[TO THE EDITOR OP VIZ " SPECTATOR•"1
fit,—As one of the earliest members of the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society, and as one who has an intimate knowledge of the methods and work of that Society, may I be permitted to endorse every word of your appeal on its behalf ? The fact that the Society is in need of financial aid shows that landowners generally can have no idea of the great value of the Society in settling disputes, otherwise they would appreciate the importance of keeping it on a sound financial footing. Recent legislation has imposed upon the landed classes many obligations, not the least of which is the difficult task of making elaborate returns on forms which are expected to disclose, amongst other things, whether the pro- perty dealt with is affected by public rights of way. It is only a minority of landowners who desire to interfere with public rights, but I am convinced that there are still fewer who are able to say with any degree of certainty which paths on their property ought fairly to be treated as public ways. Where doubts exist the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society can render effective help, and, as you point out, the fact that, as an expert organization with an intimate know- ledge of the exceedingly complicated law of highways, it is so often voluntarily chosen by landowners and local authorities to arbitrate where differences of opinion arise, affords the best proof of the fairness of the Society's methods and the roundness of its judgment. I have on several occasions been deputed to represent the Society at such arbitrations, and I can therefore testify from personal experience that the result of such settlements is generally satisfactory to the owner, the local authority, and the general public. Numerous disputes which would otherwise lead to protracted and expensive litigation, and to endless trouble and friction, are thus adjusted with the happiest results. The work performed by the Society in this direction alone is of such utility that I sincerely hope your appeal will meet with a generous response. I shall be pleased to contribute £5 towards the fund.—I am, Sir, &c., Knighton, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. E. N. BUXTON.
Previous page
