[BNA Search: "Wandsworth Common"]
[The Times: Search: "Wandsworth Common"].
[BNA: Buckmaster Battersea 1857]
[BNA: Buckmaster Wandsworth 1857]
[London Evening Standard: Buckmaster Wandsworth 1857]
— STONE LAID.
[NB I think there may be two or three articles on gravel digging in this edition, all with similar titles or adjacent issues. CHECK & ADD.]
GRAVEL DIGGING ON CLAPHAM COMMON
On Tuesday evening, a very numerously attended public meeting was held at the Boys' Parochial School Room, Clapham-common, to consider as to gravel having been removed from Clapham-common, and to take such measures thereon as might be thought desirable.
The clerk, surveyor, and assistant clerk to the district board were present. Capt. Bowyer, the Lord of the Manor, presided on the occasion and said the business that had called them together was not one of an intricate character, but was of the deepest importance to the inhabitants of the locality, and of London generally.
They had met to consider the danger there was of the beauty of their common being damaged. He was sure no one would intrude upon it or deface it without being necessitated thereto by feeling it to be their imperativedney. He was satisfied that its preservation was safe, as far as it rested with the best feelings of all creceened. He wished every person proient to give expremion to his opinions, and also for nil to co-operate in any plan that might be suggested for preserving the common in its present beauty (hear). A suggested, as Mr. Young, the Surveyor of the District Hoard was present, that he should explain bow the mune to be taken, thet had led lathe assembling of that meeting. Mr.Tompu said, meant to have seut a letter to e • th h airm — of the meeting, but be received is note requcating him to attend, and he considered it his duty to comply with the requeat, lie should be happy to afford information if any questions were proposed to him. The district board by the 90th section of the Metropolitan Local Management Act, constituted to discharge the duties formerly fulfilled by the Surveyor of in the Act William IV, cap. 50, sect. Se, it is stated that when materiale were required for the repairs of highways, they might be dug from the common lamb in the district, but it also provided that the jugieee might give license to dig gravel. on private lands, but only in eases where the common land, hot been exhausted. It Waco question whether the board would be justified in incurring an increase of expense by providing material elsewhere, when they could be had the spot. There was also a greet difficulty in procuring materiel. Last year 2,1010 yarde were ordered, but not half that quantity had ;caviled. Gravel for Clapham had been brought from and Torting Commons, as be had understood there was not ; any gravel on Claphaul.eortinion. The lessees of three common' ; wanted a royalty for gravel carted away, and did not even ; wish it to be carried out of their own peri-hes. Gravel wie beteg dug generally on the commons in the district, and before digging on Ciephaineeounnon, he culled on oneof the principal lemee, , , but did mut get his permiaalun. There were never more than three met at work at one time, and the damage done could soon he rectified. would give them all estimate of the different t "due. or gravel, a. coming from different place.. At the Pre•elit time there were required 1,010 yards prf tine gravel for the Mutwaye, and 4,1100 of rough gravel for the highways in Clapltaut. The line gravel would cost is and the coarse gravel le. 6d. per yard if dug on elephant-common. The total cost of the gravel being £l2O, and of the rearm 1:500, together £4520. If • brought from other the line gravel would cost £360, and the entree Do°, total, £1,260, ' , hewing an inereeeed expenditure of Leto. woo about equal to a 2d. rate on the parish. To get over the difficulty, he would suggeet that • meeting of ratepayer., elsould be celled to ascertain whether they were williag to submit to the increased tax for the preeervetion of the common. This would be necessary in order that the accounts of the bused might the scrutiny of the auditors, regarded the extra price to be paid for rued materials. As the auditors were chosen by ballot, it might no happen that there might not be an auditor from Clapham to explain that in the amount. A UK asked what would be the coat granite for the reeds. Mr. Tome replied that Guernaey granite would be 10. 4d. and bullaet granite 12s. per yard. The Itarerav ea enquired what would be the difference in tht expenditure If thrown over a series of years! He thought, the granite would last longer, that ultimately granite would not be more expensive than gravel. Mr. YOUNG was not prepared to answer that question. The reads ought to be properly formed before the granite was put on. Gravel was laid down neat, and then it at. afterwards coated with granite. A inlet.— Bermondsey only pays 11.. a yard fur granite. Mr. said, that was nearer the waterside than elephant. Mr. WWI vu, prieed at there being anv difficulty in yrupeiring gravel, the old hoard not having expel ieMperi any. . " Yors"o;ram — iered that Mr. rho ;applied the old board, was looking out fur land to dig gravel. The owner of the land where be had been digging bad refused to allow him town. Untie his operation. Wandeworth Common was getting exbawited, and the objected to supplying Clapham with gravel, even if they paid for what they had. EN., asked if they objected, supposing a larger amount ihould be paid! Mr. flu suggested that A private field should be got to dig gravel from. Mr. It. thought flints might be made toe of. They were need in Streatham, although Tooting Common was dune at band. A yard and a half of fist. was worth three yardo of gravel. They could be procured on Itanetwid Downs and the parties would be glad for any one to 111C1/ them up and carry theni away. Mr. YOVNO mad, Streatham was situated like Clapham. There • was gravel to be had. The old ilighway Board introduced the plan of repairing the road with flints, and this road having hero repaired no, still continued to be dealt with in the same manner. .1 Wae the digging in Claphim parieh ! Mr. said there won a doubt whether it was in Clapliam or Hattereca. a. A Voice —Would Batternea or Caphatu be benefitted by the gravel due? Mr. YOUNG —HOU!. A —Each parish will have to bear its own bunion.. Another Votcr —Was all the grate' that WAS dug carried to Bat- Mena — Mr. ioono replied that there had not been a dozen yard. removed . . . Oteserr, Esq., observed that they had met that evening to ILiholol the right of the community to the continued enjoyment of Clapham Common, without Its being daniaged or defaced. The board evidently had the power to dig fur gi avel on the common, but he did not think they would exercise that power wantonly to the detriment of the neighbourhood. They had listened toe very clear statement given by Mr. Young. He thought he had acted rightly in digging for gravel, whilst the inhabitants, of course, felt strongly on the subject, as they considered they were injured parties. Upward. of bad been spent in tilling up the ponds and beautifying the common, and the humblest person felt equally interested with the most wealthy in its preservation. Twenty years ago, Mr. Yield urged him whenever be went to a public meeting, to pros the right the poor had to recreate themselves on the common, and that it was not a favour (bear). There used to hen pond near the church, was a nuisance, and injurious to the health of the neighbourhood. It was consequently filled up at some expense. Lately the officers of health had reported some ponds as being likely to be productive of disease in the neighbourhood, and consequently two of the ponds on the 1 common would be filled up. Yet, after this experience, the board was shout to dig fresh holes to become receptacles of stag- 1 tont water. It was like filling up one hole by digging another. Die question was not one simply as to the cost of digging or procuring gravel. The holm that were dug most be filled up, or the Medical Officer would report them as injurious to health. Mr. R. Williamson differed with the Surveyor as to the best mode of repairing the reeds. The most businesslike mode of settling the question would bu to appoint a committee to conirlder not only as to the desecration of the common, but also as to the increased expense that would fall on the parish. He moved that the meeting did not &scum the legal