36 



its power to promote their health and comfort. In the Kew 

 Bulletin for 1891,* where this untoward result is chronicled in 

 greater detail, it is stated that " it seems only just to place some 

 account of the work in which they perished on record. If Kew 

 sent them to Africa, where they met their death in the attempt to 

 do something to extend the resources of the Empire, it may at least 

 rescue their names and memory from complete oblivion." 



These plantations were eventually transferred to the Govern- 

 ment of Southern Nigeria. The High Commissioner (Sir Ralph 

 Moor), after an inspection on the Niger in December, 1900 and 

 January, 190J, was sanguine that with proper management these 

 plantations, which were taken over at considerable expense, could be 

 made at least to pay their way and considered that some small initial 

 outlay to make the attempt was advisable. An Assistant District 

 Commissioner in the service of the Protectorate, of considerable 

 experience in work of this nature, who had assisted in preparing 

 the estimates was recommended to take charge of the plantations 

 and to become manager in subsequent years should the success 

 warrant such expenditure. For the first year 10 per cent, on the 

 gross returns was to be allowed as an inducement to the officer to 

 do all in his power to make the plantations a success. The course 

 proposed was sanctioned by the Secretary of State. 



The Acting High Commissioner's (Lieut.-Col. H. L. Gallwey) 

 report for 1900f gives the position for that year. 



It was reported that the plantations of the Royal Niger 

 Company on the Niger had been taken over by the Protectorate 

 during the year, and the number of trees at each place was given 

 as follows : — 



Name of Plantation. 



Plants. 



Permanent Places. 



In Beds. 



Abutshi 



Liberian Coffee ... 



11.863 



4,989 





Cocoa 



612 



40 



Nikissi 



Liberian Coffee ... 



72,690 



— 





Arabian Coffee ... 



140 



380 



» 



Rio Pongo Coffee 



1.200 



— 





Cocoa 



30 



— 



Akpakka ... 



Liberian Coffee... 



16,200 



3,610 





Arabian Coffee ... 



400 



— 





Cocoa 



364 



600 



The Creek 



Liberian Coffee ... 



15,030 



13,350 



At the Onitsha Station extensive developments were in progress 

 under the supervision of a European officer of practical experience. 

 The necessary machinery had been arranged for and satisfactory 

 progress generally had been made. Coffee was sold and exported 

 to England in small quantities and a satisfactory increase in this 

 respect was looked for under the efficient supervision then given 

 to it.J 



* Kew Bulletin, 1891. p. 86. 



t Col. Rep.. Ann., No. 353, 1901. for 1900, p. 13, S. Nigeria. 



+ Col. Rep.. Ann., No. 381, 1902', for 1901, S. Nigeria. 



