ADD INTRO?
NORTH SURREY HARRIERS\
FIVE MILES INVITATION STEEPLE CHASE
KENNINGTON HARRIER TUCKER TOP OF CLASS
When you come t think it, tk North liftmen her very reason to proud of lb tucceee their invitation me achieved last Saturday. Unfortunately, the weather ruled that orl in which would venture out with her best Sunday bonnet. Nevertheless, the friends the pood old junior dab bucked is reel earnest. New, the (ryal wee at To Bull'e Head, Old Town, Clapham, S.W. Oh, so jolly to be there! A very comfortable hostelrie if that presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Chamlen. wle, in addition, have called o the bar Mias Baker and Mica Kensitt. Better accommodation fr a pack could not be desired. Quite of tbe high as your head form. Ratter a nice billiard room within ite portal*. Certainly a vary ain art marker in Parkin*. The *! man who pul the weights together for the runners was Mr, . it. Birties. High* gate Mirriers and A.A.A. Like Nelson of old. right well he did duty. the way, happy returns of the day, and to the Utile ens liome wen. shades of night were falling fast ere the racers came home. Kennington Harrier A. Tucker, 1 min. 40 seo. start, the first to the goal, much to the delight of a gentleman who was attired in a Sundaygo-to-meeting hat. which reminded on for all the world of big extinguisher farden dip. Well run. St. Peter's Institute Harriers Was not H. Young, min. start, second; P. A. Barnes. 1 min. fiO sec., sistb; and happy father, H. White, eeo., seventh very good form, indeed. White, your fast-time medal proves. Pint unplaced runner home of the o!ub leading the largest entry turned up in T. D. Hook The line was from "Ye Old Bull'e Head," across Common, pnst Broomwoodwhere once the Claphsm Raven, bold high athletic revelfon Wandsworth Common, over the Railway Bridge to Bruntwood-lane. Some three-auartera of mil# at in plough, acroaa Maxwell** Field*, into Magdalene-read. to Wands worth Comtnon, and home. C, Martin tod at the Bridge, and re* taioed hie ait. until half-way over the plough, when young \y. H., of St. Peter's, headed him, and made play until arriving the Band Stand. Now Tucker made bis effort, end coming away in rare atria, won, after good finish, three Th* officials were : Refer-e. E. Eagles (N.8.H.): judges, J. (V.V. ll.ghgate H.). K. J. Pry (Falcon mJ, O. Reid (Bt. Petew's H. [BNA: Link.] DAT, 27th FZIOWAHT, at SIE o'clock precisely, The handsome and very conveniently-platioed detached double-fronted RESIDENCE, known "The Beeches, " Trinity-road, Wandsworth common in an excellent situation, close to common, and within a five minute walk of Wandsworth-common Railway Station; containing three reception rooms, eleven bedrooms two drawing rooms, bathroom, kitchen, scullery, larder, uoveroom, and very complete domestic offices; good garden in rear, well stocked with fruit trees, lawn. and greenhouse. Now in hand, and is of the estimated rental aloe of 100 annum.per'' . . . irlay be viewed by permission of the person in charge. Particulars and coadinosta id tale may be obtained of C. E. S. Whitford, Earl., solicitor, 4. Walbrook, E C.;:11e-gra. W. H. Lorden and &MN house agents, Trinity-road, Upper Tooting; at the place of sale; and of the auctioneers, 4, George street, Croydon. SAL/ THURSDAY NEXT.'' [BNA: Link.] "EDWARD THOMAS DEATH OF MR. JAMES ASHCROFT NOBLE It is with great regret we announce the death of the well known journalist and critic, Mr. James Ashcroft Noble, brother to Mrs. M. J. Poole, of Ramsgate, which took place on Good Friday morning, at bis residence, No. 6, Patten-road, Wandsworth Common. He had been in delicate health for many years past. Abont ten months since, serious symptoms developed, and be became alarmingly ill, so that the end was not altogether unexpected. Ur. Noble was greatly attached to Ramsgate and was a frequent visitor here, where had a large circle of friends. It will perhaps be remembered that be was present and took part in the service at the induction of the Rev. H. W. Dyson to the pastorate of the Congregational Church, and it may be of some interest to his Ramsgate friends to know that his last appearance in public was on the occasion of the opening of our Public Library. The remains of Mr. Noble were interred Wandsworth Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The service in the chapel was conducted by the Rev. W. G. Tarrant, of Wandsworth, and at the grave by the Rev. H. W. Dyson. Among those present at the graveside, in addition to the relatives of the deceased gentleman, were Messrs. Coulson Kernafaan. Mackenzie Bell, W. Miles, A. E. Fletcher, William Clark, Beaumont Fletcher, McKenzie Mcride, the Rev. Garratt Herder, and Rev. Thos. Simon, Mr. Noble began his literary career by writing occasional articles for weekly papers and magazines. His first regular connection with the press was an engagement on the staff of the Liverpool Leader. Subsequently he became the editor of the Liverpool Arrus, journal that did not live long, but which has great literary interest at it contained the earliest published poems of William Watson, well as some of the earliest work of Hall Caine and William Tirebuck. After the death of the Argus be. had control of the weekly literary supplement 'if the Maeukester Examiner. He was appointed on the reviewing staff of the Spectator and far