London Evening Standard — Friday 13 January 1911
START ON MAT 1. By May Ielectric trains will be running from London Bridge and Victoria Stations, right through to the Crystal Palace. Already the overhead girders are in position, and the contractors have promised a delivery of the rolling stock early in April. The carriages will be similar to those at present in use on the London Bridge to Victoria line. It is estimated that the journey, which DOW takes half an hour, will be reduced by at least ten minutes, and the large quantity of rolling dock ordered by the Landon, Brighton, and South Coast Railway will permit of trains being started ima& cliately they are full, and run at about five-minute intervals Many of these trains will be non-stop ones, and on Saturdays and holidays it will also be possible to introduce steam-driven trains to cope with the iecreassd traMc. The route to the Crystal Palace from Victoria will be via Battersea Park, Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Common, Balham, Streatham-hill, West Norwood, and Gipsy-hill; that from London Bridge via South Bermondsey, Peckham Rye, Tulse hill, and Gipsy-hill. From the Palace both trains will go on to Norwood Junction, where the principal power station will be situated. AU the high tension apperatus, which is of the simplest nature, will be inclosed in an entirely fireproof steel compartment, and access to it can only be obtained after the current has been cut of and connected to earth, thereby rendering it absolutely safe. This is otw tamed by a very simple interlocking arrangement. All the currents for lighting and control, and, in feet, every circuit to which it is possible to obtain poems, while current is on, in no ems ezcseds 300 volts.
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"Belfast Weekly Telegraph — Saturday 14 January 1911
PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
ROMANCES OF CRIME
By the author of.e author of " My. Remarkable Clues," be., be.
STRANGER THAN FICTION.
A more singular series of puzzles than aal presented by the case of Adelaide Bartlett, &rwith poisoning her husband, can im cited. It explanation, and ems respect occupies a unique position. It instance in criminal annals of intentional poisoning where death Iran by the swallowing of chloroform. Apart from the mystery of the death itself. the story presents unusual elements of romance, such, indeed, as are more likely to be found in the creations of fiction rather than in real life. -The chief actor in the story was a fascinating French girl, with the attractive name of Adelaide Blanche de La Treadlie, who came to England from her native plant, Orleans, in her teens, on a visit to the family of a Mr. Charles Bartlett. She was slight in figure, with an olive vmplczion which bad not a trace of sallowness Ii it, big black eyes, and luxuriant haira trim daughter of Southern France. _ At the louse of Charles Bartlett she was Introduced to her host's brother, Thomas Edwin Bartlett, who straightway fell in love with her. Re evidently believed in the wooing that it, not long a.cloing. and before three months were over the two were married one bright spring morning in the parish ehnSch at Croydon. The bridegroom was considerably past thirty, the bride twenty. At the very outset Mr. Bartlett showed to .1: possessed of singular ideas. Thus the marriage we. not followed by the usual blissful honeymoon trip. Instead, the amorous Edwin peeked off his bewitching young bride to a wheal at Stoke Newington, to complete her education; and from there. later on, to a convent school in Belgium. It the oddest gement possible. the child-wife working hard at her studies, spending her holidays with her husband in apartments, and going back to school at the and of each vacation. Two years of this strange married iife went over. Aix! then Mrs. Bartlett came to England from her convent schoo! permanently to live with her htuiband. The year after the Bartlett* had taken np Their residenor M Herne Hill, here Hr. Bertleft bad grocer's ebop, hie mother and et the joint invitation of hu , band and wife Mr. Bartlett, senior, went to live with them. All through their married life, Edwin Bartlett and his wife were looked upon by all who knew them as a most affectionate couple. and if ever there a rift within the lute it occurred about this period. For Soon after her father-in-law came to reside with them he began to circulate defamatory stories with regard to his daughter-in-kn. Ultimately he was prevailed upon to write sr apology, which was printed and distributed at the instigation of Edwin Bartlett, who bad the greatest regard for his wife. Some two years later the Bartletts removed from Herne Pill to another shop in Lordship Lane. Dulwich; and soon after from 'here to The Cottage, Phipps Bridge, Morton Abbey. Dear Wimbledon. At Merton there entered upon the scene a young man who was destined to influence the futures of both Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett. This was George Dynan. a Wesleyan minister, then about twenty-seven years old. Mr. Dyson was in charge of a small