6
were taken in the United Kingdom by those interested in the trade, and there is now no reason to doubt that the British markets are able to cope with the whole of the produce from the West African Coast.
6. Since so many mills for crushing kernels have been erected in the United Kingdom, and the value of the industry brought so forcibly to the notice of the British public, it is possible that, even in the most favourable circumstances, the German market will never again enjoy its former supremacy, If, as seems probable, the Allies are able to absorb all the produce from West Africa, the competition which must follow should keep prices sufficiently high to guarantee to the native gatherer a fair return for his labour. If the formation of ** pools" renders the price paid in the Colony insufficient to satisfy the native, it may be necessary for the Government to undertake its regulation. The assurance of a fair return for a steady output would obviate the tendency of the dissatisfied native to remain idle rather than work for a wage which he considers insufficient.
7. The protective export duty of £2 a ton on palm kernels, recommended by the "Committee on edible oil-producing nuts and seeds," in conjunction with a ready sale in the United Kingdom for palm kernels, cake, and meal, should suffice to keep this trade in British hands.
8. The trade in kola nuts is confined to West African countries either Allied or neutral. It would be inadvisable to interfere with this trade, which has not been disturbed by the War. If, as seems possible, the output of kolas develops to any considerable extent, and a European market is found, a protective duty might then be imposed to secure its carriage to Allied countries.
9. With regard to exports of hides, piassava, palm oil, and ginger, an export duty, similar to that proposed for kernels, should enable the British Empire to absorb the whole of these products.
10. There seems no doubt that the resources of the Colony are capable of
More labour is required for the collection of kernels. great expansion.
A8
much time is wasted owing to difficulties of transport, it seems reasonable to believe that the building of roads fit for vehicular traffic, and the extensión of the railway system, would economize labour, furnish new avenues to trade, and generally encourage production. As yet the railway has touched only the fringe of the forest. Thousands of acres, rich in the potential wealth of the oil-producing palm, await its advent.
Cheap transport, reasonable freight, and equitable rates are the best means for opening up the country rapidly and developing its resources. These, aided where necessary by protective and preferential duties, will keep our sources of supply from falling under foreign control.
11. A return showing the value of imports into the Colony of Sierra Leone during the year 1913 is attached, marked "C"
12. Shipping.-A system of differential charges against all enemy and foreign shipping is recommended; it would operate in confining the carriage of our imports and exports to British ships. A competitive line of steamers, running to and from the west coast of Africa, would be helpful to trade and make for progress.
I have, &c.,
A. P. VIRET, Comptroller of Customs.
"A"
TABLE SHOWING THE COUNTRIES WHENCE CERTAIN ARTICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE COLONY OF SIERRA LEONE IN THE YEAR 1913.
British West
United Kingdom.
Article.
Qumn-
Value.
Possessions. African
Valus.
Possessions British
(other)
France.
Germany.
Holland.
H
United States Foreign West
America.
Other
tity.
*£43
| Quan-
tity.
Value.
Quen. Vaine. tity.
-und
-awa
Value.
Value.
Dale
tity.
tity.
tity.
*ARTS
African Possessione.
Value. Quan Value. Quan Valne. Quan-Value.
tity.
European countries.
Other
countries.
Total.
tity.
Quan
tity.
F
£
ส
-969
2,091
880,106
lb.|1,429,505| 10,615|9,957
836'1
198
2571
8,778
2,087 |29,475
1,366
15,826
280,100 1,3671,000,173 6,639
1,032
1999
166
| | |
ZI
3
5,769
ZI
728,778 4,727
48,894,
...
J
...
...
728 11,859
81,827
5,617
1,129|
5,721
829
6,428
186
GI
968
16
2,780
21
229
666'4
2,915)
992
9,161
1,968
23
18
...
1,474
888'1
686) 456
686
162
"}
1,207
82,679
210
6,449
117
216
18 72,741 9,310 885,640, 46,715 75,705 7,721 15,3101,809
76
8,127
I
-osureman
lb./1,416,283 39,939
6,412
16
82,973į
876
17
1| 866,441| 22,222]
1
205
1,106
R
37:
453
Reference :---
CO885/25
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO
8
were taken in the United Kingdom by those interested in the trade, and there is now no reason to doubt that the British markets are able to cope with the whole of the produce from the West African Coast.
6. Since so many mills for crushing kernels have been erected in the United Kingdom, and the value of the industry brought so forcibly to the notice of the British public, it is possible that, even in the most favourable circumstances, the German market will never again enjoy its former supremacy. If, as seems probable, the Allies are able to absorb all the produce from West Africa, the competition which must follow should keep prices sufficiently high to guarantee to the native gatherer a fair return for his labour. If the formation of "pools" renders the price paid in the Colony insufficient to satisfy the native, it may be necessary for the Government to undertake its regulation. The assurance of a fair return for a steady output would obviate the tendency of the dissatisfied native to remain idle rather than work for a wage which he considers insufficient.
C
7. The protective export duty of £2 a ton on palm kernels, recommended by the Committee on edible oil-producing nuts and seeds," in conjunction with a ready sale in the United Kingdom for palm kernels, cake, and meal, should suffice to keep this trade in British hands.
8. The trade in kola nuts is confined to West African countries either Allied or neutral. It would be inadvisable to interfere with this trade, which has not been disturbed by the War. If, as seems possible, the output of kolas develops to any considerable extent, and a European market is found, a protective duty might then be imposed to secure its carriage to Allied countries.
9. With regard to exports of hides, piassava, palm oil, and ginger, an export duty, similar to that proposed for kernels, should enable the British Empire to absorb the whole of these products.
10.
There seems no doubt that the resources of the Colony are capable of A8 great expansion. More labour is required for the collection of kernels. much time is wasted owing to difficulties of transport, it seems reasonable to believe that the building of roads fit for vehicular traffic, and the extension of the railway system, would economize labour, furnish new avenues to trade, and generally encourage production. As yet the railway has touched only the fringe of the forest. Thousands of acres, rich in the potential wealth of the oil-producing palm, await its advent.
Cheap transport, reasonable freight, and equitable rates are the best means for opening up the country rapidly and developing its resources. These, aided where necessary by protective and preferential duties, will keep our sources of supply from falling under foreign control.
11. A return showing the value of imports into the Colony of Sierra Leone during the year 1913 is attached, marked "C."
12. Shipping.-A system of differential charges against all enemy and foreign shipping is recommended; it would operate in confining the carriage of our imports and exports to British ships. A competitive line of steamers, running to and from the west coast of Africa, would be helpful to trade and make for progress.
I have, &c.,
A. P. VIRET, Comptroller of Customs.