[BNA Search: "Wandsworth Common"]
[South London Press: "Wandsworth Common"]
[The Times: Search: "Wandsworth Common"].
[BNA: Buckmaster Battersea 1859]
[BNA: Buckmaster Wandsworth 1859]
[London Evening Standard: Buckmaster Wandsworth 1859]
TEXT
[PB: What was the Penge problem, that cost so much money? Notice refs to the new Lammas Hall — complaints it was underused in favour of pubs?]
Battersea Ratepayers' Society.
THE ANNIVERSARY SUPPER.
The members and friends this society partook most excellent supper Monday evening hist, the Swan Tavern, near Battersea Bridge. large room was well filled, and the company highly respectable. The arrangements reflected great credit on the Committee, and Mr. Knight, the worthy host, served the supper in manner that gave universal satisfaction. Mr. Alien presided, and Mr. Thomas ably discharged the duties of vice chairman.
The Chairman, as soon as the cloth was removed, said that they were desirous to avoid lengthened parochial discussions, but wished to spend together a convivial evening. was glad to see so many respectable inhabitants present, who, although they were not members of the society, were evidently anxious to assist them in their efforts to remove those notorious abuses that existed in the parish, and which arose from gross mismanagement, proposed ' the health of the Queen and the Royal Family."
Mr. Thomas, the vice-chairman, gave "Success and prosperity to the members of the Ratepayers' Association," and accompanied it with a few brief observations.
Mr. W. Baker then alluded to the exertions the Secretary, and proposed his health, which was received with loud cheers. Mr. Pemberton sincerely thanked the meeting, and expressed his determination to proceed as heretofore. Mr. W. Murrey, a professional gentleman, then sung, admirable style, * Come, welcome, once more.' Mr- Gale proposed vote of thanks the Committee for the effective manner which they had carried out the arrangements of the evening, which was most heartily responded to. Mr.King proposed the health Mr.Lyth, amidst hearty acclamations, which replied, assuring the meeting that should not cease until the ratepayers were entirely released from unjust taxation.
The Chairman now proposed the health gentleman to whom they were greatly indebted, and who he was proud to see present on that occasion. alluded to Mr. Starling, who had rendered them so much legal assistance. This toast was received with rapturous applause.
Mr. Starling returned thanks, but thought there were others who equally deserved a similar compliment. regretted that he was not present with them so of Urn as he could desire, but was still hearty in their cause. The contest in which they were engaged was one justice and honesty, and honesty was one of the brightest gems that could adorn a man. recommended that a gie;.t public meeting should be, as soon as practicable, held the new Lammas Hall. It would be great gratification for him to attend ratepayers' meeting that neat and commodious building. must be great meeting of the parishioners.
A change of officers was necessary, and they riiouh look out for others to replace them without delay question concerned the parishioners at Mr. Reynolds had said that the seven last elected Vestrymen had right to vote at the Board Now, if such was the case, would declare the thirteen remaining members were number to form legally constituted body.
Mr Thomas then alluded to the very important services rendered to the parish Mr. "Finch, proposed vote of thanks to him, which was received with great applause. Mr. Finch referred the very kind manner in which his name had been mentioned, and alluded, to an action which had been brought against their .'secretary, Mr. ton, Mr. Reynolds, for, an imputed libel, and who had laid the damages at £1000. This was an action in reality against the Ratepayers' Association. Mi . Parmiloe said that consul, red advantage had been taken Mr. Pemberton, and believed the ratepayers generally would rally round him Mr. Starling was confident that the parish at large would subscribe liberally towards the expenses.
The Chairman said that be felt it his duty notice the great service the Editor of the West Middlesex Advertiser had rendered to the ratepayers, by the insertion of the reports of their proceedings in that journal, for which he deserved their sincere thanks. It afforded him also pleasure to acknowledge the accuracy of the reports, and he would therefore now propose a vote of thanks to the Editor, and likewise to the Reporter who was present. The vote was unanimously carried.
A hearty vote thanks was given Mr. Allen, j chairman, and to Mr. Thomas, as vice-chairman, which were acknowledged in very appropriate speeches, and the company separate much delighted with this conviviality and unanimity that had prevailed during the evening. The enjoyment of the company was greatly promoted some excellent songs by Messrs. Tucker, Thomas, King, Dobbin, Watts, T. Longhurst, Linn, Rose, and others.
IMPORTANT MEETING.
