WW1 Council Minutes

During the month the men have been pruning the shrubs and forking the borders, cutting the privet hedges around Carnegie Library and open spaces at Lamberhead Green. The pony has been lame three weeks, and I have had to hire. Two youths have left and two more engaged.

Re  the growing of potatoes in Alexandra Park. - I have measured the Children's Playground, and I find there are two good acres.

In Mesnes Park the portion by the Brook, we might get about half an acre if it was drained.

I also report the Education Committee have given me orders to plant the Girls' High School Grounds.

I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
S. G. SAYWELL.
 

    We are instructed by Colonel Woods to offer to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the County Borough of Wigan the vacant land on his Holme House Estate for the purpose of growing potatoes during the summer of 1917. He does not know whether it is considered vacant or unoccupied land or not.

    Colonel Woods proposed to make no charge by way of rent, unless, for legal reasons, he may ask for payment of one shilling in order to create a tenancy. His only stipulation is that before possession of the land is given up in the spring of 1918 it shall be properly sown down with grass.

    The area of the land, which is at present let, he believes to be about 40 acres.

    It may be somewhat difficult to prevent the destruction of the potatoes by trespass or from mischievous motives.

    Colonel Woods informs us that although he farms fairly largely, he has never grown potatoes, and therefore unable to express an opinion as to whether or not potatoes would grow on the land; he however thinks it unlikely that other vegetables would do well there.

Yours faithfully,
WRIGHT AND APPLETON.