right of the board to dig g on the common, but that it considered it was unwise and toes pedient to dig gravel on Clapham-common, especially as the ponds hid been filled up at an enormous expense, and SAM* had been expended in improving and beautifying the common. Peewee, Esq., said, be was very pleased with Mr. Young's statement. It he acted under the orders of the board they kid no right to find fault with him (.1 Voice—" All the board were opposed to it.") What the surveyor did was the act of the board; he ought never to be visited with the cousequenees of an act it was done contrary to the instructions of the board (bear). They could not preserve their common unless they got gravel elsewhere at an increased expense. It was the inte. rest of all, even down to the poor donkey-driver, to preserve the common. Ile urged the appointment of a committee on the subject of the COMMITTEE being dug into holes, whereas it ought to be kept an a place of recreation, and as promotive of the health of the locality. This committee should communicate with the District Board, and then the matter should be again brought before the ratepayers in a public meeting, to ascertain whether they were willing to pay the increased rates that would be re, quired to meet the additional expenditure. He would second the resolution. A Overuocis said, the surveyor (Mr. Toting) had not explained bow the question was affected by the Highway Act. It allowed the surveyor to get materials from private parties by contract. Ile might procure them from any waste land, ground, river or brook, and failing a supply within the then by contract as above. Ile was bound to up, slops off all holes which he might dig. If the aurveyor dug on Clapham Common, be might slope off the holes, and leave the common in the some state an Wandsworth Common was. thought any committee appointed ought to have very large powers. The gentleman was proceeding to advocate a system of surface drainage being carried out, when The reminded him that that was not the special burinsos of the evening. Mr. Toseitik remarked that he Wd an unfortunate member of the District Board. Ile would endeavour, if possible, to enlighten his fellow parishioners as to how !ovineso was conducted there. Ile would nOt make any such remarks, but he observed the clerk and veyor of the board to be both present, lie regretted the present question had ever arisen. If the busine-s had been conducted as it ought to have been, it never would have arisen, that is if proper notice had been given, an he considered it should have been. When the surveyor saw what was done, he was frightened. A dmilar effect was produced on him, as that resulting from the appearance of the ghost in Macbeth. There had been a sionieioua statement in the linwt, that the work had been done under the sanction of the board. On Wednesday week this was repudiated by the Claphisn Committee. The Clapham members to a won denounced the correctness of any each statement. Ile had the greatest possible respect for the chairman of the board, although he differed (ruin him soulettrues, and that gentleman hail said it would be for the Clapham to determine whether or no they would put their constituent. to extra expense in order to preserve the vorumon. If they were . prepared he (the chaii maul said, he did not think there would be tiny difficulty in the qucation aa far On the board was concerned. Ile (the speaker) replied that the Metropolitan Board was authorised to construct parks, and the diatriet might have to contribute towards such an object. There was in Clapham a park existing, uud was it to be spoiliated by frightful gravel pits (hear, hear). After this the surveyor stopped, and he thought there was rod of the matter, but he saw a letter in the daily papers, at which he was not aurprised, and subsequently another at which be was very much surprised. It said, In reference to defacing the beauty of lA* common, that only two or three trial shafts bad been sunk to ascertain whether gravel could be procured frees that souls. Re had received a letter front a gc ail lenian *Web intimated that the present appearance of the cuaionun seemed to , Imply that a great deal more had been done thin mere expert. mental digging. no thought the surveyor was ia a what had been going on; and he did not doubt but loads ot gi hid been carried away. In order to ascertain the tests he should the labour book on the morrow. Wu statement iu the papers incorrect ? Or would surveyor sau adhere to it. Mr. its oorreetness. Mr. enotired whether anything had bten a little et pet nuental digging! Mr. Yot mu would assert th..t no gravel bad been dug line! be was requested to desist. Said it bad been supposed that not Ling bad b ee , done but the sinking of some experiment.il shafts. Mr. TOVNU adhered to that statement. Mr. out asked if say gravel had away ! Mr. Yormo---About half a Omen yards. Mr. TWA loan ~aid a printed document had been circulated through the meeting In order to exculpate the sin e)or. litho read the document, whteb was as follows :
IL:H GRAVEL WOOING CLAPHAM COMMON._ Extract from the Minute Book of the Wandsworth Board, Jan. 16.'. "The accompanying is a letter from Ur. Haitian; *ha he. hitherto eupplica your board with grarel for the parishes of Battersea, Clapham, and Wandsworth, requiring an addition of 20. per yard. It will be for the board to determine whether they would out exercise their power under the General Me (5 and 6 W. 4, e. SD), for digging gravel on the common. the several parishes above-mentioned, as at preoent being 612 the common in the parish of l'umey, where grarel us being du g at Od. to to. lid, per yard. .1). W. YOUNG."
Order of Board :
"That tho surveyor be authori.cd to dig for gravel as sag. grated."
Mr. Tolcher.n then argued that there had been do notice of this matter on the agenda paper, and that the board had not paned any order for the desecration of the common The surveyor ouaLt to have put specifically the board what he intended to do. The holm being dug on Clapham Common were Jun in tient of the houses that the largest rates in the parish. Lawyers might say the board bad given the necessary orders, and that they had given them correctly, but those gentlemen would my anything (bear, hear, and cheers). Ile was eot ajtoptb er emery the bole had been dog, no the result only be instructive to the district board, but also lathe inhabitants of Clapham. lie hoped the gentlemen who occupied the platforin on that occasion, would corm down Lid take a part in the businees of the board. It was wonderful that was produced upon the members by any geutleman ✓IM, awned • carriage and pair. Ile could not, for the life of Wm. why the eurVeyar had fixed upon the Common, as a spot to dig gravel from. It reminded him of a statement made be a Committee of the of Cnuaraone. An engineer was in. down into Devonshire. Ile went, admired the eoentry with its brautifol scenery and romantic views, and then remarked bow beautiful • railway would look running through the country. Se the surveyor Dwight how beautiful Clapham Common would look with its surface diversified with gravel pits (laughter.) There was a strong body of ratepayers in Clapham to back him and his brother representatives in all they did at the board. They were willing for their acts to he puivaareal in the pariah, end rejoined In knowing there war always unanimity of Welles et Clapham. Ile thought the surveyor had taken • dislike to Clapham (hear). Early in November, just as winter was setting 1., the surveyor reduced the wagee of the Clapham labourers 2s. week. For this act he hail no authority. The matter had been brought before the board, and was not quite rattled yet, but it mem would be (hear, hear.) Just the same with the question of Suoday labour, at Wandsworth the men were wanted, mid there they were employed bear.) The surveyor was present and could act himself right, if he were able so to do. He dee* attention to there things to show whatextraordinary things were done under the covert of a notice. For • was given to make the clerk the accountant to the board, on dismissing that motion, it was resolved that the workmen go to Bollingbroke House every Saturday at half-past four o'clock for their wages; although there were inspectorn in every parish who meld pay the men without giving them so much trouble. He strougly protested against the resolution, and wanted it expunged on the ground that no notice had been given.
