26 



33. The question now arises whether the de- 

 velopment of this trade should devolve 

 left on Government or whether it should 



to Merchants. 



be left entirely in the hands of the merchants, who 

 might deal direct with the cultivators. Although, 

 as a rule. Government monopolies are generally to 

 be avoided, as interfering with trade principles, yet, 

 in this particular instance, I cannot help thinking 

 that this new industry would be most properly 

 started by Government ; for it must be borne in 

 mind that this product is not a cultivated staple, but 

 the natural produce of the soil, and, consequently, 

 The plant is the the legitimate property of the State. 



legitimate property 



Another reason why Government should 

 lay the foundation of this trade is, that it is already 

 provided with the requisite materials to test the 



practicability and value of the industry 



test the suitability of . . , ., ., , 



the fibre for paper- at a minimum cost, while the merchant 



making. 



would have to incur a very large outlay before he 

 could possibly arrive at any results, favourable or 

 otherwise. This fact alone is sufficient to deter 

 many men from embarking in a speculation of this 

 nature, unless, they have some substantial grounds 

 for believing in ultimate success. It appears to me, 

 in an undertaking of this nature, Government has 

 ?h? n rto m Sin?nd e nT everything to gain and nothing to lose, 



thing to lose in the .,....-, -,-, -,. .. , .-. 



matter. that it is hardly expedient to wait until 



mercantile enterprise develops the trade. If the 

 merchant would increase his capital by opening out 

 this new industry, Government would equally benefit 

 by the enhancement of its revenue. If, then, 



