669
THE ESTATES GAZETTE
Ape.it, 22, 1899.
Charlton and Mitcham, were sold by Mr. F. G. Chinnock, the total realised by this auctioneer amounting to £24,425.
Wednesday.
Villas and residences in Residences p!enty were offered to-day, and *1״Premises!8 s0^ Pretty freely. Mr. Francis H. Eex (Messrs. Salter, Rex and Co.) submitted two long-leasehold residences in Kentish Town, which went off like the proverbial “ hot cakes ” ; these were No?. 38 and 39, Ospringe-road, producing together £98 per annum, on the St. John’s College Estate. Mr. Eex called attention to the great facilities which exist forgetting to and from Kentish Town to all parts of London, and the particularly open situation which the houses occupy in St. John’s College-park. The auctioneer, in simply stating that the properties were “ underlet ” at certain rents, caused a little wave of laughter to run through the room, upon which he remarked, in explanation, that it was rather amusing to any one who had seen the property, because it was apparent at once that they were of higher value than that estimated. The property sold for £1,200, whilst the house, shop and warehouses at No. 9, Annette-road, Holloway, sold for £595. Mr. Frederick E. Love-grove (Messrs. Taylor, Lovegrove and Co.) made some interesting remarks on the progress of South Kensington, when submitting three high-class properties in that district. He said they had of late years contended with a large amount of building on Lord Cadogan’s Estate, and in Belgravia, but he was glad to say times had changed for the better. In the last twelve months his firm had let twice as many houses as they had done previously in any one of the past eight or nine years, so he thought they could claim that this was a little indication that the rough time had gone over, and that they might hope for the return of the palmy days of the “ seventies, ” when they used to get almost any price they liked to ask for town houses.	The freehold residence
in Grenville-place, where, Mr. Lovegrove observed, he had let three houses recently at rents amounting to £800 a year, was withdrawn at £2 000. With regard to No. 17,	Queen’s-gate-place, Mr.
Lovegrove said the sanitation was thoroughly overhauled by Mr. Eogers-Field, C.E., in 1896, and added that the sanitary question nowadays came to the front in every house, from a villa to a mansion of £500 a year. The auctioneer also mentioned that he had sold within three months a similar residence a few doors off for £4,500. However, No. 17 was withdrawn at £3,500. Mr. William B. Cranfield (Messrs. Foster and Cranfield) disposed of the freehold villa called Benhilton, in Victoria-road, New Barnet, together with a plot of land fronting Crescent-road, for £685, Eyhall Lodge, in the same road, for £380 ; Nos. 3 and 4, Camdeo-villas for £745; and other freehold property, his total reaching £2,300. In the same district Mr. Henry Donaldson (Messrs. H. Donaldson and Son) sold for £1,090 the detached freehold residence known as Brandon House, Warwick-road, which stands on an eminence commanding views over the surrounding picturesque country, and within a short distance of Hadley Woods, which present one of the most beautiful pieces of woodland scenery to be found within many miles of the metropolis. Four houses in Hamilton-road, West Norwood, were sold for £575, by Mr. John Bott (Messrs. John Bott and Sons). He withdrew No. 12, Belvoir-road, Lordship-lane, which had been described as the “ show-place of the neighbourhood, and one of the best if not the best built house in the road.” Modern villas were also offered by Mr. John S. Kichardson, jun. (Messrs. E. W. Richardson and Son), who sold No. 41, The Crescent, at Selhurst, Croydon, for £375, and obtained biddings very near the reserve for several others. In anoth! r favourite residential situation Mr. Joseph Stower sold the pretty Grove-hill House and grounds with old fashioned garden, in Camberwell, near Denmark-hill Station. The price realised was £1,320. His other sales included No. 63, Park-road, Battersea, for £400 ; and two residences at Bexhill-on-Sea, known as Maybury and Doverscourt, for £1,740. Mr. Stower, in his appreciation
£462 5s. In this instance the selling price was £6,500. A glance at the official results published elsewhere will show that other investments sold by the Vere-street auctioneer, consisted of freehold residences in Elgin-road, Croydon, and elsewhere. It will also be noticed that some excellent prices were realised at an auction conducted by Mr. Notley (Messrs. Notley and Co.), a freehold property in Whitechapel-road, covering an area of 3,960ft , and let at £155 a year, fetching £4,100, and a freehold house and business premises in Fournier-street, Spitalfields, let at £50 a year, £1,420.
Tuesday.