The Cear au A considered Mr. Toleher not keeping laths qaeslion before the meeting.
Toicitax answered that he endeavouring to persuade the wealthy inhabitants to come to the board, and tube a share in its proceediego hear, hear). Gentlemen who had plenty of leisure ought take part of the burden. If they had done se, be did not think wry attempt would have been made to damage Clapham Common. An it was, they ought to request the board to ell up the hole, it being both dangerous and an eyesore. The memorial ought to embody a resolution to that effect. It had been amerted before • Committee of the House of Commons, that Clapham would be benefitted by the Metropolis Local Management Act. But it had been a completefailure so regarded that Foish. The rondo and footpath, were in a perfectly disgraceful elate, auil lie would appeal to the members of the late Highway Board whether they were in such • condition before : The parish ought to be formed into • separate and distinct board.
The CHAIRMAN again reminded Mr. Tulcher that he was not keeping to question.
Mr. YOUNG. said uith regard to Mr. Toleiter's statements, that any ratepayer could call at the ofaceu and Ice the books. An to the dosiannuit thetritmted iii the meeting that evening, be never saw it until that evening. A ratepayer went to the afters, made the extract, and disributed them . . .
The RATEPAYER alluded to, said he read in the papers about the surveyor having made application for leave to dig on Clapham Common, end that the board had pivot him permission so to do. Ho went end made Use extract, printed, and dispersed the document& ; and en one knew of t till that evening.
Mr. TOLCHER asked if the document was correct?
The RATEPAYER said it was so.
A MEMBER of the board said that the surveyor, instead of recommending the extra price to be paid to the contractor, went and dog on the Common. The board gave him leave, not sup. posing he would dig anywhere bet where he bad previously gravel flow. The first be beard of the gravel being dug at Claph on, was at ihvir committee inveurig. A special notice I'. been gii new ground was broken on ))))) loon. At the next board further promedingi were put a Mop to, the Clepham members protesting arpsint what bad been done (hear).
Mr. SEWELL considered the Purveyor was a grrat deal too forward. lf the board had known what it was intended to do, would have opposed it one and all. it. trusted the ratepayers would exonerate the Clapham members from all blame (hear).
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.
_ GASSETT, Esq. said allusion bad been made to both Wandsworth and Clapham-common. Did they want Clapham-comnioti reaueell to the Emir state as Wandsworth-common! Lord of the Manor had always been lead; to do anything to improve Clapham emuncin, and the lowees willingly ouoperated with him. Mr. Young hadconie forward and aver; manly and straightforward perch. There WWI no obligation resting upon him to have doneso, ash, was not their servant, but wax unifer the orders of the Board. lie would recommend the appointment of a committee to consult with the District Board as to the test means of preserving the uninjured, lie moved that the board be requested to give immediate orders to the surveyor to . suspend all operations connected %MI digging for gravel on Clapham common; and that a committee be appointed to consult with board aa to procuring gravel from other sources, and to report thereon to a subsequent meeting of the ratepayers.
A GENTLEMAN seconded the iesolution, and spoke in the highest of the lord of the Manor, and of hi, exertions for the beautifying of Clapham common to promote the comfort of the inhabitants.. trusted (hero would be no unfriendly feeling between and the District Board, they only wanted kindness and consideration on both sister, sod • resort to harsh or violent measures.
Mr. MEADEN urgod the importance of at once conferring with the board.
A MEMBER of the board argued that the matter wee only a question of pounds, shifting., and pence. Ile thought the opinion of the parishioners should be taken upon it.
Mr. R. WILLIAMSON did not think it was ouly a question of pounds, shillings, and pence. The board was a military board, and woe bound improve the sanitary condition of the district. lie thought on these grounds they ought to hold Clapham a:. sacred 24 battereca or Kennington l'ark. It was used alike by all ranks, beggar toys played on it, and the queen and her children got out of their carriage walk on it. Wandsworth Common would soon be irretrievably damaged. The railway ran right through it, and the Land Aociety bad purchased part of it. If the Clapham people stood fast and Arm in the matter, the lbutroon would be preserved. It their sanitary bo3rd would allow it to be desecrated, the sooner it :was got rid of the better (hear).
Mr. TOLCHER argued that the best plan would be for the gen. Woven choseo by that meeting to confer with the Clapham local wommitt. and then for them again to consult the ratepayers.
The resolution wa• then put and carried.
It was resolved that the lessees of Clapham Common be the committee in accordance with the above resolution.
Mr. TULCHER thought for an important meeting, but lame and impotent conclusions hod been come to. Ile would not , weary the assembly by going through the s hole of the proceedings of the board, to show how Clapham suffered from its connexion therewith. It ought to be put on the same footing as other large parishes. lie would urge the appointment of a committee to be empowered to take measures to procure a separation of Clapham from the District Board; and also to secure amendments of the Metropolis laical Management Act, as would promote the interests of the parish. If Sir Ikeijarnin Ilall hod known of the inconvenience arising from the union, he was persuaded they would never have been united. He compelled to business at one o'clock in order to get to Wandsworth-common, and then had to walk frequently in the and snow. Under etch circumstances lie would furnish a good subs Jett for Punch, with his umbrella and goloshes, every now and then being nearly blown Into the ponds. If the separation did nut take place now, it would bye and bye (hear).
The CHAIRMAN considered the matter of sufficient importance to Justify the calling of another meeting.
A GENTLEMAN said, there was a bill in preparation for the bones, and a committee ought to be appointed to watch it through Its various stages.
The CHAIRMAN again stated that this Could form business for another meeting.
Mr. TOLCHER reminded the meeting, that the bill might be introduced on the morrow, and that delays were dangerous.
The CHAIRMAN ru!ed that the meeting haring been called for a specific object, no other bualneva than that could be entertained; he .hould be moat happy to attend on a future occasion.
Mr. SEWELL urged if the gentlemen on the platform saw the need for prompt and energetic action as the members of the District Board did, thit they would not allow of any delay.
A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman ; and the meeting at 10 o'clock.
[BNA: Link.]
