Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698068013580.pdf (Guyana)
2539 lvlen1bers Pre�ent LEGISLATIV E COUNCIL.

Announcements 25M) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ( Georgetown Central) The Hon.

Percy C. Wight, O.B.E.

Tuesday, 26th June, 1945.

O.B.E.

The Hon.

J. Gonsalves, (Georgetown South) The Hon.

J.

B.

'Singh, O.B.E.

- Essequibo) (Demerara The Council met at 2 p.m., His Berbice) Excellency the Governor Lethem, K.C.l\I.G., Chair.

, Sir Gordon in the President, The Hon.

J. W. Jackson.

O.B.E.

(Nominated) The Hon.

Peer Bacchus (Western PRESENT The Hon.


T. Lee (Essequibo River) The Hon.

A. M. Edun (Nominated.)

The President, the Sir Gordon James Leth em, His Excellency Governor, KC.1\I.G The Hon.

'V.

Roth (N,ominated) The Hon.

the Colonial Mr. l\f.

B. Laing, C.M.G., 0.B.E.

Secretary, Rive�.

The Hon.

C. P. Ferreira (Berbice The Hon.

the Attorney General, ·Mr.

The Clerk read prayers.

M. C., K. C. E.0.

Pretheroe, The Hon.

the Colonial Treasurer, l\fr.

E. F. McDavid, C.B.E.

The Hon.


E. G. Woolford, O.B.E.

K.C.

(New Amsterdam) · The minutes of the meetings of the 17th May, Council held on Thursday 1945, and Friday 18th May, 1945. as printed read and confirmed.

and circulated, were taken as The Hon.

F. J. Seaford, C.B.E.

( Georgetown North) ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Tlie Hon (Nominated) .

.J.

A. Luckhoo, K.C.

GUARANTEED PRICES FOR CASSA VA The Hon.

C. V. Wight (Western Essequibo) The Hon.

J. I. deAguiar (Central Demerara) The Hon.


H. N. Critchlow (Nomi· nated) The Hon.

M.B.G.

Austin, O.B.E.

(Nominated) The Hon, F. Dias, 0.B.E.

(Nomi· ated) The PRESIDENT: Before pro- I should just like of recording with business ceeding to take this opportunity certain matte,:-s an authoritative These are, I regret to say, to correct serious representations· which seem to require word from Government.

misapprehensions which appear current.


or even mis­ The first is touching the allega­ that Gov­ cur:rent, tion quite commonly ernment has broken its promise to pay price in regard to a certain guaranteed cassava.

This is an absolute untruth.

2541 Announcements26 JUNE, 1945 Announcements 254� There are two guaranteed one of half a cent valid till 1947, and one of a cent and a quarter for a year.

There has never been any kind of gu�rante prices, ·per pound valid e of any higher price.
Some time ago statements appeared had had a guaranteed price that is, a quarter e. This was after some ; time, but not in the daily papers to the effect that Government of a cent and a half and had stopped paying this, but were paying only a cent and a quarter, cent below the guarante corrected before the untruth had had a run.

Since my return from Berbice I have had my .attention series of statements in weekly newspapers untruth.
made or reP,orted repeating this drawn to a whole The facts ar-e as follows :-In 1942, These prices considered in the factor in encouraging in Government.

, it was decided mm1mum prices as an important local food production to fix guaranteed which would ensure that farmers, in the event of a glut, wouJd still find a purchaser were very carefully light of prices in previous years by District Committees, Council and so on, and the price of a half cent was agreed upon as a fair good guarantee.
I remembe.r the discussions including Mr. Eleazar ested to get the best pos'3ible figure guaranteed.
with the' lat� who was particularly inter­ at the time very well, conversations Committee, by Legislative In the middle of 1944 it became that the free prices in many drop very greatly and to safe-· evident items would probably from those then current, ,guard farmers against this and to maintain the encourage ment to farm­ ers, the guaranteed price was raised to a cent and a quarter valid for one year, as compared price valid for three years.

