296 'PRIVATE ENTERPRISE' 



on the land in the shape of ingoing to satisfy the rent. I have 

 specially noticed that the men pay their rent and get on much 

 better in localities where there are no expensive amusements or 

 public-houses, and for this reason houses built upon the land, away 

 from temptation, have an advantage. 



With regard to the thousands of acres of land now under culti- 

 vation in the district as small holdings, originally, with but little 

 exception, the whole was let and cultivated as farms at rentals 

 varying from a few shillings up to 305. per acre, and a great propor- 

 tion very indifferently cultivated. The same land is now let in 

 small holdings at rents varying from 255. to 10 per acre, and 

 cultivated in a most satisfactory manner. The demand for suitable 

 land is continually increasing. As the older tenants bring their 

 holdings under a permanent crop, they require more land for 

 growing crops in the open. The younger generation also require 

 land, and there has, in addition to this, been a steady influx of 

 gentlemen's sons, retired tradesmen, and townspeople, who have 

 been attracted by the healthy and remunerative occupation. As 

 an instance of the demand for more small holdings, I had about 

 40 acres of farm land to let out last Michaelmas, three miles from 

 Evesham, lying in a low position, and only suitable for open culti- 

 vation. A few years ago this land had been let at 75, 6d. per acre 

 for farming purposes. I have now let it to good tenants, on a 

 rising rent, commencing at 255. per acre for the first year, 305. for 

 the five successive years, and finally 2 per acre. In addition to 

 this, I had to refuse quite a dozen applicants for the same land. 

 At Michaelmas next I have 70 acres of land adjoining that 

 previously mentioned to .let on the same terms, together with six 

 cottages, and already have applications for the whole. This will 

 show you what a demand there is for suitable holdings in the 

 district.* 



One of the greatest drawbacks is the shortage of cheap-rented 

 cottages. If cottages could be built on or near the land, containing 

 a good kitchen and scullery, some with two, and others with three, 

 bedrooms, to be let at a rental of about ^8 to 10 per annum, I am 

 confident that hundreds would; be taken up immediately they were 

 built. Almost every village within a radius of five miles of Evesham 

 is short of cottages, and I am continually being asked for them. 

 At the present moment I am not aware of one that is vacant. In 

 many cases the cottages are occupied by two families owing to this 

 shortage. If only such a cottage as I have described can be 

 built, the small holding industry will increase by leaps and 

 bounds. 



I could say a great deal more on the subject of small holdings, 



* It is estimated that the present acreage under small holdings 

 of from i to 10 acres in the Vale of Evesham is 20,000, and that 

 the number of cultivators is 3,000 or more. 



