THE OCTAVIA RILL MEMORIAL.
[To me Errroa or sae ..Eirroriroa.-1
Szn,—In the neighbourhood of Godalming—that ie, at equal distances from Godalming, Hambledon, and Hascombe- there is what may fairly be called a primeval piece of land, marked on the map as High Down Ball, but called in the neighbourhood, and I believe rightly, Hydon Heath. A round hill, called Hydon Ball, rises upon it to a height of about six hundred feet, and from this hill some ten or fif- teen years ago could be seen a perfect panorama of the neighbourhood—the Hog's Back, Crooksbury, Hindhead, Blackdown, the South Downs with Chanctonbury Ring, Leith Hill, and Merrow Downs ; but trees have grown up and obscured these views. I happened to hear that the whole of the Heath—some ninety-two acres—was for sale as building land. Hitherto, owing to the good nature of Mr. Godman, the owner, the public have been allowed to wander on this land. The idea of this natural beauty-spot being lost as a roaming-land was almost unthinkable, and I called the attention of the National Trust to it. I was asked if I could get an option of purchase, and was fortunate in finding the owner willing to sell the whole for £5,000, on condition that only a caretaker's house should be built upon it, and that suitable arrangements should be made in case the Godalming Corporation wished to put an underground reservoir on the summit of the hill. I am glad to say that the Trust has taken up the option, and the Committee for a Memorial to Miss Octavia Hill has decided to be responsible for the pur- chase of the Ball itself. The Trust will have to pay legal expenses and build a cottage; therefore 25,500 will have to be raised. Towards this £1,600 is secured, leaving £3,900 to be collected by public subscription. I feel sure that you, Sir, and your readers will be in sympathy with such a movement, and I trust that, as the option is not of long duration, those who can afford to do so will assist by subscribing. Perhaps I may add that, in the event of the property being acquired, the grand views could be obtained by making clearings among the trees. The West Surrey Society, which is affiliated to the National Trust, is doing its utmost to forward the scheme, and Mr. W. H. Itawneley, of Shamley Green, the Secretary, or I, as Chairman, will gladly receive subscriptions; or they can be paid to the Secretary of the National Trust, 25 Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W.—I am, Sir, &c., [We deal elsewhere with this letter, but may say here that we cannot imagine a better memorial for Miss Octavia Hill than an open space with a noble view—wide, generous, and inspiring, like her mind.—En. Spectator.]
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