This was given wide publicity.


Further, as the price actually a half, it was decided price-not tice for a short period as a further being paid was a cent an <1 with the half ce:nt to maintain that e, but in pr,1c­ as a guarante help, and before coming back to the cent and a quarter.

that prices would have At the end of the year what had came about, and had the not been operative it is fallen been foreseen guarantees probable very low indeed.
After losing very heavily indeed on cassava bought at a cent and a half, for which there was nothing $60,000, and properly teed price of a cent and a quarter.
like a demand, something l.ike came back to its guaran­ Government very naturally It seems to me just plainly wrong­ ful that with all the publicity which has been gi ,ren, persons should rep re· sent such a natural step as a breach of promise, or to attempt that because Government above the guarantee be peTmitted Such consistent have occurred, extent be wilful, deal sympathetically or to grant any temporary lest it be misunderstood.
to represent had been paying they were not to makes it difficult with such matter':!, to apply the guarantee.

concession misrepresentations which must to some ad to of figure5 enquiries of handling As to the actual guairantees it was widely considered them­ in was a possible In an<l has satisfied all selves, 1942 that the half-cent price in the case of big production.
1944 mo.st exhaustive inspection those persons who have the responsi­ this matter, that the bility cent and a quarter price is not only a fair one but a good one.

A great many statements of figures have been examined, rejected leRRly inflated and sometimes production experience regard with the utmost suspicion figures kind of claim for higher prices.

figures far too low figures of and so on.


I am afraid my has been that one mu�t to the contrary and have been with hope­ as quite unreliable, put forward in defence of expenditure.

of this No doubt it is the common idea of primary producers good tactics higher prices.

It i� a kind and fair to agitate for that it is alwayr,:; of pressure 2543 Announcements LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Announce·ments 2544 which is a common But to press plain group business feature .

untruth disadvantage of politics.


will only be ultimately of the farmer and cause to withdraw.

_.. Government to the and secondly, or up to six hundred, that this had been done by a very sudden decision.

In one place I saw chalked statement up the that Government the price of all eggs and fruit, poultry, else.
As Member:s of this know very well, Government astonishing was going to depress foodstuffs, everything Council only concerns itself number of essential production, all other things, vegetables, entirely by supply and demand.

f,ruit, seven or eight in all.

In special kinds of green etc., producers' are with the minimum of local foodstuffs I will take the second point first.
tem­ not to build another in 1945, in addition Council last, The decision porary class-room to two built in 1944, dates .back, as far as formal action in Executive is concerned, to the 13th February and was conveyed by letter to the and the Board of Gov�rn­ Headmaster It of 16th February.

ors by a letter was considered by the Board of Gov­ ernors at a meeting on the 23ird Feb .. ruary.

On that day also went a lette1· intimating s·ations the minute in front of me here.
the upshot of the conver­ with the Comptroller.

I have free and prices only governed foodstuffs to This mostly affects There is just another point touch­ and imported v�ry indeed on subsidization , mostly ing all this.

We a,re spending heavily foodstuffs, keep prices from .

bounding up to extreme levels.

imported much the big­ foods like flour, gei-;t item.
Bnt thii-; kind of policy can­ not be maintained if we eincour"'g·e rise of prices of local products what fai,r examination shows to be reasonaJble.

must be lifted it would have to be lifted wholly.

This would mean.

of courRP,.

pound or I believe The still higher.

of the Colom· cannot have thes � 11eonJe things both ways.

