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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O.885

21 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

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Nevis, £10 each. It was finally arranged that the following report should be sub- mitted to the Conference :-

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE WEST Indies.

Representatives of the Conference from the Imperial Department of Agri- culture, from Barbados, British Guiana, and Trinidad, who are concerned in entomo- logical investigations, acting as a Committee, have held meetings to discuss the proposals contained in a despatch from the Colonial Office (22nd March, 1911), asking whether the West Indian Colonies considered it desirable to co-operate with the Entomological Research Committee.

Advantage has been taken of the presence of Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall, the Scientific Secretary of that Committee, at this Conference to discuss with him the manner in which such co-operation might best be effected.

Entomological investigators in the West Indies have been considerably hampered by the difficulty in securing the identification of insects of economic importance, and also in obtaining necessary information with regard to the occurrence and control of insect pests in other countries; and it is absolutely necessary to secure adequate assistance along these lines, if the Colonies concerned are to reap the full benefits from the efforts of their scientific workers.

The far-reaching importance of entomology with reference to both agriculture and public health can hardly be over-estimated, and in view of the difficulties referred to above, this Committee is of opinion that the suggested co-operation will prove of considerable practical value. As the Entomological Research Committee is in close touch with numerous specialists, and has ready access to all the literature contained in the libraries of the British Museum and other scientific institutions, it is in a position to render the assistance of which we stand in need. But in order to supply us with the information we require, it is recognised that the Entomological Research Committee will necessarily incur additional expense, and we urge that this should be met by contributions from the Colonies concerned.

With regard to the likelihood of obtaining votes from the respective Govern- ments for the sums suggested, I was assured by Professor Harrison,, Director of Agriculture in British Guiana, that he would have no difficulty in obtaining £100 or £150 from his Government; and as regards Trinidad, I was authoritatively informed that anything up to £100 could be relied upon. The suggested contribu- tions from Barbados, St. Lucia, and Antigua may also be considered as certain; and although no specific assurances were obtained with regard to the remaining three islands, there is every reason to suppose that they will fall into line. Jamaica and British Honduras were not approached on the subject.

It had been arranged by Dr. Watts that at one of the sessions of the Conference I should give a brief account of the work and objects of our Committee, and thus obtain a formal expression of opinion from all the delegates as to whether they desired to co-operate with us. This was accordingly done, and the immense import- ance of entomological work in tropical countries, in which agriculture constituted the main industry, was strongly emphasised. Finally, the report of the local entomo- logist, referred to above, was formally submitted to the Conference, together with the proposal that a sum of about £250 a year should be jointly contributed to the funds of the Research Committee by the Administrations represented at the meeting. I am pleased to be able to report that the proposal met with a most cordial and gratifying reception. Its adoption was formally moved by Sir Frederick Clarke, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Barbados, and seconded by Professor Carmody, Director of Agriculture for Trinidad. In the course of his remarks Sir Frederick Clarke pointed out that hitherto they had had to look to Washington for information on entomological matters, and were very grateful for the help they had received. But he urged that it was derogatory for the Colonies of a great Power to have to seek such information as a favour from a foreign country; for their part, they would far rather contribute to an organisation of their own. There can be no doubt that he voiced the feelings of the Conference, for the statement was vigorously applauded. It is pleasing to learn that the more progressive of the sugar-planters in Demerara have begun to appreciate the importance of studying the insect pests of sugar, and a movement is on foot to induce the Demerara Planters' Association to appoint a special entomologist of their own for this purpose.

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In this connection, introduced Messrs. Rutherford and Strickland, our two Carnegie scholars, who were also attending the Conference, to several prominent Demerara planters, in the hopes that one of them might perhaps be able to qualify for the post.

The question of appointing local West Indian men to Carnegie scholarships had been discussed by the Selection Sub-Committee, and I had been authorised to make enquiries locally on the subject. The Director of Agriculture in Trinidad was very favourably impressed with the suggestion, and said they would be very glad if their Assistant Entomologist, Mr. Guppy, could be given an opportunity of having some sound practical training in the United States. And it is probable that the Govern- ment of British Guiana would also appreciate the offer of similar facilities for their newly-appointed Biologist, Mr. Bodkin. I therefore venture to suggest that as these two Colonies are contributing liberally to our funds, it would be a graceful act on the part of the Committee to afford them an opportunity of benefiting under our Carnegie grant. The course of instruction suggested might last from three to six months.

Finally, I should like to draw the attention of the Committee to the difficulties under which Mr. Ballou, the Entomologist to the Imperial Department of Agri- culture, has to carry on his work. He is the only entomologist for a series of islands which comprise no less than nine different. Administrations, and between which the means of communication are far from satisfactory. If he attempts to do any con- tinuous work at his headquarters, Barbados, it means that the requirements of the less accessible islands must be neglected. Whereas an adequate system of touring and inspection were adopted, it would preclude the possibility of carrying on much important experimental work. The appointment of an Assistant Entomologist to the Department would certainly more than double its effective working capacity. Further, if, as may reasonably be hoped, the extension of this Committee's organi- sation leads to a greater entomological activity in these islands, much extra work is likely to be thrown on Mr. Ballou's shoulders. I would, therefore, venture to suggest that this Committee should formally make representations to the proper authorities as to the necessity for appointing an Assistant Entomologist to the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies.

6002

SIR,

(No. 26.)

No. 11.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE to THE GOVERNOR.

Downing Street, 1 March, 1912.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 7, of the 23rd January, and to state that I am glad to learn that your Government will co-operate in the scheme for a more extended investigation of noxious insects in the Empire and contribute the sum of £50 per annum towards its cost.

A further communication will be addressed to you on the subject when replies have been received from the other Governments concerned.

7057

SIR,

No. 12.

BRITISH GUIANA.

I have, &c.,

L. HARCOURT.

THE ACTING GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 7th March, 1912.) (No. 52.)

Government House, Georgetown, Demerara,

12th February, 1912.

REFERRING to your despatch Miscellaneous of the 10th November, I have the honour to enclose a minute from Mr. Stockdale showing the lines of co-operation

• No. 9A.

No. 111 in Miscellaneous No. 231.