Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.3. Correspondence, Letters to newspapers

1937 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Wicklow People, 24.07.1937

Increase in Farm Produce Prices1

In the daily papers, and also in our local paper, “The Wicklow People”, last week, the following statement appeared: “The Free State Agricultural Price Index Number for May was 106,5 (based on 1911/13 100) compared with 103,6 in April, and 90 in May 1936. The British index for June was 131, or two points lower that for May, but 15 points higher than for June, 1936.”

To anyone not conversant with farming conditions, and the difficulties attached thereto, this statement re increased prices would lead them to believe that the farmers were prosperous. In order to give a fair statement as to the farmers’ position to-day, I would suggest that you would publish alongside the above statement the overhead charges the farmers had to pay in the years 1911/1913, and also the extra charges the farmers have to meet now. Also the cost of living figures for 1911/13 and 1937. Being a hard-working farmer, I have not the time to get the exact figures for you, but without question can say that the following items have been about 75 per cent increased, and some doubled. Fire insurance, National Health and Workmen Compensation Insurance, our rates are increased beyond comprehension. Our wages to-day are more than double 1911/13, and should be more, but we have not got it to pay. Even the shepherds dog licence is double. If you would also quote the prices for farm machinery for the two periods, I am sure your publication would be a source of education to many.

1 - A similar letter was published in the Irish Independent, 28.07.1937.

About the digital edition

This volume of Elizabeth F. Bobbett’s writings and speeches is divided into four parts. The first section comprises 321 texts written by her. The second part contains 150 speeches and statements by Bobbett, most of which were published in newspapers. Part 3 contains 727 texts written about Bobbett by contemporaries of her or addressed to her. Finally, Part 4 is a collection of 50 source texts that are important for understanding Elizabeth F. Bobbett’s activism. Parts 3 and 4 will be made available online in March 2027.

Suggested citation

Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Wicklow People, 24.07.1937, in: Peter Moser (ed.), In her own Words. The Writings of Elizabeth F. Bobbett (1898-1971). Farmer, Feminist and Public Figure, Bern, 2026, https://www.histoirerurale.ch/editions/pages/bobbett/1937-07-24-24.html, consulted on .

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