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manoeuvre troops and fire blank cartridge at Bostal Heath and
Wood, the Council were informed that, in the opinion of the
Vestry it would be very undesirable, and strongly urging the
Council not to sanction the application, to which a reply was
received, dated 26th October, 1896, that the Parks and Open
Spaces Committee had decided that it was not desirable to
grant such permission. Major-General Maurice, C.B., Commanding
the Woolwich District, however, asked permission to
attend the Vestry to speak on the question, and this was
granted. He accordingly attended the Vestry Meeting of
23rd December, 1896, and made a statement on the subject.
He subsequently attended the General Purposes Committee,
to whom the matter was referred for report. The Vestry,
after very carefully considering the matter, passed the following
Resolution:—
"That the General Officer Commanding the Garrison at
"Woolwich, as to his application to drill on Bostal Heath
"and Wood, having expressed his willingness not to allow
"any firing in Bostal Wood, and that the drill, notexceed"ing
12 times a year, shall be before noon, and not to be
"on any general holiday, this Vestry do not oppose an
"application made under these conditions, it being under"stood
that this includes such mounted officers as are
"necessary for Infantry Drill with Staff, but not Artillery
"or Cavalry, and further that such consent being always
"granted only during the pleasure of the Council; if any
"damage should arise, the permission could always be
"reconsidered. That a copy of this resolution be sent to
"the London County Council, and to the General Officer
"Commanding the Woolwich District."
The matter is now engaging the attention of the London
County Council.
B 2