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

1940 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Nationalist and Leinster Times, 02.11.1940

Agriculture, Employment, Finance1

It has been stated in An Dail recently that £ 1’000’000 is to be spent on developing the Clonast Bog for use by the Electricity Supply Board, so that the country will have more electricity. It is stated that the bog would last for 25 years working, and give a considerable amount of employment. It is also announced that under the new Unemployment Relief Works Bill much employment is to be provided in rural areas. We also see announced a scheme for the development of farms, viz.: Drainage, Fence Building, Repairs, etc. This scheme will only apply to holdings under £200 PLV.

We are not told where it is anticipated the money for all these schemes is to come from, and while the farmers are unable to sell their Oats, Barley, Cattle, Wool, Sheep or Pigs at remunerative prices, if indeed they can dispose of them at all, in all probability the farmers will be expected to share in providing the money for above-mentioned schemes. Now why does not our Government immediately set up a National Currency? I am sure there are plenty of wise heads who would be only too willing to assist in setting up a suitable plan whereby money would be issued to meet the employment needs of these big schemes, those employed would in turn buy more produce for home consumption than while they are drawing dole or home assistance; given a fair wage they would be spending their money in the country to the benefit of Agriculture and Industry.

Having compelled the farmers to till their land and advised them to increase production in live stock, surely it is the duty of the Government to see that the farmer has a remunerative market for his produce. It is unfair to ask or expect farmers to hold their produce; the Government should buy it at a remunerative price to the producer, and store it or export it at will.

1 - The same text was published in the Farmers’ Gazette, 09.11.1940, the Dundalk Democrat, 09.11.1940 and the Standard, 08.11.1940.

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 Nationalist and Leinster Times, 02.11.1940, 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/1940-11-02-77.html, consulted on .

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