The Agricultural Wages Bill was part of broader efforts to improve conditions and remuneration for agricultural workers in the mid-20th century. This bill regulated wages ensuring they were on par with other industries. Specific details about its effect on the Horkey tradition are sparse, but the context offers some insights.

The Horkey Tradition

The Horkey is an old English harvest festival held at the end of the cereal harvest. It involved a celebratory feast for farm workers, featuring songs, dances, and merriment. This tradition was an integral part of rural life, fostering community spirit and acknowledging the hard work of farm laborers.

The Impact of the Agricultural Wages Bill

1. Increased Wages: By regulating wages, the bill likely improved the financial conditions for laborers. Higher and more stable incomes might have allowed more lavish or consistent celebrations of the Horkey.

2. Shift in Labor Dynamics: The Bill may have accelerated mechanization and changes in labor practices. As mechanization increased and fewer workers were needed, the traditional dependent structures that supported events like the Horkey might have weakened.

3. Rural Community Changes: Improved wages and working conditions could have contributed to the migration of workers to urban areas for better opportunities. This rural depopulation might have led to a decline in the prevalence of traditional festivals.

Related to Cultural Shifts

It's essential to recognize that while better financial conditions from regulated wages might have initially helped sustain the tradition, longer-term socio-economic shifts likely undid some of these benefits.

For additional details on the Agricultural Wages Bill, explore the following sources:

• Parliament Discussion on Agricultural Wages Regulation Bill (1946)
• Analysis of agricultural regulations and wages during the period.

No direct articles discussed the Horkey specifically in relation to the Agricultural Wages Bill, indicating a need for deeper historical and cultural analysis beyond the available sources.