The annual report of the Irish Land Commission shows that
steady progress is taking place under the Purchase Acts of 1885 and 1891. In the year ending March 31st last no less than 3,751 loans were issued, amounting to L1,443,751. During the period from August 22nd, 1885, to March 31st, 1894, taking the two Acts together, the number of separate loans made has been 26,090. One thousand four hundred and eighty- six estates, covering 970,439 acres, and producing a rental of 2617,180, have been sold for £10,572,028 to the former tenants, at a fraction over seventeen years' purchase of the rental. The average number of years' purchase was about nineteen in Ulster and about fifteen in Munster. The average holding is thirty- six to thirty-seven acres. This gradual creation of a body of owning cultivators is a subject for much congratulation. Our only regret is that the process is not more rapid.
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