chapel in the High Street. Merton. where the Bartletts attended, and he called upon them as members of his eongregation. The young preacher would occasionally take tea at The Cottage, and Mr. Bartlett conceived such a liking for him that he invited him to call more frequently. This pleasant friendship wan interrupted for while. Dyson going to Trinity College. Dublin, where he graduated, and took his B.A. degree. On his return to Merton, Mr. Bartlett said he would like his wife to take up her studies again, and requested Dyson to have the supervision of them. Be consented, and used to call and give Mrs. Bartlett lessons in Latin, hist or y, geograp h y , and mathematics. At the of September. the Bertlett* to reside at 85. Clarerton Street. Pim/ice, where thej engages' a furnished first floor. On taking possession of the rooms early in October, Mr. &Men told the landlord that a clergyman would come and dine with them there onee a week. IAt that time Dyson had gone to live at 18, Parkfield Road. Putney, where he had been appointed the minister of a large chapel. At C Ia verton St reef the lesson!' were resumed, and instead rf coining once a week. Dyson would call three or four times, generally about three o'clock in the afternoon. The close companionship of Dyson was indicated by Mr. Bartlett providing him with a season ticket, while a blue serge lounge coat and a pair of slippers were kept for his use so as to make him feel at home and comfortable. They sere now on such terms of familiarity that husband and wife ; would allude to him as " Georgic's Rex." ISome time previously Mr. Bartlett made a will, leaving all he possessed to his wife. This will was as follows: "Herne Hill. S.E. 3rd September. 1885. Iwill and bequeath all my property and everything I am pownessed of to my wife Adelaide for her sole use, and appoint George Dyson. 8.A.. Wesleyan minister. sad E. Wood. solicitor, my executors. (Signed) Thomas Edwin Bartlett. Witness to my signature. Herbert Eustace and Arthur Brooks." The Bartlett& had now been married some ten years. and up to this time Edwin Bartlett had been looked upon as a strong. healthy man. After coming to Pimlico. however, be suffered a good deal from neuralgia. and nerve disturbance generally, and there seems to be little doubt that be dosed himself with all kinds of medicine, as people who are in continuous pain often are tempted to do. Then came on a sudden illness, and for the time a doctor was sent for. Mrs. Bartlett acting on her own Iinitiative. Tbe doctor. Mr. Alfred Leach. a Furgeon, on entraining Mr. Bartlett was rather puzzled. The symptoms internally indicated gastritis, but the state of the gums suggested that the illness was due to mercury. Questioned on the point by the doctor, the patient attributed his condition to having taken a pill of unknown strength out of a drawer of sample pills. The explanation confirms the suggestion that Bartlett was addicted to physicking himself indiscriminately. The doctor's treatment was successful. condition of his teeth, however, caused trouble, and on December 16th, Mr. T. Roberta, a dentist, was called in to see them. Be examined Mr. Bartlett's teeth and gums. and formed the conclusion also that he was suffering from mercury poisoning. The dentist extracted on three occasions within week seventeen teeth. _ _ . On the 19th a Dr. Dudley was called in in consultation, at the special desire of Mr. Bartlett himself, on the extraordinary ground that if anything fatal occurred his friends might suspect his wife of having poisoned him. Dr. Dudley examined the sick man and found that his organs were healthy without the least sign of any disease. He approved the treatment that was being followed, and the suspicious symptoms soon passed away. From the beginning of his Slums Mr. Bartlett had occupied a small iron bedstead In the front room by the fireplace, while hie wife rested on a sofa or a chair. She attended to her husband night and day with anxious attention. at night-time seeing to the Ire. making beef-tea, etc., and the doctor stated he could not have wished for more devoted nurse. day his father called tome him. Mr. Bartlett mentioned that he suffered from Insomnia and was taking sleeping draughts. Be also complained of other ailments. Throughout his which Mr. Bartlett himself put down to being mainly due to his having been overworked in business, his condition was one of nervous exhaustion and depressiou. He was hypochondriacal and anxious. He had crying its. nod would sit in a chair and cry for an hour. When asked why b. did so. he gave the contradictory reply that it wee because be felt so happy. Dr. Leech advised him to Torquay wMbout Mrs. Bartlett. as be wan really an hysterical patient. and was too much petted by his wife. A sea voyage would do him most good. the doctor thought. On the oth Mr. Bartlett went for a drive sad came bases showing every sign of returning health. On December 10th he was so well that Dr. Leach decided to diaoonthine his visits. The next day he dined &tont three la the afternoon. when he ate a
____
Hearty meal of judged hare.
