English Agricultural Labourers.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4771, 11 October 1893, Page 1

English Agricultural Labourers.

Two reports on the condition of the agricultural labourer have -been issued in connection with the investigations of the Labour Commission. One of them is by Mr E. Wilkinson (an Assistant Commissioner) upon certain seleat9d districts in the counties of Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire (North, East and West Biding). On the question of the general condition of the agricultural labourer, Mr Wilkinson says he cannot doubt that in all -these districts it is comparatively better than it was a few years ago, and positively satisfactory in the majority of cases. He, however, supplements this by the remark that since last autumn a general drop, in Borne cases a severe one, haß, he believes, taken place ; and this, unless very temporary, will of course, alter the complexion of affairs considerably. He adds to his general statement that a man with a family too young to earn anything is still hard pressed if he has no money put by. The single boarded servants may save money fast. The other report is by Mr William E. Bear, also an assistant commissioner, and deals with certain districts in the Counties of Beds, Hanta, Hunts, Leicester, Notts and Sussex. He says that one verdict prevails in all the districts alike, with the .possible exception of Woburn, where the ruin of the straw plaiting industry is a aora pomt — namely, that, taking all things into consideration, the agricultural labourers were never so well off as they have been during the last few years, in spite of the depression. He is far from saying that the condition of the labourer^ and especially that of the day labourer is satisfactory ; for men who average 153 a week or less, as many do, must have a hard struggle when they have to maintain a number of children, none of whom are earning. But if evidence be worth anything Buch dire distress as is common in large towns i 3 almost unknown in the rural districts which he has visited, and what exists is almost invariably caused by drunkenness, as those who are unfortunate from no fault of their own find kind ■helpers. The Jack of rational and,wholesome recreation is one of the chief defectE or villiage life, and is a want that might, in Mr Sear's opinion, be easily met bj means of a little kindly organisation, but without the grandmotherly control which too often renders such attempts unpopular, Again in many places greater consideration in the supply and rent 3of allotment: is urgently called for, and would be highlj appreciated. As for the question of an advance of wages, it ia useless t:> discu?s it under, the existing conditions ,0? agriculture, but 'there is no doubt that whenevei a revival of prosperity occurs, whether in our time or in that of a future generation, the agricultural labourers will be able U •command their full ahare in its adraiv •tagea.