Page:Irish Emigration and The Tenure of Land in Ireland.djvu/310



AS TO THE RATE OF WAGES, SUPPLY OF LABOUR, AND CONVERSION OF ARABLE INTO PASTURE, &c.

As some diversity of opinion seemed to exist as to the real rate of agricultural wages in Ireland, as well as to other matters of fact connected with our enquiry, I ventured to distribute through different parts of the country, a series of questions on the points with respect to which it was desirable to obtain information. Most of these queries were forwarded through the obliging intervention of an eminent Judge, of an officer of the Board of Works, and of different Government Inspectors. The answers emanate from gentlemen with whom I have no personal acquaintance, but who were considered by those who kindly distributed my questions the best authorities on the subject, comprising Agents, County Surveyors, Inspectors of Public Works, and Land Surveyors.

Rate of Wages.

The first query related to the rate of agricultural wages: subjoined are the answers I received.

1. One shilling and fourpence a day.—Co. Antrim.

2. Seven shillings per week.—Co. Carlow.

3. The rate of wages in this district is from one shilling to one shilling and sixpence per day.—Co. Cork.

4. Seven shillings to eight shillings; best men, ten shillings.—Co. Cork.

5. One shilling per day, throughout the year, wet and dry, with some perquisites.—Co. Cork.