656 WEST INDIES 



The acreage devoted to the principal products of the Colony stood as follows at the end 

 of 1910: sugar cane 69,736; rice 31,680; cacao 2200; coffee 2546; rubber 1700, coconuts 

 9466. Sugar and its by-products constitute 72 per cent of the export of locally grown pro- 

 duce, and 64.01 of the total exports. The export for 1910-1 1 declined by 75/9 tons and the 

 prices realised were below those of the previous year. The cultivation in certain districts 

 suffered to such an extent from the ravages of insect pests that it was decided to obtain the 

 services of an economic biologist. The experimental cultivation of canes was continued dur- 

 ing the year by the Board of Agriculture, and on the plantations the area planted with vari- 

 eties of cane other than Bourbon increased from 39,850 to 45,484 acres. Excellent rice 

 is grown largely by East Indians who settle in the colony after the expiration of their 

 indentures on the sugar plantations. The export, which is absorbed mainly by the British 

 West Indies, has risen from a few thousand pounds to a quantity running into seven figures. 

 There is an enormous area available for rice cultivation, and although the output for 1910-11 

 was below that of the previous year, the industry is firmly established. The export of 

 cacao fell considerably during 1910-11, but this is explained principally by an increased local 

 consumption of sweets. Rubber as a local industry is still in its infancy. Cultivation is 

 being prosecuted vigorously and the Government carries on experimental work. The 

 export of coconuts has increased considerably. Cattle rearing is an important branch of 

 local industry, and a low estimate gives the number of cattle as 71,500. 



In 1910-11 theoutputof rum was upwards of 2,515,000 gallons, a falling off of half a million 

 gallons as compared with 1909-10. This decline is attributed to the downward tendency 

 in the price in the United Kingdom. 



The output of gold for 1910-11 was 54,989 ozs. a decrease compared with the previous 

 year of 9841 ozs. The search for diamonds was actively prosecuted, although the out- 

 put (3035 oz.) was below that of 1909-10. 



Perhaps the most striking success has attended the balata industry, the amount collected 

 in 1910-11 1,340,924 Ib being the highest on record. Four new companies were floated 

 and commenced work, and new areas are being prospected. 



The forest resources of the Colony are practically limitless, and of those resources timber 

 is of the first importance. During 1910-11 256,845 cubic feet were exported, showing an 

 increase of 58,648 cubic feet on the previous year. Woodcutting licences to the number 

 of 218 were issued, covering an approximate area of 70,000 acres. 



The total imports were valued (1909-10) at 1,774,457 and (1910-11) 1,749,766; the 

 exports (1909-10) 1,985,337, and (1910-11) 1,820,198. Of the imports in 1910-11, the 

 United Kingdom sent 47.64 per cent, the United States 24.41 per cent, and Canada 8.23 per 

 cent. Of the exports the United Kingdom took 40 per cent, Canada 31.60 per cent, and the 

 United States 14.20 per cent. 



The revenue was (1909-10) 540,269, and (1910-11) 563,100; the expenditure (1909- 

 10) 546,711, and (1910-11) 542,757. The excess of assets over liabilities on March 31, 

 1911, was 48,116. The public debt of the colony was then 887,115. Of this amount 

 817,115 represents sums borrowed for public purposes, the balance 70,000 having been 

 raised for immigration purposes. 280,186 stood at the credit of the sinking fund account. 



During the financial year 1910-11, the sum of 28,294 was distributed in grants in aid 

 among 224 schools with an average daily attendance of 21,555, the number on the rolls 

 being 34,562. Secondary education is provided for in the case of girls mainly by private 

 enterprise. For boys, the Government maintains Queen's College. There are also two 

 or three private schools. There is a system of scholarships under which pupils from primary 

 schools can pass to the secondary schools; these scholarships being open both to boysand 

 girls. In a country pre-eminently agricultural, like British Guiana, instruction in the 

 principles of agriculture is of the first importance, and this fact is fully recognised by the 

 Government. Model gardens, and gardens attached to schools are found throughout the 

 colony. The establishment of an Agricultural School has also been determined upon. At 

 the school founded for the reception and training of vagrant boys and youthful male offenders, 

 the large majority are educated in agriculture, the institution being worked as a farm school 

 and possessing 80 acres of land under cultivation. 



During 1910-11, 8795 offences were reported to the police. There were committed to 

 prison 4562 persons; and there were three cases of capital. punishment. 



In 1911 the Combined Court voted an increased salary for a Governor of tried administra- 

 tive ability, and Sir Walter Egerton K.C.M.G., received the appointment in 1912, 



WINDWARD ISLANDS 1 



Grenada. This island is the headquarters of the Government of the Windward 

 Islands, the governor in 1912 being Sir James Hayes-Sadler, K.C.M.G. The popula- 

 tion on December 31, 1910, estimated on the basis "of natural increase, was 75,254. 

 The census of 1911 however disclosed a total of 66,750. The discrepancy is attributed 

 to emigration. The birth rate in 191 1 was 39.92 per thousand, and the death rate 19.66, 



1 See E. B. xii, 578. 



