10, Downing Street,
8th May, 1873.
Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P.,
Sir,
I believe with this letter, I have done all that a gentleman in a private station can with propriety do to urge upon the Government the purchase of two plots of land, one of six acres and the other of twelve, adjoining Primrose Hill, to be used by boys and youths for foot-ball and cricket. In a very short time buildings will be commenced upon the smaller plot, and the opportunity will be lost.
How much this ground is now wanted was apparent in the numbers playing cricket this afternoon in the Regent’s Park. In the portion allotted to boys the wickets were placed in many cases only eight yards apart; perhaps there were 1000 boys playing, and only those clubs were allowed that previously had obtained permission.
The same applies to the ground for youths and men. There were, perhaps, 800 playing; one set of wickets was close to another on all sides, and it was marvellous the game could go on without serious accidents. A sergeant of police that happened to be passing told me it looked most dangerous, and nothing would induce him to join; but a youth, who was playing, said the accidents were very few,—although at first he was much frightened, yet the danger was not so great as it appeared.
The purchase of the eighteen acres would relieve this ground, enable some of the clubs to go to Primrose Hill, and cricket could be properly and joyfully played, and space would be given for many who now very much wish to play but cannot.
I have only to add, that should next Saturday afternoon prove fine, any gentleman, about five o’clock in the afternoon, may ascertain how painful to witness is the present over-crowded cricket ground of the Regent’s Park.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
William Ray Smee.