LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE AGRARIAN PROBLEM IN IRELAND.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR "1
Sta,—As there is a curious discrepancy in the published state- ments as to the number of holdings in Ireland—some stating them at 660,000, and others at 570,000—I think it may be well to trouble you with a copy of the authorised Returns of Hold- ings in Ireland for 1881, from which I take my figures. I believe the cause for this discrepancy arises in part from over- looking the fact that in many districts of the West the land is held "in Co.," as it is called,—i.e., that whilst one tenant's name may be entered on the Rate-book for the holding, it may belong to or he divided among five, ten, or even twenty tenants. But although the total number of holdings may differ, the pro- portion at or under £10 remains the same, and therefore the argument equally remains that nearly one-half of the tenants are attempting the impossible.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
