BILL ORDERED TO BE BROUGHT IN. (Hansard, 21 June 1859)

§ MR. SLANEY

called the attention of the House to the subject of public walks and places of exercise for the working classes near great towns. In whatever direction they went in the metropolis and other large towns they found the working classes compressed into narrow and close localities. This was in one sense a mark of our prosperity, but it was also a proof that we had forgotten our duty to those classes in not supplying them with spaces where they could have exercise and enjoy themselves after their work was done. He had moved for a Committee on this subject twenty-six years ago, and the fruit of that Committee's report was four new parks opened to the public in the metropolis. He had walked for miles over portions of this enormous city, and could not find a single spot of open ground on which the humble classes might exercise themselves. He did not ask for any Government grant, but only that facilities should be given to those who desired voluntarily to provide the funds necessary for setting apart public places of recreation. He thought also that care should be taken to preserve the footpaths on the roads in order to the safety of the public. This was a question that did not perhaps much interest the House, but it was one of deep interest to the people out of doors. In every large town the population was increasing to an enormous extent, and it was absolutely necessary for the public health that large open spaces, such as he had referred to, for air and exercise, should be provided. He would conclude by moving for leave to bring in a Bill of which the purpose was to facilitate the establishment of public walks and places of exercise for the working classes near great towns.