APL--6%;: tem prate. 4 alive, died. _ of e year. When be retir . ed from the dentist's, told his Landlady that he thought the worst wee over, and he would get better. Be theaked Las for the dines's*. served sad told ber how mach be had enjoyed it. Be had a tea eujiper, with oysters, cake, chutney, etc. He sat up to eal, sad afterwards walked about the room. He wee altogether in moellest spirits, his mind dwelling da the good things of life, for he told the to set him a haddock for the *lst asebines breakfast, saying he would ' get up ea boar earlier at the thought of baring It as &seek be alter. sated between over-eating and overdosing himself. At four o'clock as morning of Year's Day. tho Deigstts. who *weed the bows. were aroused hy a Mackin at their doer. down. I"Mr. Bartlett is we* the startling announcement uttered in the agitated voice of Mrs. Bartlett. Thee the servant was ant poet Mete kir the doctor, When the Doggetta reached the drawl. rain. Mrs. Bartlett &eked these if they thontbt bar wee dead; whereupon Mr. Dogett rat his baud over his heart. " Yes." the reply. " he most have been dead two or three hours. He is perfectly cold." 11;a. Bartlett then explained what had happened. " Ihad fallen asleep." she. " with my hand over his foot. Iawoke with cramp in ply *res. and found him lying on Al. face. Iput him in the position in which you nee him, and tried to pour brandy down his throat." When the Doggett, saw him, he was lying on his hack with his left hand on bresst. Dr. Leach confirmed the landlord'e statement that Mr. Bartlett had been dead from two to three hours. lire. Bartlett then burst out crying bitterly. 011 tattler examination, the doctor found the pupils of the eyes much dilated. the mouth partly open, and the tongue white. The expression of the face was natural, there was no froth on the lips, and no appearance of any convulsive action. The chest smelt elt.ghtly of brandy, but the mouth had no odour whatever. The doctor wee puzzled. and aaked Bartlett whether she could give him any explanation. and she replied that she unable to do so. The post mortem examinatioa was reside on the following day. The organs were found to be healthy. and all that remained to de was . to analyse the contents of the stomach. The analisis waa made on January 12th. and on the 26th the widow called on Dr. Leach. " Mrs. Bartlett." said he, I think Isome good news for you. Report says the Government analyst is going to give acetate of lead as the oause of death, which is nonsense: and there is also another report that he is going to return chloroform as the comae of death, and that is impossible. At any rate it should set your mind at rest. Had it been one of thee cases of secret poisoning that is, poison given in small dosesyou might be accused by some people of having poisoned him." Mrs. Bartlett's answer was one which struck the doctor dumb with amazement. " I am afraid, doctor, it is too true," said she sadly. " Iwish that anything but chloroform had been found." Mrs. Bartlett explained that she had bad chloroform in her pospession" and that she had obtained it to soothe her husband when he fell into paroxsyms of neuralgic pain. On the first day of the year she took the chloroform to him, he looked at the bottle, took it, and put it on the mantelpiece by the side of the bed. She went to sleep with her arm round his foot, and then woke and found him dead. The inquest followed in due course. and according to the medical evidence chloroform was thy only poison found present in the body.. ..liive.rythiag pointed to the administration at a large and fatal of the drug. Then came another startling surprise. Tho Rev. George Dyson voluntarily related the story of his share In the mystery. Re warn the person who bad supplied Mrs. Bartlett with the chloroform. The result warn that the jury returned a verdict of" wilful murder' against Adelaide Bartlett, making Dyson "an accessory before the fact." 'l'he part that Dyson played was this. It appeared that during Mr. Bartlett's illnese he made frequent calls at Claserton Street to inquire after him. On one of these occasion. Mrs. Bartlett asked him to obtain some chloroform for her. She had been to get it from a name, but the latter bad gone to America. Dyson suggested she should get it through the doctor, but she replied he did not know she was skilled in drugs and medicines. and that he would not entrust her with it. She added that she possessed a medicine chest. and Droop had himself noticed a copy of "Squires Companion to the British Pharniacopoiia " on her bookshelf. Curiously enough. when the coroner handled this book at the inquest, it at once open at the description of chloroform, and there a note on the — Bartlett next confided to Dyson that her hothead suffered from an internal complaint. for which had doctored hies for or Mx yews. Ile was very aeneitive about it, and on that account would have no regular doctor. The disease. she said. ramod him very great pain, and to soothe him she was accustomed to nee chloroform, which she applied externally. . . Upon receiVing his explanation. about the truth of