THE RURAL PROBLEM 41 



which experts and casual visitors alike describe as almost 

 magical, which has taken place in the districts of Ireland 

 where the need was greatest, and where cottages have now 

 been supplied. Not only has the standard of life been swiftly 

 and surely raised, and acute poverty been superseded by 

 prosperity, but the character and independence of the popu- 

 lation affected has been developed and strengthened in a 

 truly remarkable degree. So far from pauperising the people 

 and keeping them in serfdom, as theorists predicted, they 

 have been put in a position to fight for themselves, and have 

 begun to do so. 



In view of this evidence it is clear that, in spite of any 

 economic prejudices, something resembling the Irish policy 

 must be adopted in England as well. A high minimum 

 wage, if it could be obtained, would be the best solution ; 

 and no policy oj subsidy should be adopted without the passing 

 oj a minimum wage law to prevent the subsidy being a mere 

 bounty from the National Exchequer to the employers of 

 sweated agricultural labour. But as practical people we must 

 advance along both lines at once ; and it may well transpire 

 that the one policy, so far from frustrating, will actually 

 play into the hands of the other. 



And as for theory, municipal cottages, if accompanied by 

 a minimum wage sufficient to enable a man to pay a rent 

 which will cover the bare cost, should afford a magnificent 



the R.D. Councils for the purposes of the Acts. The State aid takes 

 the form of a grant of 36 per cent, of the annual charge in respect of 

 cash loan to a Council ; and at the present moment a sum of £81,336 is 

 thus paid annually from the Exchequer to Irish R.D. Councils. The 

 rents charged for these cottages vary from 9d. to Is. (id. per week, and 

 to many an acre of land is attached. If we take the average for the 

 whole of Ireland, we find that the expense is borne in the following 

 proportions : Rents, 44-5 per cent. ; rates, 24 per cent. ; State contribu- 

 tions, 31*5 per cent. ; making a total of 100. 



The cost of the cottages varies from £120 to £200. 



The price per acre of land averages between £25 and £50, though it 

 sometimes amounts to £100 ; it works out about 25 per cent, above the 

 agricultural price. 



The average rent is Is. 3d., and varies from 9d. to Is. 6d. 



In some cases there have been grants from the local body to buy a 

 cow, provided the milk is kept in the village. 



It is remarkable that in County Cork, where an exceptional number 

 of cottages have been built, the wage has increased more than else- 

 where. 



