§ MR. EDWIN JAMESsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works 1384 what reply, if any, he gave to a Deputation of the Lord's Day Society, which attended him upon the subject of preventing the performance of Bands in the Parks on Sundays?
MR. FITZROYsaid, he was afraid he could scarcely give a satisfactory answer to the question, as he had no written document to refresh his memory; but, so far as his recollection served him, he would state what took place on the occasion to which the hon. and learned Gentleman referred. He believed that the deputation waited upon him under the erroneous impression that some new application on the subject of Sunday Bands had been made, or was about to be made to him. The Deputation went, consequently, into the merits of the whole question, discussing it in a religious point of view. He replied that he fully agreed with them as to the right of every man to the enjoyment of one day of rest in the week, and that he would be most unwilling to be a party to anything that would affect that right; but at the same time he stated that the performers who composed the band were free agents, and undertook the duty voluntarily; that according to the showing of the deputation, vast numbers of persons frequented the parks to enjoy the music; that the privilege had been continued for several years; that no complaints of riot or improper conduct had been made with respect to the parties frequenting the parks: and that he would not feel justified in abolishing the existing practice, which had been so long continued without leading to any inconvenience.