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Mr. Hayes, speaking for Holborn, said that district also was
poor and densely populated, besides being without proper means
of recreation and instruction for the poorer people.
Sir Edmund Currie said the raison d'etre of his appearance
there that day was because he knew the requirements of the
districts mentioned—more especially of St. Luke's—by reason of
having been concerned in business there. He knew they were
more densely populated even than East London. No one could
know the value of the East London Palace better than himself,
and no one could feel more grateful for it than he; and he trusted
that the deputation of men who had given their lives voluntarily
for the good of their fellows, would be successful in what they
sought. From his own knowledge of the people of the districts
concerned that day, he saw there was something wanting. There
was a peculiarity of physique which showed the need for exercise
and development which could not be got if the facilities were not
provided; whilst, of course, none could over-estimate the value
of technical instruction.
The Rev. Mr. Abbott said he could not add anything to what
Sir Edmund Currie had said, but he could endorse all with
regard to the dense population, the poverty, and the great need of
physical as well as technical training. There was no doubt
the institute was needed, and also an endowment for sustaining
the same.
A conversation ensued between the deputation and the Commissioner
as to the details of their scheme, and the Commissioner
intimated that, looking at the map, it would be more convenient
to strike out Holborn, and include Clerkenwell and St. Luke's in
a general scheme affecting the North and North Eastern districts,
such as Islington, Hackney, and Shoreditch. As regarded a site
for the building, the Commissioner said this was important; and
Mr. Johnson suggested the Charterhouse. The Commissioner in
the first place, was not aware that it was for sale; and in the
second, that £220,000 was too high a price." The Foresters'
Hall," suggested Mr. Johnson; but this, the Commissioner said
was already purchased for an institute, which would in no way
affect that now asked. He thought the deputation should have
formulated some scheme; but Mr. Rumball explained that the
deputation did not wait for details, feeling they would be too late
in their application. They might get a promise, and then work
out the details. The Commissioner said they would have to