180 TIMEHRI. 
which a little energetic assistance and co-operation SS 
must necessarily result in good. At present they were 
more or less wandering at large, and if a more lively | 
interest was shown in them, it would be better for them 
as well as the Society. There could be no doubt that Pi gy 
they were not doing all they might do, or that the result a 
was entirely satisfaGtory. He put it to them whether — b 
they could get a good piece of beef or mutton fordinner. 
He supposed good meat could be produced, and ata 
moderate price. In regard to other things. In 1891 
rice was imported to the extent of 47,648,564 lbs. value 4 
£192,354 6 3, tobacco 747,475 lbs. value £14,890 13 105 s 
and coffee 228,335 Ibs. value £7,975 16 9. These were — 
considerable quantities, costing large sums, and he had s 
no doubt that all of them could be raised by the peopleof 
the Colony. Let them take the case of ground provi- 
sions. The supply was limited and large quantities had 
to be imported from Barbados. Was there any reason — ¥ 
why they should not be grown here if agriculture were — i 
improved in the villages. If they had such a system as 
prevailed in France and other countries, they could keep 
a great deal of money in the colony, and this would tend _ 
to the welfare of the people. With regard to fruit cul- — 
ture, there was no system in the colony. Much better 
results ought to be obtained. In dealing with this point 
he would refer to the Banana Commission of which he 
was a member, and for some time, Chairman. Captain © 
White was enthusiastic on the matter, and his enthusiasm 4 
gave a strong impetus to the feeling that something — 
should be done to organise a fruit trade with the United = 
States. Captain Baker had come here in connection _ 
with the Boston Fruit Company, and they had all hoped _ 
