[The Times: Search: "Wandsworth Common"].
[BNA: Buckmaster Battersea 1877]
[BNA: Buckmaster Wandsworth 1877]
[London Evening Standard: Buckmaster Wandsworth 1877]
Wandsworth Common.
We understand that an influential body of residents in Wandsworth and Battersea have projected a new cricket club, which it is intended shall rank as the leading club in the neighbourhood. Dr. Howell has consented to become president, and the Wandsworth Common Conservators have, upon certain conditions, granted the use of a portion of the Common, which is to be levelled and kept in order at the expense of the club.
The action of the Conservators in apportioning the Common, or a part of it, to the almost exclusive use of the club, does not, however, find universal favour, the objectors reasonably arguing that the Common was conserved for the use of the district generally, and they question the right of the Conservators to apportion any portion of it to any particular body of individuals, however influential.
The site chosen for transformation - or, as the opponents of the scheme allege, spoliation - is that nearest Bolingbroke Grove, and running parallel with the Brighton Railway. It cannot be denied that this portion of the Common is much resorted to during the summer for pedestrian and reemotive purposes,and now preeents,from the profusion of gorse, lec., a decidedly rural aspect. The gorse-bushes will of course be scrubbed up, and the picturesque aspect of the Common in this particular neighbourhood be, in a great measure, destroyed.
Already a considerable portion is devoted to cricketing purposes, and should the same guarantee as to expenses and keeping up of the ground be given the Conservators by any other body of respectable residents in the vicinity, we can hardly see bow they can be refused, with the present instance as a precedent. Thus the whole common may be parcelled out t 9 the exclmion of the legitimate user .
That which is understood to be the cricket-ground proper of the Common - namely, adjacent to Mr. Du Buisson's residence - is, it is argued, sufficient for all practical purposes; and when it is considered that another private club has also taken possession of a plot at the upper end of the Common, it will be seen that cricketers have already a very large share of what was really intended to be, when secured to the people, a recreation ground for all comers.
The enclosure of any portion, whether for cricket or any other purpose. is clearly against the principle enunciated during the agitation for the prefsemation of the Common.; and the inhabitants are quite right in protesting against the contemplated action of the Conservators.
[BNA: Link]
The Rev. Dr. Conder, late Principal of Halbrake House Collegiate School, New Wandsworth, paid a flying visit last week to the scene of his past labours. His many friends will be glad to learn that he is "quite at home" in his new Cambridgeshire quarters.
[BNA: Link]
[BNA: Link]
THE directors of the London and South-Western Railway Company have responded somewhat cavalierly to the representations made to them by the Wandsworth District Board of Works upon the subject of the building now being erected adjoining their station at Wandsworth.
From time immemorial the ground upon which the new booking office is in course of construction has been regarded in the light of public property, and so treated until a few days ago, when suddenly, without the usual statutory notice, the Company commenced digging the foundations of the building, which is by this time nearly finished.
With a promptitude contrasting favourably with their usual dilatoriness, the Wandsworth Board wrote a letter to the Company, remonstrating with them for not giving the legal warning, and in answer thereto the potentates of Waterloo coolly replied that they did not "consider themselves bound" to give the statutory notice, and denied that any encroachment had taken place. It is, however, gratifying to observe that Dr. Brown had the public spirit to move that proceedings be taken against the Company, which, as they are undoubtedly in the wrong, will bring them to their senses, and punish as barefaced an act of spoliation as it is possible to imagine.
It will be remembered that we commented somewhat adversely upon the scheme for converting a portion of Wandsworth Common into a private cricket ground, the circular issued at the time warranting us in believing that the Conservators had (as the circular, in fact, stated) granted the particular club the space in question. The attention of the Conservators having been drawn to the matter, the objectionable word "granted " has been eliminated from the circular, and the more general term of "set apart for cricketing purposes" takes its place.
We are furthermore assured officially that it is not intended that the Wandsworth Club should monopolize the ground, but that they should have common usage with any other recognized club whom the Conservators may deem of sufficient standing in either Battersea or Wandsworth to possess a local claim, or who have a bona fide locus standi in either parish. This is as it should be, though the fact must not be lost sight of that a certain a priori claim might really be pressed by the gentlemen of the Wandsworth Club, inasmuch as they have subscribed the sum of one hundred pounds, and paid the amount over to the conservators as a guarantee that the work of levelling, &c., when commenced, will be carried out.
