[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The article of Sir
W. Beach Thomas on March 3rd states that the most successful farmer is an engineer who does all repairs on the farm itself.
When the Rev. Arthur Rigg was principal of Chester Train- ing College, the students having been pupil-teachers, there Was a carving shop, a lathe room and a smithy, the other students being gardeners. Without any outside supervision, a beautiful screen was carved for the organ in the chapel, lathe orkers turned wooden compasses for blackboard use in schools, the " foreman " being locksmith—now the writer.
Since then I have saved many pounds in my own house and those of my family and friends by doing odd jobs. A plumber once charged a friend eighteen shilligs for inspection tiMe, journeys to his shop for tooli and materials and work done. A similar job done by me cost twopence for materials, and took little time. Every farmer should have a work room, doing odd jobs,in it himself and selecting two farm hands who knew a little as carpenter and a blacksmith, and could be so employed when required.
I may add that repairs are very expensive and the bill cannot be checked. A London builder told me that he tendered for Goyernment carts and waggons at cost price, getting the work, and making his profit out of repairs ; another man told me he did the Same in 'articles made of metals. Wood cannot be used twice, bid iron' can be made good by a black- sthith.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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