9
In conjunction with Mr. Leigh, one of the Firm and one of the original Syndicate, and moreover considered I was able to do so, I tried to benefit The Colony by promoting new industries. I believed it would be a great advantage to Government Public Works to obtain cement equal to home production at a probable reduced cost.
I have, since my arrival in the Colony, done all I could at any time for other industries and works, always taking care not to interfere with the interests of local professional men, and I have never accepted any benefit whatever.
I fear the Crown Agents think that the Government is the only market for cement; this is a great mistake. A local company would be entirely independent of Government support, while of course it would make every endeavour, by standard of quality and price, to obtain its custom as well as that of any other large consumer.
There is a large demand here for private works; China and the Chinese Government use large quantities, and a local company would command the Tonquin, the Straits, and Java trade, and possibly the Japanese and Australian trade to a great measure.
Again, I would point out that in my report of 3rd June, 1886, to the Surveyor-General, I asked that the cement of Burham or of Messrs White Bros be sent; if I had thought...