which there is a little doubt. tbe young Wesleyan minister promised to obtain some of the drug if he could. She handed him a sovereign to cover the expense. Al a shop at Putney. within a few yards of his chapel. be procured an ounce bottle of the drug, and at two chemists at Wimbledon, who had been members of his congregation. he succeeded in obtaining four ounces more. He poured the whole into a larger bottle and gave it to Mrs. Bartlett. When Mr. Bartlett died so euddenly and unexpectedly, and thinge began to look black. Dyson got nervous and asked the widow whether she had used any of the chloroform, and she assured him she had not. He, however. continued to harp upon the subject, oa hearing the rumours that were about, and she few into a passion and stamped her foot on the ground. She asked him why he did not charge her outright with giving chinroforus to her husband. Mrs. Bartlett's anger bad the effect of frightening Dyson, still more. and on Wandsworth Common be threw away the two bottles which were at his lodgings. His explanation afterwards was that the eight of them distasteful to him, but the wawa his atm= lest he should be further implicated. As for the larger bottle in the perms Mon of Mrs. Bartlett, threw it into the pond on Peckham Bye. No doubt she much terrified as Dyson. and their actions at this juncture certainly supported the theory of the prosecution. The trial came on en April. and lasted a Whole week. No being offered against Dyson, be was at once acquitted, and from the dock stepped into the witness-box to tell his story. The ptaitioa was not nice for the Bev. Occres Dywou. It' cannot be said that chivalry as hit strong point. lodised, it was clear be wee to minima, his shore in the trammel:km clear hismoff at any cost. But throughout hie airy there was set one word whisk showed that Mrs. Bartlett had any guilty inteat, nor that their relations wore other than strictly platonic , . It Is pretty certain that if the pragmatism could hays the reverse the widow* would, have beet forthemaing. But as it the accused from the ordeal samathed. _ . Amid a of the wildest she declared to be not guilty. aka the crowded received the verdict with vociferous cheering, echoed by the mob outside. The verdict certainly a popular one. but it added nothing to the solution of the mystery. It simply suggested as the only possible alternative that Mr. Bartlett died by his own hand, whether intentionally or by accident does net matter very much. The medical wideness on the of chloroform takes interaally not with,- factory. The fact the doctors had no data to go upon. They sot say how or bow MU wsidd asides * aeons to by amok pada . If lbws bad pola, ci r. pot Moo tom OD am It shorty um I. whs. lo Os nem dfo. bided no miell of &boot Om lips. Aided to be tbe diflooky of peen. 2 . 1 . = *woo of num. Ti. ofmelsokam to voluedoryl draught. Owe may be sr Agates MIM I, Judges aospestism pemon sellarbs professed insensate in mks IS ad. be rieesm- Ifor ofralimmi lag so of het kind. The key, bowevair, to wink eeteally *NS plan on that dawn of New Year will probably our be known. (The Sad.) — - — LA? WALICER-4ganted to know the present whereabouts of John Walker, aged about 28" who was List beard of in India four yeare egos. a Rillensan. Any information will be thankful,' received by his father and mother. Catherine and Hugh Walk er . 17 Disraeli Street, Crtunlio Road, Belfast, Ireland. PAYNEWanted to know the whereabonte of Edward and Jamie Payne, eons of Alexeader or Samuel Payne. They were born ha
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"Railway News — Saturday 14 January 1911
THE BRIGHTON COMPANY'S NEW ELECTRIC LINES. Those who remember the long delay, quite unavoidable and unforeseen, which took place in connection with the electrification of the Victoria to London Bridge suburban lines of the London Brighton and South Coast Company, will be pleased but not surprised to learn that the . additional electrification scheme now in hand is making such rapid progress that the line to the Crystal Palace is to be opened in May next. The reasons wh;ch determined the Company upon the electrification of addifonal mileage are not far to seek. The South London lines have, since their conversion to electric traction, proved so popular as to bring back to the Company a very large amount of passenger traffic VICTORIA. the first-mentioned line is met, and on through Gipsy Hill to the Crystal Palace. There is also an extension to Selhurst, making a total length of line of 15 miles. The line already electrified is known as the South London line, and extends from Victoria to. London Bridge, via Battersea, Wandsworth Road, Clapham, East Brixton, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye, Queen's Road, Old Kent Road, and South Bermondsey, and is just under q miles in length. Inside Victoria Station seven lines have been equipped with overhead construction, giving access to five platforms, and in London Bridge Station, five platforms have been similarly fitted. The time taken by the steam trains from Victoria to LONDON BRIDCC CROSS. BROCKLE MONOsr:Y. 'V.
