8 INTRODUCTION 



disinterested advocates of a system destined 

 to become a power in the land — took a 

 prominent part. 



In 1902 the writer again paid a visit to 

 Cheshire, on the invitation of the Right Hon. 

 James Tomkinson, M.P., of Wilhngton Hall, 

 an enthusiastic supporter of the system. 

 Subsequently visiting various portions of 

 Lord Carrington's property in Lincolnshire, 

 the colony at Swaffham, and the fruit- 

 growers in Hampshire, he was fortunate in 

 making the acquaintance of Sir Robert 

 Edgcumb, who had founded a colony of small 

 holders near Dorchester, and Major Poore, 

 who had succeeded in accomplishing similar 

 work for the benefit of others at Winter- 

 slow. Both gentlemen afforded valuable in- 

 formation which materially assisted the writer 

 in founding the Small Holdings Association, 

 of which Mr Tomkinson became chairman, 

 and, subsequently, the Newdigate Colony. 

 The latter is now divided into from thirty- 

 five to forty holdings, the large majority of 

 which are equipped with handsome homes. 



