The cottage problem

SIR,—BY far the most important feature of your excellent Summer Number, from the point of view of those of us who wish to see the tide of rural exodus stayed and a return of prosperity to the countryside, is Mr F. E. Green’s article on the Rural Housing Question. The supply of proper housing accommodation is hopelessly inadequate in almost every country district, and until this is remedied it is useless to attempt to persuade the labourer to remain on the land or to entice the urban dwellers to leave the towns. It is, of course, purely a question of pounds, shillings and pence… It is quite time the “backbone” of the country should join the fashion and claim a reasonable living wage. J. R. Williams (June 15, 1912)