364 
unoccupied land, it is possible that this may be done to advantage, 
and, if so, arrangeme1 nts with this object should certainly be either 
made or facilitated by the Governments concerned. But such 
action, though under any circums erem S desirable, can hardly 
be rapid or on a scale large enough to absorb more than a 
comparatively small number of thé surplus population of 
Barbados 
236. ie the event, therefore, of a failure of the sugar industry, 
emigration can, at best, prove but an exceedingly partial and 
eo remedy for the distress which will be produced. 
237. In Barbados, as in other islands, retrenchment in public 
expenditure is inevitable. The present cost of government and 
n 
natural, and we have no wish to say that in Barbados, at any 
peices it was ,Bot justifiable But the Colony cannot afford i 
at any rate in some portions = the a need be despaired of 
even in the present condition of market 
41. Attention has already been dew to the fact that large 
central factories do not exist in the island. In the present 
circumstances of the sugar trade there is no prospect that these 
will be established by private co iu The industry has no 
credit and capital is not forthcom 
242. Application has already bé made to the Government to 
e central factories to be started. An Act was passed in 1895 
o empower the Government to give This rec towards the 
reasons on e ould, under pedem vence dit be conclusive. 
But the HORAE are not ordinary, and if relief is to be given 
to the sugar industry at all it appears to us that the establishment 
of central factories is the best form for it to take. 
245. We, therefore, recommend that where owners of estates 
desire to combine, as it is stated they are stil ready io do, 
Government aid should be given for the establishment of central 
factories. 
246. It cannot be denied that in giving such aid either by loan 
or guarantee, the Government will run the risk of financial loss. 
On the other hand, if nothing is done to help the sugar industry, 
there is the certainty of great distress, of considerable expenditure 
to relieve it, and the probability of pro longed difficulty in finding 
employmen nt anywhere for the popu 
247. After taking these irae titer ti ‘into account we are of 
opinion that aid to maintain the sugar industry in Barbados may 
well be the ee costly method in which the obligations of 
Government can be discharged. From the point of view of the 
welfare of the inhabitants it would certainly be the most 
satisfactory. 
