The scheme for pivdling London in green was approved in principle by the London County Council fourteen months ago. "It, pledges the Council fo-an expenditure up to £2,000,000 in assisting other councils in Greater London to purchase or "sterilize" Yand for the formation of a belt of open apaces round London. The magnitude of the scheme—and also of London itself—ean be gauged from the fact that-the!scheme requires the ea-operation of the County Councils lof Surrey, Kent, Middlesex and Hertford shire all of whom through their respective chairmen have approved in principle, Other counties, like Eseex and, perhaps, Buckinghamshire are also affected. For example there has been a proposal from the Buckinghamshire County Council to purchase 1,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills near Princes Risborough for inclusion in the "Green Belt" scheme. Burnham Beeches some time ago was bought outright by the City of London fo block the path of urbanization, From the report now cabled it would seem that good progress has bean made by the London County Council with ite admirable scheme, The advantage of the L.C.C.'s action ties in the fact that a body possessing its influence and resources can probably tackle problems which minor auther!~ ties could.not venture to consider. Greater London has over 1800 square miles in seven counties with a radius of twenty-five miles from Charing Cross nnd the unregulated activities of the builder have already done much' damage in destroying rural amenities of which the Londoner would be only too glad to avail alm-self or. occasions. Mr. Herbert Merri. son, if not the original author of the scheme, Is as the leader of the Social-majority In office at County Hall, ardent sponsor. His driving force has indeed been mainly responsible {for the progress made during the ast year, That point will no doubt be borne in mind by Socialist champions when they recall the dismay which "to advent of their party to power sri the administration of London appesréd to create.
Int J. T. Ford's address at the annum jeeting of the British Women's Association drew attention the need for jer support of that admirable institution by women of the community to which it belongs. The Association 1g not to be judged, as Mrs. Ford pointed out, by what it'c an ive. to certain women who ha ye ample fgellities for recreation, activity' and other amenities el where, In essence it represents community organization whereby tt he more fortunate by their members sp can ce-operate with others to whom the Association is actually an impor Jant and valuable factor in their life here, It provides British women with the opportunity for social¥intercourse without the obligations which, for some, make membership of the ord ary club impossible.
Tt also affords facilities obtainable nowhere else for the corporate expression of Britis sh women's views on public and social affairs. It is a partnership of Britis ish women in a land of their exile, temporary or otherwise, and therefore constitutes an important ald to national solidarity in times of special signi-france, The various branches of he Assoclstion's work cover a remarkable range of activity. Recreation and instruction, philanthropy and public welfare, receive appropriate attention, The Special Service Board's laban: for example, are particularly valuable at this ime, It plainly is the dut ty of all British women in Shanghai to their support to this, their ye own, society, Mrs. Ford, whose chai manship once again. has been stimulating to the Association, hi as done a real service in making he er appeal. It should bear fruit.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.