I96 TlMEHRI. 
Regarding the cutting of timber by Indians, the pri- 
vilege has been much abused ; there are comparatively 
few Indians that avail themselves of it, and these only 
at long intervals. Those who really benefit are the 
half-breeds and squatters, many of the former being in 
appearance so like an Indian, that in many cases, unless 
to those intimately acquainted with them, they pass for 
Indians ; some of them too speak the Arawack language, 
and all the patois Dutch of the river they live on. 
Nearly all the timber supplied to the estates on the 
rivers and West Coast is cut by these people. There are 
persons on the rivers who keep small punts, known as 
ballahoos, almost solely for hire to these men to carry 
their timber to a market. This timber is sold on the 
estates, often for from 8 to 10 cents per cubic foot. 
As those who cut it are put to no expense beyond the 
punt hire, and time is of no account to them, whatever 
they may get for the timber, less punt hire, is clear 
profit. 
Since 1873, when the offices of Revenue Officer and 
Assistant Revenue Officer were abolished, many persons 
who, previous to that time, took out licences to cut 
wood on the Crown Lands have ceased to do so, and find 
it more profitable to purchase their timber from the self- 
named Indians. To remedy this, I think that the 
" Regulations defining the privileges henceforth to be 
enjoyed by the Aboriginal Indians of this Colony in 
relation to the Crown Lands and Forests," made by the 
Governor under the provisions of Ordinance No. 12, of 
1 87 1, and published in the Official Gazette of 12 Sep- 
tember, 1 87 1, require revision. 
