Notes. 



11 



Sugar Production and Consumption in the Union. 



The cultivation of sugar-cane in the Union is confined to the 

 coastal districts of Natal and Zululand. In the former place, about 

 the year 1850, was commenced an industry which in recent years 

 has developed rapidly and liow occupies an important position in the 

 country's agricultural and industrial production. 



Up to as recently as two years ago local sugar production was 

 insufficient to meet the Union's requirements, and the shortage had 

 to be met by importation, principally from Mauritius and Mozam- 

 bique. Like several other Union products, however, a most gratifying 

 change has since taken place, the 1918-19 season marking an epoch 

 in the history of the industry, for it produced suffi^cient sugar for our 

 own needs and a surplus for export, notwithstanding a considerable 

 increase in local consumption. 



The following statement shows the total quantity of sugar 

 imported and of the South African product exported each calendar 

 year since Union: — 



(Note. — The above figures exclude the quantity of imported 

 sugar exported, which was negligible excepting in 1918, when it 

 amounted to 2324 tons. Nor are ships' stores included in the exports 

 since 1917, the tonnage being: 1917, 316; 1918, 188; and 1919, 189.) 



Sugar Consumption. 

 The quantity of sugar consumed in the Union (and Rhodesia) 

 prior to the year 1917 was, generally speaking, not more than 120,000 

 tons per annum, but there commenced a rapid increase in 1917, accord- 

 ing to the statistics hereunder furnished by the Controller of Customs 

 and Excise at Durban, and it is estimated that our requirements this 

 year will amount to something like 160,000 tons of sug^ar, viz. : — 



South African Consumption, including Rhodesia. 



Seasonal year ended 30th April, 1914-15 



1915-16 

 1916-17 



114,454 tons. 



118,835 ,, 



114-348 ,, 



125,533 ,, 



143,639 ,, 



165,715 ,, 



1917-18 

 1918-19 

 1919-20 



A Record Yield and a Set-back. 

 The Union's sugar industry established its record in the 

 1919-20 season, which is estimated to have yielded 190,000 tons of 

 sugar, sufficient to furnish a surplus for export and adding something 



