"IN ORDER TO ASSIST THEM" 345 



means. There is, therefore, every prospect that the scheme 

 will be of material assistance, not only to producers, but 

 also to the consumer. 



A form of application is appended to this communica- 

 tion, and it is requested that anyone who has produce 

 available for disposal under the system indicated will fill 

 in the necessary particulars, and send the form to the 

 Station Master at the nearest London and South Western 

 Station. 



The issue of these two pamphlets would 

 seem to suggest that the company had fallen 

 back on the alternative of encouraging the 

 " individualist " system, pending the develop- 

 ment of combination ; but they are still hoping 

 to see such combination brought about, for in 

 the pamphlet which gives details as to rates they 

 say, under the head of " Goods Trains Arrange- 

 ments : " — 



A special feature of the rates is the relatively lower 

 charge made for consignments of 1 ton and upwards, and 

 it is hoped that senders, by combining together to send 

 the largest possible quantities, will secure for themselves 

 the advantage of these exceptional rates. 



Here, on the face of it, is clear evidence of 

 a willingness to "help the farmer"; but to en- 

 force conviction one needs to see what arc the 

 rates actually charged. Taking those for the 

 conveyance of agricultural produce by passenger 

 train, I find that a hamper weighing 24 lbs., and 