LONDON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1857
Our North Surrey columns this week are seriously encroached upon by a two-fold demonstration against the digging :A on Clapham-common. Could it be clearly shewn that these demonstrations were really required, in order to prevent the desecration of a beautiful space of open ground in the suburbs of London, we should say that the inhabitants and representatives of Clapham had not been one whit too earnest in their ?? to prevent so ill-advised an encroachment upon the territory of HYMN. But it seems rather superfluous to call a public meeting in opposition to the removal of gravel, after the District Board of Works had instructed its to operations. If the Clapham members of the Wandsworth District Board of Works were satisfied that the ratepayers of Clapham were willing to bear the extra expense of getting gravel or other road- 1 material elsewhere, those gentlemen had only to report to the Board to that effect, and the whole thing would have beeu settled. Instead of this, a tremendous uproar is made, in opposition to that which nobody cares to do if Clapham will pay the piper. We are glad to find that the Sekvevuu to the Wandsworth District Board adopted the suggestion which had been made to him, and put in his appearance at the meeting of the inhabitants of Clapham. His straightforward and manly explanation took the sting out of the meeting, and those parties who were simply to preserve the Common, and were not superlatively anxious to make the gravel-digging awn bell with the District Board, were so far influenced by the matter of fact statements of Mr. YOUNG, the Surveyor, that they failed to exhibit that degree of excitement which was evidently felt by certain other gentlemen who were anxious to show that Clapham was damaged by its union with the District Board. The Clapham members of the Wandsworth Board were also naturally anxious to chew that the Seavxeoa bad not obtained authority from the District Board prior to the digging of the gravel, for, if the Clapham members could not share this, they had to share the blame of giving the Se KVEYOK orders to do that which was inimical to the interests of Clapham itself. The members for that parish could not but feel that if it were successfully shown that the Board authorised the gravel-digging, they must themselves be convicted of one of two things, namely, they had either taken part in ordering the SURVEYOR to dig the obnoxious gravel pits, or they were slumbering at their posts when such an order was given. latter explanation those gentlemen have disdained to accept, and have striven to chew that the Seaveroa acted without orders. A reference to the minute book, however, has shown that on the '2lst of January the Svaesvoie reported to the District Board that the price of gravel was raised by the lessee of Wandsworth Common, and the SURVEYOR remarked in his report that it was for the Board to determine whether they would exercise their powers under the Highway Act to dig gravel for the parishes of Battersea, Clapham, and Wandsworth upon the Commons of the several parishes above mentioned, according to the plan which had already been adopted in the case of Putney parish. On this report, the order of the Board was that the SURvzvon should dig for gravel according to the suggestion which he had made. The suggestion was palpable enough of itself, namely, that gravel being required for the parishes of Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth, the gravel should be dug from the commons in those parishes, under the powers of the Highway Act. It is true that the actual phrase " Clapham Common" does not occur in the report, but it is true that we do not meet with the phrase " Battersea Common," or even Wandsworth Common," nor yet" Putney Common." Still it is evident that as the parishes are mentioned, and "the commons in the several parishes above-mentioned" are afterwards referred to, the digging of gravel for parish purposes on parish commons is distinctly intended. If not, where was the to go? He was to dig gravel somewhere; where was he to get it? The minutes readily answer the question, and no other answer can be furnished consistently with the nature of the case.
But it may be enquired—lf this be true, how is it that the Clapham members knew nothing of such an order? We would reply that the acts of the board are not limited by the knowledge which may be possessed by any of its members. We believe that the members for Clapham are not the only gentlemen who leave the sitting of the board without being acquainted with all that properly goes upon the minute book. We are quite prepared to believe that the Clapham members were not conscious of the exact nature of the resolution in regard to the gravel digging. "Clapham Common" did not strike upon their ears, and the words which spoke of " the commons in the several parishes above-mentioned," did not excite their attention or alarm. But the misfortune has been this, that some of these gentlemen, if not all, have endeavoured to shew either that the minutes are incorrect, or that the resolution does not warrant the acts of the SURVEYOR. By these efforts to clear themselves, the Clapham gentlemen are striving to throw the onus upon the Scuvelux. We think it were better if they hod adopted a milder course, and simply admitted their Own oversight. This they might have done without incurring any serious blame, and if they had chosen this more charitable line of conduct, a considerable uproar might have been prevented. A desire to produce excitement seems to have characterised the whole affair, so far as the Clapham gentlemen are concerned. We don't mean to my that they over-estimated the value of the Common, or the injurious effects which would be produced by gravel. digging in such a spot, but we do say that they exar gerated the danger that such desecration would be actually persevered in. It was by an oversight on their own part that the first gravel digging on Clapham Cornon commenced. On February 4th, Mr. MEADEN, one ,of the members for Clapham, protested against the digging for gravel which was taking place on the Commas in that parish. The was thereupon instructed to cease operations at that spot, and the Chairman of the meeting (the lion. S. It. Curizos) suggested that the 1 Clapham Local Committee should report to the board upon the subject. The gravel digging ceased, but the row began! The Clapham Local Committee did report to the next meeting of the board, but the members of that committee appear to have undertaken the task of raising • meeting of the inhabitants of Clapham, which took place on the evening of Tuesday last, thirteen days after the board had ordered the digging of gravel to cease on Clapham Common! At that meeting speeches were made and resolutions moved, as though the District Board were determined to dig gravel on Clapham Com_ non ri et amis. The most sensible proposition which could possibly have been moved at that meeting would have been to this effect :—" That the Local Committee for the parish of Clapham be requested to meet forthwith and to present such a report to the District Board as Mal. prevent all risk of the common being further disturbed fo e the digging of gravel." The meeting would have been per. hotly justified in calling upon the Clapham Local Com. mittee to do its duty, in the full confidence that in a purely parochial question the wish of the parish committee would be respected. If the board had afterwards determined on acting in opposition to the report of the Local Committee, then such a meeting as that of Tuesday last would have been fully justified; but we submit that the actual facts of the case as they stood on Tuesday might, the real reckoning was between Clapham and committee, not between Clapham and the District Beard. As a proof that the voice of the Clapham Local Committee is not despised at the board, we caU attention to the fact that the protest of Mr. MRADIN on February 4th, even without the help of • formal report, was sufficient to prevent the further spoliation of common. But the the Clapham members, headed by Mr. TOLCRER, persuaded the inhabitants to form a committee to confer with the board, as if Clapham had not already got a committee for that purpose' And there was a petition drawn up and presented to the Board on the following day by the special committee in person, and a vast amount of precious time was spent at the Board by a number of its members who declared that the Board had no intention to dig gravel on Clapham Common, although the Board had authorised it. The petition had no prayer in it, and was therefore more con•iistent with facts than it was with itself, for there was nothing to pray for, except that the holes which had been dug might be filled-in again, which request the petition seems to have omitted. And after all, Mr. moved that the subject of providing road material for Clapham, should be referred to the Local Committee for that parish, so that at last we have the Clapham Committee quietly engaged in doing that which they might have done a fortnight earlier.
