A THAMES BARRAGE AND UNEMPLOYMENT.
[To the Editor of the SrEcrATon.] , —I venture to suggest to you, and through you to other people, a scheme to improve radically the appearance and the condition of our noble river—the Thames ; at the same time to afford employment for some at least of our unem- ployed. My suggestion—maybe an oft made one in past time—is simply to erect a dam or barrage at or near the Blackfriars or the Waterloo Bridge to hold and maintain the water (above such point) at high tide level. The barrage would not, or should not, be difficult or expensive to build. Suitable locks would not delay or interfere very much with up-river traffic, because it could pass up at any time and all hours of the twenty-four. Once up, barges would be free to move position at any time and to any place, and not be compelled to lie stranded on the river banks twelve hours of the twenty- four.
Imagine a broad sheet of water, fairly clear through settle- ment, extending from the dam right up to Richmond !—a sheet of water eminently suitable for yachting, boating, bathing, skating and fishing ! Also let us try to imagine the river's present foul-appearing and foul-smelling mudbanks masked from view for ever, the river sides ornamented with growing reeds and grasses ; swans and other ornamental aquatic birds to grace and add interest to the view. Did over-abundant silt gather, a narrow channel could easily be dredged at any time. Must such an improved condition of our famous river forever remain only a dream ? If there are any difficulties in the way, or serious objections; surely they can be overcome. Better let us spend our money on such a beneficial undertaking than on bridges for which there is no immediate call.
Surely no other great nation would permit such a condition of its great river to continue ; no other nation would neglect such an opportunity for the embellishment of its capital. The United States of America, for instance, would have quickly seized it and carried out the project long ago. Where there's a will there's a way.—I am, Sir, &c., T. SIMPSON CARSON. Junior Athenaeum Club, 116 Piccadilly, W. 1.
P.S.—It is quite noticeable that the incoming tide brings the foul waters, by which the whole reach up to Richmond is daily defiled. By having locks such a condition would be impossible. The water would be clear.
Previous page
