44 



information as to our capabilities and reasonable facilities would 

 induce families skilled in many arts and employments, which have 

 yet found no footing here, to come amongst us ; not a few would 

 come at their own expense, or at any rate pay part, bringing with 

 them (for silk growers are generally well to do) besides their 

 experience and labour, their tools and appliances, and some 

 capital. We should implant at very small cost amongst us new 

 industries suited to our soil and climate, while the immigrants 

 from whatever country they might come would enjoy the advan- 

 tages of our liberal institutions and land policy. The first step 

 is to let people know that they may find here fair scope for the 

 particular occupations in which they have been brought up. Silk 

 growers in all countries are generally the most temperate and 

 intelligent of their class. Manufacturers and capitalists are eager 

 for new sources of supply, and would require no other inducement 

 to turn their attention to this country than the demonstration 

 that certain results are obtained. That we can do as well in a 

 general sense as any country cannot be doubted, and in what has 

 actually been done in eradicating disease and in multiplying 

 the power of production it is plain we are in advance of every 

 other ; the reputation of Australia is already such as to favourably 

 prepossess enquiring minds. 



My operations and experiments have all been carried on by 

 myself, unsupported by any extraneous aid ; what I have effected 

 alone and single-handed is work that in every other country, 

 where any parallel success has been accomplished, has been done 

 by Governments, with the resources and at the cost of the State. 

 I take no reproach to myself for not having before communicated 

 with you on this subject ; and I think that the very fact of my 

 having effected what I have done without assistance is valid 

 argument why Governments should be very reticient in taking 

 up every likely scheme for promoting new industries ; but now 

 that success is a demonstrated fact, and the opportunity so good, 

 I venture to suggest to you that it may be sound policy not to 

 ignore the experience and knowledge gained. There is no secret 

 nor patent in my proceedings or methods. I have been ever 

 ready, and always have shown living stock in every stage of 

 growth at whatever period of the year information has been 

 sought of me ; and I have made the mode of operation clear to 

 every inquirer ; what I have found out with much labour and 

 difficulty, and by suffering many failures, is plain now, and the 

 way is easy for anyone to follow. It is true I have special 

 qualities, education, training, and opportunities peculiar to myself 

 for the work, but is it social or political wisdom to wait until the 

 masses of untutored minds become spontaneously imbued with 

 craving for knowledge and instruction, and undertake the toil, 

 and incur the anxiety of doing over and over again, each one 

 for himself, that which now once done is done for all ? 