Tuesday evening last a numerous and most influential meeting took place Mr. Green's, the Europa Tavern, Church-road, to consider the state parochial affairs, with special reference to the recent adverse decision in the case of Battersea v. which it is calculated has cost the ratepayers not less than £.5000; and to decide such further proceedings for the protection of the ratepayers as shall be considered most desirable. Mr. Alien was again requested preside.
The Chairman, having made a few preliminary remarks, M — . Lyth said, that in May they would have to elect 16 vestrymen, with auditors, and he hoped that they would look out for men capable of discharging the duties, selecting them from different parts of the parish, so that all the ratepayers may be fairly represented, and not as heretofore the majority taken from Battersea Square.
He then entered at considerable length into the financial affairs of the parish, and referred especially to the enormous amount of expenditure for law costs in connexion with Penge. The statements made by him seemed produce powerful effect on the meeting. Mr. Montague considered that the parishioners were greatly blame. the ratepayers had represented to the Auditor that such large sum was expended for law suits, he would make the investigation, and, wrong, expunge it. He was determined to take a decided step himself in this flagrant affair. Mi. Hart said the costs had been taxed the Auditor had no power to amend the bill. Mr. S nart, with great clearness, defined the course that might be taken.
Mr. Poupart, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hardy, and other gentlemen, having expressed their opinions, Mr Buckmaster said that they might talk for month on the subject and yet come to no definite conclusion. The people of Battersea ought no longer to submit to the gross imposition that was going on in the parish. They had right and justice their side. H
e felt much obliged to Mr. Lyth, who was a sort Joseph Hume in financial matters, then proposed the following resolution, which was carried: "That Mr. Graham, Mr. Hart, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Hardy, be appointed a committee, instructed by this Association, to take such steps as they may think proper to compel the Parish Solicitor to carry out the engagement made by him in reference to the late law suit." It was likewise moved and seconded: "That the Secretary of this Association be instructed, in conjunction with Mr. Allen, to take out a summons, if necessary, to compel the Overseers produce their accounts, and to confer with the auditors the subject."
Arrangements were then made for holding a large public meeting as speedily as possible, of which special notice will given. The next ordinary meeting will he held at Mr. Thomas's, Farnboro' Arms, Bridie-road West, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 15, at o'clock.
[Source: Link]
Battersea Ratepayers' Society. meeting of this society was held on Tuesday evening la*t at the Plough Inn, St. John's Hill, Battersea Rise. Notwithstanding that the Lammas Hall was opened on the same evening, and many of the members who generally attend were consequently absent, there was a very good attendance. Mr. Allen took the chair.Mr. Clarke, one of the parish auditors, stated that he had waited on Mr. Chadwin to examine the Overseers' books, but he informed him that they were not in his possession. He then, accompanied by Mr. Buckmaster and Mr. Hardy, applied to the magistrate for his advice, the result of which was that he recommended them to wait until May next, when the accounts would be made up. the society would support him, he was willing to engage solicitor. apt. Snow considered that they had hitherto been labouring in the dark, and urged the necessity of supporting Mr. Clarke in the manner proposed.
The Chairman said that the accounts had not been audited for the last two or three years, and he thought they had a right to examine and audit them. They ought to have had a solicitor specially employed. A former resolution gave the power to engage one. Capt. Snow moved, and Mr- Broad seconded, " That the members of the Battersea Ratepayers' Society having heard the statement of Mr. Clarke, no further decisive steps be taken until next May," which was carried.
Mr. Lyth read the Gist and the 195 th clauses the Metropolis Local Management Act, and maintained that any individual ratepayer had the right to examine the. books, and then moved, "That, if the Overseers refuse to show their accounts when legally called upon to do so, a voluntary contribution be raised for that especial purpose to defray the necessary expenses of a mandamus, and that the amount so subscribed be entered in a separate book, but not to be collected until required." Mr. Knight seconded the resolution.
Capt. Snow proposed amendment, "That a general meeting be called to consider the answer given to the application of the auditors by the parish officers, and to what transpired on the application to the magistrates." He considered that it was now time that they should show bold front. Mr Broad seconded. — The amendment was carried.
Mr. Lyth said he intended to appeal against the poor rate of 1s. 6d. in the pound, amounting about £6000, considering it excessive, and not necessary for the support of the poor, there being a previous rate made, Nov. lst, of ls. 6d., amounting to ss. 6d., and a further available balance, collected and uncollected, of £1680 on the 29th of Sept. last, making £7159 ss. 6d., an amount sufficient to pay all demands for the half-year ending the 25th day of March next. He likewise stated that he had two other objections.
