242 COFFEE I ITS CULTIVATION AND PROFIT. 



nature. The immigration question is one which 

 for long engaged the attention of the local 

 authorities, and' we learn that a definite arrange- 

 ment proposed some time back has at length 

 been entered into with the British India and the 

 Asiatic Steam Navigation Companies regarding 

 the fares of deck passengers between the East 

 Coast of India and Rangoon. According to 

 agreement these companies are to carry deck 

 passengers to Rangoon from Calcutta for Rs. 5 

 a-head ; from any of the ports north of Madras for 

 Rs. 8 ; and from Madras, or any of the ports 

 south of it, for Rs. 10 a-head. The Government 

 undertakes to supplement these charges by a 

 grant of Rs. for each passenger from Calcutta, 

 and Rs. f for each passenger from other ports. 

 It is probable that the reduction of fares will 

 have the effect of inducing a considerable number 

 of stout-limbed coolies to listen to the voice of 

 the coolie-maistry, and try their fortune on the 

 other side of the kala pani. The coolie-maistry 

 engages labourers at one of the coast ports, 

 pays their passage over to Burmah, keeps them 

 in a barrack there, and hires them out till 

 they have repaid all expenses incurred in their 

 behalf, with a handsome douceur to the enter- 

 prising maistry in addition. Labour of every 

 description is very dear in Burmah. 



A bid is now being made for the presence 

 of men who understand the art of planting Tea, 



