VILLAGE POLITICS 119 



and there the experience afforded by the work 

 of these Councils particularly that connected 

 with the supply of allotments has added 

 interest to the life of the village and con- 

 tributed to self-reliance and self-respect. 

 But their powers are too insignificant to draw 

 out real talent, to make it an object of ambition 

 to become a member, or to invest the elections 

 with the necessary atmosphere of popular 

 interest and enthusiasm. 



