Conversazione. 39 



This is a fortuitous circumstance beyond all control or expectation, but 

 we look forward to a continuance of this prosperity when happier times 

 return, and if a system of Imperial Prefereuce be adopted after the war. 



We are confident that Your Excellency will spare no pains to en- 

 courage and develop by prudent and well-considered measures not only 

 the important industries which already exist, but the other resources of 

 the colony which are believed to be great. 



We respectfully beg to assure Your Excellency of our staunch and 

 ready help at all times and that Your Excellency may invoke our assist- 

 ance for the consideration of commercial matters and the advancement of 

 the community generally. 



A. P. G. Austin, President ; G. R. Garnett, Vice-President ; P. 

 Cressall, jnr., do. ; Jules Pairaudeau, secretary ; C. Farrar, treasurer ; 

 T. T. Smellie, C. F. Wieting, Jorge Comacho, J. E. Strickland, C. E. 

 Vezey, M. Gomes, W. B, Gray, A. P. Sherlock, J. B. Laing, A. K. F. 

 Duncan, Council, on behalf of members of the Chamber. 



The Planters' Association. 

 The address of the Planters' Association, read by Mr. H. E. Murray, 

 was as follows : — 



Your Excellency, 



1 he members of the Planters' Association desire to welcome you 

 to British Guiana and to assure you of their whole-hearted co-operation 

 and support in any question on which you may wish to have their 

 assistance or advice. 



On your assumption of the reins of Government of this Magnificent 

 Province we desire to emphasise our opinion of the supreme 

 importance of the introduction of population. We believe that the 

 colony should become to India what Canada is to Great Britain — a field 

 for surplus population and if Your Excellency is successful in introducing 

 suitable measures to attain this object, you will be doing something for 

 which not only the present generation but generations to come will be 

 truly thankful. 



We give you a hearty welcome and assure you of our best wished 

 that your administration will be a happy and successful one. 



Village Chairmen's Conference. 

 Mr. J. MacFarlane Corry read the address from the Village Chair- 

 men's Conference, the text being as follows : — 



May it please Your Excellency — 



On behalf of the Village Chairmen's Conference, we the 

 Executive Committee beg to be permitted to represent the villagers 



