40 



to this paper now to discuss. One thing is clear that, at the 

 present moment, were a paper mill to be worked altogether 

 by coerced labour, independently of its skilled management 

 and direction, the scheme would be free from the objection that 

 has hitherto attached to the products of penal establishments, 

 of their clashing and coming into competition with the fruits 

 of free and unfettered industry. 



Acting upon these views, I procured from an eminent 

 engineering firm, in London a design for a paper mill upon 

 the most modern and improved construction, drawn to a scale 

 of feet, with specifications, and reliable estimate as to its cost. 



This mill would be capable of turning out 10 tons per week, 

 working daytime only, or 20 tons working day and night as in 

 England. The number of hands that it would employ — men, 

 women, and children — would be about 120 in all, producing 20 

 tons of paper a week ; or say 80 persons only, should 10 tons 

 weekly suffice for the present demand, in addition to a general 

 superintendent or manager, and such other staff as may be 

 found necessary for the commercial part of the business. 



A constant and unfailing supply of pure water is absolutely 

 essential to the enterprise. If sufficient water-power can be 

 obtained at a convenient site, considering transport, &c., it is 

 undoubtedly the cheapest prime motive power. 



The undertaking would require a capital of c£25,O00 to 

 defray the entire cost of the necessary buildings and plant, all 

 of the most complete and improved descriptions, full parti- 

 culars of which I could detail if required. 



I fear that I have prolonged this paper beyond reasonable 

 limits, and will, therefore, to avoid further prolixity, simply 

 add that the drawing of the works, with specifications and 

 general statement, will, with pleasure, be placed by me at the 

 service of any persons disposed to engage in this branch of 

 industry. 



Reverting, in conclusion, to the Esparto grass, some seeds 

 might be procured from Europe, possibly through the British 

 Consul in Spain, or even throu<:^h the Secretary of States, 

 •upon the intervention of the President ; and it would be iu 

 harmony, I conceive, with the scope of the Royal Society's 

 functions to take the initiative for adding to the resources of 

 the colony. 



[Mr. Barnard has written to London for seeds, samples of 

 the pulp, and specimen sheets of the Esparto paper. Ou 

 arrival they will be laid before the Society.] 