Mr. TOLCHER, however, not only spoke on Tuesday night, and moved a proposition on Wednesday afternoon. lie declared on the latter occasion that he had no confidence in the discretion and judgment of the And Mr. 311.soex was equally positive in declaring that Ow minutes were not correct ! Truly a happy condition ior a Board of Works. Oat of the 16 g,utlenieu representing Clapham, one has no confidence in the minutes,
anti another no confidence in the "discretion or judgment" of the Surveyor. Then we have loud and assertions that the present system will never work well, that the whole machinery of the Board must be revised, that the cannot possibly execute his duties, for he has functions to perform which are in antagonism to each other, and an amount of work to get through which he cannot possibly accomplish. And what does all this mean ? It means just this,—that the spirit of discord has made its appearance at the Wandsworth Board as it has at one other we might name, and the energies of the Board are about to be consumed in that party strife which finds its natural exercise in setting one officer against another, and in fiercely discussing the mere organism of the Board, upsetting its present arraegements for the sake of introducing others, and in the mean time blaming its executive for all that delay in public works which is really chargeable to the Board itself. We once thought well of the Wandsworth Board. When strife first became serious at its sittings, and on one occasion when it performed the freak of suddenly breaking up without performing the business for which it was convened, we expressed an earnest hope that no such scenes wonld be repeated, and that harmony and usefulness would characterize its future career. Unfortunately our hope has not been verified. The machinery is getting out of gear, not so much because of any inherent defect in itself, but because of the rude hands which preside over its movements. We fear there are gentlemen at that board whose purposes are answered by this disorganization. Mr. Toceitzu candidly admitted to the inhabitants of Clapham on Tuesday night, that he was rather glad the gravel-digging had taken place, he could not forego the public meeting which was to call upon the Board not to do that which Mr. ToLcUE it argued it never intended to do, and which he said was the unauthorized act of the Suevevoa. Mr. TOLCHER evidently thought the gravel-digging grievance was an excellent peg on which to hang a series of accusations against the District Board, of which Board himself and his colleagues formed so important a part. Clapham we may remark, has more members at the District Board than any parish, although the Board bears the name of Waudsworth. But when Mr. endeavoured to enlighten the inhabitants of Clapham as to the wrongs they suffered at the hands of tho District Board, the Lotto of the MANOR, who presided, very properly called that to order, reminding hiin that the meeting was only convened to consider the gravel-digging question. By the same rule of order and propriety, the Cif extinguished Mr. TOLCHEWS proposition, in which the latter gentleman advocated the separation of Claphani from the District Board. We have now got to the keystone of the whole structure. To obtain for Clapham a separate Board, is the evident desire of the Clapham members. And they may be right in that desire. Clapham may suffer by the present union, and if so, those who represent her interests should not ignore the fact. But if 18 particular gentlemen believe that Clapham will never be properly cared for by a combined Board of Works, it becomes a serious question whether those gentlemen ought not to resign their seats at that Board. At least if they remain there, they should adopt no harsh and factious measures to preserve what they conceive to be the real interests of the parish which they represent. We have ourselves so far recognized distinct parochial interests, as to advocate Local Committees. And although we are told by some parties that Local Committees az* abused, and are made ipstrumental for factious purposes, we are not disposed to surrender those committees. If Clapham is injured by the present operations of the District Board, some further modifications of its machinery may remedy the evils complained of, but at least let the reform be carried out in • temperate and considerate tone. Let the reform be based upon real facts and not on presumed ill-will and exaggerated grievances. And in what we say we have no idea that the inhabitants of Clapham ' desire anything but what is right ; but we do think that some members of tho Clapham Local Committee have heated themselves into sundry fancies which sober judgment would discard ; and wo hope to see the day ' e shall again be to tight side by side with Mr. TOLCHER himself, for measures which shall conduce to ; the real benefit of the ratepayers at large. After all, we may be nearer to an agreement in principle than may t seem to be the case while we are fighting over these unhappy gravel-pits, in which we hope will be buried • r vast deal which were better forgotten.
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SUMMONSES AGAINST OVERSEERS
On Thursday, a great amount of interest was excited at Wandsworth, in consequence of the hearing of several summonses before C. O. the magistrate, at the police court, against the overseers of Battersea, Clapham, and Wandsworth. The summonses had been taken out under the Metropolis Local Management Act by the Wandsworth District Board of Works, to enforce the payment of rates. The court was crowded by the parochial officers of the three parishes. Mr. Corsellis, the clerk to the district board, attended to conduct the three cases, and Mr. Robinson, instructed by Mr. Reynolds, appeared for the parochial officers of Battersea, Messrs. S. Smith, W. Bridge, S. Neat., W. Picking, and B. Edgington.
Mr. Corsellis, in opening the case relating to Battersea said that under the 138th section of the Metropolis Local Management Act, an order had been made is Dec. last requiring the overseers Is pay certain sums of mosey to the account of the District Board This was adopted, as the board had the greatest difficulty in obtaining money, and were under heavy liabilities, so that a peremptory order was positively necessary. None of the sums ordered were paid, and it was his duty, as Clerk to the Beard, to report who were in arrears. In February a letter was sent to the overseers, stating that proceedings would be taken, if the were not mid. He was bound to say the Board had not been harsh in the matter, as the greatest delay had been made by the overseers. Under the circumstances, he contended that he was entitled, in default of payment, to distress warrants upon th4m:ade of the defendants.
Mr. Robinson said the overseers had no wish to make a factions oppositioak order was made on the 24th December Met, and part of money was to be paid in January, which was quite importable. The overseers had heavy and vast responsible duties to perform, and they at least were entitled to the greatest possible lenity. He had also another point of the utmost importance to advance, that before these proceedings were takes Ito less a sum than £730 was paid off the gross amount, thus showing the earned desire of the overseers Se pay the money as soon as was at all practicable.
Mr. Corsellis said, he must correct the learned counsel, as the cheque for the £730 was only handed to him the day before yesterday (Wednesday).
Mr. Robinson said, be Mould decidedly not =tie the statement if he had not believed it to be correct. However, no less than 30e summonses bad been taken out to raise the money, end it was extremely hard that the overseers should be expected to pay out of their own pockets. Distress warrants would be Issued where the money was not collected.
The magistrates wished to know if the £1,890 which was left could be met by what could be realized from the distress warrants.
Mr. Reynolds said, he could not be sure of that, but, if the magistrates matte my order the broker would be put in and it most unpleasant to put their neighbours to the great inconvenience which the proceeding" of the board would drive the overseers intake. The order was given late in December, and the money was required on the 21st of January and 27th February.
Mr. Corsellis said, the summonses were for a rate made 12 months ago, and if it had been properly got in the overseers would have hul money enough to paid.
The Magistrate said, there ought to be the best anden undertanding between the board and the parochial officers as they were all ratepayers. It would be best for Mr. Reynolds to arrange 'certain time to get in the money. He thought the act most imperfect in cue sense, as It did not specify any particular time.
Mr. Robinson here pointed out the section ander which the board had the power to order when money was to be paid.
Mr. foments said, that he thought three weeks was a sufficient time.
Mr. Reynolds said, he had no objection to that, but at the same time be must state that it had gone forth to the public that the overseen, had got the money, and had kept it in their own pockets (laughter). Such statement as this they must all feel was most annoying to those gentlemen who had undertaken the office of overseers.
Mr. Neate forcibly pointed out the short time which was allowed by the board for the overseers to collect the rates, viz., from the 26th of December to the 21st of January.
Mr. Corsellis said, the board bad not at all pressing, as Battersea was most in arrears.
Mr. Reynolds said that on reference to an authority width he held in his hand, and which he perhaps could not call a doomnient, (the South London Journal) other parishes were in arrears, Streatham being so to the amount of £1,032. It WWI manifestly evident that the working of the Act pinched the overseers exceedingly, and was most offensive.
The Magistrate said that might be. and no doubt some notice would be taken of the working of the Act in the forthcoming Parliament. It was decided that three weeks should be allowed for the payment of the remaining portion of the arrears.
