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22
add that these establishments are self-supporting
and repay the advance of capital first invested.
Another recommendation ought if possible to be
no longer postponed, viz., the necessity of securing
an open space in the fields North of the Parish, now
being rapidly enclosed for building purposes. Not
only should an open space be made readily accessable
to the young people living in the crowded
streets adjacent to the Lock Bridge, but there should
be erected a gymnasium, and as in Battersea Park,
cricket, foot-ball, and athletic sports should be
provided.
It is highly gratifying to find that in Regent's
Park the Chief Commissioner of works has allotted
an enclosed space that can be used as a public
recreation ground for cricket matches, &c. Nothing
would be more attractive, or more in accordance with
national taste, and tend to develop the manly spirit
of our growing youth, especially clerks, shopmen
and others engaged in sedentary employment, than
these enclosed spots in the parks, where cricket,
football and other athletic games may be played.
They would draw many from the vicious habit of
public-house lounging, billiard rooms, and places
where strong drink abounds; nor would it in the
least detract from the well-ordered walks, flower
beds, drives and promenades at present so much
enjoyed by the orderly, or more wealthy class of
persons who have leisure to frequent them.