218 ENGLISH AGRICULTURAL LABOURER. 



which farmed nearly 2,000 acres at Stoke Bardolph and 

 Bulcote, decided to advance all labourers' wages to 195. 

 and wagoners' to 22s., with free cottage and garden for 

 both classes. The Earl of Kimberley raised his men is. 

 a week in Norfolk, and so did Sir Ailwyn Fellowes on his 

 estate at Honningham. The tenants on the Earl of Leices- 

 ter's Holkham estate in Norfolk also agreed to give their 

 farm labourers a rise of is. a week, which made their wages 



I5s. 



But on estates outside those owned by these excellent 

 landowners, wages were still 145., and even 133., and the 

 men made a demand for i6s. and a weekly half-holiday. 

 These demands were voiced all over the county. 



Trade Unionism now took root within the gates of 

 Sandringham. 1 The demand for a half-holiday became 

 insistent, and wishing to avoid any friction, the King's agent, 

 Captain Beck, agreed to grant an interview to Mr. R. B. 

 Walker, general secretary of the N.A.L.U. It was then 

 Mr. Walker had the surprise of his life. Accompanied by an 

 organiser he took the train to Hillington station, and when 

 he arrived he proceeded to get his bicycle out of the guard's 

 van. The station-master, however, quickly informed him 

 that his bicycle was not needed for the journey to Sandring- 

 ham since his Majesty had sent a carriage and pair to 

 convey the two agitators to Mr. Beck ! 



Wondering if some Royalist plot lay hidden behind this 

 gracious act, Mr. Walker, with some trepidation, stepped into 

 the carriage, assisted by one of the King's footmen. Arriving 

 at the inn where the meeting was to take place with Captain 

 Beck, 2 the two agitators found a resplendent lunch spread 

 for them. 



The interview with Captain Beck resulted in all men work- 

 ing on the King's own farm receiving i6s. a week and a 

 weekly half-holiday. Further, Captain Beck agreed to 

 recommend to the King's tenants that cottagers should hold 

 their houses on a six months' tenancy. 



1 I understand all the King's men are now trade unionists. 

 1 Capt. Beck's tragic disappearance in the wood in Gallipoli will be 

 remembered by most readers. 



