334 DO THE RAILWAYS HELP THE FARMERS? 



This list of rates is deserving of study because 

 it will enable unprejudiced persons to judge for 

 themselves whether or not there is really any 

 foundation for the allegation that British agri- 

 culture is being crippled by extortionate charges 

 on the part of the railway companies. 



It was further announced that the company 

 were "prepared to arrange special rates for regular 

 consignments of agricultural, farm, and dairy pro- 

 duce sent in large quantities by goods or passenger 

 train," and information was given as to where 

 application for these special rates should be 

 made. 



The mere issue of these posters and handbills 

 would have been sufficient had the company 

 desired simply to convince the world in general 

 that they were desirous of" helping the farmers." 

 But the absolute sincerity of such desire was 

 shown by their taking action along lines of which 

 the world in general was not likely to hear at all 

 without some such occasion as that which now 

 presents itself for making the fact known. 



The following memorandum, dated April 29th, 

 1896, and addressed "To Goods Agents and 

 others concerned," was sent out by the Chief 

 Goods Manager : — 



Referring to the instructions you have already received 

 with reference to the endeavours that are being; made to 



