We often think of people in the 19th century moving from Ireland to England to find work. However, as this item published in the Blandford Parish Magazine in 1884 shows, it wasn't all one-way traffic....
"The Rector has received the following letter from Ireland and thinks it may be of service to many who may be desirous of bettering their condition.
Land Corporation of Ireland, Limited
"The Rector has received the following letter from Ireland and thinks it may be of service to many who may be desirous of bettering their condition.
Land Corporation of Ireland, Limited
12, Molesworth Street,
KILLCHARA, THURLES,
KILLCHARA, THURLES,
May 4th, 1884
THE RECTOR OF BLANDFORD.
Rev Sir,
In addressing you I must ask your pardon for troubling you. But I am an assistant Manager to the above Company who are principally engaged in working farms which tenants have been evicted from for non-payments of rent, and which would lie idle here if not for this company, as the veto of the Land League prevents Local men who have not the courage of their opinions taking them. We employ a large number of labourers on them, but we have to obtain them from a distance, and I am given to understand that in your district Agricultural Labour is plentiful and not too well paid. Perhaps you may desire to benefit some of your parishioners by informing them that we can give constant employment all the year round, and that our rate of wages varies from 15/- to 10/- a week, with a House and Garden free and an allowance of fuel, with permission to keep a cow on the farm, or if the family cannot buy a cow the Corporation lend one. On our part we require steady active men accustomed to all ordinary farm labour and able to read and write, we pay the expenses of all the working members of the family's over to Ireland and the man's wife if married. But at the same time it is only right to remark, that the occupation is not a popular one in this Country though no danger to life or limb is to be apprehended to men who keep sober, yet their social life would be rather dull till they had made their way. If you would be kind enough to inform your parishioners of this letter and its contents, I would feel much obliged."
In addressing you I must ask your pardon for troubling you. But I am an assistant Manager to the above Company who are principally engaged in working farms which tenants have been evicted from for non-payments of rent, and which would lie idle here if not for this company, as the veto of the Land League prevents Local men who have not the courage of their opinions taking them. We employ a large number of labourers on them, but we have to obtain them from a distance, and I am given to understand that in your district Agricultural Labour is plentiful and not too well paid. Perhaps you may desire to benefit some of your parishioners by informing them that we can give constant employment all the year round, and that our rate of wages varies from 15/- to 10/- a week, with a House and Garden free and an allowance of fuel, with permission to keep a cow on the farm, or if the family cannot buy a cow the Corporation lend one. On our part we require steady active men accustomed to all ordinary farm labour and able to read and write, we pay the expenses of all the working members of the family's over to Ireland and the man's wife if married. But at the same time it is only right to remark, that the occupation is not a popular one in this Country though no danger to life or limb is to be apprehended to men who keep sober, yet their social life would be rather dull till they had made their way. If you would be kind enough to inform your parishioners of this letter and its contents, I would feel much obliged."
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