The work of making the ground has been placed in hands of Messrs. Stevens, of Putney, who have already entered upon the task, for which they are to be paid the sum of £65 by the Wandsworth Club. It is possible our previous remarks on the saire subject may have been looked upon as lwer critical; but the "setting apart for general purposes," and "granting " 6 a certain yin are two very different matters, and we are glad to find that our remarks have led to the desirable emendation.
[BNA: Link]
Wandsworth Common. The annual meeting of the Conservators appointed under Act of 1871 was held on Monday night. meeting is prescribed by the Act in order that the ratepayers may have an opportunity of stating their grievances, and on this occasion, they conspicuous by their absence, we may assume that, speaking generally, they are satisfied with the management. The accounts of the Conservators showed that during the year ended December 30, 1876, a sum of £717 had been received from the halfpenny rate levied in Battersea and Wandsworth, and a sum of .148 odd from other sources, making a total income of £764 18a. More than half of this - viz., Age ls. 3d. - was absorbed for payments beyond the control of the Conservators - such as annuity to Earl Spencer, &c.; of the remainder all but a very small proportion was laid out upon t . mos.
It is notable that during the six years that the Act has been in force, the administrative ex. paths have averaged but 6 per cent, of the total. M was stated at the meeting that daring the year there had been no complaints of a serious character, and that it had not been necessary to in any case the penal clauses of the Act for misbehaviour ea of the public. There had, in consequence of the drought simmer, been an nausea of extensive fires amongst the gorse; but though some seght have wilfully caused, the majority were no doubt due to the carelessness of smokers. The paths had the drainage kept in a condition as satisfactory silks heavy rains of the winter permitted, end trees planted to replace others which had decayed.
The funds Mr the cost of a second drinking fountain and cattle trough having been subscribed by the inhabitants, it had been erected at the expense of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association on a part of the Common opposite Nightingale-lane, and would be maintained and supplied by the association.
Subscriptions raised in Battersea and Wandsworth having been handed over to the Conservators, they had the formation of an additional cricket near Bolingbroke Grove. This ground, it was hoped, would be in order before the commencement of the cricket season, when it would be available for the matches and practice of recognized cricket clubs, under conditions prescribed by the Conservators.
A vote of thanks to Mr. Edwin Ransoms, who occupied the chair, concluded the business of the Con-
WANDSWORTH CRICKET CLUB.
011 Wednesday evening, a meeting convened by handbills was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, Wandsworth Common to enrol members and pees the rules of the club'. Notwithstanding that all interested in cricket or lovers of the game were nvited to attend, the response was not by any means a hearty one.
Considerably after the announced time, the meeting commenced by Dr. Eady being voted to the chair. The rules having been read and passed after a desultory discussion, and the chairman having intimated that any householder would be allowed to speak, Mr. Hawkins proposed the following resolution: "That in the opinion of this meeting the Conservators of Wandsworth Common hare neither morally nor legally any right to appropriate any portion of Wandsworth Common for the purposes of what is in reality a private cricket club; that it is contrary to the provisions of the scheme whereby the common was made over for the use of the general public; that it was never intended that any club or clubs should possess any monopoly, whether less or more limited, over any portion of the common; and that the Conservators have exceeded their powers as trustees for the Wandsworth and Battersea ratepayers."
After a long and somewhat warm discussion, the matter dropped, and the secretary proceeded to enrol members.
[BNA: Link]
Wandsworth Common and Local Cricket Clubs.
The following letter, explaining the term,: on which the Wandsworth Cricket Club are allowed by the conservators to use a portion of Wandsworth Common, has been forwarded to us for publication:
Wandsworth Common Conservators, St. Anne's Park, Wandsworth Common, December 14, 1876. Sir. - Referring to the conference between the Committee of Wandsworth Cricket Club and myself on the 7th ultimo, I have now to inform you that the Wandsworth Common Conservators are not averse to the proposal that they should form a cricket ground at the part of the Common indicated on the plan handed 0 by the chairman presiding at that conference. If the club are of opinion that they can procure the necessary work to be done at a cheaper rate than that at which the conservators can secure its execution, the latter are willing that the dub should obtain a plan, estimate, and draft contract for the week.
On these being submitted to the conservators, they will examine them, and, if they appear satisfactory, will he willing to adopt them. After eke deposit of the amount of the estimate with the conservators, which will be carried to a sews*e account, to be milled "The Wandsworth Cricket Ground Account," the conservators will give orders for the execution of the work, which, as be stipulated in the contract, must be carried out to the satisfaction of the conservators, or by some person duly authorised by them in that behalf.
