Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1938 Aughrim, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation

Source: Wicklow People, 12.03.1938

Miss Elizabeth Bobbett, County Secretary, said it was in that hall in Aughrim that she attended the first public meeting which was presided over by the late Mr. James Kavanagh (Kilballyowen). It was remarkable that they should be there to-night to start a branch for Aughrim, as it was the first anniversary of the IFF. It was established 3rd March, 1937, and though only a year in existence it had very well justified its existence. A year ago they had seven branches in the county; now they had twenty and if she had more time to spare there would soon be at least five more. It was hard for farmers to get to meetings or to be away from their farms. They had to work so hard all day that they didn’t like to come out to meetings at night. Still, organisation was necessary if they were to save their industry. She outlined the aims of the IFF, the chief being fixity of tenure, full derating of agricultural land, fair taxation, and the farmers right to compensation. They had instances lately of the Roscrea and Waterford factories getting compensation to enable them to maintain their profits. Why should the farmers not get compensation for their losses? If they did not ask they wouldn’t receive. Anything the farmers had got in Ireland they had to fight for.

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: Speech in Aughrim, Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Federation, 1938, 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/1938-03-12-417.html, consulted on .

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