370 
of cultivation and of packing fruit for export. We are not with- 
out hope that in time it may be found possible to establish a large 
and amabi industry in fruit, to be sent from the West ms 
generally to the New York and. London markets. 
296. The question of the probable financial position of the 
Government of the Colony in the immediate future is one of some 
importance. 'The taxation of Trinidad is not light; the pon 
E revenue in 1882 was 396,2827., of which about 297, 7007. wa. 
. from taxation. In 1896 the total was 577,140/., of which about 
438, 0000. w was from taxes, including 22,7001. from export duties and 
royalties on asphalt. Additional echt could be imposed, and 
would bring in some revenue, but it is not desirable to impose 
additional burdens on the Colony unless in case of necessity. 
5 
have justified such expenditure, greater economy will be necessary. 
* ae d » a 5 
301. If there is a bas and sudden reduction in the sugar 
industry, there might be a considerable temporary expenditure in 
providing for labourers, a especially for East Indian immigrants. 
The expenditure would be very heavy if any large number of 
of the Indian coolies to return. It any case it will be more easy to 
provide at short notice for the settlement of coolies on Crown and 
other lands in Trinidad than it would be in British Guiana. 
There is, ne less probability of a sudden and iinan 
demand being made on public funds for return passages 
302. The question of the assi "eim ion to immigration at the 
expense of the publie revenue is one that requires curefil con- 
sideration. We are of opinion that if any industry requires 
immigrants it should pay the whole cost connected with their 
introduction. It is argued that the introduction of immigrants is 
a benefit e the whole Colony, and that the whole Colony should 
pay a portion of the cost of Arte dme them. "This view as to 
the i Broan of immigrants being a benefit to the whole 
Colony 1 is not held by those persons with whom the immigrants 
compete in the labour market, and if the argument were pushed 
to its logical conclusion it would follow that every industry 
should get a bonus from the State, as every industry is a gain to 
e whole comm i vs has, however, ues pressed upon us 
Wr. evidence which we cannot dis regard, that at the present time, 
and under present sono: snae ed dern are absolutely 
necessary to the carrying on of the sugar estates. It would be a 
calamity, not eed to the owner of the estates, but to the general 
community, to take any steps that must have the effect of 
intensifying the existing depression, and, whatever our recom- 
e might have been if the question of State prit: to 
tion were Yee raised for the first time, we are not 
rd to say that such assistance should now be witha: 
We are, however, of opinion that the number of immigrants to be 
^ 
