80 THE LATEST ADDITION TO EPPING FOREST.
chief of the Conservators of Epping Forest, to accept 28 acres of this land
for the public use. In making this offer, may I once more express to the
Corporation, over which you preside, my abiding gratitude for their spirited
action in the past, and my confident hope that, in conjunction with the
residents, upon whom a duty also lies, they will lose no reasonable opportunity
in the future to consolidate, extend, and complete the precious inheritance
of which they are the trustees.—I am, my Lord Mayor, your obedient servant,
" E. N. Buxton."
Mr. Deputy Snowden, in moving that Mr. Buxton's handsome gift should
be accepted, said the offer was a most gratifying one, and it was not the first,
the second, or the third time that Mr. Edward North Buxton and his family
had conferred benefits upon the Corporation. (Hear, hear.) It showed also
that Mr. Buxton, who knew more about the Forest than anyone else, was
thoroughly satisfied with its management. (Applause.) He moved, "That
this Court gratefully accepts the munificent offer of Mr. Edward North
Buxton, one of the Verderers of Epping Forest, to present 28 acres of land
forming a portion of the Yardley Hill Estate, Sewardstone, as an addition to
the Forest, and accords him its sincere thanks for his much-valued gift, which
the Court regards as a further substantial proof of the deep interest taken by
him in the welfare of the Forest, and of his ever-increasing desire to add to
its beauties and make them more accessible to the public whom he faithfully
serves."
Alderman Sir Reginald Hanson, in seconding the motion, said the gift
was all the more gratifying as Mr. Buxton had not always seen eye to eye
with the Corporation in regard to matters connected with the management of
the Forest. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Judd remarked that it was a most unusual circumstance that a gift
like the present was made to any public body accompanied by expressions
which dignified it and rendered it more valuable. (Hear, hear.) The
Corporation was well aware of the valuable services which Mr. Buxton and
his family had rendered to the people of Greater London on the School
Board and elsewhere. Mr. Buxton, instead of occupying his time for his own
benefit, had chosen to devote it to the public service, and had generously
spent much time, labour, and money on their behalf. (Applause.) Mr. Judd
said he did not think he was out of place in calling attention to the expressions
which had accompanied the gift. (Hear, hear.)
The motion was then adopted, amid loud applause.
Mr. Deputy Snowden then moved that the letter should be referred to
the Epping Forest Committee, in order that the necessary steps might be
taken in respect to Mr. Buxton's gift.
The motion was adopted, and it was further resolved that Mr. Buxton's
letter should be printed on the minutes, and entered on the journal of the
Court.
In accordance with the instructions thus given, the Epping
Forest Committee, in their report presented on the 9th February,
1899, were enabled to say that possession of the land had been
handed over, the hedges dividing the various fields had been