It has never been profitably conducted as an independent industry. It is our position, as Sugar Refiners, with a constant supply of surplus molasses, which enables us, or makes it worth while to carry on the manufacture at all. The profit formerly made at our own works by distillation, we are unable to state, as our operations were conducted on a comparatively small scale that the necessity for special and accurate calculations never arose, nor can we give the results of the two months' experimental working at the Distillery, as much of the produce was shipped to foreign posts and we have not yet received accounts of sales.
In the next place, we have to point out that the producing power of this manufactory has not been increased since the former working ceased.
Again, nearly the whole of the manufactured spirit is intended for exportation, and it is greatly to the benefit of the colony to increase its foreign trade and connexions. An industry of this kind is capable of supporting a considerable number of Chinese workmen, and the revenue of the colony directly benefits by the occupation of a building which...