242 
this work. The result will be that in the hope of carrying out their 
undertakings, higher wages will be offered to attract the labourers 
already in the country. That sufficient labour can be imported there 
is no doubt, but it means trouble and expense in bringing coolies 
to this country and acclimatising them. In order to avoid what 
would certainly prove a disastrous competition and avert ruin from 
many of the undertakings which would otherwise go under I would 
suggest that an acreage tax over the Straits and Federated Malay 
States be levied, the money from which to be expended solely on 
the importation of suitable labour. For this purpose it would be 
necessary for Government to form a Labour Bureau to import 
coolies and distribute them to the different employers in proportion 
to the amount of tax paid by them. Before approaching Govern- 
ment it would be well to get the views of the United Planters 
Association in order that, if possible, joint action might be taken. 
Mr. BOYD proposed that the Secretary be asked to write and find 
out the views of the United Planters Association on the matter. 
This was agreed to. 
This concluded the business of the general meeting. 
The essay committee afterwards met and decided to divide the 
prize between “Wars" [nom-de-pl ume) and Mr. A. M. Sawyer, 
giving a gold medal to each. 
The Labour Bureau also met later. 
It was agreed on the motion of the Chairman (Hon. J. Turner) 
to approach the Netherlands- India Government with a view to 
having the rates of pay for future importations of coolies reduced. 
The Chairman said that the favourable views expressed just a year 
ago about Javanese coolies held good to-day. They were in some 
ways more satisfactory than Klings. Sickness among them was 
rarer and, consequently, the death-rate was lower. Though the 
initial cost of importation was greater, the ultimate expense worked 
out cheaper than for Tamil labour. 
Mr. Boyd concurred, as did Mr. STOTHARD who said that the 
Javanese, unlike the Klings, never scamped their work. They had. 
Javanese women in the factories on Malakoff, and he did not know 
what they would have done without them. 
The Secretary (Mr. Sargant) reported that the number of Java- 
nese imported in 1904 was 1,099 > m 1905, 410 ; and for the present 
year, so far, 200. 
The accounts of the Labour Bureau for last year showed a credit 
balance of $105.71. 
The accounts were passed. 
Mr. M. H. Graham was also appointed to act as Secretary of 
the Labour Bureau during Mr. Sargant’S absence. 
This concluded thej business and a vote of thanks was accorded 
the Chairman. 
