1905.] The Northern Allotment Society. 209 



The Society has, of course, enjoyed no compulsory powers 

 under which its members could select ideal estates, but has 

 made the best of the exigencies of the landlords upon a generaljy 

 hard market. It has, however, provided allotments and small 

 holdings upon more advantageous terms than were hitherto 

 possible in the district, promoted a considerable exodus of 

 solvent families from the town to the country, expended a very- 

 substantial sum upon house-building, road-making, tree-planting, 

 and other estate work, created thriving villages, having in their 

 train new churches, chapels, schools, and public institutions,, 

 extensions of gas and water supplies ; increased rateable values ; 

 provided a market on the spot for country produce, and a more 

 active demand for country labour, and has provided for its 

 members and others concerned opportunities for improving 

 their position in life which otherwise were not open to them. 



In this connection it should be added that in several cases- 

 systems of sewage disposal have been entailed upon the districts 

 affected, in spite of a preference on the part of various pro- 

 prietors concerned for a more primitive treatment of domestic 

 refuse. 



Reports upon the Society's work have appeared from time to- 

 time in various newspapers, and have led to enquiries from 

 correspondents throughout the country, from which it is evident 

 that the interest in the subject is widespread, and might, with 

 public advantage, be turned into practical channels. 



Although dealing with a problem which has engaged the 

 attention of politicians of every hue, the Society has no political 

 colour nor connection with any political organisation. 



Its members hold diverse views upon political issues, and 

 do not as a body attempt to influence the course of legisla- 

 tion. They leave this work to the politician, and in the 

 meantime make the best adaptation they can out of the 

 existing situation. 



Joseph W. Wakinshaw. 