On the formation of the ground the conservators will make a rule setting it apart for the matches of recognized cricket clubs, and will erect a notice to the same effect, and also requiring that, before it is need by any club, application for permission to use the ground should be made to the conservators, sad a fine not exceeding 10s, be deposited with them to defray the cost of removing the posts and chains, sad preparing the ground.
In the case of the Wandsworth Cricket Club, the conservators will be willing, before the commencement of each cricket season, to receive and consider a list of proposed matches. They will then, if the list appear reasonable, approve it, and issue authority to the club to use the ground on the days named - waiving, in the of the above mentioned club, sad in intasifieratien of the part taken by the club in the formation of the ground, the fee to be required before the is-tie of authority in the ease of other clubs. This latter condition, however, to be contingent on the club themselves removing and the posts and chains en the days allotted to the club. The conservators think it right to remind the club that, as they have no power to bind their successors in this respect, the undertaking to waive the payment of the fee prior to the issue of authority to use the ground cannot be guaranteed by them beyond the teeth of April, 1878, when the present conservators go out of office, and, further, that it may legally be withdrawn by the present conservators at any date.
The conservators direct me to add that, should the necessary work be carried out for a less sum than that paid into the separate accounts, they will return the balance to the club.
I am, sir, your obedient servant, C. WALSH.
To S. Angear, Esq., Honorary Secretary, Wandsworth Cricket Club.
[BNA: Link]
WANDSWORTH COMMON.
Sir, Permit me to thank you for giving publicity to a resolution proposed at a meeting of the Wandsworth Cricket Club, reported in your columns of Saturday last, and to ask your indulgence to state why I proposed the resolution in question.
In the first plum, sir, the cricketing space hitherto existing is in fair proportion to the limited area of the common, which by encroachments had grown small [?] by degrees and beautifully less. In the second place, the portion selected for the proposed cricket-ground is one of the most rural and picturesque to be found within the confines of the In the third place, it has been amply proved that the appropriation, either wholly, part, or any portion, of the common to a particular club is not desirable.
The commotion mused some time ago by the refusal of the Spencer Club (who are monopolists, I am sorry to say, of a portion of the common) to allow a body Of Wandsworth tradesmen to play upon their ground is fresh in the recollection of all local cricketers. But upon a broad basis the action which has been taken upon the matter is to be deprecated, and I Nalmilit, sir, that it is inexpedient that the general public should be deprived of their right to walk unrestrained and unrestricted across any portion of the common, and without the intervention of prohibitive posts and chains, which are indicative of anything but freedom or of common land.
It was understood at the meeting of Wednesday last that an a priori or preferential. claim would be advanced by the Wandsworth Club to play upon the space selected, and I know that it is the opinion of many of the ratepayers that the Conservators have exceeded their power as trustees for the general body of ratepayers, in granting wholly or in part the use of the ground to any particular club or clubs.
That it was granted the first circular of the club clearly stated, but, sir. the Conservators, finding that there was likely to be some opposition, called upon the club to withdraw the word "granted," and insert "set apart for cricketing purposes." so; this was never doubted, but primarily and in the main, sir, for the purposes of a purely local club. Now, sir, how was this great privilege obtained ! We are told that the Conservators yielded to a petition numerously signed. Admittedly so; but will the secretary say how many ratepayers signed the petition - whether the idea was over submitted to the general body of the ratepayers, i.e., inclusive of Battersea, either in public meeting assembled, or by circular; and whether the numerously-signed petition contains the names of many ratepayers on the Battersea side of the district rated to keep the common in proper order, and which side of the district contributes towards the commons preservation :ate twice as much as their Battersea neighbours. . .
We are told that - a few cricketers met together October; by some means these few cricketers obtained the names and influence of certain gentlemen who would have weight with the Conservators, anti the latter, yielding to the request of the petitioners, granted the club, which originated (rido the newspaper report) with a few cricketers, the permission to use and level a certain portion of the common for their as a match and practice ground. But this was impolitic, and it was thought better that the Conservators should do it. Decidedly 80, but with the money of the Wandsworth Club, who will decidedly expect a quid pro quo in the way of enhanced privileges, prior' claims in the way of practice, &c. It would not have done for the club to have had too much of a finger in the pie, or the thing would have been too transparent, so the Yon do it" and " We'll pay for it" idea was hit noon.
