50 T BIN ID AB AND TOBAGO BULLETIN. \XIX. 2. 



no prospect of control. In spite of the fact that over 10,000 stools have 

 been destroyed — for \vhich compensation amounting to over ^200 

 has been paid — the disease continues, to spread more rapidly than it is 

 destroyed. To secure the adoption of more effective measures during 

 the favourable opportunity afforded hy dry season of 1921 recommenda- 

 . tions -vvere made for a special campaign for which a special vote of 

 £3,12.3 has been granted. 



C.B.W. 



The Sug-ar Cane Frog-hopper. 



Owing to the late advent of the wet season in 1920, all the frog- 

 hopper broods were considerabl.y later than has been the case for many 

 years. The first brood, which occurred at the beginning of August, did 

 very little damage except in two small areas. The second brood at the 

 beginning of October was however, much more widespread and considera- 

 ble damage resulted in nearly all the sugar districts. In the Naparima 

 district especially the relation of the Wight to certain types of soils was. 

 particularly well marked. The third brood in December caused severe 

 injury in several areas not previously damaged but on the whole less 

 harm than that due to the second brood. 



C.B.W. 



Agricultural Credit Societies. 



A joint meeting of the Agricultural Credit Societies of the Ste. 

 Madeleine Company's Estates was held on August 7, 1920 at the Usine 

 Ste. Madeleine. His Excellencj- the Acting Governor, Mr. T. A. Y. Best 

 presided. 



Mr. G. A. Jonos outlined the progress of the Credit Societies during, 

 the year. The number of Societies had increased from 11 to 16^ 

 the number of members from 758 to 1,113 and the outstanding loans 

 from $17,700 to |65,125. The total working expense was 3^ cents per 

 member. The average loan was $83 but one of $2,000 and one of $1,000 

 were inade both of which ■\\ere repaid in full. Cane cultivation accounted 

 for 53-6 per cent, of the loans, purchase of land for 32 per cent., 

 21 per cent, was for the purchase of animals, 8 per cent, for erection of and 

 repairs to houses and 14 per cent, for miscellaneous purposes, including, 

 rice and vegetable cultivation^less than 2 per cent, of the loaned money 

 was not repaid when due. 



The Director of Agriculture gave an address on some of the 

 aspects of the Credit Societies. There were now thirty Credit Societies 

 in Trinidad and Tobago with a total membership of 1,418. He 

 emphasized the importance of prompt repayment of loans in order to 

 build up the reputation, and hence the credit, of the Society with the 

 Bank. Just as a reliable Government is able to borrow money easily so 

 a reliable Credit Society is in the same position. 



It is important for each Society to build up a reserve fund in order 

 to be prepared for reasonable contingencies. "When this has been done 

 it will be possible to reduce the rate of interest charged, or to spend the 

 .surplus profits on something of use to the agricultural community of 



the district. 



