1920.] 



Land Settlement in Denmark. 



1061 



LAND SETTLEMENT IN DENMARK.* 



J. G. Stewart, M.A., B.Sc, 



Superintending Inspector, Intelligence Department, Ministry of 

 Agriculture and Fisheries. 



In so far as it is possible to judge in the course of a short 

 visit, Denmark would appear to have satisfactorily solved the 

 problem of setthng people on the land. 



As regards women in agriculture, Denmark, so far, cannot be 

 said to offer any special object lessons. Women naturally find 

 employment upon the land, but chiefly in side lines, gardening, 

 poultry keeping, etc. ; we saw no instances of women actually 

 farming on their own account. Still, conditions such as prevail 

 in Denmark seem particularly favourable for independent 

 agricultural enterprise on the part of women. 



Denmark is, pre-eminently, a country of small farmers. 

 The question, therefore, as to how success has been achieved 

 with small farms or holdings in that country is of prime 

 importance to us at the present time. 



In an,y scheme of land settlement, whether in this country 

 or elsewhere, it is generally agreed that provision must be made 

 to secure, on the one hand, that all persons placed on holdings 

 shall have adequate capital (through loan facilities or other- 

 wise), practical experience, and a sound general education; and, 

 on the other hand, that the holdings shall be such as in size, 

 character of soil, situation with regard to markets and facilities 

 for co-operation, will ensure a good prospect of a comfortable 

 living. 



How are these conditions fulfilled in Denmark ? 



I. Capital. — According to the law of 1909, landed property 

 may be purchased to the value of 6,500 kroner (£360) or, 

 where the local values of land are exceptionally high, up to 

 8,000 kroner (£450), in respect of which the State will advance 

 a loan in cash to the extent of nine-tenths of the value of the 

 property. 



A yearly interest of 3 per cent, is paid on the State loan, which 

 is secured upon the, property with its buildings, live and dead 

 stock, etc. For the first five years the loan is free from part 

 payments : after that period the loan has to be repaid in 

 yearly instalments, including interest on the loan. The total 

 loan will be Uquidated in 98 years. 



♦ This report was prepared by Mr. Stewart as a result of a visit to Denmark 

 in 1 91 9, with a delegation of women, who desired to study Danish conditions 

 in relation to women's work on the land at first hand. 