As to the legal aspect of the question, Sections 33 and 34 of the Wandsworth Common Act distinctly forbids the appropriation for any purpose of any portion of the common. Ergo, Is this an appropriation' I maintain it is, and for this reason: The club in question is to have allotted them for use in matches and practice the portion of ground in question, in consideration of a certain sum for levelling, which amount will give the club in question the first claim to the usage of such ground, and which ground, when it is not being played upon, is to be enclosed by posts and chains which cannot be taken down by any other club, unless they pay a certain amount for their removal and expenses. I contend that the of a body of ratepayers paying (if cricket be allowed at all) for the right to play upon their own property is absurd in the extreme.
Admitted that the Wandsworth Club do pay the expense of levelling, they would have to do the same if they had rented a private field, and pay, in addition, the yearly rental; so that this gives them really no right. In fact, they have been provided with a ground made on common land filched from the ratepayers generally, at something like a six years' rental — or say even ten years' rental — at I:10 per year, or for the mere expense of levelling it. I, sir, very much eines - aim whether the Battersea ratepayers will allow the common to be encroached upon in this way by a body who could not muster at their opening meeting more than twenty strong, two of whom were publicans in the neighbourhood, and two others in the cricket. bat and ball trade, and who did not deign to ask the Battersea ratepayers' consent to the encroachment — for the best possible reason, sir: they knew they would not obtain it.
The Battersea Tradesmen's Club, the Shaftesbury Park Ratepayers' Association, and the Battersea Vestry, will all be communicated with, and, I think, the Conservators will yet have to give an account of their stewardship. It was stated that Putney or Tooting gentlemen would be admitted as members, so we poor ratepayers have to view the edifying spectacle of those whom we trust to act for nil, providing a cricket ground for non-ratepayers and non-parishioners, appropriated from the common, which only a few years ago so hard a straggle was fought to keep and maintain as a public recreation ground. That, sir, was a case of builder's "kleptomania." Now', sir, we in Battersea are to suffer from Wandsworth cricketers' "kleptomania." — Yours, Sze., J. E. HAWKINS.
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ILEROUS CHARGES AGAINST A SCHOOL SUPtRINTENDNENT . I ma - . - Unso hursd fh Ii. Hedley held an official inquiry at the aooos fth eiinster Union, Wandsworth-common, to investigate charges made against the-superintendent. Sarah Seed, assistant schoolmistress, said on a Satur- dlay evening in August last she was in her sitting-roorm, when Mr. Purkiss, the nuperintendent, came and said she had kept ont of his way. She replied that she had not. He said, "I have never seen yon, at any rate; never mind, I will pay you a visit to-night." She went to bedl at about eleven o'clockand afterwards heard a knocking at her room wall, which continued for some time. She then heard a bolt undrawn, and a key was tried in the lek. Shsosid, "Who is thered" An answercambe," "It ise e-Mr. urkiss; opeun the door; obody will ee s." She asked what bewanted to go there for. He replied, "r ever mind; open the door." She said she wonld not open the door, andwent backto bsd. The knocking still went on, and she distinctly heard footsteps from her bed- room door along the lending. She first mentioned the matter to the needlewoman, the next morning. That was the only occasion when anything of the kind had tlken place, She mentioned it afterwards because she and the superintendent had had some words in the schoolroom in February. In answer to M-. Anderson (for Mr. Pnrkiss), the' witness said Before and since the occasion the super- intendent had always treated her with propriety. She did not know she had suffered from hysteria, hut had been told so. She would not he precise ahont the date of the tapping at her room; it might be in the beginning of September; at anyrate it was on the night of the Satur- day that Mrs. Purkiss went for her summer holidays. Mrs. Purkiss was so kind that, out of consideration to her,shoe did not sayaythin aboutit. Although since on friendly terms with Mr. lend Mrs. Purkiss, she rodes- tvyored neverto be left alone with the former. Harriet Miller, neeedlewomnan, said Miss Seed told her of the occurrence on the day after it happened. Bly her advice Miss Seed did not complain. On three occasions Mr. Purkiss had behaved improperly. to witness. In 1875 he had tried to keissaher. About the following Christmas ath returned late from town, when the superiutendent let her in, and then again ondeaporred to kiss her. The thirdoffence was in asking her to sit up with him, when the matron and some other officers were out. Alice Attic, a former mistress at the school, said she left the service of the guardians through illness caused by the conduct -of the supervintendent, who bad asked her to go for walks with him, and whent she had occa- sion to go to his office he sent the boy away, and, pulling her towards him, tried to kiss her. She left the room, telling lam that he ought not to behave to her in Mhr. al rederick Purkiss was~ sworn, and denied the whole of the allegations contained in the statements of the witnesses. The only topping on the wall was when his child slept with Miss Seed. He tapped, and it answered. He had never heard of Miss Seed's charge until it was made to the guardians and of the other befoire that day.. . Mr. Ei. Wright, the medical officer of the schools, said be had'attended Miss Seed.for hysteria. Persons stiffer. ing from that complaint commonly had delusions.
