Circular letter from [Thomas] B. Whitson, Outlook Tower, relating to an appeal for funds for a Patrick Geddes memorial.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantDiscusses his resignation as Director of the Town and Gown Association. Hopes Patrick Geddes will recover from his illness while staying in the South of France.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantWith reference to dispute between the directors of the Town and Gown Association. Mentions that he takes issue with Geddes referring to his letters as "suave" and asks him to no longer do it.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantExplains how to acquire the patronage of the Lord Provost and Town Council of Edinburgh for unspecified purpose. Typescript.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantSuggests Miss Ritchie should start preparations for the British Association’s visit to Edinburgh in September 1921. Attaches a newspaper cutting [extant] relating to preparations for the British Association’s visit.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantBusiness. Mentions John Ross's loss.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantInforms Miss Ritchie that Professor Answorth, one of the Secretaries of the British Association Meeting, has advised he would suggest the Outlook Tower to the committee in charge of local arrangements.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantAcknowledges receipt of Patrick Geddes’ two letters, one from Bombay and the other from P.& O. ship and dated 25 April. Informs Geddes that Ramsay Lodge had been taken as a school for young officers, bringing in a constant monthly income. Discusses the University Halls accounts and is overall more hopeful regarding the financial situation of the Town and Gown Association.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantInforms Patrick Geddes of the serious financial difficulties the Town and Gown University Halls are facing due to the war and recommends the liquidation of the Association. Thoughts on the war, economy, education and political situation. Mentions Miss Smith of St. Giles University Hall, Lord Pentland, and Haldane.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantThe establishment of Zoological Gardens at Corstorphine. Mention of Mr. Mears; Dr. Chalmers Mitchell, Lord Salvesen; Cossar Ewart; the Edinburgh Nurserymen, [ ] Downie and [ ] Laird; the Ladies School of Gardening; the Munich Zoo. Geddes may be requested to write a report on the feasibility of the project.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantDiscusses Dowell’s report on the property market for 1911, taxation and the Government’s Town Planning Bill.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantExpresses his appreciation for the ‘Masque of Learning’, mentions its educational value and great public and financial success. Thanks Patrick Geddes, Anna Geddes and the members of the Outlook Tower who organised it. Informs Geddes that many former residents of the University Hall have sent letters of appreciation to be read at the Hall Dinner.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantAsks for Patrick Geddes’ views on moving forward at the next Meeting of the Town and Gown Association. Discusses his reconstruction proposal for the Association and compares it to the one of his colleague, Mr. Methuen. Mentions Dowell’s report on the property market for 1911 and the current property prices in Edinburgh.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantAcknoeledges receipt of Patrick Geddes' letter. Agrees with Geddes’ suggestion to extend the University Halls and purchase new property. Suggests acquiring property in other parts of the city in order to attract more diverse tenants, such as lawyers, accountants, architects and advocates.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountantAcknowledges receipt of Jas. F. Macdonald’s letter of 29 January. Regrets the Town and Gown Association is not in a position to offer the named commission for finding a loan over More’s Garden.
Whitson, Thomas Barnby, 1869-1948, chartered accountant