19 MARCH 1932, Page 14

A number of instances have come before me lately where

building land for cottages was unprocurable in parishes where land was almost valueless. The faintest suggestion, even from the poorest, that he wants to build, mysteriously and at once doubles, trebles, quadruples the supposed value of the site. Even the very poor in these days are often ready to build their own home, but are deterred by the cost of the plot. Their garden, which would benefit the community, is valued at £150 an acre, though the ground over the hedge is worth perhaps £25 and would not fetch that. Is the contrast a necessity of our civilization ?

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