126 
25 cenis per gallon, are now at a nominal price of 5 cents per 
gallon, and even at this price bes cannot be disposed of. Rum 
has equally declined in value 
368. Mr. Horsford stated, “in 1883 we shipped as nearly as 
“ possible the same crop t that we did in 1896, say about 14,800 tons, 
“ The value in 1883, including molasses and rum, was 93 4131, 
s crop realised only 105,2457., or con siderably 
“Jess than one half.” As showing the falling- off also in the 
general trade of the Colony, Mr. Horsford states that the value of 
the imports and exports together in 1883 amounted to 583,0007., 
as against 277,0007. during last year (1896). 
69. There is said to have been no lack of capital in working 
the con wean of estates in St. Kitts, as they were held by English 
proprietors and merchants, but, according to Mr. Horsford, “the 
“ fact that Pretepi have been se nt out by several of the owners 
“ to stop cultivation after the present crop has been reaped, is a 
“ proof that the resources of credit are at length exhausted.” 
370. Valuable information it i the condition of the sugar 
industry in St. Kitts- pi is obtainable from a summary furnished 
by the Committee the Miserraat Society from returns of 
20 representative ais in these islands. These estates had under 
cultivation 7,078 acres, or an average of 353 acres each. The 
y 
ton of sugar produced, n three estates there were distilled 
56,046 | gallons. of r The A ee ee the expenses 
and wear an ear of eoe ) in producing 
1 ton of sugar in 1896 was 9/7. 9s. 43d. The number of labourers 
employed in cultivating 7,078 acres was 2,694, equivalent to one 
labourer for every 2°6 acres. It was not possible to obtain the actual 
included in the above return, but in the case of one of the largest 
of them, the original papers were placed before t the Commission. 
The total weight of muscovado sugar sold in New York was 300 
tons net (672 a pounds). The net total | amount received was 
2,6847. 12s. êd., an average of 8/. 18s. lld. per ton. As th 
realised, there was no chance of making a profit on the year’ 
penon ae It = be added that fas seasons in 1896 were of a favour- 
able ¢ 
371 Cane disease has mat erially affected the crops in these 
islands and constant attention has been devoted to the subject. A 
valuable report on cane diseases in St. Kitts was read before the 
_ local Agricultural Society by the late Superintendent of Agricul- 
ture in 1804, All the canes affected by the moth borer have been 
