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Matthews, Grant, and Dodson had called on the vendors and
obtained an offer from them in writing.
The total cost of the Ground, including the entrance
into Laurel Grove, was £4,500, towards which the Metropolitan
Board of Works contributed £2,250, to which was
added £1,732 12s. 11 d., the amount of the Gravel Allotment
Fund. The Vendors contributed £210, and the rest was
raised by private Subscriptions.
The labours of the original Vestry Committee extended
over a period of fifteen months, and the exertions of the
Subscription Committee, which was formed by enlarging the
Vestry Committee, continued for a further period of about
twelve months.
The Ground was formally opened to the public on the
4th July, 1888, and much interest in the proceedings was
manifested by the inhabitants The proceedings were commenced
by a procession of the public Authorities from the
Vestry Hall, in which the School Bands, Friendly Societies,
and Elementary School Children took part.
The Right Hon. Lord Magheramorne, K.C.B., Chairman
of the Metropolitan Board of Works, presided and the
principal local Clergy, Members of Parliament, and others
were present.
The ceremonv was attended with great success, and the
ground was formally declared open to the public for ever as
a Public Recreation Ground.
PARLIAMENTARY.
The following Private Bills have engaged the attention
of the Board :—
Bexlcy Heath Railway Bill.—
This Bill, proposing to authorise the construction of Railways
at Blackheath, was opposed by the Board, on
account ot its interference with certain streets there.
The Bill was withdrawn.
The Hyde Park Corner New Streets Bill.—
The Board disapproved of certain Amendments made in