That being the whole of the evsdenee, Mr. Haedley said it would he his duty to report to the Local Government Board, and the persons interested would be ineformed of their decision.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000101/18770401/025/0005
Halbrake Collegiate School, New Wandsworth.
ANNUAL ATHLETIC SPORTS.
On Wednesday welcome fixture in the records of athletics was held in the field adjoining St. Ann's Hill, New Wandsworth, kindly placed at the disposal of the Principal, Mr. C. A. Wall, by Mr. Du Buisson, M.P. [PB: MP or JP?]
The attendance was large, and comprised the elite of New Wandsworth and the vicinity, and included a large muster of the parents awl friends of the pupils. The weather, with the exception of a shower, favoured the proceedings, and the locale selected was gay with flare awl tens.
The committee consisted of the head master as president, and Mims. F. V. E. Brughera, Pound, MilLer, Wilson, Dove, and Waterer, the stewards being Messrs. C. W. Moore, J. Cleave, E. Berry, E. Gilbert, H. G. Scott, P. J. Brebner, S. Perks, and C. Wales.
Messrs. W. N. Wilson, J. bloasop, and sergeant -Major Ray officiated as judges and Messrs. E. Wilson and Sergeant-Major Curry acted as starters.
The programme, which was a lengthy one, was carried out with the most unequivocal success, the exertions of Mr. J. Mossop and Mr. H. Pound being especially worthy of mention, and deserved the special recognition of all interested in the sports of the day.
The band of the Boy's Home. New Wandsworth, atlanded and played a selection of envie, the youthful musicians acquitting themselves, under the charge of hir. Hunter, as band master, most satisfactorily. The following is a list of the prlze4, which at the elose were gracefully presented by the wife of the Principal, Mrs. C. Li. Wall.
Throwing the Cricket Ball (Under 13).-114, given by Brughera. 7 C..yraterer.
Throwing the Cricket Bail (Open). - prize, Soda Water Cup - M. Wilson. 100 Yards (Ope4 - First prize, Goblet; mooed prize. Knife.-1, A. Miller; 2. M. Wilson.
Quarter of a Mile H 'edict') (Open). - First prize. Silver Goblet, given by Mr. Pound; sepeorid prize, Psuell Case: third prize, Kulte.-1, A. Miller; 2. U. Wilson.
80 Yards (Cadcr 14 - First prig., Cup. given by Miss Wall; second prize . Solitaire 11Jard, given by Mrs. Wall; third prise. Knife.-1, J. A. Skelton;3, It. Staneeby;3, H. V. Sutherland.
High Jump (Under 13). - Prize, Telescopa - C. Waterer. High JullUp (Open).. - Prize, rrew.rve Jar. - H. G. Scott.
Three-Legged Race (I >pea) Prises given by Mr. C. W. Moore, Two Mors. - I, C. Waterer and M.; 2, W. Barnes and J. Watvrer. Pole Jump (Open). - First prize. Biscuit litoz.;riven by Yrs. Welt: second prize, Thermometer.-1, M. Wilson; 2, C. Waterer. - ii - alaing Race (Quarter Handicap). - prise, Album; M'cond prise, Photograph.-1, WI Won; 2. A. 3, IL 31. Weal., final Heat One Yards, Under 13). - Pirst prize, Inkstand; second prize H. Lazr4ton; L .P. Ably tt.
Hurdle Race (open). - Prizo given by Old Boya.-1, H. G. Scott; 2. H. Wilson.
Half Mlle Hon, licap. - Pirin prize, Clock; iroond prize, Todd; 2, S. Perko.
