In a momentous assembly held at the Town Hall in Limerick today, a conference of delegates from various parts of Munster convened to address the concerns of tenants. Tenants who have not yet acquired ownership of their holdings under the Land Acts. Chaired by Mr P. Bowen, J.P., of Cork, the gathering drew delegates from Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Clara.
The central focus of the conference was the position of tenants who, despite the provisions in the Land Acts, have been unable to purchase their holdings as landlords remain reluctant to sell. Mr Halley, of Tramore, County Waterford, took the floor to propose the adoption of resolutions put forth during a prior meeting of Purchased Tenants on August 12th.
Expressing profound regret, the resolutions highlighted the inadequacies in the existing Land Acts, lamenting that certain crucial amendments were not incorporated. The primary contention was that the powers bestowed upon landlords were excessive, leading to exorbitant prices. With the dissolution of these powers and the House, the delegates called upon the government to introduce a new bill that would streamline and legalize the land purchase process.
Notably, the Chief Secretary was urged to ensure that appointments made under the new law were evenly distributed among tenants, maintaining a fair and proportionate representation. Mr McSweeney of Clonmel, articulating the essence of the resolutions, emphasized that those who had already benefited significantly from the Purchase Acts should actively participate in supporting the ongoing struggle of tenants yet to secure ownership.
The meeting resonated with the sentiment that the financial gains obtained by those who had successfully navigated the Purchase Acts should translate into active support for fellow tenants facing challenges. The prevailing uncertainty regarding the government’s stance on this matter was evident, with a call for clarity on whether they endorsed or disapproved of the ongoing efforts.
Mr McSweeney, in his address, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, questioning whether the government was either indifferent or ashamed of the struggles faced by tenants. He posited that if they were indeed concerned, steps needed to be taken to rectify the existing inadequacies in the Land Acts.
The adopted resolutions, representing a unified stance among Munster delegates, underscored the need for urgent government intervention. The call for a revised bill to facilitate smoother land purchase transactions, coupled with equitable representation in administrative appointments, was a recurring theme throughout the conference.
While the nuances of the ongoing struggle between landlords and tenants were dissected, the resolutions also aimed at garnering wider public support for the cause. The delegates expressed a collective determination to see through the proposed changes, emphasizing that a collabourative effort was essential to bring about the desired reforms.
In conclusion, the conference marked a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue surrounding land purchase issues in Munster. The resolutions, crafted with precision and unity, serve as a consolidated voice for tenants seeking a fair and streamlined process to acquire their holdings. As the debate unfolds, the fate of the proposed bill and the government’s response to these resolutions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of landownership in the region.
Dublin Daily Express – Friday 13 October 1911
