View report page

36
its staple trade declining, so that it becomes more difficult each
year for the parish to support its poor. I further beg to point
out that, in proportion to the inhabitants, the open spaces,
recreation grounds, &c., are already sufficient, including as they
do:—Claremont, Wilmington, Holford, Lloyd, Myddelton, and
Northampton Sqnares, Green Terrace, Percy Circus, New River
Co's Grounds, Clerkenwell Green, Spa Fields, the number of
School Boards playgrounds, and open spaces and playgrounds of
the various Industrial Dwellings Blocks.
Taking the foregoing into consideration, it is earnestly hoped
that the Vestry will not consent to deprive local prosperity of this
proffered benefit, and will refuse to have this splendid business
site converted into an unneeded resort.
I am, Dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,
JOHN I. RUNACRES,
Secretary.
The Yestry were in accord with the views contained
in the foregoing letter, and resolved to
present a petition in favour of the Bill, and
acquainted the Members of Parliament for the
Metropolitan Boroughs with their views.
The following Petition was therefore prepared
and presented:—
In Parliament—Session, 1889.
To the Honorable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled.
The Humble Petition of the Vestry of the Parish of St. James and
St. John, Clerkenwell, in the Countj of London.
Sheweth:
That your Petitioners are the local authority constituted by the
Metropolis Local Management Act, 1855, for the Parish of St.
James and St. John, Clerkenwell.
That your Petitioners have had their attention called to a Bill
now before your honourable House, entitled the Post Office Sites
Bill, providing that in order to secure adequate accommodation
for the Post Office, the site of the disused prison in Coldbath
Fields shall be acquired by the Postmaster-General.
That all but a small portion of such site at the North West
corner is in the Parish of Clerkenwell.