The next meeting will be held at the Duchess of York, Nine Elms, Battersea Fields, on Tuesday evening, March the 15th.
[Source: Link]
[PB: FASCINATING VERBATIM ACCOUNT OF A JCB SPEECH.]
Lammas Hall. Literary and Scientific Institution.
The new Lammas Hall recently erected at Battersea was opened on Wednesday evening a very excellent concert given by the West Surrey Choral Union, assisted Miss Milla, Miss Seasdale, and Mr. Uuckland. The attendance was highly respectable though not so large as we had expected, especially as the proceeds, as we understand, were to be given in aid of the Literary Institution. The performance throughout was highly creditable and satisfactory, and we have no doubt the Hall will supply great want in the parish.
During the interval Mr. Buckmaster delivered the following address:
Ladies and Gentlemen, — I have been requested by the Committee to bring briefly under your notice the origin and history of this Institution. In the year 1857 the present Bishop of Bath and Wells, Sir James Kay Shuttleworth, and Mr. Mitchell, established Walter St. John's School a small library and reading-room. During the winter short popular courses of lectures were delivered by the parochial clergy and persons connected with the training college.
The object of this little organisation was set forth in the following remarks: ' are desirous of providing the young men and apprentices of the parish with the means of improving their leisure time useful reading, and for those who are not so anxious about their improvement we have provided dominoes, chess, draughts, and backgammon; but the main object of the society is to supplement the education of the day schools, and remedy as much as possible the early removal of the boys from school.'
I have no hesitation in saying that for some years this small society labored zealously and usefully in this direction, as nearly the whole of the funds necessary for the support of the library and reading room were provided Mr. Mitchell, liberally assisted, as every good work is, gentlemen in the parish. The general government was in the hands of the person who found the money. After Mr Mitchell left the parish the spirit of the undertaking began to flag and the boys who had now grown to young men became clamorous for representative form of government.
A committee was formed, but Lord Auckland, Mr. Mitchell, and Sir James Kaye Shuttleworth had left, and not long after meeting was called to consider the propriety of breaking up the institution, and selling the property to pay its debts. This was its first crisis, but after two or three meetings it was thought that the parish had considerably altered, and a society might be formed on a more comprehensive basis, and is right to state that no one was more anxious for this result than the present vicar, who gave a liberal donation and consented to become the president.
A new set of rules were agreed upon, and when I consider that we had three lawyers on the committee I regard the passing of those rules as the most extraordinary event in the history of this parish. The old title ' Mutual Improvement Society' was swept away, but not without struggle, and the grander title 'Literary and Scientific' was substituted. I not quite sure that this was wise step.
The new Literary and Scientific Institution inherited the goods and chattels of the Mutual Improvement Society, and was inaugurated by a Concert. In six months we numbered 200 members, besides a good number of presidents. The late Earl Spencer contributed ten guineas to the library, and several gentlemen on the common sent liberal donations. In twelve months the library had increased from 320 volumes to nearly 4000 volumes, besides a liberal supply of the current periodicals and reviews. For two years the institution was very prosperous; the treasurer had always balance in hand at the annual meetings.
My connexion with the institution as secretary was thought some as injurious to its interests and accordingly resigned the office. If others have no wish to revert to the past have none, but I shall never shrink from it if the necessity arise.
After three years of painful struggle and difficulty, last December another crisis arrived. A meeting was again called to discuss the propriety of closing the Institution. At the request of the members I again accepted, with a new committee, the office of secretary, and we inherited a considerable debt, the greater part of which has been paid off, but we are sadly in want of funds for the repair and addition of the library, and any assistance you can render will be thankfully acknowledged.
We are now, I hope, after an existence of years, during which time we have moved about from place to place, permanently settled in a Hall which, in education, will, hope, be the corollary of those noble schools which are at once the ornament and blessing of the parish. I trust the expense of the past will give us wisdom for the future, and as soon as the Institute is out of debt we shall devote ourselves earnestly to the work, for which the institution was originally established.
The mere teaching of reading and writing a dangerous experiment, for unless you have some means of watching over a boy during that perilous period which intervenes between leaving school and adult age, you have no security that his early education will be of the least value in forming habits of self-reliance in times of difficulty, and of fortitude and virtue in the hour of trial and temptation.