many years post wrote regularly the monthly articles containing criticism of recent fiction. wrote much in the Academy, the Daily Chronicle, and in the Westminster Gazette. In the Chronicle and Gazette he reviewed enthusiastically the Bonnie Briar Both," being among the first authoritative critics to recognise the great merits of that book. Subsequently he become acquainted with the author and wrote excellent account of him in the Woman at Home few months ago. In the new volume of Great Thoughts he commenced series of papers "Seme Living Poets." Swinburne is the subject of the first article. In literature first came prominently before the public with bis Peliaon Papers which enjoyed considerable popularity. He made, later, other excursions into literature and collected and re-published many of his garticles in book form. The best known among these publications ore the "Bonnet in England* and "Impressions and Memories." Thslsttsr book has some localmterest it contains two sketches. published charming volume of poems under the modest title of "Verses of Prose Writer." Latterly he became part (proprietor of The New Age and conducted tha Uterary department of that journal. [BNA: Link.] Thanks lo the London County Council, Battersea Park has now an excellent bowling green. It not just present quite as smoolin as a billiard table, but the absence ram accounts for that fact. It was the Battersea Tradesmen's Club which first suggested a bowling green in the park, and as early as 7 the morning Mr. Cyrus Symons. Mr. Rider, and other bowlics may seen playing. Is there another match with the Bolingbroke Ratepayers' Club ? Mr. G. J. GingeU, of 8, Broom wood-road. Wandsworth Common, is forming * The Clapham United Cricket and Lawn Tenuis Club. This should success, 0 has been secured. [BNA: Link.] THE LUNGS OF GREATER LONDON. L WANDSWORTH COMMON. Of the commons within a reasonable walk or short drive of the heart of this Metropolis, and itself the centre of a large suburban population, there is not one presenting greater features of interest and more pleasant views than that of Wandsworth. The application to it of the name Wandsworth — that is, the village on the Wandle — lying at the northern end of the dip separating the heights of Wimbledon from those of Clapham and Tooting — is somewhat of a misnomer, or rather the survivals a past state of things, for the greater part of the existing common is in the parish of Battersea. But in old days Wandsworth Common was an unbroken expanse, stretching from the village of Wandsworth for two miles to Balham and Streatham. Standing on high ground, with an ascent to it from whichever side it was approached, it had as had a name for footpads and highwaymen as Hounslow Heath, only it was more carefully avoided. It was not, indeed, until the Brighton Railway bisected it, sixty years ago, and the extension of the College Estate along the road to Balham under the auspices of Magdalen College, that it became known first for its exceptional suitability for the cultivation of asparagus, and, secondly, for the rare salubrity of its air and gravel soil. This addition to its reputation seriously affected its dimensions, and a very large part of what was common land between Allfarthing and Burntwood lanes is now occupied by streets of suburban villas and such public institutions as the Prison and the Patriotic School. That process of absorption was only arrested in time less than fifteen years ago, and the present common, broken into two detached portions by the railway, across which there are only two bridges, and with a separate section half a mile away at Spencer Park, does not exceed 150 acres in extent. In the part which has been preserved the London County Council has carried out many useful improvements, but the fear is now entertained that if it attempts any further improvements it will undo the good it is admitted to have accomplished. It has made two artificial lakes, which at certain periods of the year are evil-smelling, but it has done nothing to preserve the group of trees on a sandy knoll near Bolingbroke Grove — the reputed site of many felons' executions. The more interesting portion of Wandsworth Common is that lying on the eastern side of the railway, which is, and always was, in Battersea. Here we have not only Nightingale-lane (the derivation of the name being equally attributed to the nightingales that used to frequent it and the well-known Surrey family so called), and Bolingbroke Grove, the still splendid old avenue of elms and chestnuts; but also Bolingbroke House, the home of the St. Johns, lords of the manor of Battersea, and of that famous Henry Viscount Bolingbroke whose cynicism specially suited and earned the applause of Disraeli. It was at Bolingbroke House — then a far larger and more imposing edifice — that the last English statesman to espouse the cause of the Stuarts passed his declining years after he left Daw:ey, his "farm" near Uxbridge, where he used to entertain Pope and Swift. The grove or avenue was perhaps his favourite walk, but his own grounds seem to have extended as far as Nightingale-lane. There is a fine monument to him in Battersea Church, and the cedar room, which he is said to have preferred as a study, still exists in the house that hears his name, and is now used as a sort of private hospital.
