to pay a rent which at 25 years purchase, would amount to £6,200 and was ready to put down a deposit at once.
Mr. Gant corroborated, and gave it as his opinion that instead of the Burton family giving £1000 if their offer were accepted, they were really giving £2,200.[Cheers].
Mr Gausden, as chairman of a tradesmens meeting held the previous evening, said they were fearful that if a good sale was effected of the archery ground, the subscription Gardens might be afterwards brought into the market. That, the tradesmen thought, would be a more serious matter, for if those gardens were likely to be built upon, they had better wait and support a company for those rather than for the Archery ground. If satisfactory replies could be given, he was authorised to guarantee shares to the extent of £1000 within a week [Cheers].
Mr Burton, as only one of the trustees, could not pledge himself as to those gardens being built upon. There were no legal restrictions, but he thought there was no probability of the lower part being built upon during the present generation.
Mr Kenwood remarked that if compelled the Subscription Gardens, they could make archery grounds there.
Mr. Crake, in reply to a question, said they proposed to avail themselves of the Limited Liability Act, and he imagined they would make the Archery Society their yearly tenants as the society was not constituted to take a lease He was glad to have the assistance of the trade-people.
Mr. Montgomerie would be happy to take 20 or 25 shares, but only on the understanding that it was to be an Archery Ground, and not a mere joint Stock Company.
Mr. Bezeth thought that donors of £50 and upwards should have free access to the gardens, and believed if such a privilege were granted more donations would be obtained.
It was understood that until the articles of association were duly registered the directors would be P. F. Robertson, J. Rock. F. H. Brandram. T. Brassey, A Burton V. B. Crake, J. Walker and J Ward, Esqrs.
Scripture Readers Society.
The Army Scripture readers and soldiers Friend Society announced for the first time a meeting to be held in the Assembly Room on the 29th of December, and judging from the numerous and influential assemblage, there could be little doubt that a local auxiliary to that admirable society could be formed. The chair was occupied by Col. Leslie, and among the persons present were the Revs. T. Vores, W. W. Hume J. A. G. Colpoys and H. A. Taylor, General Hancock. Lady Waldegrave, Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave, Major General Lawrence, &c &c. The last named gentleman addressed the meeting at great length, and at the close, £19 was collected.
