LONDON PUBLIC GARDENS
[To the. Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—May we be allowed to draw attention to the work of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association ?
Its recent report shows that amongst over seventy items relating to work accomplished during the past two years, some fifteen schemes for acquiring additional recreation areas were brought to a successful conclusion, that trees and seats were provided in over thirty localities, and that important legislative proposals, in connection with the planting of trees in thoroughfares and the acquisition of grounds for games, have received the sanction of Parliament.
We are now engaged in endeavouring to raise a further sum f about £2,000 to complete the scheme for acquiring a beautiful woodland area, of nearly ninety acres, at Chislehurst, as a memorial to the author of " Daylight Saving," now known OS Summer Time." About £1,000 has been raised, which suffices for seventy-two acres, but in order to preserve that part of the woodland which forms the delightful road frontage, it is most important to acquire a further sixteen or seventeen acres. Our secretary and Captain Larking, of the Early Closing Association, are the honorary secretaries of the fund. We also need about £500 more to make up the sum required (£2,250) for the preservation of Princes Square, Kennington, S.E. In this connexion we have in hand proposals for the safeguarding of London squares generally, including those on the Foundling and Bloomsbury Estates. We are asked to resist encroach- ments at Chiswick and elsewhere, to take up schemes of various kinds in London and its ever-extending suburbs, and to assist and encourage county authorities to plant trees in their new roads, following the excellent example of the County ('cured of Middlesex.
Again, in order to maintain our general income, which is necessary for work of this kind (quite apart from contributions for special objects), new members and donors are earnestly sought, to take the place of those who from time to time fall out. We should, therefore, be extremely grateful if any of your readers can see their way to join this old-established association, or contribute to its funds.—We are, Sir, &c., MEATH, Chairman and Honorary Treasurer. BASIL HOLMES, Secretary.
Denison House, Vauxhall Bridge Road, S.W.1.
[On many occasions we have published letters from this excellent Society. We hope Lord Meath's appeal will meet with success.—En. Spectator.]
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