354 
vid New York; but we think it well to point out that communi- 
cation by this route would offer greater commercial advantages to 
some of the Colonies than the present arrangements; and that 
the time occupied in the transit of mails need not, in all cases, 
be greater, and, in the case of Jamaica, would be less than now. 
137. It will be sufficient for us to suggest that endeavours should 
B 
ade to ascertain, at a sufficiently early period, before the 
service shall be conducted in a manner better adapted to the more 
pressing needs of the Colonies in their present condition. 
INTER-COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT 
COLONIES. 
138. It is of great importance that there should be cheap, regular 
and frequent means of communication between the different 
Islands. The want of such facilities was specially brought to our 
notice in many of the Colonies. 
importance at a time when many persons are likely to be thrown 
out of employment in some of the Islands. 
140. Various proposals have, we understand, been put forward, 
and some experiments tried, for establishing such means of com- 
munication, which have fallen through for lack of funds and from 
other causes. 
141. Without attempting to prescribe in detail the arrangements 
that should be made for establishing easy communication by 
steamers between the Colonies, we may indicate in general terms 
the facilities which we recommend should be provided. 
142. The Islands of Grenada and St. Vincent should be con- 
nected with Trinidad and Barbados by a steam service, affording 
facilities for the shipment of perishable produce and providing for 
the transit of passengers at low rates of payment. 
attended with some disadvantage, but the establishment of easy 
communication between Barbados and all the other Islands of the 
Windward group is of an importance which outweighs this 
consideration. 
44. Similar means of inter-communication are required in the 
Leeward Islands, and these might be provided by arranging that 