Drop Lick (Opee).'--One prize. Marmalade Jar. - H. G. Scott. Jump ( ( pen). - First prise, Gob'et . . . - M. Wilson . . . Naos (i prow. Qoblet, 'frond prise, Knife, - . l, It. Wilson; . 2, K Dangerfteld; 3,P. J. Brenner. (Under 12,. - Firat prim, Goblet; emend Prize. Knlfe.-11, C. Waterer; 2, H. Told.
There was an old pupils' Racei Piiplin T liace (100 Yards, Open), for which a prize wan given by Mr. WalL
Tug of War (Upen). - lruur prime, Web hY Sergeant-Maier Curry. - Well pulled.
Tug of WarTrritier 131.-7 our prizset - Well pulled.
Consolation Race (209 Yards, Open). - First prise, Gilbert; second prize. knife. Davis.
Consolation Race Yards, tinder 13). - First prize, knife, C. Wall; second prize, keife, Carty.
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. . . The metropolitan police have have received information of the finding, in a secluded portion of Wandsworth Common, of the dead body of a man, about sixty-five, in a very advanced state decomposition. There were no marks of violence the body, nor any papers ..
An inquest was held at Wandsworth yesterday concerning the death of Robert William Fairbairn, whose body was found on Wandsworth-common last Thursday evening. A letter found in one of the deceased's pockets led to his identification. Mr. Fairbairn, a licensed victualler, of Canning-town, Essex, said the deceased was his father. He was very much given to drink, and he last saw him alive in May. A doctor, who had examined the body, stated that the cause of death was syncope, produced by starvation, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.
[Conder on Kalulu.]
MR. STANLEY'S MISSION
TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
SIR - when next you communicate with my friend Mr. Stanley, will you be so kind as to offer him hearty congratulations on the accomplishment of his extraordinary journey.
He has performed a feat which is unparalleled in the history of exploration. He has worked out a geographical problem which all other travellers have failed solve.
Stanley's pluck and determination are well known the world by his former exploits. This last achievement has surpassed even his discovery of Livingstone.
It is to be hoped that your gallant Commissioner will receive an enthusiastic reception when returna.
Yours very truly,
FRED. BURNABY.
Oct. 4.
TO THE EDITOR OF "THE DAILY TELEGRAPH"
SIR - For thirteen months I had charge of Mr. Stanley's faithful young companion, Kalulu. He was a particularly kind and good lad, wonderfully full of fun, and a great mimic. I remember well coming suddenly upon a party of my pupils whom he was amusing with monkey tricks, pretending to eat a nut, and leaving off to scratch himself and tickle his ribs in true monkey style.
Kalulu's power of imitation was extraordinary. Before he knew a letter, as we say, he would write a copy of small hand in a copy book, and he used to write well in other boys' books. Arithmetic was a puzzle to him - he could not even count, but he adopted a ready way of working his sums by putting down any figures that came to hand.
Kalulu had many invitations to families about Wandsworth, where I then lived, and it was remarked that he adapted himself to dining-room and drawing-room as if he had been had been used to them from infancy. No one could excel Kalulu in politeness to ladies.
I had Kalulu taught to swim while he was with me. When he came he would tumble about in the water and enjoy the splashing, but could not swim - Poor lad, I suppose swimming was of no avail by the "furious falls of Mbelo".
Kalulu spent a month with in the little village of which I am now vicar. By a strange coincidence, there is in the churchyard here a handsome memorial of "Philip Parsee Pitt, native of Congo, in Africa, for more than 30 years a faithful and attached servant" of a former vicar. Will those who knew Kalulu aid me to put a small window in memory of Stanley's "faithful young companion"?
I send herewith Kalulu's last letter to me, dated Aug. 8, 1874. I inclined to think someone wrote the letter, and Kalulu copied it. He always would write his name with a small "k", wherefore I know not.
Yours, JOHN CONDER
Vicarage, Wendy, Royston.
[Kalulu's letter.]
Langham Hotel, Portland-place, London, W., Aug. 8, 1874
My dear Mr Conder - I hope you are quite well. Fred, the young gentlman who is going to Africa with me,m has started this morning for Southampton in the ship Mongolia. I am to join him on Thursday. Mr. Stanley bought me a large gun.
Please give my kind love to all my friends.
From kalulu
Halbrake House Collegiate School, New Wandsworth.
SPEECH DAY.
The speech day at Halbrake House always draws together the elite of the neighbourhood. Thursday formed no exception to the general rule, the gaily-decorated schoolroom being filled to the last seat. The principal, Mr. Charles Heron Wall, and the stewards were also fully taxed to provide accommodation for the bevy of visitors. The following programme was put forward by the Mr. Wall for their delectation, and right well were the allotted tasks of the several pupils fulfilled:
"Meu of thiriech" (glee) — Choir.