PLAN SHOWING ELECTRIFIED LINE COMPLETED AND UNDER CONSTRUCTiON FOR THE LONDON BRIGHTON AND SOUTH COAST RAILWAY. which had been lost, and it will not be surprising if the Company decides upon a far-reaching scheme of electrification of its system. Indeed, it is breaking no confidence to state that the subject is even now receiving serious consideration. For the moment, however, the Crsytal Palace electric lines claim attention. Tlx extension scheme which is now in rapid progress consists of the equipment ot the railway from Peckham Rye, where a j u nct ion is made with the South London line from London Bridge, through East and North Dulwich and Tulse Hill to the Crystal Palace; and fro . m Battersea Park, where a second junction is made with the South London line from Victoria, through Clapham Junction, Balham, Streatham Hill, West Norwood, where London Bridge was thirty-six minutes; electric traction has reduced this to twenty-five minutes, and permits a much more frequent service of trains. The installation of electric traction adopted in the old lines, and to be adopted for the extension now in progress, is the single-phase alternating-current high-tension system, involving the use of the overhead conductor, which is quite impossible when the ordinary continuous current system of traction is used. This system was decided upon after the most careful consideration, and since its adoption the majority of railway engineers throughout the world have concluded that it is the only satisfactory one for electrically operating any portion of a main line railway, and Herr Geheimrat Wtttefeld,
LINES ALREADY ELECTRIrIED WANDSWORTH COMMON. in NE am LINES BEING ELECTRIFIED fNORTH DULWICH. 44 WEST NORWOOD. 4 6 a_ GIPSY HILL. NORBURY. SELHURST NORWCOD JUNG I
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"COUNTY ARMS — MUSIC — CHILDREN — LOSES LICENCE — THEN GETS IT BACK AGAIN
Kenilworth Advertiser — Saturday 15 April 1911
CONCERTS IN A PUBLIC-HOUSE GARDEN. IMPORTANT DECISION AFFECTING PUBLICANS. A question of importance to licensed victuallers and the public generally was decided ty Mr. Loveland-Loveland, K.C., and other Justices at the Loudon Sessions on Friday. It was raised by way of an appeal by Claude Lound and Messrs. Young and Co.'s Brewery, Ltd., against a refusal by the Wandsworth licensing Justices to renew a licence to the appellant Lound to sell intoxicating liquors at the County Arms, Trinity Road, Wandsworth Common. It was stated that the house had been licensed for over 100 years, and that Mr. Lound had an interest of in the premises. Mr. George Elliott, %vac, represented the respondent Justices, said that attached to the County Arms was a garden in which summer concerts were given, and children were Fermated to be present with their parents, the L.C.C. having granted a licence for music. He agreed that the character of the concerts and the people attending them were above reproach, but the Justices argued that the garden came within the meaning of the Children Act, because it was a place mainly used for the purposes of the sale of alcoholic liquors. The view held by the Justices was that it was an extremely harmful practice that children. should be present in such circumstances, and a distinct infringement of the Act of Parliament. These concerts, counsel urged, were only an auxiliary to a large consumption of liquor. Mr. Marshall Hall, K.C.. for the appellants, submitted that the suggestion that the garden was mainly used for the sale and consurnpticn of liquors was insupportable. The garden was used for the purposes of the concerts, and was only incidentally used for the serving of liquor to people legitimately and lawfully there. The whole matter was brought before the L.C.C. when the music licence was applied for, and the police had put the question before the authorities. As no proceedings were taken it was evident that the police did not agree with the Justices view. — Commenting on the fact that the licensee had refused to give the Justices an undertaking not to allow children to he present, Mr. Marshall Hall, K.C., said he admired the position taken up, because he thought it was directly opposed to the whole principle of modern temperance "That principle," said counsel, "is to improve the condition of public-houses, to give opportunities for legitimate and "honest amusement, and the service of drink is incidental to the enjoyment of the liberty and freedom. Isubmit that it is in the interests of true temperance that this licence should be renewed, ' that the policy of this licensee is to be supported, and that there is no evidence to say that there has been any contravention of the Act, which we all wish to see carried out in its . true and legitimate manner." The Judge: Is there any fixed bar in this garden? Mr. Marshall Hall: Nothing at all. The liquor is brought from the house. The Bench decided that the garden was not mainly or exclusively used for the sale of liquor, and the appeal wag allowed, and the licence renewed."1911415
A determined effort is to be made locally and by the London County Council to prevent some twenty acres of land, held by the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum on Wandsworth Common, from being sold.
This land originally formed part of the Common, and was conveyed by the Lord of the Manor in 1854 to the Patriotic Fund Commissioners for the purpose of the Asylum, for £3,000.
