After making other observations as to the need of such places, Dr. Eade said there were two ways in which the want might be supplied. Playgrounds could not be taken close to every door; but in every new district care should be taken to secure the setting apart of a certain amount of space for the children. One plan he would suggest was that at various points in the city a field should be purchased and thrown open to the children; and another plan was to purchase or hire a large space which might be converted into a people’s park, with a small portion set apart for the use of children.
It might be said that such places would really be used by the rough portion of the population; but he contended that it was for just this portion of the population they were most required. Let the rough children be brought up to know the worth of fresh air, what it is to have healthy frames, so that in after life they may not be poor and puny and miserable. The very fact that the rough children of the poor would use these places was an argument in favour of their provision. A healthy body meant not only a healthy mind, but a contented mind; and with recreation grounds for their use the children might be expected to grow up amenable to proper and right feelings, and in every sense better members of the community.
Believing as he did in the doctrine of _salus populi suprema lex_, he earnestly recommended the Council to take some steps in the direction he had indicated.
He concluded by moving—“That this Council, recognising the duty of providing recreation grounds for the children of Norwich, appoints a special committee to consider and report as to the best means of carrying out this resolution.”
A Committee of the Council was then at once appointed.
NOTE.—At this date there were practically no public recreation grounds. At the present time we have the following:—
The Woodlands Plantation (given by Mrs. Pym).
Lakenham and St. Martin’s Bathing Places and Grounds.
Besides the numerous smaller spaces and churchyards which have been re-arranged and planted, and made both pleasing and (many of them) suitable for outdoor use or rest. For the promotion and carrying out of these, we are most largely indebted to Mr. Edward Wild, Mr. W. E. Hansell, and the Rev. J. Callis, with one or two others.