2^0 Agriculture during Two Great Wars. [june, 



substantially raised ; after the advent of peace they rapidly 

 reverted towards their former cash leve), with Uttle or no 

 increase in their purchasing power. It was a period when the 

 whole rural community suffered together. But by far the 

 worst sufferers were the labourers. During the German war, 

 also, wages were substantially increased, and since the Armistice 

 they have been further raised and the hours shortened. Nothing 

 indicates more clearly the changed spirit of the times than the 

 universal feeling that, as a result of the recent war, the position 

 of agricultural labourers in this country must be materially 

 improved, and not, as in l8i6, materially worsened. If higher 

 wages and shorter hours mean greater efficiency, the industry 

 will prosper ; if they do not, the industry cannot thrive, or 

 even exist, except under conditions which restrict employment. 

 It rests with the men — and their leaders. Unless, as has been 

 already said, a new earth is created, there can be no new heaven 

 to inherit. 