The twenty acres were leased by the Commissioners some fourteen years ago, and have since been used for agricultural purposes. Now it is proposed to sell them, and to this the Wandsworth Borough Council strongly object, being of opinion that the land should be restored to the or preserved as an open space.
The L.C.C. have the matter in hand, and are considering whether the land shall be acquired.
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"1911529"Evening News (London) — Monday 5 June 1911
The People and Wandsworth Common. Mr. Rive. Fisher, M.P.. NA ho is vice. president of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation, gives today an assurance that the agricultural land wbah lies in the middle of Wandsworth Common, and which belongs to the Royal Victoria Patriotic School, is not to be sold for building purposes. Such a proposal, he says, has never been considered. The Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation are anxious to sell it to the London County Council. so that these twenty acres may be added to the common . . . . . The Corporation are compelled to try to sell the land because the endowment fund of the sch is insufficient for the permanent maintenance of the building itself, The Corporation have had to spend 10,000 on repairs to the building, but there is fund from which to draw the money to pay the bill. The land was originally purchased in 1857 out of the national funds for those who had been dependent upon soldiers and sailors who fell in the Crimean War. In 1881, it was found necessary to sell the boys' school and eleven acres of laud on account of the inadequacy of the endowment.
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Some needless but excusable alarm has been experienced by the dwellers about Wandsworth Common at the circulation of a rumour that the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation contemplated the sale of twenty acres of their grounds for building purposes, in order to increase the endowment of the Royal Victoria Patriotic School.
Such a calamity would be viewed with dismay by the whole of the inhabitants of Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea, and the districts beyond, for the loss of so large a slice of this incomparable breathing-space would be grievous and irreparable.
WANDSWORTH COMMON.
Possibility of Sale being Averted.
The prospect of a twenty-acre strip of ground in the middle of Wandsworth Common being sold on a building lease has caused considerable local apprehension. The ground in question is part of 55 acres bought ,n 1557 by tne Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation for the purpose of founding a boys 'and girls' institution for the orphans of soldiers and sailors. On July 11th of that year the late Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the institution, and the girls' school was opened on July let. 1859, the boyis' school not being opened till October. 1872. In 1881 it was found that the endowment fund was insufficient to maintain the boys' school, and this portion of the property, representing about 11 acres, was $01(1 to the United West minster Schools Committee for upwards of L 35,000. A. portion of the remainder. the twenty-acre strip now in question, was let as a farm on a 21 yews' lease, which will expire in March next.
Sir Henry Kimber's statement as to the intention c, the Fund Corporation to dispose of this property has attracted the attention of the London County Council, the Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Councils, the 0011 1110116. and Footpaths Preservation Society, and other bodies interested in the preservation of London's open spaces. Steps were at once taken to ea v e the property from the builder, and negotiations between the London County Council and the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation began about two weeks ago, and are still going on. It was urged on behalf of the council that the property should he restored to the common. seeing that it was no longer needed for the putpose for which it was originally acquired. The Fund Corporation Committee expressed their willingness to afford every reasonable opportunity for the land to be saved as a public space. They .had, they contended, purchased the property under a clear title from Lord Spencer, lord of the manor, in 1857. At that time they could have bought land for their purpose in other parts of Lindon at a fair price.
"The Patriotic Fund Corporation." remarked the secretary. Major Stanton, "are most anxious that this land should be preserved as an open spew, and if the Wandsworth Council or any other body will help to accomplish this, we stall be only too pleased. The position is simply that in 1859 0140.000 was set aside as an endowment fund, and invested at 51 to 6 per cent. In November, IWO, the then actuary of the Royal Commissioners estimated that the liabilities in respect of allowance@ to widows on the Patriotic Fund exceeded the reasonable assets by over £60,000. This report caused considerable stir at the time, and resulted in lengthy correspondence between the-Secretary of State for War and the Royal Commissinners. It was consequently decided in 1881 to sell the boys' school, the farm—then no required—lieing leased off.
"We are now faced by the fact that the income from the fund. originally invested in 6 to 8 per cent. stocks. has of late years shrunk to .11 nr 4 par cent., and this rednetiers is not vet at an end. The present income. therefore, is only sufficient to maintain the school without any extensive repairs to the fabric, and it is to 'meet the latter that we have to reconsider our finarie!al position. Tree, the increase of the income from the endenvir-ent fund has been counterbalanced Sri of the increment value of the land et Wandsworth. The committee, however. is nut appreaching any of the public in a purely mercenary spirit. Wha• they want to do is to see to the permanent manila of the girls' institution, which is otherwise PeE-supporting, and if any of the nehlie bodies are prepared to meet the renewatien expenses nre eoneonms9 aboet. I feel mite sere that the ittee would be fayoorahly disposed towards handier over the 20 acres in question with',lit fertiles rest on the understanding that the ground was to be preserved a an open grace. The committee. meanwhile, are in weenemication with the London County Creineil with a view to this land being purchased for nubile recreation groueds. and they sincerely hone that the council will Instil@ t,, rive nn nctecyuste sum to enable the committee to niece the endowment fund that will the necessity of selling Harland for building purposes."
