148 Coco-nuts The Consols of the East 



comparatively easy spells, this lack of appli- 

 cation in the labour material can be made to 

 dovetail in with the requirements and exi- 

 gencies well enough to guard against loss. 

 Gradually, as the native realizes that the 

 power of money is -bound up with his well- 

 being and small ambitions, this drawback will 

 disappear, and he will generally be found to 

 settle down and work diligently. A proof that 

 matters are rapidly mending in this direction 

 is the steady rise of import figures for such 

 commodities as cotton piece goods, cutlery and 

 fancy goods ; and, furthermore, the native 

 dwellers in the towns show a desire to live 

 in clean, decent, roomy houses, and this ten- 

 dency is spreading to the country-side. 



The average rate of wages for an adult 

 works out at about 6d. per diem, but the 

 natives from the interior, who gladly come 

 down to the coast on contract for six months or 

 less, accept a much lower rate of remuneration. 

 The price of land is not at all high or prohibi- 

 tive, and averages from Rs. 510 Rs. io(R=is.4d.) 

 per acre, according to locality. The Govern- 

 ment own vast stretches of unoccupied land, 

 which may be obtained at even cheaper rates. 

 In the case of native holdings and plantations 

 it is almost impossible to get valid titles. The 

 real ownership claims are vague and generally 

 constitute a verbal family arrangement, com- 

 plicated by modifications and ramifications 

 dating back to many generations. Further 