The Bolingbroke Estate was broken up in 1763, and passed into the hands of the Spencers. Although there is nothing on the western side of the common with as interesting an association as Bolingbroke House, there are still some features that deserve notice. In Allfarthing-lane is preserved the name of a manor which was the private possession of the oid abbey of Westminster, and which on the dispersion of the monasteries Henry VIII gave to Thomas Cromwell. Some distance nearer Tooting, at the turning which provided the shortest route through Merton to Epsom, stood the old Burntwood Grange which was famous for its fine gardens among all the suburban residences of eighteenth century London. Several more modern residences occupy this well-placed site on the summit of the common and slope to Earlsfield and Garratt.
The latter name recalls a curious old and, we fear, not very reputable, institution called the Garratt Election, which was a mock election held under some local authority as the excuse for an orgy after each appeal to the country. It was one of those old institutions whose disappearance was not regretted, but the green on which it was held still stands there in an untouched condition. Wandsworth was also the scene of an annual fair until a comparatively recent period — that is to say, within the recollection of the oldest inhabitant; but about Wandsworth Common itself there is little of the past that would interest beyond what has been stated. It and its neighbour of Clapham — which, although more extensive, has none of its charm in fine trees, and gorse that is not surpassed for its size by Ockshott or Holmwood — provide a thickly-peopled and an increasing part of Southern London with two most agreeable and beneficial open expanses, which in parts justify the belief that one is far in the country, instead of embraced within the limits of the modern Babylon [BNA:
CLAPHAM AND BATTERSEA
The Wandsworth District Board Wednesday resolved to petition the London County Council requesting them to remove the hurdles on Clapham and Wandsworth Commons, as they impeded the public from the free use and enjoyment of the commons. [BNA: Link.] __ On the motion of Mr. Manser, the vestry agreed to request the London County council remove a good many of the iron fences which now obstruct the pathways on Clapham and Wandsworth Commons. [BNA: Link.]
Croydon Guardian and Surrey County Gazette — Saturday 22 February 1896
Thanet Advertiser — Saturday 11 April 1896
South London Press — Saturday 23 May 1896
Westminster Gazette — Friday 7 August 1896
South London Press — Saturday 8 August 1896
South London Press — Saturday 28 November 1896
South London Press — Saturday 28 November 1896
VIOLENT SCENES. AND THE LODGED LIST. tbi3 -restry was held on Wednesday night,
Mr. W. Danes, J.IL.C.t.. presided, and there were present Sir. Harold tiridir. and Messrs. Beasley, Best, Burton, Davev. Dean. C. Hall, Harries, it. Lathey, W Lather, Morns, Muncy, -North, later, Uantor, Smith. Sweeney. J. dtard- Anstm, Bcft. Blake, Briggs, J. Brown. Cassidy. LUis, Git-ham. Goodley, Hopkins. Jelley, Lane, Lethbridge,!'!. Marshall. L. U. ilarsoall, Matthew-, Mat. Melville. Mouuee, Nelson, Potter. Seliicks, Taylor, Verdon, ost. hitehouse, Williams, Aitken, Baker. Billings, Chuwn, Clift, Gilder, Gorlin", H.W. Hall. Hockley. Hunt, Kidman, M'Munus, Marels, Mason Paskell, Lutlnnd, liyan. Sanders, A. A. ard. Bolton, Boyce, Bradlord, Buckle, Chandler. Costigan. Catting, Fottescae, Gnskell. Hale, K J Hall.Hurt. son, Hajthorntbwauc,Hudson, Kettle, Kettle)-, Manser, Marriott. .Moone, Norris. Taylor, and Thoma-.
