CHEAPER BUILDING 65 



than in England these rents entail a heavy 

 charge on the rates, averaging 5d. in the 

 pound. The example of Ireland is stimula- 

 ting, but it is possible to improve upon it. 

 There is nothing new in the principle, which 

 has been in operation since 1846. Under the 

 Land Improvement Acts, £1,392,178 has 

 been advanced for building cottages, and 

 £5,562,276 for farm buildings. 



In fine, the problem is to provide the 

 housing needed in the most economical way, 

 and no means should be ruled out on the 

 ground of prejudice. Among the possibilities 

 to be kept in view is the application of new 

 methods of building suggested by science and 

 invention. An instance may be mentioned in 

 the method devised and practised with suc- 

 cess by the Rev. J. M. Milner, of Padstow, in 

 Cornwall. He is a scientific man, and by the 

 application of scientific principles he has hit 

 upon a system which saves not less than 25 

 per cent, of the cost, satisfies the local author- 

 ity, and pleases the tenant. The possibilities 

 of invention are inexhaustible and they have 

 not infrequently changed the whole situation. 



