i86 LAND REFORM 



legislation up to the present time, though good as far 

 as it goes, is altogether insufficient to secure the 

 desirable objects of arresting the decline of the rural 

 population and of restoring the people to the land. 

 The Purchase of Land Bill under consideration is a 

 measure of far wider scope. In the following pages 

 further arguments will be brouo^ht forward in its 

 support, and further evidence to show its pressing 

 importance and practical character.^ 



^ Sir Henry Fowler's Act referred to above is 56 & 57 Vict. c. 73 — 

 "An Act to make further provisions for the Local Government of 

 England and Wales" (5 March, 1894). 



Up to 31 March, 1902, only 270 acres of land had been acquired under 

 sec. 10, which deals with the compulsory hiring of land. Sec. 9, which 

 relates to the compulsory purchase of land, had not been used at all. 