There was a good deal of Re8iand°eS ProPer*׳y brought to the Mart Ground Rents.to־day> and the audiences were good, many of the gentler sex being present. Thus it was that Mr. Stephen Fortescue (Messrs. Stephen Fortescue and Sons) was led to address the assembly in his room as “ Ladies and Gentlemen,” and that it came about that three of his properties were secured by a lady. After a steady competition Mr. Fortescue sold four freehold family resi-residences in Northumberland-park, Tottenham, overlooking the famous Tottenham Hotspur Football Ground, and pleasantly situate just off the main road, producing a rental of £122 per annum. The properties realised £2,060. Mr. J. C. Best (Messrs. Best and Sons) sold what was said to be practically a gilc-edged security, a freehold ground rent of £105 per annum secured upon the Morning Star public-house in the High-road, New Southgate, which was purchased, at £3,950, by Mr. William Rolfe, the well-known licensed property auctioneer. Similar investments were submitted by Mr. Frederick Warman, who also successfully accomplished the disposal of a long list of other properties with smart despatch. A weekly estate of 17 houses in Fulham was also eagerly sought for, although there was some difference of opinion in the room as to whether several lots should be put together, a difficulty which was smoothed over by the auctioneer stating that there was a condition allowing him to decide. He added, humorously enough, “ I think all auctioneers should be able to do exactly as they like.” The total rentals of the houses came to £598 per annum. The price realised was £4,275. There was another little bit of pleasantry over the sale of Camden Villa in Panmure-road, Sydenham-hill, Mr. Warman observing to questioners “ I guarantee anything in the shape of getting rents, but I never guarantee the drainage until I have personally inspected it, notwithstanding what the parish officials may say. If you like to pay, I will go down and look at it for you.” This business-like suggestion caused some laughter. The residence was sold for £710, and with the sale of No. 94, Highbury New-park for £990, and No. 1, Oonnaught-road, Stroud-green, f <r £600, Mr. Warman’s grand total was £7,575.
Mr. Bentley J. Bridgewater Freehold (Messrs. Debenham, Tewson, House״ Farmer and Bridgewater) occupied the rostrum in the large room and disposed of five properties. The most important comprised three freehold bhops in King-street, Regent-street, with an area of 2,700ft., let to Louise and and Co. at £450 per annum, which was sold for £11,250. Mr. Bridgewater pointed out the growing importance of the position and the limited quantity of freeholds available. He had sold the town residence, No. 24, Stanhope-gardens, privately, whilst a freehold detached residence in Muswell-hill, known as Essex Lodge, covering la. 2r. 34p , changed hands at £1,825 ; four leasehold houses in Nelson-square, Blackfriars, at £460 ; one residence in Bath-road, Bedford-park, at £875 ; and a building site in Jerusalem-court, Clerkenwell, containing 1,085 square feet, for £855. Mr. David Burnett (Messrs. David Burnett and Co.) went through a fairly long list, disposing of six attractive villa residences in Mount Pleasant-road, South Tottenham, for £1,700 and a charming residence, called Hill Crest, in Darenth-road, Stamford-hiil, close to Clapton common, for £950. Mr. David D. Bryett sold some private stabling in Holbein-mews, Sloane-gardens, for £1,875. Properties in Kensington, Hyde-park, Old
ever, an auction mart had been established in Bartholomew-lane, opposite the east front of the Bank of England, ana when the Alliance Bank bought that site, a final migration was made to Tokenhouse-yard.
The number o'f theatres in London and its suburbs is now very large, and all those interested in such property are concerned with the question whether the Government should place the licensing of theatres under the control of the London County Council, as is the case with music-halls. Mr. Samuel Smith, M.P., thinks that such a course would be beneficial, and has been “asking a question” in the House of Commons accordingly. Mr. Smith is a moral man, and doe3 not like the tone of some modern theatrical representations. On the other hand, all the best-known theatrical lessees are dead against the change, and it is not easy to get away from Mr. Charles Wynd-ham’s opinion that “ Censorship by the County Council is not proper nor justifiable. There would be no certainty. We should¡ be under the dictum of only a certain class of censor. I oppose the motion tooth and nail. It would mean—in the last resort—the tyranny of fads.’ The public is the best censor in taste and morals.” Besides, generally speaking, the opinion prevails that there has been quite enough grand-maternal government about of late years.
______	STYLO.
IVIems from the )Viaiff:
Monday.