The future character of the man depends greatly on the external associations of his youth. Every oath, every ballad that is sung in the streets or the beer shop, and every coarse expression, are elements the formation of the national character too important to be neglected. It is a part of the duty of Institutions like these to gently guide the habits, to elevate the taste to a perception of the beautiful, to nature, and to art, to refine the mind with a higher and more ennobling source of enjoyment than are usually found in the street or the beer shop.
I have no sympathy with the man who could stand amid the ruins of ancient cities with no higher feelings than if he were the yard of a stonemason. There is no reason why the workman should not have all the refinement and good feeling of a gentleman. There is nothing degrading in labour; if rightly understood, it is the great humaniser of mankind, but in excess it is embittered with all the sorrows of the primaeval curse.
There is a great work for Institutions like this to do. The moral marching of this country can never operate as it ought till the impediments caused by ignorance and intemperance are removed. It is the dread of this power preponderating in the State that makes men hesitate in political legislation.
The Reading Room is perhaps, after all, the most attractive part of the Institution, and it should be made cozy and comfortable. No one can tell how much the English practice of reading newspapers tends to enlarge our views on subjects of national and political importance, and the habit of constantly being brought into contact with our own neighbours tends to promote feelings good will and friendly intercourse, and we gradually feel an interest in the welfare of each other, and the habit of reading when once acquired is seldom lost, with all the desponding I hear expressed, I have an unfaltering hope in the future.
I think I see the signs of better and brighter days, when the coarseness and excessive toil which grinds men to the dust shall pass away before a more enlightened and benevolent humanity, when we shall all rise to a higher and brighter perception of God's goodness and man's imperfection; and, as the light streaming through some battered window shutter may light some poor wayward traveller to his home, so may this Institution, under Providence, save our young men from habits of idleness and vice.
The National Anthem was sung with great spirit and enthusiasm, and the meeting broke up highly pleased with the evening's entertainment.
[Source: Link]
"A resolution was also passed authorizing the purchase the West-End and Crystal Palace Railway between Battersea and Norwood. conference between the Brighton and South-Western is proposed to be held on Tuesday next, to terminate the contest for the Portsmouth traffic. "
[Source: Link]
There are 10 or so interesting-looking refs to JCB in relation to Reynolds, Free Libraries etc in:
[BNA: Buckmaster Battersea 1859]
Battersea Ratepayers' Society.Europa Tavern, Church-road, Tuesday, viM. — Mr. Allen in the chair.
Mr.Lyth wished know whether the individuals to proposed as Vestrymen were qualfied. He asked the question to prevent the possibility ot deft at.
Mr. Hart assured the members that he would be answerable for the list which he now submitted to them, as had obtained the consent each gentleman. It would be seen that there was slight alteration from the former list. The names were, Messrs. Poupart, Hewer, Hart, Starling, Finch, Bayne, Evill, and Broad, who would only have to hold office for two years. proposed that the following persons should be nominate for three years: — Messrs.Graham, Alder, Darby, Jones, Allen, Burney, Games, and J uer.
Mr. Finch did not doubt that Hart was satisfied as regarded the question mentioned, but he had prepared the list in his individual capacity, and it might possibly happen that a mistake might occur, he proposed that three persons should appointed to investigate the qualifications, &c, of the candidates.
Mr. Kewney, air. Montague, and Mr. Pemberton, were then appointed as a com mil tee for that purpose.
Mr. Buckmaster thought, considering the parties against whom they had to contend, they should endeavour to adopt every precautionary measure. The early hour at which the election was fixed, he feared would prevent numbers from attending. To call the meeting at 10 o'clock in the morning was most unjust to large portion of the parishioners. He hoped, however, that on this occasion the ratepayers would feel it their duly attend.
Mr. Hart stated that the Act was imperative. They must meet between 1U and o'clock.
Mr. Montague proposed that Mr. Buckmaster should submit the list at the elect too, and demand poll or adjournment, necessary.
The Chairman read a statement which was intended to be circulated throughout the parish, and f r the truth which he believed could depend. The following, taken the las' year's accounts, ending March '25th, needed comment:
Rateable value of property £72 752
Maintenance of poor, £2400, or 1. in the pound.
Salaries Officers and Establishment charges, £1000, s £d. ditto.
Police Rate, £2040, or G £L ditto.
County Rate, for Fri.-ons, Lunatic Asylums, &c.. £1300, ditto.