I peir:sonally beH eve very strongly that the greater hard­ ship in the end will be inflicted on everybody permit to every demand.
inflation flonr of at Jeai::;t fl rentR a In other words, in response something above if we lightheartedly if control these.

would receive for teachers, for buildings The Chakman explained 'Tho ha<l for financia,I to house 400 , with an additional upshot of those conversations been that application assistance pupils.
ordinary 100 further places for pupils (about) in training the Comptroller's proportion hundred ordinary dred per cent for the places as teachers, in training recommended United Kingdom Treasury.

not, of course, exclude possible sion beyond those figures·.
ed, and I quote from the minute- That does expan­ It is record­ support, and in the for the four on that basis to the of fifty-five places and a hun­ for pupils and would be "The Board should write to Gove1n- .so that ment and accept these terms ........... Government should be able immediately to apply for an Imperial circ�tances they sh01Uld not press for an dxtra classroom".

in the grant ...........

THE NEW QUEEN'S COLLEGE.


This is all perfectly This is a quotation The other matter to which I wish to ref er, and as to which to my regret I find it necessary to take this action, to scotch what is nothing th.an another touches to my notice that Government a "pledge" flt Queen's College minute.
information were conveyed Principal, misrepresentation, President received a copy of the letter of 23rd and, as a member of the February Board of Governors at the meeting when this and the letter of 16th February were discussed.

The It was brought on my return from Berbice quite clearly the Board of Governors.

of the Old Boys' Association was accused as to continuous building limitation, and the resulting from the clear.

The decision to the The , was present more or less CoJlege.
without Queen's serious of break­ 2545 A nnouncernents26 JUNE, 1945 Announcements 2546 President been seen personally as well as the Principal by me also.

had The Principal wrote to G<>1vern­ conveyed i.e.

of 23rd February, and that the Board "sup­ 4',given in your in that month on in February.

More­ that the pro­ ment reporting ported the proposals letter,'' quoted from the minute.
It cannot be said that Government has therefore made a sudden decision in June because takes the prac­ the Headmaster tical steps necessary a decision over, it is to be observed posals arising f.ro:m discussions with the Comptroller were accepted by the Board of Governors thing, and it was expressly stated in the minute that the Bo3Jrd should not preRs for an additional class-room in r:1945.
If the Roard of Governors or the Old Boys Association, dent is a member of the Bo::trd of Gov­ ernors, to reconsider ward further was surely then, and not four months l�ter when the Headmaster had taken the necessary the matter, representatio had reason to press Government executive whose Presi­ ns, the time or to put for­ steps.· As to possible College expansion of the beyond the 400- 11.ew Queen's 500 mark I will comment later.
as the practical Now a,s to the allegati on of break­ I have gone carefully had suggested 375 all the files and I find no ing of a "pled,ge.''

through r�cord whatsoever of such a pledge.

What l do find jg this, that in October, 1943, the Principal as the practical then being 351: numbers at 1942/ 43 had been 323, 1941/42, Association hi the end of 1943, for expansion temporary on the present site up to 600.

305.

The Old Boys' made representations then, the number.

:; ceiling, building by site.


who did recommend at the present figure of a ceiling was put commif: nor did Government in any way to a guarantee or Board of Governors gradual expansion No specific forward, itself pledge of indefinite expansion specific was to build two new class-rooms 1!

)44, and to arrange of the Tea sing of a building.

This has p0rmitted about the �05 of 19-1;3/46.

done 600.
done 600.

What was actually in n of the school from to 400 for for a continuation c>xpansio 1941/42 up to a a practical further, to 200 ordinary have to exclude cannot yet be ripe, Since then this specification place� for which the neces­ of fin­ forthcoming for a new and 100 places ancial support building quite special sary arrangements had made it obviously measure to stand on the number as it will be at the end of this year until we can consider rather than perhaps WO boys from the new build­ ing.
Quite apart from questions o.f the and of the College of Queen's finance there are new' Queen's College, q_uestions in all these thing-s, and Government.

a.nrog-ramme this year-I shall be approaching bers on this subiect --cannot com;ider ority of finance a secondary a.ddi.tion Bishoos' by priority schools requirements building, needs and so on.

material to in school in Georgetown given Mem­ in a very few days it proner to give pri­ to the priorit High School.
y already if that has to be which hopes to begin of nrimarv school the devasted and building of priority buil<ling· over the needs of primary ) and over the considerable .for other badly required area, housing The President of the AssociatioP and, thinking something useful saw me, and I g·ave him a sympathetic hearing might be done, asked him to put up hig idea of the accommodation necessary for the extra 250 boys at the present Ritr, with estimatei;;; recurrent.
ancl of cost, capital This was referred to the I repeat that in going through whatso­ or of anything the papers I .find no evidence ever of any "pledge," that can be so interpreted.