Mr. Corsellis said that the defendants in the Clapham case were Messrs. J. Vuoght, Wilkinson, Reeve, Henry liodgetts, Deacon and William Lambold Bryant. As in the other case, an order had been made for the payment of the arrears, but the Senn moiety only had been paid.
Mr. W. F. Franks, the vestry clerk, said the only reason the money had not been paid was the great difficulty in collecting the rates, in consequence of the change of collector. Yesterday had been paid, making £1,240, out of £2,680, and the utmost diligence would be used to procure the remaining £1,440. After some few remarks, this case was settled in the same manner as that of Battersea.
The defendants in the third summons, that of Wandsworth, were Metes. T. Thorn, G. Langton, J. Lyon, and C. Dagnall. j The arrears were MU. Mr. said that he considered the conduct of the board In taking these proceedings was harsh in the extreme, for he found that the majority at the District Board, which authorised their being taken was only two, while An to Clapham the measure had only been carried by the casting vote of the chairman.
Mr. Corsellis said it was not the casting vote; it was a single vote.
Mr. Reynolds said it must be a subject of the greatest regret that the parochial officers should have been treated in such a manner as they had been by the District Board, by men whom they had been the means of placing in the position in which they were. All he could say was those who sent them to that board could turn them out again, and as regarded his own parish it was most certain they would be, and he hoped the other parishes would follow its example.
Mr. Dagnall said he must again urge that it was not with a view of throwing any obstruction ia the way of the board that the money was not p sid, but owing be the great difficulty that had been experienced by the overseers in collecting the rates.
Mr. Thorn (overseer) said he could help remelting that he, for one, woe most exceedingly eurgebed at the aeons that the district board had thought fit to a m the had bees good and faithful servants to them, la MS the as fsst ass it could probably be eollesteA was eat thisireat doubt that the conduct of theta/mid Med bees essetpereseatory.
The magietrate said that es that nue be used at the board, not in that court, sad as the mien were but small they might get the money by the cases awe es be preceding caeca, via., three weskit.
Mr. th . Darnall mid they had no be i tied. bet Streatham was n arrears to e menet of £1,032, eel bed sot been summoned at all.
The Magistrate said *el he was still of opiates that each argot:mete were for the had sad sot he the emelt ; bet still, If they felt that they sat apprise et ershest of the gsaalenuen they had to the Weed, thing they de was to change (beer, hew 1-
Me. Reynolds said the het wee, they must s slier they left the court, begin to seem= SON sad left (laeghtse).
Mr. Neate said Ste NM the order, did not give mere than three mein.
Mr. Retnolds said the only way was their representatives as soon as possible (hear, hear).
The magistrate aid that the matter had better be decided as in the other cases, as the discussion they were evidently verging upon was one that would raise anything but cool blood (laughter).
This summons having been also adjourned for three weeks, the proceedings terminated, the whole of the parochial officers present expressing the most unqualified marks of disapprobation at the proceedings having been taken by the district board.
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[Gravel digging]
WANDSWORTH DISTRICT BOARD OP WORKS
On Wednesday, a meeting of the Board of Works for the Wandsworth District was held in the Board Room of the offices, Bolingbrook [sic] Grove, Wandsworth Common. Members present, Dr. LONGSTAFF (chair), Messrs. To'cher, Greenwood, Harris, Hooper, Jucr, Davidson, Smith, McKellar, W. Wright, Bradford, Webber, Norwood, Poupart, Lost, Jackson, Sewell, Watney, Hunter, Graham, Poore, Hart, Corthorn, Nottidge, Fulton, Hubert, Finch, and Seller . . .
THE GRAVEL QUESTION.
Mr. HART said that formerly the people at Battersea at pay anything for fine gravel; and they only paid fourteen pence for the rough. What was the surveyor paying for refining?
The SURVEYOR answered 13d. for the rough, and 5d for the fine gravel.
Mr. McKELLAR asked what the men could earn who dug gravel?
The SURVEYOR said that for some time they only earned 11s. a week.
Mr. POUPART observed that when the price was 14d., the men used earn a pound a week.
Mr. WEBBER wanted to know how wages were less when the price paid per yard was higher?
Mr. POUPART remarked that in digging coarse gravel, the fine was thrown out.
Mr. McKELLAR reported that the men complained of the scantiness of their earnings. The houses of Wandworth-common paid their men 18s. per week.
The SURVEYOR said the men were digging in a better pit now, and would earn about a pound a week.
The CHAIRMAN remarked that gravel digging was like mining operations. It turned out favourable sometimes to the one party, and sometimes to the other.
After some further discussion, the surveyor was instructed to prepare a report for the next meeting, stating the number of men employed, the time so occupied, and the amount of gravel dug. He was also instructed to give the information so as for each parish to know what portion of the expense would be allotted to it.
. . .
GRAVEL DIGGING.
THE SURVEYOR was authorised to purchase 200 yards of coarse gravel from the keeper of Wandsworth-common. He was also empowered to make application about procuring gravel from two fields in the Wandsworth-road, and also to sink experimental shafts to test the quality of the gravel.
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[Who was "the keeper"?]
ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM
Her Majesty having signified her intention to lay the foundation-stone of this institution, this day, on Wandsworth Common, no pains have been spared to give eclat to the occasion.
A temporary road has been constructed, along which the royal cortege will proceed to a grand reception pavilion erected by B. Edgington. From thence along a covered platform, her Majesty, suite, and officials, will pass to the stone.
A large amphitheatre, to seat 2,00O persons, has been erected by Mr. Alderman Cubitt, commanding a view of the scene, and, should the weather prove favourable, the interesting ceremony must be highly gratifying to the many thousands who are expected to be present.
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PB: See the Prison prominently depicted in the distance (left), which might have seemed grim to the small orphaned girls who would soon inhabit the building. Certainly the RVPA was cheerless. Incidentally, find it hard not to see the temporary structure in the centre, where the foundation stone is being laid, as a scaffold.
In an elaborate, highly ritualised ceremony, Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum. The more tha 50 acres was land only recently still part of Wandsworth Common, but sold to the "Patriotic Fund" by Earl Spencer. This was only a fortnight after she had awarded the first Victoria Crosses in a ceremony in Hyde Park (26 June 1857).
The London Standard (Monday 13 July 1857) described the context and events of the day in considerable detail, sometimes with a sardonic edge (More below . . . ):
THE ROYAL VICTORIA PATRIOTIC ASYLUM
On Saturday afternoon the foundation-stone of a new asylum for the orphan daughters of soldiers, sailors, and marines, which is to be erected out of the surplus of the Patriotic Fund, was laid by her Majesty. As will be, perhaps, remembered, the subscription for the Patriotic Fund was commenced, by the especial desire of the Queen, soon after the breaking out of the Russian war, and before its conclusion a total sum of about £1,500,000 was received by the Royal commissioners, of which amount the colonial possessions contributed a very large proportion. The sum was almost unparalleled in amount in the annals of public subscriptions, and although the number of individuals which the casualties of the war rendered objects to whom the assistance of the fund was eligible were very great indeed, yet, after giving full assistance to every case a large surplus was still left over.
