80 
Indian Forest Records. 
[Vol. IV. 
(For details see Appendix IV.) The cost of landing dry internodes at 
Gumbala works out roughly to Rs. 10 per ton, which figure probably 
could be reduced considerably by working on a large scale and after 
further experience. 
(10) Labour. 
Part of the cooly labour could be procured from the coast villages, but 
importation of labour on a fairly extensive scale would be necessary, 
especially during the harvesting season, when the local population return 
to their homes to reap the rice crop. The price of labour is 5 to 7 annas 
a day for men and 21 to 3 annas for women and children. As regards 
the artisan class, with the exception of carpenters and a limited number of 
masons, they would have to be imported. 
(11) Chemicals. 
All chemicals, with the exception of lime, will have to be imported. 
The cost, however, would not be heavy as they can all be brought by sea 
and by sailing boats up the river. Large quantities of excellent shell- 
lime are available on the coast at a cost of 12 annas per cwt. 
(12) Fuel. 
Firewood is plentiful and can be obtained from the area in which the 
bamboos are found. The price fluctuates considerably, being generally 
high, owing to the proximity of the Bombay market. The price of coal 
would be very much the same as in Bombay. 
(13) Miscellaneous facts. 
Climate is an important factor in considering the suitability of a 
paper-pulp factory site. The upper reaches of the valley are, without 
doubt, very malarious during the winter months. On the other hand, 
the coast country and the country as far inland as Gumbala, is healthy, 
and quite fit for Europeans to live in throughout the year. The supply 
of meat food is very deficient, though fowls and excellent fish are always 
procurable. 
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