Tbe offer of the freehold of rif *cj. No. 83. Nicholas-lane, Lom-y ' bard-street, by Mr. Percy St. Quintin (Messrs. St. Quintin and Son) was one of the principal features of to-day’s proceedings. The property is but a small one, having a superficial area of 670ft. only, but the position is undeniably good and as is usual when this class of property comes under the hammer, much speculation was rife as to the result. Starting at £8,000.bids came quickly, many well-known professional gentlemen being amongst the intending buyers. At £14,550, the property was knocked down to the Phoenix Assurance Company. Mr. A. E. Booker (Messrs. Mullett, Booker and Co.) submitted a freehold double-fronted villa, distinguished as Ladbroke House, No. 88, Ladbroke-road, Notting-bill, with stabling and garden, this property being sold for £3,100. The same auctioneer was also successful in regard to a long-leasehold family residence, No. 47, Norfolk-square, on the Hyde Park Estate, which is subjected to a ground rent of £30. In this instance there was a covenant by the lessors for the renewal of tbe lease for a term of years equivalent to a term of 99 years from March 25, 1859, at the same rent. The price realised was £620. Some first-class residential and business properties were dealt with by Mr. James Boyton (Messrs. Elliott, Son and Boyton) with a result which must have been extremely gratifying both to the auctioneer and tbe vendors. Tbe most important lot in Mr. Boyton’s long list comprised tbe Crown leases of tbe business premises, Nos. 191 and 193, Regent-street, which are in the occupation respectively of the well-known firms of Messrs. Ackermann, and Lewis and Allenby, tenants of many years standing. The term of 99 years expires on July 5, 1921. the ground rent being £80, and £6 10s. in lieu of land-tax. The sub-leases are for tbe whole of tbe term, at rents amounting to £910 per ammm, the full rental value being about £1,500. It was pointed out that tbe Crown had already granted rebuilding leases of several properties in Regent-street, and that negotiations with the Commissioners and the landlord and tenants might at any time during the unexpired term of tbe present leases result in an arrangement of profitably long duration. There was, of course, much interest manifested in the offer of this property, which was purchased, after a very spirited competition, for £12,400. Mr. Boyton followed this up by disposing of !he direct Crown lease of the shop and premises, No. 215, Regent-street, forming part of the extensive establishment of Messrs. Fisher and Sons, tailors and habit makers, to whom it is leased for the whole term expiring in September, 1920, excepting a reversion of 11 days, at a rent of £500 per annum. The ground rent payable is £35, and £2 15s. in lieu of land-tax, leaving
for credit is dead. The number of marriages depends upon the way in which the wealth of the country is distributed. In his last annual return of marriages, the Registrar-General points out that the growth of the marriage rate coincides with a rise in the value of British exports and imports, and the return also shows that early marriages are on ■the wane. Young people put off matrimony till they reach maturer ages and have more money, in spite of the tempting fact that the facilities for going through the ceremony of marriage are more abundant now than they ever were. There are 15,262 edifices of the Established Church, we are told, and 11,998 other places in which the nuptial knot can be tied, apart from the growing number of registry offices in various parts of the country.
It has been truly said that one-half of the world does not know how the other half lives, and it might have been added that it does not care either. This, however, only applies to the question of finance, whether high or low. How we live—what we eat and drink to preserve existence—is clearly a subject of universal interest and importance. In this connection it is worthy of note that the number of drugs used regularly and extensively for the preservation of food, and especially of milk and butter, is constantly being added to. The latest introduction,	I understand, is
fluoride of sodium,	under the sweetly
pretty name of “ crystoleine.” Whether this is more or less dangerous than the various preparations of borax, salicylic acid, and the other antiseptics with which consumers of milk, butter, bacon, preserved meat and dried and tinned fruit have been dosed to an extent unknown heretofore, is not certain. I suppose that the effect of such compounds upon a consumer would very much depend upon his special constitution. It was, however, not very satisfactory to some people to find the author of the new Sale of Foods and Drugs Bill go out of his way to declare that “ butter or milk shall not be deemed to be adulterated by reason of the addition of any preservative or colouring matter which does not render the butter or milk injurious to health,” for it is doubtful whether the Board of Agriculture will undertake to determine questions of medical import under the powers given in clause 4, even supposing that those powers are sufficiently elastic.
There are many reasons for the popularity of flats, and it is no wonder that they should continue to spring up at all points of the compass in the metropolitan district. The occupiei of a flat has only one payment to make in respect of rent, rates and taxes ; he is much more independent as regards his movements than the ordinary householder, and he has conveniences in the shape of porter and lifts, which are quite unknown to the latter. As to such sentimentalities as an Englishman’s house being his castle, and so forth—well, as Molière’s doctor said of the position of the human heart, “ O’ était comme ça autrefois, mais nous avons changé tout ça.” Of course, such a fire as took place a few days ago at Hyde-park-court :s calculated to make dwellers in flats׳ a bit nervous for the time, but no one can prevent accidents, or there ׳would be no accidents. It is very fortunate that the damage to “ Hobbs’s Polly ” ended! where it did, and that there was no loss of life. It is satisfactory to think that, under the London Building Act of 1894, tht height of such structures is strictly regulated, and blocks like that in question cannot in the future attain the same proportions. For the rest, the lesson to be drawn from the fire seems to be that in these big buildings there should be an emergency exit provided for every floor, independent of the lift, and even of the main staircase. This plan really presents few architectural difficulties, and the confidence its adoption would inspire at the• moment of danger would be of incalculable value.
I suppose that comparatively few people, even amongst those who think they know their London, are acquainted with the headquarters occupied by auctioneers before they congregated as they have done for over 30 years at the Mart, at Tokenhouse-yard. In an old-fashioned handbook that I happened to take up the other day, it was stated that “ Garraway’s Coffee House,” as it was called, was the first recognised gathering place of the knights of the hammer. It was situate in Exchange, oi ’Change, alley, its founder being Thomas Gar-raway, or Garway, who claimed to be the first to sell tea (which he recommended “for the cure of all disorders”) at popular prices—16s. to 50s. a pound, instead of £6 or £10 a pound as theretofore. We are told that as a place ol “sale, exchange, auction and lottery,” Garraway’s was never excelled. It was, moreover, much celebrated for ■its sandwiches, sherry, pale ale, punch and “ cherry wine,” and was largely frequented by people of quality and wealthy ¡citizens. Garraway’s was burnt down by the fire which, in March, 1748, destroyed this and nearly 100 other houses in Cornhill, but it was rebuilt, and only finally closed in August, 1866. Long before that time, how-