254 FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 



of the people in associating with elementary, industrial 

 education. Lay missionaries formed part of the 

 staff, and they opened carpenters', joiners', black and 

 lock-smiths' shops, with a result that the Gold Coast, 

 and what are known as the Oil Rivers, are at this day 

 indebted to their forethought and perseverance for 

 coopers, carpenters, and joiners. 



But the efforts of such a body should have been 

 encouraged — which has not been the case — in every 

 way, and followed up by the placing in their hands of 

 as much carpentry, cabinet and other wood-work as 

 could have been done : instead of which, orders have 

 been sent repeatedly, in fact the rule, to England for 

 such manufactures. Where a wooden structure in the 

 shape of a roof, a house, windows, was wanted, the run 

 was towards England, in disi'egai'd of the local interests 

 and capabilities, both as to skilled labour and material. 

 Local agents and Government engineers were doubt- 

 less saved trouble, but what are they for if it be not 

 to give to their employers the best service? What 

 better service can there be than the advancement and 

 enlightenment of the people ? It may be advanced 

 that the people are not capable or competent yet. In 

 view of work and buildings I have seen, the outcome 

 of native talent, I am not prepared to admit such 

 an assertion. Even if it were so, when will they 

 be under the present system ? 



From what I have learnt on inquiry, I must speak 

 in equally high terms of the industrial work of the 



