In connexion with the Conference that the Minister of Agriculture
tried to arrange between representatives of the various agricultural interests, the Central Land- owners' Association has compiled a reasoned statement of its views. It is a very clear and useful summary of the difficulties that encumber the most important sphere of production in the country, difficulties of the agri- culturist's economy and of the nation's safety in time of trouble, together with suggested remedies. The compilers point out several ways in which financial legislation has worked out very unfairly both in national and local taxation. Our readers know how we have long urged rating reforms. They claim some insurance for the farmer against loss on corn-growing if present conditions continue. His hard position entailed by the break-up of rural estates is set out plainly, with the failure of the Agricultural Credits Act (1923) to meet the difficulties. The Association is strongly in favour of helping the right kind of small-holders' and they suggest the creation of an advisory body which . should be in touch with all matters of settlement on the land at home and overseas. They wisely urge ownership rather than tenancy where possible and emphasize the need for co-operative organisation. It is a straightforward and valuable statement of facts and opinion.
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