CONCLUSION. I97 



Many communications from members conveyed to me the 

 general sense of regret that these gatherings had ceased. I 

 quote a few sentences : 



" It was a unique opportunity for men and women of all 

 classes interested in the land to meet and confer on common 

 ground, and did much to promote a good understanding 

 between them." 



" It would be a great pity if the Agricultural Club came 

 to an end, for I know of no other where all representatives 

 of Agriculture can meet on such equal terms and under such 

 happy circumstances. Every one felt they could say exactly 

 what they pleased and be sure of a patient and sympathetic 

 hearing." 



" It appears impossible to carry on the Club ; I am sorry 

 for this, but it is like some other things : I suppose we must 

 put up with it." 



" I should like to see the Club continued in some form ; 

 it certainly helped to bring both sides into close touch." 



" Surely it is a pity to let so good an opportunity of getting 

 all sides and all sorts of opinions ventilated to die." 



" The chief value of the Club meetings, in my opinion, 

 lay in the opportunity for joint discussion between farm 

 workers and farm owners." 



" I deeply regret that such a useful body has, perforce, to 

 come to an end." 



" In common with all its members I shall be sorry for its 

 disappearance." 



Whether in other days and under other conditions a 

 similar institution may reappear it is unnecessary to 

 speculate. That the Agriculture Club justified its existence 

 and served its purpose may fairly be claimed. Perhaps 

 one never can tell its usefulness might have waned, and 

 it may be that it would have lagged superfluous on the 

 scene than which there is no more ignominious fate. No 

 signs of diminished vitality, however, had appeared, and its 

 end came while its activities were unimpaired. 



