SMALL HOLDINGS. 345 



of course be reversed in comparison with the German 

 practice ; but the underlying idea would be the same. 



That detail, however, we may now place out of account. 

 But it may be well to point out what are the main governing 

 points in the Prussian scheme, which have contributed so 

 much to its success. It will be for us then to consider to 

 what extent we may do well to borrow from them. 



The first is, that the allotting or partitioning authority 

 is nominated for this one special purpose, with 710 other 

 duties assigned to it, therefore absolutely no other considera- 

 tions to interfere with its work. The Prussian " Commis- 

 sions " are independent of ministerial Departments and, 

 although they are directed to consult local authorities, 

 they are not in any way bound by their advice or objections. 

 Their one task is to see that small holdings suitably laid out 

 and fitted out are provided for the settlers, whose interest, 

 coinciding with that of the Nation, is their supreme care. 

 They are thus placed in a very different position from our 

 County Councils, which have plenty of other things to 

 occupy their thoughts, such as are often enough allowed 

 to take precedence of Small Holdings ; also from officers 

 of the Board of Agriculture, which is a political Depart- 

 ment, and whose chief might be challenged in Parliament 

 on party grounds for any exercise of his discretion. In 

 the matter of adjusting terms of credit to distinct cases, 

 however, a pretty wide latitude of discretion is indispensable. 

 It does not follow that because " Smith " is allowed Govern- 

 ment help, or Government credit beyond — in some cases 

 considerably beyond — the settled limit, therefore "Brown" 

 must in fairness be held entitled to the same consideration. 

 But when a case comes to be challenged in Parliament, to 

 the challenger " Brown"^" is as good a man as " Smith." 

 The object pursued in Prussia is to make things as easy and 

 convenient as possible — coming down almost to the Maulden 

 level of "no money at all " — to incoming settlers found 

 deserving of such confidence. But Tom is in this respect 

 not necessarily equal to Harry. 



Next, there is' the very important point of the selection 

 of settlers, which among ourselves — except by Mr. Prothero 