[BNA: Scottish Referee
AN INTERNATIONAL LOST. Refreshing and encouraging as is our nation's athletic victory over Ireland, this is discounted somewhat by England's victory in bowls over Scotland. This featEngland's third in the series since the institution of the matches in 1903was accomplished on the greens of the South London Club in Wandsworth Common. That England should conquer in a pastime which Scotland made her own, and was supposed to be superior to all other nations, is most creditable to John Bull's bowlers on the green. We must., however, lest they become boastful, ask them to remember that this victory was accomplished by the aid of the Anglo-Scots in her ranks, and who in her clubs have for some years been teaching Englishmen how to draw and strike, and, above all. how to build their heads in rink play. A purely national born and bred out-and-out match is desirable at bowls as in other sports r ,- heii a championship of nations is at stake. This was England's third national bowling victory. for she won in 1003 and 19013. Scotland can afford her a win, for she won the last four 'Nationals in succession. C [BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001876/19110717/005/0001" target="_blank">Link.] South Western Star — Friday 21 July 1911 THE PATRIOTIC SCHOOL LANDS. PROPOSED TOWN'S MEETING . lo the event of the result of des of the Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Council to the London County Council, on the subject of the proposed eels of the Patriotic Farm. proving unfavourable, be Wandsworth Common Protection Association are calling (by requisition so the Mayer of 50 ratepayers) town's meeting, to be bold, If necessary, on Friday, July 29 iost., as the Town Hall, Wandsworth. The Mayor of Wandsworth has provisionally consented to take the chair..- [BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004606/19110721/191/0008" target="_blank">Link.] Daily News (London) — Friday 27 October 1911 WANDSWORTH COMMON. At a public meeting held at Wandsworth last night protest against the sale by the Patriotic Corporation of twenty acres of land formerly part of Wandsworth Common, a resolution was passed deploring the suggested sale for building purposes, and urging upon the London County Council and the Wandsworth and Battersea Borough Councils the necessity of taking immediate steps to secure the land as an open space. A fund was opened in the hall for this purpose, and considerable sum subscribed. [BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000051/19111027/090/0005" target="_blank">Link.] Sporting Life — Wednesday 8 November 1911 THE STORY OF THE L.C.C. The London County Council, who play at Eltham, are not, perhaps, a Kentish club in the strictest sense, but since they play within the county's boundaries it certainly has some claim on them. The L.C.C. had a Rugby club about fifteen years ago, but it was disbanded owing to the number of officials who, through injuries sustained in the game, were absent from their duties. In 1902 H. M. Rushworth, a member of the old Croydon team. got np a scratch side on two or three occasions, but it was not until the following year that the clrb was properly revived. Y. Hamill. an Irishman who would have held hiA own in tfirst-clasa football as a back, was elected captain, and Earl Vernon hon. secretary, and the latter, who has done any amount of good work for the club. has remained office ever since. — in — 190.3 . a1l the matches were played on:opponents' grounds, bat the club did very well, winning all but four of its fixtnres. I At this time H. M. Roshworth was playing for the first fifteen of Roselyn Park, but in 1904 when a ground was procured at Wandsworth Common he joined his friends and captained the side until 1911. During most of this time W. Maggs, an old Denstone College boy. was vice-captain. The L.C.C. soon learnt to play an attractive game under such able leadership, and they never enffered from lack of good outsides. Indeed. since the visit of the New Zealanders, they bays played seven forwards and eight men outside the scrum, a policy which may have been influenced by the number of good backs available. In 1904-5 they scored 537 points against 94. and in the following years, although the fixture list was strengthened each seamen. they won more than 75 per cent. of the matches' played. Their oldest opponents have been the Old WhitgiftianQ, who have been the only team to beat them so far this season. Hongkong and Shanghai Rank and Three Banks hare also been played eines the. club started, and the Old Charltonians are also old oppnnonts. The pre.ent fixture list includes Catforrl Bridge. MiddleQex and Charing Cro, a Hospitals, and the Royal lhigineers. NOTABLE PERSONALITIES. A few words on the player., who have carried the club to witch n prominent _position will he of intereet. They have ha d two Ane full backs in .T. llamill, who played in 19034-5. and %. W. Wallington, the oil U.C.S. boy. who