41 



of this country, whose tropical interests, direct and 

 indirect, are greater than those of any other nation 

 in the world. 



In several countries steps have been taken to provide 

 agricultural education for the natives. I do not propose 

 to deal principally with this question, although refer- 

 ence to it is necessary as the subject is intimately con- 

 nected with the point to which I desire to direct special 

 attention, which is the technical education of Europeans 

 who are called to fill responsible agricultural positions 

 in the tropics, whether as teachers of natives, officers 

 of Government Departments of Agriculture, or super- 

 visors, managers, or assistants on tropical estates. At 

 the present time the education of men who are to fili 

 these important positions is not definitely provided for, 

 but is left to chance. In order to confine myself within 

 the limits of a Presidential Address in a matter of the 

 first importance which is to receive special consideration 

 in meetings of this Congress, I shall confine my remarks 

 chiefly to this question in its relation to the tropical 

 possessions of Great Britain, and in doing this I wish 

 to emphasize its great national importance. 



The agricultural development of British tropical 

 countries has made remarkable strides during recent 

 years. This progress is of especial interest, since 

 it has been achieved in the main by the em- 

 ployment of British capital, several hundred millions 

 sterling being now invested in agricultural under- 

 takings in the tropics. It has, moreover, led to a 

 largely increased output from British sources of some 

 of the most important raw materials of industry and 

 commerce, of which it is sufficient to mention only 

 cotton and other fibres, rubber, cocoa, and tea. As a 

 consequence of British initiative, the natives of the\ 

 countries concerned have profited through increased 

 trade and general prosperity, and also through the great 

 need which has arisen for the employment of labour on 

 a large scale, under satisfactory conditions and at rates 

 of remuneration which show a steady increase. The 

 native labourer is now fairly remunerated, well treated, 

 and well provided for in matters of food and general 

 sanitation. The native capitalist has been given every 

 facility to embark on agricultural operations on modern 



