21 NOVEMBER 1931, Page 3

Allotments , for the Unemployed There should be an instant and

generous response to the appeal of the Society of Friends for £30,000 to carry on the allotments on which many thousands of unem- ployed men have found congenial work for several years past. The merits of the scheme are self-evident. The men, once provided with tools, seed and fertilizer at a cost of a few shillings a head, can and do fend for them- selves. They are freed from the terrible incubus of enforced idleness, and they can grow food for their families. Last year on 64,000 allotments the unem- ployed men raised produce valued at £400,000. Twice or three times as many allotments might well be under cultivation next season, if public interest in the matter can be fully aroused. It has always seemed to us a great pity that the enthusiasm for allotments during the War was allowed to flag and die when peace returned. But a special effort ought to be made to give the unem- ployed as many allotments as they want, for both they and the community will benefit.