CONCLUSION 291 



that any other method will bring ultimate loss. Our 

 farming community, on the whole very intelligent, should 

 have no difficulty in adapting itself to new conditions 

 in the light of the convincing evidence. Too much stress 

 cannot be laid upon the necessity for intensive culture 

 and a skilful crop rotation system, the importance and 

 beneficial effects of which have been proved beyond 

 doubt.* 



The solution of the labour problem presents greater 

 difficulties. The real hope for improvement lies in the 

 fostering of greater sympathy between farmers and 

 labourers, in a better understanding of the whole labour 

 problem by farmers in general, and in a new conception 

 of the duties and responsibilities of a farm labourer on 

 the part of our workers, and our whole democracy. The 

 attainment of these much desired objects lies along many 

 and devious paths. Farm labour must be classed as 

 highly skilled, with a necessary probationary period. 

 But many workers expect to receive full wages in 

 return for untrained service, and the incompetence and 

 irresponsibility of this section of labour has caused the 

 farmer much annoyance, and contributed largely to 

 determine his general attitude to labour problems. On 

 the other hand the betterment of social life, together 

 with improved working conditions for rural labourers, 

 especially married men, would more than repay farmers 

 the necessary outlay. The progress of rural education, 

 notably agricultural, would go far towards attracting 

 more people to the country, while the abolition of an 

 unwise protective policy would retard the present rate 

 of rural exodus. Lastly, and most important of all, the 

 adoption of a more liberal system of general education 

 would broaden the outlook of all classes and foster a 

 true appreciation of individual worth. In particular 

 for this purpose attention should be paid to the 



*See Chapter m. and Chapter VIIX, 



