130 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 



of their own interests and have deceived themselves 

 into thinking that their own well-being was identical 

 with the general good. But the countryman has always 

 had a case when he has fought against the neglect of 

 agriculture during the last sixty years or so, and his 

 main thesis has been true that a country is weakened by 

 allowing its rural population to decay and by becoming 

 parasitic upon other countries for food. The extent and 

 dangers of this weakening is only now being revealed 

 to us by war. Nevertheless, there is no reason to 

 suppose that the reforms I have suggested would be 

 desired by or would be even particularly acceptable to 

 the agricultural community — to the existing farmers and 

 landowners, at any rate. There are other reforms they 

 would ask in preference, other changes more to their 

 personal interest. Indeed on the whole the present- 

 day farmer would rather be let alone ; he is making 

 a living and is often doing very well as things are ; 

 the best he would ask of Government is not to inter- 

 fere with him nor disturb the conditions to which 

 he has adjusted his business. Nevertheless, if land- 

 owners and farmers see that the State is in earnest to 

 effect a reform in agriculture, if the nation is ready to 

 make some sacrifice in order to develop the resources 

 of the land and to make it play its part in national 

 economy and national safety, they may be counted 

 upon to respond. The war has at least heightened the 

 sense of national service ; we all know that a great 

 effort at reconstruction is before us, and the agricul- 

 tural portion of the community, no less than any other, 

 is prepared to subordinate its immediate interests if it 

 is called upon to share in the rebuilding of a well-knit 

 fabric of the nation. 



