THE STATE AND THE FARM.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I agree with Mr. Philip Morrell that the troubles of farmers are largely such as can best be dealt with by them- selves, individually or collectively. But there never was a time when the State has not taken an active interest in agriculture, and it is unlikely that any Government will adopt a laissez faire attitude now.
Mr. Morrell kindly suggests that I should expound my views on the relation of the State to the Farm. During the past two years I have taken many opportunities to sketch a constructive rural policy for the times, as I con- ceive it. I cannot flatter myself that any general interest has been aroused. In the sphere of politics threadbare platitudes and ambiguous promises are more favoured than -timely action. Between proposals which are a century too late and those which are a century too soon, it is difficult to fix attention on the immediate needs of the present generation.
Nevertheless, nothing was ever accomplished by pessimism. Lord Bledisloe has faith in a combined effort by men of sincerity and good will " whose points of contact are more numerous and important than their points of divergence." In view of the deadlock of political parties this seems to me
a hopeful suggestion.—I am, Sir, &c., HENRY REW. National Club, :S'.W.1.
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