132 



This is one of the absurdities or scandals of Indian 

 industry ; there is Httle enterprise, knowledge, or capital 

 needed to start this business in India (or Ceylon) and 

 to save all the intermediate costs while promoting a 

 new industry which ought not merely to supply India, 

 but Europe, with buttons. In the case of India a supply 

 of shell, when our own supplies are exhausted, could be 

 brought over to Tuticorin, Pamban, etc., by native craft 

 at minimum cost especially by Kilakarai boats returning 

 from pearl fishing, and it is to be noted that whereas only 

 perfect shell can be sent to Europe, there are millions of 

 less perfect or partly broken shells which are perfectly 

 available for working up on the spot. 



Hence I propose to get a set of tools this year, to 

 set up an experimental plant at Ennore in order to train 

 a few workmen, and then to transplant the business to 

 Tuticorin or Pamban, unless, which is probable, some 

 indigenous firm buys the plant from us and takes over 

 the enterprise which is one of a very simple mechanical 

 nature. I place the maximum cost at Rs. i,ooo. 



The methods are well known and simple and I do 

 not think that the importation of an expert is necessary ; 

 success can be obtained by expenditure on experiment 

 until experience has taught the precise methods for the 

 class of shell. But, if necessary, I shall arrange to send 

 a man to Europe to learn the business or, possibly, I can 

 obtain a Bengal man who has been taught in Japan.* 



67. Inspection boat. — This it will be remembered 

 (see paragraph 43) is to serve for inspection, experimental 

 fishing (trawling, etc.), simple research, and carrier work. 

 The " Margarita" is not a very satisfactory paddle boat, 

 is hardly suitable, and seldom available just when 

 required, as the pearl oyster work detains her in the 

 fair weather ; e.g. I applied for her this March and could 

 not have her, while in January and February she is 

 usually needed for inspections ; moreover she is large and 

 costly to run, and not well suited for trawling or drifting 

 experiments. The " Irene " would, if fitted with auxiliary 

 power, have suited me very well, being well built and 

 comfortable ; two years ago I enquired througli the Port 



* Hitherto button manufacture has, for various reasons, mainly the 

 unsuitability of our shells, been found impracticable. 



