15 SEPTEMBER 1923, Page 3

It is good news that Hohnbury Hill is, after all,

to be saved. The Admiralty, out of deference to public opinion, have changed their plans and have found an alternative site not far away near Abinger Common. We think it quite possible that the Admiralty, who have a conscience in the matter of buildings, might have placed on Holmbury Hill a building that would have been in itself a pleasure to look at, but on the whole we would much rather not take the risk. Besides, we attach great importance to the principle of preserving common land for public use and for no other. Departments of State have been much too ready to urge necessity when they wanted land, although alternative sites on private land were available.