24 EPWORTH, ISLE OF AXHOLME 



There appear to be constantly small plots of 

 land in the market either for sale or for hire, 

 changes being solely due to deaths or to a man 

 leaving to go on a larger holding. 



As a rule the tenancies are yearly, with six 

 months' notice to quit. A holding of 10 to 

 20 acres is often held under several different small 

 proprietors. 



Wages of the District. 



The average wage (exclusive of rent) for a man 

 in regular employment is 15s. a week for nine 

 months ; 5s. a day for the first fortnight of harvest ; 

 4s. a day for the second fortnight of harvest. The 

 total average with piece-work is put at 18s. a week. 

 Up to 6s. a day can be earned potato-lifting at 

 18s. an acre. 



Ownership versus Tenancy. 



In this district the preference for ownership 

 as opposed to tenancy is unqualified. But, where- 

 as it is the one thing to be aimed at finally, there 

 is a universal opinion that it is necessary for a 

 man to begin by renting, and save to buy. As 

 there are always equal facilities for any man in 

 course of time either to rent or buy small plots of 

 land, things adjust themselves in a natural manner 

 on this point. 



Increased Prosperity. 



Many of the freeholders admit they are mort- 

 gaged and paying as much interest as the rent 



