94 LAND SETTLEMENT & EDUCATION 



The chief point, however, to remember, is that 

 whether the tenure be ownership or tenancy, neither 

 can be quite successful as far as small holdings are 

 concerned unless there is access to capital. Access 

 to capital granted from the very outset is the key 

 to success. 



Having made these criticisms, let me say that 

 the Committee have devised a scheme which is 

 eminently workable if the Government choose to 

 work it. They must realise that this is a task of the 

 greatest national importance. I notice the Com- 

 mittee's suggestion that the Board of Agriculture 

 should be the chief administrative authority for the 

 work, but constituted as at present I am afraid that 

 the Board of Agriculture is not capable of carrying 

 out a great scheme o^ land settlement. The personnel 

 of the Board should be greatly strengthened, or, 

 preferably, a Land Settlement Sub-Department 

 created, which should include all those who have 

 made a special study of the subject and have had 

 actual experience in land settlement. 



The land must be made to play its full part in 

 giving employment to men if we are to avoid 

 congested labour markets ; and we must develop 

 its full potential of productive power if we are to 

 recuperate quickly from the effects of this war. 

 These are two points of transcending importance 

 upon which the whole country must concentrate 

 its attention — and particularly the working men in 

 our towns. 