ha. played einre 1906. and ha: turned out for Surrey on two or three H. M. Rnebworth (190441), already referred to; R. R. Summer.. a Tory brainy centre three produced by the School for the Sons of Ifieetonsriee, who has inst retired; and, among the newer ntett. If. L. Mollie, If. W. Snelgar, and J. T. Real. have been the beet three-orrarters. Of half-bark.. the clevere.t hart, IV. A. I). Jones the present enotnin, who is .good both in attack and defence, end \V. [BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000893/19111108/186/0010" target="_blank">Link.] WANDSWORTH COMMON PROTEST MEETING. At the Wandsworth Town Hall. on ) Thursday evening of last week,a protest meeting was held against selling 20 acres of land which once formed part of Wandsworth Common. The land for a long number of years has been owned by the Royal Victoria Patriotic Corporation, but that body, now being in need of funds, proposes 1o obtain them by the disposal of the land. The Mayor of Wandsworth (Alderman Archibald D. Dawnay) presided. supported by the Mayor of Battersea (Mr. Johm Astill) and other well-known public men in the boroughs of Wandsworth and Battersea. Among the many letters of sympathy with the objects of the gathering was one from Sir Henry Kimber, M.P. for Wandsworth. Mr. Haves Fisher, M.P . . . who is chairman of the Patriotic Corporation, and also a member of the London County Council, wrote intimating that arrangements were being made with a view to the County Council taking over the land. Alderman Ennis referred to the huge sum—over one and a-half million pounds once possessed by the Patriot i Corporation, who, in spite of their past wealth, were now in need of an endowment. They did not wish to act in an unfriendly spirit.and hoped that the 20 acres would be restored to Wandsworth without their having to appeal to Parliament or to the Charity Commissioners. Mr G. D. Faber, M.P. for Clapham. supported the general demand, but added that they must be perfectly fair in considering the position of the corporation. They were all agreed, he said, that it was vital to them that the 20 acres should be preserved to them in perpetuity. A resolution deploring the proposal of the Patriotic Corporation was passed. [BNA: South Western Star — Friday 1 December 1911 The great object of punishment is reformative. That is agreed on all hands there is not a member of Parliament who would dispute it. Wandsworth Prison is a great reformative agency. It is, therefore, a little puzzling to hear, as we have heard, the Rev. Theodore Wood assert that his church at Wandsworth Common has been pillaged five times in the course of one year, and that the pillagers were discharged prisoners. If there were nothing wrong with national theories and national principles, the neighbourhood of a prison ought to be morally the moat salutary in the land. All the undesirable persons would be safe in gaol, and all who were discharged would be reformed characters anxious to redeem the pron. Unfortunately persons who have undergone a course of reformatory discipline have been known to go straight to the nearest church and take whatever they could lay their experienced hands to. If discharged prisoners will rob a church when they get a chance, the private residents in the neighbourhood of the gaol must feel it their duty to be extremely watchful. [BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004606/19111201/106/0005" target="_blank">Link.] "Shoreditch Observer — Saturday 6 January 1912 / LCC extension of Wandsworth Common Philip Boys To: Philip Boys philip.boys@btinternet.com; 16/12/21 17:34 1 Shoreditch Observer — Saturday 6 January 1912 / LCC extension of Wandsworth Common Lancaster Gate, on Thursday, the monthly meeting of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Bernard Gibson (vice-chairman). The annual financial statement was presented, showing an income of 2,700 for the past year, which, but for special donation of 500, would have been 200 less than the income of 1910, and an actual expenditure of slightly leas than the amount received, but the liabilities carried forward were greatly in excess. Representatives were appointed serve on local committees formed for the extension of Valentine's Park, Ilford, and for restoring to Wandsworth Common land offered for sale the Royal Patriotic Fund Commissioners, a portion of their school ground, being part of the 55 acres taken from the common in 1866 for patriotic school purposes, for which very small sum was paid to Earl Spencer. Substantial progress Was reported regarding schemes for acquiring the Shad well Market site, and for the extension of Wimbledon and Putney Commons. appeal was made to obtain new members and subscribers to lake the places of many of the older friends of the Association who have died during the past year or two. [BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001026/19120106/117/0008" target="_blank">Link.]
Streatham News — Saturday 4 November 1911