Foundling Site Saved • When the Foundling Hospital sold its
Bloomsbury site for £1,650,000 some eight years ago, it seemed 'almost beyond hope that the large open space included in it could be saved as a lung for London and a playing- site for poor children. Fortunately there were those -who did not despair, and today their whole dream has come true. Many have helped to realize it. First and foremost one is bound to mention Lord Rothermere, 'whose two purchases comprised about 36 per cent. of the whole, and who thus repeated for North Central London the service that he had already rendered to South. Following his initiative, the Appeal Committee -was able to collect—mainly in pretty large sums from -corporate bodies, local councils and a few rich indi- viduals—enough to buy about .another 24 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent., or thereabouts, is now secured as to its smaller portion by the Appeal Committee -with -help from the L.C.C., and as to a larger one through a £100,000 repurchase by the Foundling Hospital. Acknowledgements are also due to Sir H. Mallaby- Deeley, the vendor, and to Mrs. G. M. Trevelyan, the indefatigable honorary secretary of the Appeal Com- mittee. No one would have rejoiced more at the con- clusion than her mother, Mrs. Humphry Ward, to whom the idea of children's play-centres owed so much.
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