For Law, £3150, or IOJd. ditto. S
Surely, after reading such a statement, it was the duty and interest the ratepayers attend the election on Monday morning next, at 10 o'clock, and put a stop to such gross mismanagement.
The society will hold a special meeting evening. Saturday, May 28, at the Rising Sun, Bridge-road, Battersea.
[Source: Link]
[Source: Link]
[Source: Link]
[Several articles about lighting the National Gallery by gas, reprinted in local press, e.g.]
Lighting Public Picture Galleries by Gas.
The fact of the large numbers of the working class and others engaged during the day, attracted to the evening exhibitions of the Sheepshanks collection at South Kensington, has naturally elicited desire that the National Gallery should also be thrown open to the public at the only convenient hours for large number.
In order to have authoritative investigation into the whole question of lighting public galleries with gas, the Lord President of ihe Council has agreeably to the parliamentary announcement, named a commission of inquiry, consisting of Professors Faraday, Hoffman and Tyndall, with Mr. Redgrave, R.A., and Captain Fowke, R.E., who will commence their investigation immediaiely.
The opinion is very widely entertained among artists, that the peculiar form of foul-air generated by the combustion of gas is vary injurious to oil paintings. We hope it may, nevertheless, be proved that such apprehensions are groundless. It is certainly very annoying, now that the Turner and Vernon collections are in a gallery adjoining the Sheepshanks collection, that the evening to the latter cannot see the former.
The following letter has been addressed to the trustees of the National Gallery by the members of the Battersea Literary Institution:
Gentlemen, — The committee of the Battersea Literary and Scientific Institution beg respectfully to urge on the trustees of the National Gallery the importance of opening to the public in the evening the Turner and Vernon collection of pictures. The collection presented to the nation Mr. Sheepshanks is open to the public free two evenings in the week, and we are not aware of any case of injury disorderly conduct.
It is unnecessary to urge any arguments for the free opening of galleries of art in the evening. A large number of tradesmen, clerks, and working men are so occupied in the daytime, that it is almost impossible for them to visit such places except in the evening; and the thousands of persons who have visited the South Kensington Museum in the evening show that such an opportunity would be greatly valued and enjoyed.
The multiplication of and increased facilities for seeing works of art are important elements in the civilisation and refinement of the people, and we trust means will be taken to make the valuable art collections of this country accessible to all classes of the community.
By order of the committee, C. Winton, Bishop of Winchester; Rey. E. B. Badcock, B.A.; George Alder, Treasurer; J. B. [sic] Buckmaster, Hon. Sec."
[Source: Link]
Herts Guardian, Agricultural Journal, and General Advertiser — Saturday 9 July 1859
Buckmaster ["J B Buckmaster" — must be JCB] and others from the "Battersea Literary Institution" call for gas lighting to be installed in National Gallery so working people can view paintings in the evenings, after work.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000353/18590709/049/0007
[Source: Link]
[Source: Link]
Battersea Free Public Library Reading Boom
Sir, — Mr. Hardy's letter in your paper of the 26th ult., contains an untruth, and I hope Mr. Hardy is prepared to mention the names of those persons who signed the requisition for the meeting on the Free Library Act through the representations which he imputes to me, viz., That such library and reading room are to be connected with, to promote the interests and extend the usefulness of the Literary and Scientific Institution."
This sentence is certainly not very lucid, but I declare most positively that I never made the statements which the secretary of the institution attaches to me. The idea of helping a moribund institution by adopting the Free Libraries' Act never for once entered head. Had the Act been adopted an amicable arrangement might possibly have been made to relieve the institution of its difficulties by taking to its stock as the nucleus of Free Library. This is what has been done in almost every place where the Free Library Act has been adopted.
The decay of Literary and Mechanics' Institutes seems inherent, except where they are held together by some earnest educational effort, but Free Library does not contain the same elements of discord and dissolution. In many places where literary institutes have failed nothing has been substituted. I wanted to avoid this disadvantage in Battersea, and this is one reason why the present time was selected for the effort. I have now only to wait the gradual extinction ot a bankrupt Institution — it may live for some time in fretful spitefulness, but it can never become strong and healthy or do the work it was intended to do.