A MAD TEA PARTY (Carroll)
Mad Hatter — EM Wilson
March Hare — A Wall
Dormouse — AC Skelton
Alice — S Evill
LE MEDECIN MALGRE LUI (Moliere).
Sganarelle — M Wilson.
Valere — P Seguineau.
Lucas — C Waterer
Geronte — HS Dove
Lucinde — PJ Brebner
"See our Oars with Feathered Spray" — Choir.
TWEEDLEDUM AND TWEEDLEDEE (Carrol)
Tweedle Dum/Dee — HS Dove, G Campbell
Alice — C. Mossup.
THE LEARNED WOMEN (Moliere)
Trissotin — S Perks
Vadius PhHemline E. Derry. Armauda P. J. Breen's. Mairee.le Leplue C. Mud.
THE CRITIC (Sheridan)
Puff — M Wilson
Sneer Dangle H. Saunders. Mr C. Hatton G. Campbell. lan of ',wester C. Waterer. Governor of Fort C. Mudie. Whiskeramlce Prompter Tilbtirina P.I. Brebner. Confidant Beefeater Sentinels, &., H. Carty, E. Derry, km
"The Mad Tea Party," a scene from that charming book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," meritoriously rendered and well received, the audience being by no means lax in their applause. The piece was evenly rendered throughout, and it would thefore be invidious to particularise any individual part.
The excerpt from Moliere's "Medecin Malgre Lui " was particularly noticeable by the excellent rendition of Sganarelle by Mr. Maurice Wilson.
Tweedledum and Tweedledee found fitting exponents in Messrs. Campbell and Dove, who in their turn severally boxed, bullied, and coaxed little Alice (C. Mossop), and thoroughly diverted the audience.
Moliere was, as will be seen by the programme given above, again drawn npan, being this time rendered in English, as embodied in the now famous translation of Moliere's works which have won for the worthy principal of Halbrake House the deserved encomiums of the critics of the leading literary journals. The piece chosen was the well-known "Lea Femmes Savants's," and, though placed in the hands of the more juvenile members of the school, well enacted — S. Perks deserving particular praise for his impersonation of Trissotin.
Scenes from Sheridan's play of "The Critic" brought the theatrical proceedings to a close, and the play, like its precursers, evidenced careful rehearsal and rendition, M. Wilson again distinguishing himself in the part of Paff. The applause of the audience testified to the successful enacting of the play generally.
The distribution of prizes then followed, the boys finding some difficulty in threading the maze of visitors to receive the rewards of merit at the hands of the head master (Mr. Wall) who, in a few concise words, but to the point, alluded to the pleasing fact that those boys, who had but "fretted their brief hour" upon the stage had also worked the best throughout the year — the names of Dove and Wilson, who had contributed largely to their entertainment, being also very conspicuous on the honour list.
The proceedings closed hearty cheers for Mr., Mrs., and Miss Wall.
The following is a full list of the prizes:
UPPER SCHOOL. Dove, Wilson major, and Millar, special prizes for passing the Oxford and Civil Service Examinations. Prisee. — V., Waterer major; IV., Berry major; HI., Waterer tertins; IL, Mossop major; 1., Price. Lownt &Hoot.
Form Prizes. — Stamper, Kelly, and Coventry (certificated); Skelton minor aitil Sutherland minor. French, Dove; Lain, Carty; Matlicinati?.s, Abbot major; Science awl Geography. Waterer major; History, D'Ade; Essay, Wall major; Shakespeare, Brebner major; Drawing, Nicholson major; Writing, Waterer minor; Diligence, Langton minor; Conduct, Perk.; Scripture, Wilson minor: House kconduct and French), Morgan and Sutherland major.
Certificates of Merit. — Skelton major, Dangerfield, Morgan major, Young, Cleave, Saunders, Wall minor, Waterer minor, and Sutherland major.
[BNA: Link]
[Wikipedia: Le Medecin Malgre Lui]
[Translated as e.g. "The Doctor in Spite of Himself", "The Mock Doctor". A poor woodcutter passes himself off as a brilliant doctor in Moliere's classic French farce of 1666. Charles Heron Wall, the new headmaster, often referred to his translations of Moliere in adverts for the school. ]