LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE ALLOTMENTS EXTENSION ACT.
ITo THE EDITOR OF THE " SFECTATOR.1 Sin,—In the letter from Sir T. D. Acland, published in your paper of the 20th inst., I see that he refers to the Allotment Acts as conferring "an undefined right to demand land below its market value," &c., and he very naturally adds that such a right " does place Trustees in considerable difficulty as guardians of the interests of old people, widows, children, and others." But I cannot help asking whether the Hon. Baronet is correct in his description of the rights given, or the powers conferred, under the Allotment Act ? I have not a copy before me, but my impression is that the Act specially provides that the land let in allotments is not to be let "below its market value ;" but that, on the contrary, it must be let at the market value, as determined by the rent paid for similar land in the same district. This is a point of such cardinal importance as a matter of principle, that I am induced to direct attention to the statement of Sir T. Acland. I believe that, in this cage at least, Parliament has been honest towards the Trustees who are the administrators of land left for charitable purposes, and has not required of them to provide for a public object by any sacrifice of their own funds.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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