The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1919-03-07

At first glance 1t appears mantfestly UNFAIR
that so small an amount of the park lands was
put 10 work. As a matter of fact the whole
matter was handled with thorough British JUS
tice wherever park lands were found that should
have been plowed. the land was plowed. More
will be cultivated In peace time. 1t is generally
believed
In order to satisfy a popular demand in some
sections thousands Of acres of grass lands were
plowed uneconomically largely for the purpose
Of conducting the "more-food crusade In a man
ner that appeared fair to the smaller landholders.
There is talk now. and the plan will probably
be carried out Of bringing the ducal parks. with
large wooded areas into general scheme of pro-
ductive forestry In order to increase the national
resources The earl of Selbournes plan, which
follows. appears popular, however. On many Of
the old places venerable trees were sacrificed
during the war to fill the need for lumber
Special Committee Makes Investigation.
At the direction of the British government a
special committee. headed by the earl of Sell
bourne, has Investigated the whole farming stu
alton In England and has submitted its report.
1t Is interesting to note that the committee
asks for the provision Of good cottages for agri-
cultural laborers with ample gardens attached to
them.
Hereafter, If the recommendations Of the com
mittee are carried out, the state will to 1t that
no land suitable for farming will be used for golf
links.
ut must be clearly understood" the report
reads "that henceforth bad farming Ia danger
to the state, and that the waste of good land on
game or games is inconsistent with patriotism.
There will be plenty OF room for game golf
but too much game, or golf links carved out of fat
land, make inroad the production of food
stuffs which no longer be defended"
Mind you, this admontion is not addressed to
England at war. but to England at peace. and the
report a whole is an effort to guide England's
new-found farming industry through the trying
days of reconstruction.
Minimum Wage Proposed!
For the farm hand there should be a regulated
minimum wage set by duly appointed wage
boards in each administrative county, acting in
conjunction with the local government officials,
well as acting tremendously with the wage boards
In adjoining counties.
the great estate and park evil where twothirds Of
Engand's rest, virtually uncultivated. and
the recommendation Is made. with careful use of
phraseology In order to completely cover the case
that these untitled lands be taken over by the
board of agriculture, acting for the government,
and system Of crops planted under the direction
Of an expert estate manager.
Three years warning should be given the estate
owner. and then If nothing has been done toward
actual farming. the estate goes Into government
management for period Of only FIVE years. how
ever.
Committees, appointed locally, are to Judge on
the capability of tenant farmers. and where such
men found negligent, wanting In proper
knowledge Of competent cultivation the tenant
can be evicted.
Back Of all this Is the knowledge that great
things were accomplished in agriculture during
the days; that England a fair farming
country until the middle of the last century, and
that neighboring European countries have
ceede6 In establishing farming a profitable
basis So the men at the helm feel confident that
with prudent legislation the future Of farming
can be assured in England