372 
. The revenue of the island was 14,0037. in 1880, 14,1757. in 
1882, and I 8261. in 1885. After 1885 there was a great fall 
The revenue ‘of 1886 was —_— 8,5147.. and i notwithstanding strict 
economy d sever trenchment suecessive deficits were 
incurred, necessitating a des of 5,000/. from ines funds, and 
other temporary E Fart of this deficit has been cleared 
off by careful administration the revenue had risen in 1896 
to 9,3217., the aoda re ae 9,2697, but the net deficit on 
— Reven nue Account at the close of the year was still 
* 
315. The value u Ba total exports was 48,245/. in 1882, 
38, 4371. in 1885, only 18,8927. in 1886, and 39,5267. in 1889, which, 
After 1889 the exports again fell, but their actual amount cannot 
be given with comple ete accuracy, owing to the union with 
Trinidad. It appears, however, that in 1896 the exports to foreign 
countries were of the value of 9,336/., whilst articles of the d 
of 10,5607. are stated by the Commissioner to have been sent t 
Trinidad. From these figures it might be inferred that the total 
exports from the island are now worth about 20,0007. a year. 
316. The record of Tobago for the past 20 years is a gloomy 
one, but happiness is not synonymous with wealth, and the 
condition of the people A Mes er] better $k the figures we 
have given would appear to indicate. This result appears to be 
mainly due to the Bekk tm die of the climate, and the fact that 
Trinidad provides a market close at hand for both produce and 
labour. Any severe and prolonged depression in Trinidad would, 
no doubt, re-act on Tobago. 
317. As a remedy for the present state of things it was urged 
that one or two central factories should be erected. e cannot 
recommend this course. If large sugar factories cannot be worked 
are lik 
the adoption of a remedy so expensive, and so unlikely to be à 
permanent success. 
318. The island was ited politically with Trinidad in 1889, 
but a separate account of revenue and expenditure is maintained, 
and an adjustme ub on AERE, of import duties made. It is 
alleged that Tobago loses by the adjustment. 
We recommend the complete amalgamation of Tobago and 
Trinidad, and the abolition of the separate account of revenue and 
expenditure. "Tobago would then become a ward, or district, of 
Trinidad, and the two islands would have a common exchequer. 
o this measure objections bier no doubt, be raised locally, 
though we believe the majority of the inhabitants of Tobago are 
in favour of it. The owners d large tracts of land are afr aid that 
financial amalgamation with "Trinidad sah lead to the tax on 
land being raised to the level of that prevailing in the latter 
island. We are unable to see why this result should necessarily 
follow, as Tobago, in its present condition, has a good claim for 
separate treatment in this matter. The traders seem = fear that 
amalgamation with Trinidad would reduce their business in con- 
nexion wich the import trade, and possibly with the cnn trade. 
