§ LORD ERNEST BRUCEsaid, he rose to ask the First Commissioner of Works, For what reason the Avenue of Elm Trees on Richmond Green, which contributed so much to the beauty of the locality and the comfort of the inhabitants, who are mostly tenants of the Crown, has been suddenly 1224 removed; and, whether it is intended that all the Lodges in Hyde Park shall be re-built in the same peculiar style as those just completed at Stanhope Gate?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSreplied, that at the commencement of the year thirteen or fourteen elm trees formed the avenue in question. Unfortunately, in February a storm arose which broke down two of the number, and two more trees were destroyed by their fall; but on examination it turned out that these trees were quite unsound and dangerous, and upon further examination it appeared that those remaining were also in a dangerous condition. It was therefore recommended by the authorities on the spot that the whole of the avenue should be removed, and that the trees should be replaced by healthy lime trees. As to the second Question he was not aware of any necessity existing for re-building all the lodges in Hyde Park upon the model of those at Stanhope Gate. Certainly he had no such intention.