With the surplus the Royal commissioners, under the sanction of the Queen, determined to erect and endow a permanent industrial school for 300 of the orphan daughters of men serving in the various branches of the army and navy, considering that some lasting memorial was due to those who fought and suffered during the late war. The situation of the proposed building is on an open portion of Wandsworth-common, a short distance from the Clapham-common station [sic] of the South-Western Railway, and a short distance both from the Wandsworth House of Correction and the Freemasons' School. The style of the architecture will be the same as that of Heriot's Hospital, at Edinburgh, though less decorative in its architectural embellishments. The cost of the building is estimated at about £38,000; while the sum set apart for its permanent endowment is £140,000.
The preparations for the ceremony were not only commensurate with the greatness of the occasion, but were much more extensive than was at all necessary. The platform on which the ceremony was to take place was placed in the centre of the ground, while on three sides of it were erected three large covered stands, which were for the accommodation of some 2000 or 3000 favoured individuals, among whom the tickets were distributed, while on the opposite side of the ground were placed long lines of palisades, from the rear of which some 8000 or 10,000 persons might have obtained a very excellent view of the whole proceedings; but with all the accommodation, the restrictions under which those who were disposed to take advantage of it were placed were sufficiently inconvenient in themselves, and stringent in their execution, to keep more than half of those who would otherwise have been there away.
The ceremony was announced to take place shortly after five o'clock, while the holders of tickets were enjoined to be in their places at half-past three at the latest.
Now, the ceremony of laying a foundation-stone is not a particularly attractive one at anytime, and but for the gay cortege, the troops, and the saluting — the general accompaniments of such occasions — the ceremony itself would hardly afford sufficient interest and excitement to ensure the attendance of a dozen charity boys. But when the audience have to travel a distance of eight or nine miles, and have then to wait some two hours under a hot sun, it is not surprising that the military accessories, or even the presence of Royalty itself, could induce only a small proportion of the possessors of tickets to sacrifice their comfort to their curiosity.
As the hour of her Majesty's arrival approached, therefore, the platforms and stands presented a sad array of empty benches, and the police were empowered for once to render themselves popular by selecting the most respectable among the crowd to occupy the vacant seats in order to make a decent appearance, which was really wanting.
Two large marquees were erected in the rear of the platform, one for the accommodation of the executive committee, and the other for her Majesty and the Royal family, and at the entrance of which the procession formed. A field battery of six guns was stationed on the common, a short distance from the spot, for the purpose of firing the salutes, while in front of the platform were stationed a guard of honour, composed of a few companies of the Grenadier Guards, accompanied by the band and colours, and the dais on which the ceremony was to take place were stationed 50 orphan boys belonging to the Duke of York's School, accompanied by their miniature band, and 50 orphan boys from the Greenwich School, while on the other side stationed 100 orphan girls (50 from tho Sailors' Orphan Girls' School, and the same number from the Soldiers' Infant Home). The band of the Royal Marines was also stationed within the enclosed space, and by the performance of a number of popular airs tended to relieve the tedium of the long delay.
At five o'clock the firing of a Royal salute from the field battery announced the arrival of the Queen. The Royal party, consisting of the Queen, the Prince Consort, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice, his Royal Highness the Prince of Prussia, and the Princess Charlotte of Belgium, and the various officers of the court, arrived in four of the Royal carriages, escorted by a troop of the 11th Hussars.
Her Majesty at once proceeded to the pavilion, where she was received by the members of the executive committee and various persons of distinction, among whom we noticed the Duke of Wellington, the Marquis of Breadalbane, the Marquis of Abercorn, the Duke of Newcastle, the Earl of Hardwicke, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Chester, Lord Redesdale, Lord St. Leonard's, Lord Colchester, the Right Hon. Sir George Grey, the Right Hon. Sir J. S Pakington, the Right Hon. Mr. Sidney Herbert, M.P.. the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the Right Hon. Colonel Spencer, etc.
The whole of those in attendance were attired in full court uniform. After a few minutes' delay the procession started uniform. After a few minutes' delay the procession started for the raised dais in the following order:
The Architect. The Secretary.
The Executive and Finance Committee (two and two).
The Royal Commissioners (two and two).
The Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Bishop of Winchester.
The Lord Steward of the Household.
The Lord Chamberlain.
The QUEEN.
The PRINCE CONSORT.
Members of the Royal Family.
The Great Officers of State.The procession having passed round the platform, his Royal Highness the Prince Consort, who was attired in the uniform of a field marshal, as the chairman of the executive committee of the Patriotic Fund, read the following address to the Queen:
"We, your Majesty's most dutiful subjects, tho commissioners appointed by your Majesty for tbe formation and application of a Patriotic Fund, approach your Majesty with the assurance of our devoted loyalty and affectionate attachment to your Majesty's throne and person, and with the expression of our gratitude for your Majesty's condescension in honouring by your presence and patronage the foundation of this building, intended for the reception and education of the orphan daughters of those soldiers, seamen, and marines, who have fallen in the late war with Russia, and of those who may hereafter lose their lives in the service of their country.
"The brilliant valour displayed by your Majesty's forces, in battle against the enemy early aroused the sympathy and admiration of their countrymen in every part of the British empire, which was augmented by the unflinching fortitude with which they encountered in turn the no less deadly foes, privation, toil, and sickness, which subsequently thinned their ranks even more than the sword. Nor was this feeling confined to your Majesty's subjects, for in numerous instances natives of other countries generously united in augmenting the contributions which were offered for relieving the wants of those widows and orphans who had been deprived of that support upon which they depended for their maintenance by the casualties of war.
"Your Majesty was graciously pleased to appoint us commissioners, under the Presidency of your Royal Consort, to receive the sums so subscribed, and justly and faithfully to distribute them in such manner as should seem to them best suited to secure the most impartial and beneficent application of them to the purposes specified in your Royal commission, and empowering us to appoint a committee for the performance of the executive duties of commissioners, under such regulations as we might direct, and these we have much pleasure in reporting to your Majesty the committee of noblemen and gentlemen whom we appointed have most satisfactorily carried into effect. The subscriptions, fostered by your Majesty's example and Royal care, and liberally contributed to be persons of every class of your subjects, have produced no less a sum than £1,446,985.7s; a detailed statement of which is herewith humbly submitted to your Majesty.
"The munificence of the country having thus enabled your Majesty's commissioners to provide a liberal scale of relief for the maintenance of the widows and orphans, and to extend the benefits of certain existing charitable institutions for the education of the children of soldiers, seamen, and marines (as well officers as men), by adding to their permanent endowment, they resolved, out of the surplus of the funds still remaining at their disposal, to found an institution for the maintenance and education of orphans, which should not only provide for those the more immediate objects of their charge, but also remain a permanent memorial of the national generosity which provided the means for its establishment.
"For this purpose we allocated a sum of £38,000 for the purchase of a suitable site, and the erection of buildings for the reception of 300 girls under 15 years of age, and have endowed it with £140, 000.
The orphans admitted into this institution will be carefully instructed in their moral and religious duties, and in addition to a useful elementary education will be taught those branches of industrial knowledge which will fit them to perform the duties of domestic servants; and, when they become wives and mothers, will enable them to manage their households with economy, and, by habits of cleanliness and order, to contribute to the comfort and cheerfulness of their homes.