What I am afraid happens is that a sympathetic hearing coupled of provide matter what might be done, is promptly inter­ preted first into an understanding, and then later, ''pledge.''

for investigation with some action to thinking, by wishful into a 254 7 A rl/Yiouncements LEGISLAT1VE COUNCIL.
Announcernents 2548 and irresponsible, for expan­ But the one accommodation should allow Now as to possible It h; stated in a new Queen's College.

.in a11 'the papers that the plan of constn1ction sion.

That is accepted.

practical thing at the moment, how­ ever, is-if we wish for financial it is quite certain that we support, need it - to put up our application is .such a way as will have a pretty' good chance of succeeding, that it will have at least the Comptrol­ ler's support.
push at the Secretary appear as an extravagant even if we were to propose to bear a bigger share of the expense.

Even as it plans have been is, the existing much criticised e.g., at $900 a place.

However, It is not good tactics of State what will as extravagan�, let that pass.

tentative knowing to proposition, that Government mitted to begmnmg new nospital b uuctmgs m 1 �46 .

is in no way com­ CURTAILMENT OF SEAPLANE ::::iERV1Gr.

: 1 a:m afraid 1 11ave ::,l,u.1 a ttll.i.

'<1 a.

U.li:>vU.
'<1 a.

U.li:>vU.

:>i:>.1V1.l lU appeared and notices matter on wn1cn to commenc;.

·1 ne lihamoer of liommerce was recently 1n tne ::;ca.­ not1nect.

or a c.u•.1:taument plane services, ln the .PreSS \,y .L1;.U the lihamber.

1 am inrort£nect.

-�nat this has revivect tne oia untrutn ina t the restnction traffic by Atkmson Field 1s so1e1y Tnis ct.ue to tne 10ca1 uovernment.
and untrue, is absolutely though m many cases the mention may in others it is be merely ignorance, difficult that it is not, to say the least of it, careless I gave to in view of the wide publicity this matter two ·and a half years ago.
and completely to believe ot passenger The practical thing to do is to put accepted should be provided on the line3 to g,et_ a 'qmcK response, and the that, as Whether or is in 1945, but of the time of up our plan of application tikely Board of Governors I have said, in February.

not more places not a matter to be decided in the circumstances building when we come to it.

I repeat that any plans can allow for that.


wisdom to it is practical ;Equally, College for the maintain Queen's moment at a corresponding level, and this would he so even if we had not the clamant priorities and other things.

In the present, too, let merit be the criterion without any restriction ships, and where there has to be boy a choice let the meritorious get first chance.

There are very real advantages to the College in such a system.
on free scholar­ of primary education for entrance, There are many things I could say on this matter but 1 think this will do for the moment.
Members will remember the note a minute giving a of the history of the matter, that I circulated, v1·ecis of the efforts of thi,s Government to secure a useful modus vivendi, and finally t he limitations passenger traffic by Atkinson laid down in precise words by an exchange of documents U.S.A. State Department Ambassador in the documents ment is this:- The phrase of the State Depart­ in Washington.
to Field as and the British between the "Passengers to be emplaned or deplaned except in emergencies only would include (a)personnel naval or of the military, air forces of the United Nations, ( b)Government United Nations, officials of the (c)civilians being nationals of the United Nations.

in, and travelling engagep with, occupations effort."

in connection vital to the war I should add two things.
Government approved some three weeks or more ago the securing now that with the end of ::.\faster, hostilities there is a chance of securing him.

