Limerick, Ireland – At a special meeting of the Limerick and Clare Farmers’ Club, chaired by Mr John Mclnerney, a significant discussion was held regarding the purchase prices for land under the new Act. In light of the crucial issues at stake and concerns over landlords’ attempts to demand exorbitant prices from tenants, the Club has unanimously adopted an appeal to the farmers of Limerick and Clare.

The appeal seeks to highlight important truths that intending purchasers must carefully consider before committing to a financial transaction that will have lasting repercussions for themselves and future generations:

1. Historical Purchase Prices: The average purchase price for land before the year 1903 in Limerick and Clare was less than 16 years’ worth of rent. While those who bought their holdings during this period improved as farmers, they did not amass great wealth. Many peasants who bought at 15 years purchase continue to struggle to make ends meet. The Club asks potential buyers to contemplate the potential consequences if the purchase price were to be significantly higher.
2. Justification for Higher Prices: Given the increasing foreign competition faced by farmers and the rising costs of labour, the Club sees no grounds for landlords to demand, nor tenants to agree to, a higher number of years’ purchase for the diminishing interest of landlords in the land. Comparisons are drawn to the past under the Ashbourne Act when similar purchases were made, but without the bonuses and incentives that landlords are currently receiving.
3. Changing Agricultural Landscape: Improved transit facilities and an increasing supply of farm produce from limitless lands put local land at a disadvantage. Meanwhile, the productivity of Limerick and Clare lands is decreasing, and expenses such as rates continue to rise.
4. Threat to Livelihood: The rearing of store cattle has been a profitable industry for farmers in the region, but it now faces extinction due to potential changes in legislation that may remove restrictions on Canadian cattle. The loss of this industry could lead to bankruptcy for many farmers.

The Limerick and Clare Farmers’ Club urges potential purchasers to carefully reflect on these points before committing to land purchases. The decision is of immense consequence, and there will be no retreat once it is made.

The appeal has been signed with the endorsement of the Club’s patrons, Rev. William Casey, F.R., and Rev. P. Glyno, and by Club representatives John Mclnerney (Chairman), Patrick Fitzgerald, John McNamara, and Patrick Mulqueen (Honorary Secretaries).

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 13 December 1904