SMALL AND LARGE HOLDINGS 129 



THE INDUSTRIAL FARM 



Much has been heard of the advantages to be gained 

 from the really large industrial farm of 5000 acres, or 

 even up to 10,000 ; there is certainly room for this type 

 of farm ; in fact it could play a very important part, 

 particularly in improving the cultivation of poor, heavy 

 land. 



I am in no way opposed to this development, but there 

 are many difficulties in the way of achieving it ; difficulties 

 which I have experienced personally, for I have been 

 connected with such an enterprise. 



First, a ver^' large amount of capital is necessary — 

 /] 1 00,000 working capital for a 5000-acre farm is about 

 the lowest figure at which it can be put, and at least 

 another ;(^ioo,ooo if the land is bought and not rented ; 

 and it is by no means easy to get capital for agricultural 

 enterprise in England, though if the venture were in 

 Patagonia it would probably prove attractive ! 



Secondly, it is by no means easy to find the right 

 manager, and success or failure will depend upon the 

 manager. 



Thirdly, a large labour staff will be necessary ; and 

 at present, and probably for some time to come, the 

 handling of large groups of labourers presents special 

 difficulties. 



Fourthly, even if well paid, the relations of the labourer 

 to the employing company, or syndicate, arc not as 

 healthy as those which exist where there is a resident 

 farmer. And, from the social point of view, the labourer 

 would be more \aluable to the community as a small- 

 holder than as a member of a large staff. 



Fifthly, the overhead charges are high, especially if 

 tiic directors have to be paid ; these charges might well 



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