PUBLIC
RECORD
OFFICE
Reference -
C.O.882/1
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON,
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BF REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-| | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO
148
efficiently. Yet without such an effort the proposed system can be easily brought to such a state of ineffectiveness that it will be regarded as a complete failure. The only barrier against such a result is the small nucleus of European officers aided by a very small number of local staff who may be honourable exceptions to the general rule. To attempt to work a new system, much of which is repugnant to local traditions, against the combined opposition of the Council of Government and the Civil Service would be a task beyond the power of this very small band. It is important, therefore, that the proposals should be, so far as possible, put to the Council of Government in a manner which will not unite all the unofficial section in opposition, and that an appearance at any rate of consulting the wishes and views of the Council should be maintained. I fear it is the case that the general disappointment over the results of the crop together with the unavoidable delays above referred to in settling the details of the Guaranteed Loan have tended to strain the patience of even some of the British nominated members of the Council whose support can ordinarily be fully relied upon.
24. It has not been my object in writing to propose or discuss definite measures to meet the existing situation: these are already under review in connexion with the proposals the Financial Commission. Still less has it been my wish merely to emphasize the difficulties of the situation or to exaggerate the obstacles to be overcome. The general conditions and atmosphere, "however, form an important feature in the situation as a whole, and it is often difficult in discussing particular measures to give an adequate picture of the general conditions within reasonable limits of time and 'paper.
I have ventured therefore to submit these general reflections on local conditions in the hope that they may be of some assistance in forming a decision as to what is and what is not practicable in connexion with particular proposals, and may perhaps serve to facilitate discussion of them by telegraph. The information given may also perhaps in some cases serve to explain in some part representations made from time to time by the local Government the force of which it may not otherwise be easy to appreciate fully. It may no doubt be felt that the atmosphere described indicates a curious lack of appreciation on the part of some sections of the local population of the gravity of the general financial crisis through which the world is passing. Only those who have actually experienced it, however, can, I think, appreciate fully the isolation of thought and feeling to which the remote situation of this Colony and its lack of touch with other com- munities under the British ag give rise. These considerations, however, must be given due weight in any schemes of reorganiza- tion or reform which the financial position makes necessary if the measures proposed are to achieve practical efficiency and success.
149
25. I take the opportunity of enclosing a copy of the report of the local Chamber of Agriculture which I have just received, and also of an extract from the Annual Statement made by the Chairman of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce. These documents must, of course, be read with due allowance for the circumstances in which the statements are made, but they are not without value in illustrating the general feeling in agricultural and business circles.
I have, &c.,
W. E. JACKSON,
Enclosure 3 in No. 44.
Governor.
EXTRACT FROM COMMUNICATION MADE BY THE PRESIDENT, TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ON THE 23RD DECEMBER, 1931.
(9) We consider we cannot avoid making to-day some reference to the present economic and financial condition of the Colony. We have come to a point when, unless some form of relief materializes, disaster and ruin may overtake us.
I am not referring to the financial situation of Government, where the expenditure for the last financial year has reached a level which the value of the total export resources of the Colony cannot exceed this year. I am referring to the whole fabric and economic structure of the Colony itself, which is in a great danger of collapse. Financial stringency is so acute that business is practically at a standstill, and it is no secret that many estates may be unable to rarry on next season, and such a curtailment of the cultivated area may result that the production of the Colony may receive a set back which would take years to repair, with dire results to all.
As you are aware it was a few days ago, over nine months after the March cyclone, that a small portion of the Hurricane Loan was announced as being available.
This much needed relief is, however, altogether inadequate, as the material loss caused by the cyclone is now known to be very much more than had been expected. The crop of 1931 will not produce 165,000 tons against about one of 250,000 tons which had been confidently expected before the cyclone.
Even when the whole of the proceeds of the loan have been distributed, it is obvious that the relief will be short-lived and will only help us to carry on for a few months more.
* Not printed here.
145
10180
K