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For Christchurch.
Mr. W. R. Poulton, 67, Blackfriars Road, Draper.
The audit took place on the 24th of May. A copy of the
Auditors' certificate is appended to the Accounts at page 85
CHRISTCHURCH BURIAL GROUND.
In September, 1897, a proposal made by the Vestry of
Christchurch with reference to the Christchurch Burial Ground
and part of the Churchyard of the Parish Church was considered
by the Board, the Vestry having passed and forwarded a resolution
inquiring whether if the piece of ground referred to was
laid out as a recreation ground, the Board would maintain it as
an open space, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association
having offered to bear the expense of laying it out as a public
garden.
According to a plan furnished by the Vestry of Christchurch
and reported upon by the Board's Surveyor, the ground contains
an area of 16,155 superficial feet, or one third of an acre,
plus 1638 feet. Being situate in the midst of a thickly populated
district, it was thought desirable to secure it if possible as an
open space, and to accept the responsibility of its maintenance,
subject to its being laid out to the satisfaction of the Board prior
to being handed over. It was further resolved to concur in any
agreement or other proceeding which might be necessary to
effectuate the arrangement.
Drafts of the proposed agreements with the Vestry of
Christchurch, the Trustees of Marshall's Charity, and the
Rector of Christchurch have been forwarded for the Board's
approval, and rules and regulations for the management of the
ground have been prepared and are under consideration.
THE CROSS BONES BURIAL GROUND.
The question of the Cross Bones Burial Ground, situate in
Union Street, Borough, has been repeatedly before the Board.
In July, 1897, a letter was received from the London County
Council, stating that an offer had been made by Messrs. James
Spicer & Sons, who had lately purchased the property, to lay
out at their own expense about one-eighth of an acre of ground
and to hand it over to the Council or some other public body for
maintenance; the Council suggesting that the Board, as the
local authority for the district in which the burial ground was
situate, should take over and maintain it for the use and recreation
of the public.