THE VIEW FROM RICHMOND HILL.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] lovers of Nature must be interested in the preser- vation of the view from Richmond Hill, which a correspon- dent in your issue of the 15th inst. connects with the proposal for "a green girdle round London." The latter is an idea to which I have on more than one occasion drawn attention, showing how American cities are setting us an example by seriously getting to work to carry similar proposals into effect. The riverside estates between Richmond and Twickenham would indeed be a brilliant " jewel " in such a "girdle," which should certainly include Richmond Park, Petersham Common, and other Richmond spaces. There can surely be no question as to the desirability of preserving unimpaired the famous view from Richmond Hill, which on more than one occasion has been safeguarded by the efforts of open- space societies and others, but which again appears to be en- dangered by the adVance of the builder. Apparently the par- ticular areas, about a hundred and fifty acres in extent, which Sir Whittaker Ellis considers should now be rescued from the builder's hands, lie wholly on the north bank of the river, in the county of Middlesex, and I would suggest that, if he has not already secured an offer of the property at a fair price, negotiations should be entered into with the owner, and that, if reasonable terms can be arranged, the Middlesex County Council should be approached and asked to take up the scheme. Two years ago the secretary of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, noticing a Bill in Parliament dealing with commons, proposed a clause for insertion therein, to confer upon all County Councils the extensive open-space powers until then possessed only by one County Council—viz., London—and happily Lord Teynham and my- self were able to get it accepted and passed. Hence, Middle- sex is the Council that can and should take the lead in the matter. -Under the able guidance of its chairman, Mr. R. D. M. Littler, K.C., it has already shown itself alive to the importance of its open-space opportunities, notably in con- nection with the acquisition of the Alexandra Park and Palace in the north, towards which it was the largest contributor, so it probably would not be unwilling to aid in providing a river- side space in the south-west of the county. If needful, it could ask for the help of the local District Councils affected, and if more assistance were requisite it could apply to the County Councils of London and Surrey, and to the Richmond Corpora- tion. By the powers they now possess County Councils are not confined to acquirinc, spaces within their own areas, but may go outside. Both acquiring Councils are interested nearly as much as Middlesex. Londoners, especially the thousands who frequent the river, would largely use the space adjoining the river bank, whilst the County Council of Surrey and the Richmond Corporation cannot but feel desirous of helping forward any scheme for preserving the view for which their county is justly renowned. I trust that such a combination of authorities would suffice to provide the requisite funds for carrying out Sir Whittaker's proposal. It has to be borne in mind that not only the Richmond Hill view, but the amenities of the river would be seriously affected if these riverside properties were allowed to fall into the builder's hands.—I
Chairman, Metropolitan Public Gardens Association. 83 Lancaster Gate, W.
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