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64
The question of premises for such a purpose out-lined above is a
difficult and all important one; for to centralise the various activities on
the Eastern side into one Centre necessitates a commolious and wellappointed
budding. The need just now is greater on the Eastern side
of the Borough than on the West; the Eastern Day Nursery badly wants
new premises, and I have considered sundry means as to how the need
may be met. To obtain, on the Eastern side of the Borough, premises
capable of accommodating the voluntary bodies and activities controlled
under the Council's management, it is either necessary to build or rent
suitable buildings.
Building at the present time is an extremely difficult matter and
the Board do not favour it, but should the Committee consider
such a course advisable, a site might be obtained on the land of the
Public Library in Worsley Road. The vacant space immediately
available is 100 feet by 40, and I understand that a portion of the site
occupied by the Library building might also be acquired. To aid the
Committee in their decision I submit for your consideration a block plan,
and a plan and elevation of what is practicable upon it. To render this
position entirely suitable, access should be obtained from Downshire Hill
as well as Worsley Road, and I have been in communication with the
owners of Nos. 14 and 14a, Downshire Hill to ascertain if this is possible.
In reply they state they are willing to enter into negotiations for the
sale of either or all their properties. The property necessary to aquire
would be that immediately opposite the junction of Keat's Grove and
Downshire Hill and which abuts on the Library land. The plan of the
Library Site will demonstrate my meaning.
Should however, the Committee decide that to purchase or lease
premises is more desirable, I would suggest their consideration of
" Rosslyn Lodge," Lyndhurst Road. This property is now used as a
hospital for wounded soldiers, accommodating one hundred' It is isolated
and eminently suitable, and the premises are large enough to contain all
our activities. It is advantagously situated and constructed, being
possessed of two floors only. It has, moreover, ample space (1¾ acres),
and would make an ideal Centre. There are difficulties, chiefly financial
but I fancy not insuperable. Before going into further details I should
like to await the Committee's opinion on the question of the principles
involved:—
1. Is centralization of activities desirable?
2. Is the renting or purchasing of premises desirable?
3. Is the building of premises desirable ?
Personally, I am of opinion that centralization is advisable, and
that further, for the present to rent premises would be the best course.
1 would recommend therefore that the Committee do consider the
questions mentioned above and if they decided favourably upon either
course of action, they should instruct me to approach the owner or
owners of the premises with a view to obtaining possession.
3. Provision of Midwijery.—During the year 1918, 895 babies were
born to Hampstead mothers. Of these, 647 may be accepted as born