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91
HAMPSTEAD HEATH EXTENSION
Several communications have been received respecting a
proposal to purchase the Parliament Hill Estate and some
land adjoining, for the purpose of extending the area of
Hampstead Heath, and a Bill has been introduced into
Parliament with a view to carrying the proposal into effect
One clause in the Bill would authorise certain constituted
authorities, including the Vestries and District Boards of the
Metropolis, to contribute towards the expenses of purchasing
the land required, and as the power of contribution is optional
and not compulsory, the Vestry did not think it necessary to
move in the matter The view entertained by the Vestry
with regard to any extension of the Heath is opposed to the
cost being thrown upon the rates of the Metropolis at large,
and in favour of the imposition of a special rate upon the
localities specially benefited, on the principle adopted in the
case of Wandsworth Wimbledon, and Putney and Barnes
Commons
RIOTOUS DISTURBANCES
The destruction of property by a mob of disorderly persons
on the 8th February, and the paralysis of business resulting
from the scare which followed from the inaction ol the police
on the occasion, naturally engaged the attention of the vestry
A special meeting was held on the 15th February tor the
purpose of considering the action to be adopted under the
circumstances, and a deputation was then appointed to
represent to the Home Secretary the views of the vestry In
the absence of the Right Hon W H Smith from London
Lord Algernon Percy kindly introduced the deputation to the
Home Secretary on the 16th February A deputation of
West-End tradesmen who suffered loss waited upon the Home
Secretary at the same time The points to which special