Members of the Limerick and Clare Farmers’ Club recently gathered to address a matter of grave concern: the alleged abuses of power by the Sub-Land Commissioners in fixing second term rents. The Club called upon Mr John Redmond and other Irish members of Parliament to take note of the troubling situation. According to the Club’s proposition, the current second term rents being set in the Land Courts are perceived as more unjust than the original rents established over fifteen years ago. Despite this, the Commissioners continue to grant what the Club perceives as paltry 5 to 10 percent reductions, which they believe do not adequately compensate for the impact of declining prices due to fierce competition from foreign countries where land is practically rent-free. The Farmers’ Club also expressed skepticism regarding the impartiality of the present Commissioners and called for the formation of a Commission of independent English agriculturists, experienced in land management, to assess and report on the rents that have been fixed. This unanimous resolution was directed to Mr J.E. Redmond, Mr T.W. Russell, and Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, Members of Parliament. The meeting adjourned, with further discussions scheduled for Saturday, 1st April.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 28 March 1905