124 TiMEHRl. 



on hospital and immigration, because work can be under- 

 taken more promptly, and done in a more efficient 

 manner, and rates of wages can to some extent be con- 

 trolled. Unfortunately, steady work cannot be relied on 

 from most of our Creole labourers, and they are fond of 

 idling for days and even weeks, to try and force the 

 employer to offer exorbitant rates of wages. If immi- 

 grants w-ere introduced at the expense of the general 

 revenue, it would help the sugar industry in this colony 

 to hold its own in the competition which is growing 

 keener every year. So far the labourer has not suffered 

 from the low prices ruling in the sugar market, on the con- 

 trary rates of wages have increased; the loss arising from 

 unfavourable seasons and low prices has fallen entirely 

 upon the proprietors of estates, but eventually when the 

 latter are unable to stand further loss, the labourer and 

 every member of the community must suffer. It is 

 therefore for the ultimate good of every individual in the 

 colony that the sugar industry should be encouraged, so 

 as to enable it to continue, in spite of the fa6l that 

 owing chiefly to the industry being aided by bounties 

 and prote6live duties in other countries, the selling price 

 is now almost lower than the cost of produ6lion. Drogher- 

 age. — The distance from shipping port and means of 

 conveying produce &c., that have to be adopted, governs 

 the cost of this item, but a fair average would be about $2 

 per ton sugar. Machinery. — Under this head spares 

 and parts for renewal of machinery have to be provided 

 for, also foundry accounts and engineers' materials of all 

 descriptions. A fair average cost would be about $3 per 

 ton sugar. Other Expenditure and Sundries. — This 

 includes various minor items of expenditure not pro- 