Such is the proposed object of the institution which your Majesty is graciously pleased to patronise, by permitting it to bear your illustrious name, and by gracing it with your presence this day. Thus sanctioned, we now commit it to the care of that Almighty Being who has proclaimed himself specially the Father of the fatherless, humbly trusting that it may, under His guiding Providence, fulfil the objects for which it is intended ? cheering the heart of the widow and the is intended cheering the heart of the widow and the and attachment to the gracious Queen who thus personally sympathises in the sorrows of those who fall in the service of their Sovereign and their country.
"ALBERT."
The document having been handed to her Majesty, she delivered the following gracious reply:
"I thank you sincerely for your loyal and affectionate address. gladly avail myself of this occasion to express the great satisfaction have derived from the gratifying evidence presented to me of the manner in which my faithful subjects throughout the whole extent of my dominions, and in the most distant parts of the world, have evinced their genuine sympathy with my own feelings of admiration for the gallant conduct and enduring fortitude of my naval and military forces, by their munificent contributions to the funds for the relief of the widows and orphans of the brave men who have fallen in the discharge of their duty to their Sovereign and their country.
You have fully justified the confidence placed in you by your judicious and impartial distribution of those funds for the relief of the widows and orphans of the brave men who have fallen in the discharge of their duty to their Sovereign and their country. You have fully justified the confidence placed in you by your judicious and impartial distribution of those funds, and entirely approve of the appropriation of a portion of them to the erection and permanent endowment of an institution in the success of which shall ever feel the warmest interest.
"I am most happy to take a part in the foundation of this institution, and ncartily concur with you in committing it institution, and heartily concur with you in committing it to the Divine Care and protection, and in praying that the benevolent objects with which it has been designed may be to the fullest extent accomplished."
The Archbishop of Canterbury then offered up a suitable prayer; after which the stone was raised up to allow her Majesty to go through the formality of smoothing the bed of mortar on which it was to be placed. By this means the people in front first caught sight of her Majesty, who had previously been hidden from their view by the upper stone. The consequence was, that as soon as the illustrious visitors were visible they gave one hearty cheer.
The infantile bands, who were placed rather out of sight of the proceedings, of course concluded that the ceremony was completed, and struck up the National Anthem, which, being heard by the artillery on the common, they considered it as a sufficient signal, and the Royal salute was fired before the stone was moved from its position.
The incident, though quite unavoidable, was extremely ridiculous, and occasioned a great merriment among those present.
The glass tube containing the specimens of the current coin, which was enveloped in an illuminated scroll of vellum, having been placed in its proper position in a cavity in the bed, the stone was lowered, and her Majesty having ascertained its correct level by means of the plumb-line, gave the stone one or two smart taps with the polished mallet and declared the building begun. On the front of the stone was placed a brass plate, bearing the following inscription:
"On the 11th day of July, MDCCCLVII, in the second year of peace, Queen Victoria dedicated this asylum, erected from a portion of the free gifts of the United Kingdom, of the British Colonies, and the Indian Empire, and of many not subjects of the realm, to the nurture and education of the orphan daughters of those brave men who perished in the Russian war, and for the perpetual consolation and encouragement of those who hereafter may die for their country."
The richly ornamented trowel which her Majesty made use of of course became her property; it bore the following incription.
"This trowel was presented to Queen Victoria by the Royal commissioners of of the Patriotic Fund, on the occasion of her Majesty laying the foundation-stone of an asylum for the education and training of 300 orphan daughters of soldiers, seamen, and marines, who perished in the Russian war, and for those who hereafter may require like succour."
The procession returned to the pavilion in the same order in which it left, and her Majesty was pleased to approve of the inscriptions which are to be placed on the front of the edifice.
The first will be in Latin, as follows:
"Ne quas paterni consilii,
Et tutelae orbas.
Reliquit mors patrum praematura.
Juventute inculta languerent.
Filiabus.
Bene de patria meritorum.
Nunc et in perpetuum
Anxietate provida.
Hac in aede
Perfugium decrevit.
Cum coloniis ac apud Indos imperio.
Exteris etiam non parce conferentibus
Britannia."
[It would be good to translate this properly. In the meanwhile here's a rough idea of what it says from Google Translate:
"Do paternal plan,
The protection homes.
He left the untimely death of his father.
Unkempt youth enfeebled.
His daughters.
National well-deserved.
Now and forever
Anxiety provider.
This shrine
Brow days.
As well as with the government of the Indians, with its colonies.
From foreign invasions which had been contributed, too, does not show mercy to
Britain."Tho second inscription will be in English, but will be placed on a different part of the edifice:
"For the Orphan Daughters
Of the Soldiers, Seamen, and Marines
Of the realm,
Now and henceforth,
England,
Her Colonies, and Indian Empire,
Aided by many not subjects of the Crown,
Erect
This Asylum
From a part of the Patriotic Fund,
Formed in 1854-5,
At the desire of
Queen Victoria."The Royal party then again took their places in the carriages, and departed under the same escort of the 11th Hussars. As they emerged upon the road a third Royal salute was fired from the field battery. The proceedings then terminated, and the troops who took part in the ceremony marched off to town, the crowd of visitors dispersing at the same time. The ceremony did not occupy much more than half an hour.
[Source: The Standard, 13 July 1857 - Link>. View the original, of which this is an approximate transcription, here.]
[PB:
Much of the report is perfectly factual. But there is perhaps a sense that the author is less than wholehearted about the elaborate (and presumably very expensive) ritual he is reporting. Notice, for example, the tart observations about "the ceremony of laying a foundation-stone is not a particularly attractive one at any time . . . [it] would hardly afford sufficient interest and excitement to ensure the attendance of a dozen charity boys".
The report observes that the marquees and palisades erected to accommodate the "favoured individuals" with tickets served to needlessly obscure the view of the potentially far greater number without. Yet "even the presence of Royalty itself" was insufficient inducement for many ticket-holders to bother to turn up. With the prospect of waiting "some two hours under a hot sun", relatively few were willing to "sacrifice their comfort to their curiosity", which led to a "sad array of empty benches". (The police, "empowered for once to render themselves popular", only saved the day by "selecting the most respectable among the crowd to occupy the vacant seats in order to make a decent appearance, which was really wanting".)
The report then relishes the somewhat farcical premature artillery salute, and concludes abruptly by noting the brevity of the actual event: "The ceremony did not occupy much more than half an hour".
Incidentally, notice also Prince Albert's very limited expectations of the girls in this "permanent industrial school" (certainly no Latin would be taught)
"The orphans admitted into this institution will be carefully instructed in their moral and religious duties, and in addition to a useful elementary education will be taught those branches of industrial knowledge which will fit them to perform the duties of domestic servants; and, when they become wives and mothers, will enable them to manage their households with economy, and, by habits of cleanliness and order, to contribute to the comfort and cheerfulness of their homes."
Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum for Girls (main page)
The RVPA's architectural style: Why Gothic?