SIB,—A few years ago it was represented to me that
there was a scarcity of accommodation in my district for rural labourers, and I was strongly urged to utilise a spare piece of ground at my disposal for the erection of cottages. I decided to make the experiment, and built a group of three nice- looking cottages, each with two living-rooms, scullery, and three bedrooms. The cost, including an underground rain- water tank, a coal-shed, and an earth closet for each cottage, but not including the value of the land—a quarter of an acre apiece—worked out at just over £600. I offered them at a rental of 3s. 6d. a week, which, allowing for rates, and pro- viding only £1 a year—subsequently proved to be inadequate —for repairs, would yield me under 3i per cent., reckoning the land as a gift. No labourer could be induced to take them on my terms, and I was ultimately constrained to let them to tenants from town. I now receive £12 a year, the tenant paying rates, and I am informed that these tenants sublet during a part of the year at from £1 to £1 5s. a week fur- nished. This pays me very well, but my object was frus- trated. It is curious that, though accommodation is so scarce, rents do not rise. Four-roomed cottages still let at 2s. 6d. a week, and no one will pay more, even for new build- ings with more ample accommodation.—I am, Sir, &c., [To TOM EDITOR OP THE "SPPAPATO1.".1
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