26 



Changes in WORCESTER. It is thought that the changes indicated in 

 Agricultural 1901 continue, though, probably, in a less degree. 

 Population. 



GLOUCESTER. The decline in labourers is thought to be con- 

 tinuing to a slight extent. The increase of farmers indicated 

 in 1901 may now be less marked, as there is a tendency to 

 amalgamate holdings with a view to saving expense. 



WILTSHIRE. While in some .cases the contrary opinion is 

 expressed, it is generally believed 'that the decline in population 

 has not continued since 1901. Mr. Squarey writes: " I am led 

 to believe that the exodus of the farm labourer has very 

 largely been arrested. This is due, no doubt, to an increase of 

 wages, particularly those of young men from 15 up to about 

 22, and to easier conditions of service generally." 



MONMOUTII. The decline in population is believed to be still 

 continuing, though, perhaps, in a less degree, as local industrial 

 occupations coal, iron and tin works have been somewhat 

 depressed during the last four or five years. 



HEREFORD. Mr. Wootton thinks the decrease has continued 

 to a greater extent since 1901. Mr. Turner, however, con- 

 siders that labour is now a little more plentiful, and Mr. Biley 

 also thinks that the bottom of the decline has been reached. 



(b.) Counties of Somerset, Dorset, Derou and Cornwall. 



SOMERSET. It is thought that the changes indicated in 1901 

 may have received a check. Mr. Parsons says : "In this 

 district there is a better supply of labourers than there has 

 been for several years, but they are not of such good quality." 



DORSET. The general opinion is that little or no change has 

 taken place since 1901. 



DEVON. The decline is believed to be still continuing. 

 Mr. Norman remarks, however, that the complaint of scarcity 

 of labour was very much greater two or three years ago than 

 it is at present. Mr. Gag says : " I see no real check to the 

 decline in the population." 



CORNWALL. In three cases the reply is that the decline has 

 continued since 1901, but in the Wadebridge and Launceston 

 districts the contrary opinion is expressed. 



DIVISION IV. 



(a.) Counties of Northumberland, Durham, York (North Ridiny) 

 and York (West Riding). 



NORTHUMBERLAND. The general opinion expressed is that 

 the changes indicated have continued since 1901, though not 

 to the same extent. 