Some may sneer and affect to despise these efforts, but I have faith in the progress of humanity. I look upon a Free Library as the supplement of our elementary education. I cannot think a working man is always to be weighed down excessive toil. God has implanted in his heart the germ of nobler existence. Is he not a son, a husband, and a father, the centre humble influences and affection, impelled by the same passions, controlled by the same feelings, "living for the same destiny, and hoping for the same future"? Because such an one wears fustian and is poor he must either read under the direction and patronage of the rich or endure the contumely of men who have risen from the same condition.
No contemptible pride will ever alienate sympathies from the class to which I properly belong, and in whose interest have worked in perilous times.
I have been trained in a school which has taught me to have faith in human nature, to regard every man as precious, to resist the domination of any particular class, and rise above that conventionalism which merely esteems and fears a man because of his riches.
It must be very satisfactory to the Committee of the Institution to be used as buffer in opposition to the Free Library. The letters and correspondence of the secretary on this subject are sure to bring in what the committee think, but this matter will be best arranged at the next general meeting of the Institution.
Of the truthfulness of Mr. Hardy's accusations against me I leave others to judge. Vipers sometimes bite against a file.
Yours truly, J. C. BUCKMASTER.
Sir, — I now proceed, as I proposed, to show how all the money required for the support of a Free Public Library can be saved without any additional burden being imposed on the ratepayers, which no doubt was the cause of those disgraceful proceedings that took place at the Lammas Hall, on the 21st inst., when the old serpent appeared in all its former ugliness, and did not hide even his cloven foot, backed by Sammywell Cerberus, the dog with three heads, and all the pack from Stewart's-lane, &c.; but those dogs barked loudly against increasing the rates, forgetting that the huntsman had been instrumental in levying a rate of 7d. in the pound on the average for law costs and removals for the last five years ending Lady-day last, in addition to the necessary parochial expenditure, which amounts to about £9000, including the £1200 misappropriated out of the local rates, paid principally for the support of the lawyer who disclaimed against any addition to the rates because he was not likely to receive any benefit from it. But how silent he was when he was in the receipt of as much money, which, for the last three half-years alluded to, at a rate of 6d. in the pound, would amount to!
[PB: A very long sentence! Presumably refers to Reynolds and chums. This will probably be hard to untangle — but it's obviously incendiary stuff!]
Now, assuming that it takes a poor rate of 2s. 7d. in the pound on the present assessment to pay the necessary charges thereon, including rate of 3d. in the pound for the support of the members of the Burial Board, and the necessary charges, including incidentals, &c, this rale on £78,500, being about the paying rateable value of property in the parish, would amount to £9252, after allowing the usual amount for loss in collecting this amount at 6d. in the pound, the price now paid for collecting, would amount to £231 65.. but at 3d., according to offers made to the Overseers, only £115 135., whereby a saving of £115 13s. would be effected.
The same with respect to the local rates; estimating them at 2s. Bd. in the pound on the gross, which, after the necessary allowance for land, are made on the sewers, lighting, and main drainage rates, will give about the same result, and at 3d. in the pound for collecting, will give the sum of £231 6s. for the support of a Free Library; and I have been informed there has been upwards of 100 summonses obtained for the recovery of each of the local rates, which have been paid 1s. each, averaging about £40 per year not accounted for.
Again, the Vestry Clerk charges each for making out the rate books, amounting to probably £25 per year, which charge the Metropolis Act does not sanction, neither do I think it legal for the Overseers to pay, without the consent of the Vestry. These, and some other items that I could mention, would cover the whole of the cost of the Free Library.
I now particularly address myself to what are called the little ratepayers, who have hitherto nobly responded to the calls that have been made to assist in removing an incubus that hung round their necks ready to strangle them for the last six or seven years.
I ask you once more, the majesty ot your strength, as one man, to support a Free Public Library and Reading Rooms, the object of which is to elevate and improve the minds and morals of the working classes, both socially and politically.
I am sure you will admit that at the disgraceful meeting of the 21st inst., when even free discussion was denied to you, that the schoolmaster was much wanted; but if you answer this appeal, as you have done others that have been made to you, Free Public Library will soon be an accomplished fact even in benighted Battersea, and without any additional expense.
Some explanation respecting the course pursued by certain gentlemen, members of the association, at the meeting alluded to, is most certainly necessary. To them, I would say, if you think that the support of the association is necessary to carry out those reforms that are required, and as fathers of families and employers you have an interest in the moral elevation of the rising generation, you ought not to endeavour to stop the path of progress opposing the establishment of a Free Library.
I remain, Sir, Yours, &c, JOHN LYTH.
[BNA: Link]