandsworth (Alderman A. D. Dewey) presided, and was supported by Viscount Curzon, the prospective Conservative candidate for Battersea, Sir Robert Hunter, K.C.8., chairman of the National Trust, Alderman J. W. Lorden, Alderman S. Creswell, and Messrs. Edwin Evans, John Audi, ex Mayor of Batts:wee, Basil Holmes (Metropolitan Public Gardens Association), Lawrence, W. Chubb (Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society), and numerous others.
The Mayor said he much regretted that there was not a larger attendance at that meeting, hut if those present were all good and true burgeons, they would no doubt amend in the object they had in view, namely to raise a sum of 3,000 before October 28th. They had arranged within a little an the purchase, price of "The Farm," and it would be wicked thing if this opportunity was lost.
Mr. EDWIN EVANS said the cooesithee had been able to secure the option of the land the most reasonable terms possible and in such a thickly populated weigh there would be no doubt of the readily and liberally responding to tee for funds. They in Wandsworth were sot bard up for a good class population, and they did want to preserve every bit of open they could. The Wandsworth Borough Council had agreed to subscribe 2,000 on condition that a similar amount was given by the inhabitants of the district, and the Battersea Borough Council and others. They could not expect that a body like the Wandsworth Borough Council would find all the money necessary for the purchase of this land, and he considered that the Council had acted in a very proper and generous; manner. Already sum of about 290 had been promised or subscribed and he did want to me the scheme generally supported by donations of Is. or Od. from the reeidento the borough. They wanted everybody to give little.
Wandsworth sent two very excellent members to the L.C.C. in Aldermen Hunt and Lord's, and he felt very sanguine that these two gentlemen would succeed in persuading the L.C.C. to make grant of 1l000 towards the purchase money.
Except for postage not penny of the funds subscribed were being used for committee charges, and he paid a well merited tribute to the work of the hon. secretary, Mr. F. C. Borer. He had pleasure in moving the following reeol "That this meeting of the inlia Wandsworth and Battersea most approve of the action of the Patriotic ( Land Acquisition Committee, and plod itself to do all in its power to wriat in seour. ing for the people of these districts, and public generally, the twenty acres of adjoining Wandsworth Common and Patriot is SchooL The option to purchase already been secured upon very favourable terms. They further urge the committee to approach the London County Council other public bodies concerned, with to their giving financial assistance."
Ald. .1. W. LORDEN, L.C.C., in supporting the resolution, said "The Farm " was delightful spot and he felt confident that LC.C. would find half of the money if they found the — he was looking forward to the time would see the old people and the people of the neighbourhood themselves in the Farm enclosure. open spaces were required for riposte in .. tennis, football, cricket, bowls, etc. As L.C.C. they were being pestered at every meeting for more bowling greens, and applications for football, hockey and pitches were greatly in adviser- of what could accommodate. Some of them wish to know what the purchase of land would mean to the rates. W the interest and repayments would about 190 a year. and as a penny rate in the borough produced some 8, 200 SIM/very evident that the ratepayers ttel any extra burden. He was INV keen on the land being acquired', Tear and he hoped that every one .
Sir ROBERT HUNTER said he had lived in the neighbourhood for about 40 years, he well remembered Wandsworth C. when it was in a neglected and discreditable condition, resembling an unsightly desert.
A committee was formed to see what e done and Sir H. Peek said he would give to preserve further encroachment common. and as result of the nom overtures Lord Spencer agreed to land for an annuity equal to the amount be was then realising from the en — Efforts to preserve open spoon in 'Norwood, Brockwell Park, and Denmark Hill, had recent years been successfully accomplished and the cost per acre had been very m more than was requital for" The 1
Mr. STEPHEN Coutss, M.P., Mr. Holmes', Major Stanton, secretary of Royal Patriotic Fund, also spoke in favour of the resolution, which was carried with acclamation.
Mr. Joa/Amu proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and Alderman S. Creswell seconded. His Worship in reply said he would be glad to arnist with cheque for 20 guineas and he hoped that those present would do all they could to help the committee in the matter. During the evening telegrams and letters apologising for non-attendance wercre. . . . yea from Mr. G. D. Faber, C. 8., His Worship the Mayor of Battersea ((Animator A. Runneeklea), Mr. Jas. Fairbairn, the prospective Liberal candidate. Alderman Willi . Hunt, J.P., LC.C., and others.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002308/19120316/095/0005" target="_blank">Link.]
Sporting Life — Thursday 9 May 1912
HAMPSHIRE HOUSE v. WANDSWORTH COMM0N POLICE.
A good company was present on Saturday at Wandsworth Common to witness the match in the first round in the second division of Pimm's Shield, between Hampshire House and Wandsworth Common Police, the heats being 15 points up, 18yds, catch-weight quoits. The police played well, but were defeated by 9 points . . .
Hampshire House. ol. 9. 1 5 . t 3e r Kemp. P.. 15. beat Bull. r 11. H. 9. Heat 3: Janaway. P.. 15. beat Smith, 11_ . . . H. 13. Heat 4: Munro, H.R. 15. beat Hoodsell, P. 2. Heat 5: Bean, P . ., 15. beat Lock. H.R.. 12. Heat 8: forge. ILH., 15. beat Dybee. 8. Heat 7: Stocks. H.FL. 15. beat Betcbener. P.. 4. Heat 8: Kitchin, P., 15, beat Ward. H.H.. 6.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000893/19120509/041/0002?browse=false" target="_blank">Link.]
191259WANDSWORTH COMMON. Sir Edward Davis Stern has informed Mr Edwin Evans, the Chairman of the Farm Land (Wandsworth Common Extension) Act,sl Committee, that he is prepared, as as the local subscription list is closed. ton up the whole amount required, which probably amount to about 500, in order to secure this open space to the public;or ( ~ cr. Sir Edward Stern some time ago presente r home in Nightingale-lane, Wandawortb, deaf and dumb iewa,
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002118/19120615/033/0004" target="_blank">Link.]
"1912615