1890.]
Stanley and African Exhibition.
309
712
Permit me to mention certain matters bearing on the explanation given in your letter, which, while they are outside the legal question, do affect seriously the moral aspect of the matter in hand.
I learn that you are largely interested in the Clough Hall Park, not as solicitors, but as proprietors. I learn that at present no intoxicants are sold on Sunday; but you have no licence for such sale.
I learn that the gentleman whom you commend as a "life abstainer" has no difficulty in selling beer up to the limit of his licence under which you now carry on business, and I am informed, on what I regard as trustworthy evidence, that the gentleman referred to is working diligently to obtain a licence which will enable you to sell intoxicants week-day and Sunday.
I inquired touching the usefulness of inquiry of the gentlemen whose names you sent me, and came to the conclusion that their testimony would be quite unimportant and useless as affecting the legal aspect of the matter in debate.
Permit me to add that I have absolutely nothing to do with the Clough Hall Park and Gardens except in their relation to Lord's-day Observance, and to the law which forbids amusements and entertainments on the Lord's-day to which admission is granted for money payment, direct or indirect, or by tickets purchased for money.
It may be well to add, also, that in any action we may take we shall not be hindered by knowing that penalties under 21 Geo. III. c. 49 have been and may be again remitted. It is quite sufficient for us to know that, while penalties can be remitted, costs cannot.
My visit revealed to me that not a few of your neighbours regard with great disfavour your misuse of the Clough Hall Park as a means of attacking, for money ends, the quiet and sacredness of the Lord's-day.
I trust that, on more full consideration, the Clough Hall Park and Gardens Company will cease from such misuse of their beautiful property.
I am, dear Sir, your faithful servant.
Re Clough Hall Park and Gardens Co.
Rev. John Gritton, D.D.
Dear Sir,-We have now laid your letter of the 30th ult. before our clients, and they instruct us to intimate that they have decided, after Sunday next, to close the Park and Gardens on Sundays.
We may state that the Park and Gardens have all along been kept open on Sundays at a considerable loss to the proprietors.
This being the fact, we fail to see that the property is being misused for "money ends."
It is intended to apply to the Licensing Justices for a licence to sell intoxicating liquors in the Gardens on weekdays only.
The proprietors never intended to apply for a seven days' licence, as they are all strongly opposed to the sale of intoxicants on Sundays.
Without prejudice,-Yours truly,
W. C. CHEW & SONS.
STANLEY AND AFRICAN EXHIBITION.
The Committee, having learned that it was arranged by the Stanley and African Exhibition to have certain so-called Private Shows on the Lord's-day, immediately addressed the Managers and communicated with the Missionary Bodies represented in the Exhibition, urging strenuous protest.
May 15th, 1890.
Sir Edward Lee, Hon. Sec., Stanley and African Exhibition.
Dear Sir, I am directed, on the complaint of certain members of your Committee, to make earnest protest against the Private View of