YIOI-l-NT BCFSES.,,
At the last meeting ot the permission was given Mr, Pilditch sorreyor) to ns arbitrator in same slight dispntc Mrs Whiling and the proprietors the Shakespeare Theatre. This perrai-sion was gircii the almost unaniniou-i rote of tue yestre. the chairman having stated that such permissiou was not contrary to the bye-law-. Balt now called attention to this ruling of the chairman, and moved: That this vestry strongly condemns the action of the chairman'in over riding standing order No. i;,i page 41, and allowing the surveyor to perform duties outside those connected with the V
Mr. Morris hinted that the had shown certain favours to Mtwits. and Verdon, and they in their turn supported the surveyor in tasiug this outside work. . Verdon replied to
Mr. Moms speech, which was frequently SS said that neither Mr. Belt nor Mr. Morris were actuated any eP'M fmthebyc-laws, but only desire flinedirt the chairman and their colleagues.
The bitterness of Mr. eniou's invective brought Mr. Morris to his feet in and he assailed Mr. Verdon with cries of Liar, traitor, and scoundrel.
Mr Verdon, speaking with suppressed passion, said that was not the time place treat
Mr. Morns as lie deserved. Bat -a d
Mr. Verdoo, " Iready to meet
Mr. Ma-rn where and when pleases, and when I have don- with him Ipromise him his hair will combed, and that'e more than it s boon since he has been the vestry.
Mr. Sweeney and others also spoke strongly in defence of the chairman. Mr Moon and two or three other Moderate vestrymen said they regretted the chairman's ruling, but they ccrtmnly oot endorse the violent Beit's After a very heated debate,
Mr. neit a motion was defeated nverwnelming '"'"ove'seirs TII,T,V
Mr. C'netigan moved hat the Board of Orerfoers be invited to supply the vestry with a detailed account of the item or items of ennendimre this year's registration espouses which did not occur registration espouse. of fi7. GSrlinT"id
Mr. Cosligan seemed to hint that thc'overscers had gone out of their wn to do some improper thing with come political motive. This suggestion was absolutely uat-o- The overseers regretted that lodgers who wanted to pat on voters hst had make claim in certam form which had obtained from political agent. Ibis application for form was really disclosure 1 of political opinion, and contrary rte? recy the ballot. The overseers, both Tories and Radicals, desired to what they could to remedy grievance. They had some forms of claims printed giro applicants, and wishing know how far they could towards making it easy for lodger get his, th*.y had taken counsel's opinion. and the whole of the expenditure they had incurred, ana which
Mr. Costigau seemed to suggest was d-e.idful crime, had amounted to about 4.0. u 7. 11, J. Hull said was Conservat but thought it deplorable stupid lod-er who wanted claim should have to political wirepuller The expend.- lure the over?ef*r3 had incurred was an in the interests of f..rness smd common sense and not intended to heneht one party more ttou another. The, account would, before the auditor, and if the overseers haillegailv, though righteously, money then would pay that money out of Ih.tr Mr^tta others defended the action *-Mr in reply, said the overseers had need to money counsi opinion, for the Act of Parliament was quite clear Counsel told them what tncy chottl-t have known before-that the overseers had to print lodger clatm-, and power make inquiries as to what lodgers were euut.eu,0 the register, claun oo es-ential part the lodger qualification. The overseers had, in fact, goneoul way -o it was pointed out that the information
Mr. Costigan had asked for had been s.ipp.ieJ, and every detail could had it necessary. The subject dropped. Hits'-ELL AXEOGS. The vestry dealt with sereral matters of a miscellaneous character. The Committee reported t.iat they had ordered 1.030 new volume* of books. medical officer reported the cor deuth-rute of the parish had beenB per 1.000, as against 2 pei 1,000 for the the driver, and collectors of should supplied with waterproof overalls . ovt*"alt. cost os. eaeli.
On the motion of Mr. Manser, the vestry agreed to request the London County council remove a good many of the iron fences which now obstruct the pathways on Clapham and Wandsworth Commons.
Routine business was transacted, anl the vestry then adjourned.
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