The Clarkson Memorial leading by example.

The Clarkson Memorial in Wisbech was erected in 1880 to celebrate Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) who campaigned against the slave trade. However, it should be considered that the area was suffering something of a recession/depression especially in agriculture at the time it was erected and prompted this comment from Spalding press:

Town Councils and other governing bodies of towns, speaking generally, are by means over-burdened with a taste for the ornamental or picturesque. Just now, the authorities at Wisbech are engaged in an unseemly squabble, not being able to bring their august minds to grant a fitting site for the Clarkson memorial, and are thereby daily jeopardising their chance of securing what is admitted will be one of the finest pieces of monumental architecture in the kingdom. Of course one or two of the Wisbech citizens can see a hundred and fifty objections to the site proposed by the Memorial committee, and of course it would be too open hearted and generous to grant the concession at once, and without the display of the normal amount of Council-chamber wisdom and small talk. We had thought oar Spalding Commissioners could certainly come to the standard of any Hoard in this respect, but, to give them their due, they are improving, and especially must it be admitted when we find they are lending a by no-means unwilling ear to a project lor beautifying the various approaches to the town. This at any rate is a favourable contrast judged from the Wisbech standpoint. Our readers are aware that at the last sitting of the Improvement Commissioners a suggestion was made that trees should be planted on the Pinohbeok-road, and the gentleman making the suggestion not only offered practical advice as to their planting, but signified his willingness to contribute £5 to the object mooted, and plant his own frontage. Strange to say—and we congratulate the Commissioners on their then temper—the suggestion was not only looked upon with favour, but the whole subject was at once referred to committee for due consideration, and let us hope with an ultimate chance of the trees being planted. But let our readers mark the force of good example, for no sooner do the Spalding Commissioners regard the picturesque than the Boston people at once find that they are sadly behind in this respect, and are urging that if we go in for ornament, surely they ought to be up and doing in the same direction. Under these circumstances is there not room to hope for Town Councils in general ? Any rate we commend this new leaf upon which the Spalding Board have commenced to the thoughtful consideration of their brethren at Wisbech.