222 PROBLEMS OF VILLAGE LIFE 



do not end with the close of office hours, for 

 they frequently, after a hasty meal, hurry 

 away on their bicycles to a village green in 

 some remote parish. Not even Sunday is 

 free, for camp meetings at 2.30 and 6 are held 

 regularly on that day in the summer months. 

 The Union of 1872 was inspired by that 

 religious spirit which has through the centuries 

 formed a feature of every attempt on the part 

 of our English peasants to secure redress for 

 their ills. On the other hand, the revived 

 Union has learned from the story of Joseph 

 Arch's success and failure the need for caution 

 and financial solvency. 



The general objects of this rural Union, far 

 too little known to the public, have been 

 summarized as follows : 



1. To improve the social and moral condi- 

 tions of its members. 



2. To establish a central fund for the pur- 

 pose of securing proper representation in 

 the Imperial Parliament and on all local 

 authorities and a better distribution of land, 

 by assisting to provide allotments, small 

 holdings, improved housing accommodation 

 and better conditions of living. 



3. To secure proper legal advice when 

 necessary and to shield members from in- 

 justice. 



