CRYSTAL PALACE FIRE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 114, 8 February 1937, Page 14

CRYSTAL PALACE FIRE

Future Use of Site Mr. J. H. Thomas recently attended the first meeting of the Crystal Palace trustees since the great fire and was elected vice-chairman of a committee appointed to discuss tlie future of the site. Sir George Truscott was elected chairman, and the other 11 members include, in addition to Mr. Thomas: The Earl of Plymouth, the Marquess of Aberdeen, Sir Louis Newton, Sir Philip Dawson, Sir Leslie Burnett and Sir Henry McAuliffe. The meeting was attended by 36 trustees, and Sir Henry Buckland, the general manager, afterward told a "Daily Mail” reporter; “The exact nature of the building which will arise on the site will be the chief matter for the committee.

“One difficulty will be that the only funds available are the £120,000 from fire insurance and £50,000 invested. From this the cost of clearing away' the debris and other expenses will have to be deducted.

“The two towers will probably be preserved. They have been found to be perfectly sound. Moreover, I do not think Londoners would agree to the sacrifice of these two old and friendlj’ landmarks.”

Among hundreds of letters Sir Henry has received was one from a man who enclosed 10/- “as a small subscription for a new Crystal Palace.” He signed himself “Country Johnnie,” and gave np address, and Sir Henry is at a loss to know what to do with the money.

Work has started on a road-racing circuit In the grounds of the Crystal Palace.

Sir George Truscott was knocked down in Upper Thames Street, E.C.. when two ears and a milk barrow were in collision, but he was not hurt.