367 
molasses ; but the only apparent danger of a serious nature to the 
future prosperity of the island lies in the possible collapse of the 
sugar-cane cultivation 
267. The importance of this industry to the Colony is best 
shown by a consideration of the proportion which the value of 
the exports of sugar, rum, and molasses bears to the value of the 
total exports. 
268. The average yearly value of the total exports of native 
products and manufacture is stated ai 1,335,000/. during the 
period from 1881 to 1885, at 1,437,000/. during the period from 
1886 to 1890, and at 1,447,000/. during the period from 1891 to 
1895 ; in the year 1836 the value was 1 363,3497. 
269. The corresponding figures for ‘the ‘exports of sugar, rum, 
and molasses during the same periods were : 
Year, Sugar. Rum. Molasses. Total, 
£ £ £ £ 
1881-85  ... Dn vs 755,000 2,000 59,000 816,000 
3886:90 re ee |; TIS000 3,000 51,000 769,000 
1891-95 . ... se eee 658,000 4,000 46,000 708,000 
1896 uc c dn Dar TUN 6,000 36,000 742,000 
The bitters exported in 1896 were valued at 34,0007, but this 
export would probably not be affected zs any reduction in the 
area under sugar cane that is likely to occ 
210. It will be seen that, even at venir] prices, the sugar-cane 
industry furnishes quite one-half of the total exports of the Island 
of Trinidad. 
'The exports of; cocoa have varied from a yearly average of 
12 ,000, 000 Ibs., valued at 344,000/., in the period from 1881 to 1885 
toa yearly average of 22, 000,000 Tbs. dien at 550,000/., in the 
period from 1891 to 1895. In 1 1896 the exports of cocoa came to 
23,481,000 lbs., valued at 452,141. Thee was a short crop of 
Dos in 1896, and, owing to low prices, a portion of it was held 
20. ve e the well-known Pitch Lake of Trinidad is 
an important item in the total export t trade. The average 
yearly value of rt exports of asphalt in the period 1891 to 1895 
,000/7., s be Colony derives a revenue from this source 
of due 30, 0007. arly. 
213. The sA re of the sugar estates in the island are provided 
with modern cep E and may be said to be fairly equipped 
for producing pe by the most approved processes. Out o 
total export of 53,822 tons of sugar only 3,850 tons were 
muscovado sugar. The evidence laid before us was, however, to 
the effect that, owing to the low price of sugar, the industry was 
in danger of very great reduction, the Joint Committee of the 
Agricultural Society and the Chamber of Commerce expres sing 
the opinion that the sugar industry was “ undoubtedly in danger 
of extinction.” 
74. We specially requested the Acting Governor of Trinidad 
to favour us with his opinion on this question, and in his letter 
