GROUNDS OF EMPIRE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1815, 30 July 1913, Page 11

GROUNDS OF EMPIRE.

Sir,—The question of the acquisition of the Crystal Palace is now receiving the financial consideration of local authorities, who are all sympathetic with the wider appeal for national and Imperial purposes. I therefore specially seek tlio hospitality of your columns, to briefly draw attention to the many circuitous analogies which the cyclo of time and efforts correlatively connect with coming evonts. Just the future turns on London's initiative, so the Metropolis and other realms have and will turn on tho Crystal I'alace. A straight line drawn between. Croydon and Hornsev connects the Crystal Palace with the Alexandra Palace (and brighter days), and passes through the entire length and heart of Camborwell, South- ■ wark, the City, Finsbury, and Islington, making tho Mansion House the true "orbit centre" around which tho "spheres revolve." Including the Boroughs of East and West Ham as part of J,ondon, there are thirteen 'boroughs (with Westminster City) on either sido of these five central districts, And if a contour model of

theso 31 municipal divisions is placed upon an. outline model of the Crystal Palaco and grounds, in correct proportion, as a pea might be to a football, and in exact geographical position, London is accurately balanced upon tho centro transept of the Palace, and tho "law ov gravity" seems to be everywhere in operation, because tiio Crystal Palace will never fall, except to be reconstructed. There is even a constitutional proof that tho Crystal Palace is the "geographical pivot of London," because, at tho back of the organ under tho dome of the central transept the London County Council claims several feet of the building for rating purposes, suggesting, as if by an "old settlement," this historic heirloom has sunk into London soil, hence its roots entwined around the affections of tho London Boroughs and tho heart of the Empire. And now when the Imperial and Dominion Governments accept the gift, and convert tho Palaco grounds into, "living monuments and domains," of Great Britain, India, and the Overseas, to enshriuo the achievements of tho British race, by the means of "a working geographical model of the Empire"; with its arteries of trade, industrial life, pleasure scenes, and world connections; this "pivot of London" and "orb of the nation," will radiate international peace and goodwill, reflecting scope for enterprise, mutual exchange. and labour at progressive peaco with capital. Just as three counties, four boroughs, and two urban districts converge to a junction, as if planned by Nature to preserve this hallowed spot for some such wider plane, as a concentric medium for the cross roads of tho world; so this Empire centre, as a group of "British planets," might add lustre to the constellation in the affairs of men, give a business lead, and create a new amusement era. And as Imperial sentiments circle round this "light of nations" in prospective, so the links of diplomacy will completo the circuit, as London leads the way.—l am, etc., W. A. BAYST. June 12, 1913. "Gascoyne," Snakes' Lane, Woodford Green. [Enclosure.] Proviso Scheme. I.—That the Imperial and Dominion Governments bo asked to accept tho Crystal Palaco and grounds, buildings and Improvements, as a going concern, in good order and repair, free of rent and interest cliarges, and carry it on as an Empire centre for national, international, and Imperial purposes, and the exhibition of the Empire's products, potentialities, and resources, and for pageants of history, peace, progress, and industry, Jlnd for business, pleasure, recreation, and instruction, sports, and amusements. "And as a means of comparing the conditions of life and the aesthetic perceptions of tho peoplo at former periods with those of tha present, and promoting love of country and pride of race." 2.—That tha Imperial Government bo asked to appoint two. persons, and each of the Dominions two persons, who shall be deemed the trustees, and who shall prepare and recommend to the Governments concerned details of a scheme for futuro management, necessary construction, alteration, and control', but which shall contain the following provisions:—(a) - To secure closer scquaintance with and improvement of the commercial relations between'every part of the Empire, (b) To bring trades together' and enable and encourage manufacturers and producers to seek and find new and wider markets, (c) All profits resulting from revenue derived from charges for admission, exhibitors, sales, and other income bo devoted to upkeep, variation, attraction, and extension. (d) As far as practicable, loading exhibits to consist of commercial and trade deinopstrationS, operations of arts and crafts, technical skill, exemplifications uf industries, and working models displaying the processes of manufacture from the raw material to the finished article on sale, and aiming specially to arouse interest and impart instruction to primary producers and intending settlors. (e) ,; Admission to the Palace grounds and exhibition buildings be based upon a popular charge, anid on one daya week tho admission fee be nominal to all schoolchildren .in charge of teaoliers. 3.—A1l societies, organisations, institutions, and associations hitherto connected with the Palace, whether by t exhibitions, annual shows, musical festivals, tetes, sports, or any other means, shall be -encouraged to continuo tlieir support and extend their usefulness on the best forms and conditions. The centre transept to bo retained for concerts, musical festivals, and other public purposes.