§ On the motion of Mr. E. J. Stanley, the House resolved itself into a Committee to consider of establishing a park at the east end of the metropolis, to be called the Victoria Park,
Mr. E. J. Stanleysaid, he had to move a resolution to the effect that a sum, the produce of the sale of York House, with the interest accruing thereon, now vested in Exchequer bills, should be expended in the purchase of a royal park, to be laid out for the accommodation of the public in the neighbourhood of Spitalfields. The particular site fixed upon was that piece of land called Bonner's-fields, containing 290 acres. With the exception of a small portion of this land, which was to be reserved for the purpose of building villas, the whole was to be thrown open to the public. This piece of ground was situated in the immediate neighbourhood of the populous district of Bethnal-green, and he had no doubt, considering the immense benefit that would be conferred on the population of the whole of the eastern part of the metropolis, the House would not hesitate to sanction the Commissioners of Woods and forests in carrying out the resolution he had announced. The hon. Gentleman concluded by moving that her Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests be authorised to complete the contract for the sale and disposal of the Exchequer bills raised by the sale of York House, and to apply the proceeds towards providing a royal park near Bonner's-fields and Old Ford-lane, to be opened 258 for the accommodation of the people of the eastern part of the metropolis.
§ Sir R. Peelbegged to know what was the estimated value of the proposed park?
Mr. Stanleysaid, 100,000l., to meet which there was a sum of 72,000l., the produce of the sale of York House, which, having been invested in Exchequer bills, amounted now, with the interest, to 100,000l. He believed that sum would be sufficient to cover the whole of the expenses.
§ Mr. Kemblesaid, that however right and proper the proposition might be, he thought at that Hour, twenty-five minutes past twelve o'clock, it was rather late to consent to so large an expenditure.
Mr. Stanleymerely moved the resolution for the purpose of founding a bill upon it, which might become matter of discussion at a future period. The proposed park was projected entirely with the object advocated by the hon. Member who had just sat down, namely for the recreation of the lower classes. He hoped, therefore, that the hon. Member for East Surrey would not oppose the vote on the present occasion, as he would have ample opportunity of objecting to the measure which was to be founded upon it.
§ Resolution agreed to, the House resumed. Resolution to be reported. Adjourned.