THE REAL RIGHTS OF PROPERTY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1142, 6 May 1885, Page 3

THE REAL RIGHTS OF PROPERTY.

Lord Tollemache is a Tory among Tories, the vigorous upholder of Church and State and every Conservative watch word. This model landlord holds sway over some 26,000 acres or more in the County of Cheshire, and from his lordly castle can overlook an estate of more than 50 farms of 100 acres each, 40 more between 100 and 150 acres each, and 270 cottages each with three acres of land attached, let to farm laborers and cottagers. Not one of these farms or tenements ever goes begging a tenant, for the leases run for 21 years, and though a tenant may quit by giving twelve months' notice, the lord himself has not the power to oust the occupier, who is compensated for all improvements when he leaves, and, moreover has free license to kill hares and rabbits on his land; indeed, so little game is preserved that only the gamekeeper is kept, who scarcely knows how to firo a gun. It is, however, as regards the laborers on his estate that his lordship shows up so well. Ever since he came into the property his constant endeavor is to ameliorate their condition. Though now eighty years of age he personally visits them and asks their advice as to any contemplated improvements, besides maintaining a lively personal interest in their welfare. Neat substantial brick cottages stand in three acres of ground, the conditions of occupancy being that each man must work, if he can, on the farm to which the cottage is attached, thereby saving him a long dragging walk to and from his work. He must also keep a cow, the produce of which finds ready sale in the district. One acre of land is allotted to hay, a quarter to tillage, and the remainder for pasture. These facilities permit of a rental of £10 or £11 a year, which is easily and readily paid, and to provide against loss, a cow club, to which all contribute, is maintained amongst the tenants to guard against possible loss of animals. There is enough land to maintain a heifer, and many cottagers bring one up, to their great advantage. If every landlord in England and elsewhere would conduct his estate on principled like this there would be less misery and less outcry about the depression in agricultural circles, and the unfortunate tendency which leads men to congregate in vast masses in our great cities would be counteracted. Scarcely a man cares to emigrate or migrate from Lord Tollemache's land, and whenever he is ill-advised enough to do so, he is only too glad to find his way back again from the reeking city to the pure air and living of the country side. Close to the mansions are masses of bilberry bushes, the fruit of which is given to the women and children of the estate, who assemble to pluck them for sale to the hucksters, who await business in the high road below. — London " Daily News."