ABSTRACT
In economic matters so many studies have been made to prove that the only method of advance is by co-operative methods; it may be so, but it is a fatal fault to start work in a survey to prove it. When one attempted to get data as to economic position, a census enumerator would be apt to get answers to his questions which would be far from an accurate presentation of the facts. In other words, it is only when the investigator is closely in touch with the people, and is quite familiar with their background, that the data obtained are likely to be correct. As regards the people, considered either as individuals, or as households, very little seemed available beyond that collected for the several censuses and even this was usually obtainable in a summarised form.
