312 Timehri. 
Professor Harrison thinks that the enormous area in the colony suitable 
for rice cultivation should enable it to become the granary for the West — 
Indian Islands To have built up the sugar industry, and upon their own 
magnificent initiative, to have been the pioneers of the rice industry— 
which is to-day a boon and a blessing to the colony—are achievements 
which speak eloquently for themselves as to the value of East Indians as 
colonists. It remains for the Government to give the latter industry 
every possible consideration so that it may rest upon a more stable and 
secure basis and expand still further. It is as much to the interest of 
the rice-growers as the interest of the colony that this should be. Rice 
is to the East Indians here what the potato crop is to the Irish people, 
and one can understand what any widespread failure of the crop, or a 
cessation of the industry, would mean. The great demand of the 
moment is a proper scheme of irrigation, whereby the industry would be 
completely assured against adverse weather conditions. And it should 
not be difficult for the Government to compass such an end. Our late 
Immigration Agent General has pointed out how the growers have placed 
their dependence “‘ almost entirely on the rice industry; in its ultimate 
success or failure lies their future and continued prosperity.” “It is very 
necessary therefore,” he adds (referring to those who have settled down 
as rice cultivators on the coast-lands and up the rivers and creeks) “ that 
well-considered schemes of drainage and irrigation and the opening up of 
means of communication should be undertaken, if the continued develop- 
ment and advancement of these communities are desired.” 
As owners of flocks and herds, East Indians figure prominently in 
the colony, some of them having vast possessions. Pastured on sugar 
plantations alone last year were 12,475 head of cattle owned by both 
indentured and free immigrants ; and 3,178 sheep and goats. About two 
years ago was passed a very necessary Bill with a view of improving the 
breed of cattle. 
As landed proprietors East Indians show up to advantage. During 
the year 1910-11 319 transports of property of the total value of 
$71,578 were passed in favour of 290 persons. In the previous year the 
value of the properties transported was $71,699. The value of properties 
assessed for local taxes in the towns and villages was $845,823. (Vide 
Immigration Agent General's Report). The thriftiness of the East 
Indians is proverbial. In 1910-11 they had $565,465 in the savings 
banks of the colony, the same year they were able to send away to 
friends and relatives in India the vast amount of $10,892, being $1,424 
more than in the preceding year. It is well to state here also that the 
immigrants returning to India the same year took away with them 
$43,454 and jewellery valued at $7,243. In the year before return 
immigrants had in their possession $38,380 and jewellery of the value of 
$7,676. In trade and other money-making occupations East Indians find 
a large scope for their industry. According to excise returns, licences 
were issued last year for 514 provision shops, 9 retail spirit shops, 52 
butcher shops, 52 drug shops, 84 stores, 28 cookshops, 1,293 donkey 