The second point is of a further graduate I repeat that this is a prec,ise quota­ tion from the document of the State Department, and it is binding on the .

'\merican l\'f ilitary Command a.nd, 2549 Announcements 26 JUNEJ 1945 Announcements -2550 ASSISTANCE FOR CANE FARMING INDUSTRY.
'fhe COLONIAL SECRETARY com· - the following Messages: municated and the Secre­ on me.

We have on the definitions to meei but nevertheless the through the Ambassador t�ll'�' of State, binding in recent months put the widest possible interpretation general interest, clirecti ve is still binding, who cannot be brought within it may not travel by the Military Base.

People seem· to forget entirel�r that Atkinson Field is a military base.
and persons· and I must ask Members of Council them the Press and the public through again to take note of what the pr�cise position is.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POSSIBILITIES.

I have two intimatio to record, ns of some and that is that has made a Government possibilities and experiment of hydro­ importance the Imperial free grant of funds for the further exploration electric Members will remember for some three months ago: and the Government ;[mperial free grant for the construction of four aeroplane interior.
has already ordered, done.

and Rome exploratory work landing grounds in the Some progress in this matter has also made a in the interior.

that was applied been anticipated, equipment RELAXATION OF WAR-TIME CONTROLS.

I have also to announce that at a of wartime controls were meeting of the Defence Committee ot the Colony since my return from, Bcr­ bice a number of further decisions as to relaxations made.
These are ..additional to those notified immediately number of these will be gazetted clue course, others will be effect giradually weeks, in some cases up to three months.

I have been requested Government the action taken in regard to certain but I have no doubt the important that the public will very quickly become aware of the changing over the next few steps, position.

of by the Imperial after V -,Day.

A in brought into MESSAGE No.

36 Honourable Members of the Legislative Council.


Government has for some considerable in that industry.
and the low level of effi .. have been made by the time been disturbed by the declin� of cane-farming ciency prevailing Representations farmers themselves, has been carried out by Officers Agriculture Department who have sub­ mitted a report on the state of the cul- tivation in which the follov.ring main remedial measures are recommendcd- vf the and an inv('stigatton (a) the improvement of drainage and navigation facilities; (b) the diggir1g of certain cross-canals, and the smousingi of a considerable acreage so that flood-fallowing along the lines so successfully lowed by the sugar estates, and be UI1dertaken; 1 fol­ might (c) the establishment of nurseries of improved varieties.
These proposals, from which 350 acres Engineer who support faem council Advisory Agriculture will benefit, have been examined by the L,egislative and Fisheries Commit.tee, the Commis­ sioneir or Local Government, and the Consulting but consider that the responsibility the digging of drainage and navigation canals, and tor smousmg lies with the Local Authorities concerned out this work.
They have accordingty recommended hereunder for carrying out the balance of the work, should be provided from general revenu� who should be asked to carry and the cane-farmers that $�3,650, made up as for (a) Estimated cost of mobile pump ...... $ 7,000 (b) Flooding 350 acres for 3 years ...... 10,500 damage in arranging block cultivation ..... 3,000 (d)Provision of improved planting material.. 3,150 not to publish specifically (c)Compensation for crop I :pass to the Order of the Day.
$23,050 2551 Announcements LEGISLATIVE QOUNCIL.

A nnouncernents 2o5.2 It is clear that early steps must be on if the industry, to certain villages taken to set the cane-farming a proper footing importance East Coast of Demerara, appear.

In the circumstances, Members to approve of the Honourable of $23,650 expenditure industry of major on the is not to di::;­ as setl out a hove.
I invite lands should be drained and which of bush and mosquitoes, to enable adjoining cleared make' life almost unbearable, those residing ·The db­ reasonable trict is known to be malarial.

and in the area to live under conditions.

5.The estimated healthy cost of clearing and Amazon is $47,500 draining made' up as follows:- Charity GORDON LETHE!VI, Governor.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, British Guiana.

12th June, 1945.

CHARITY-AMAZON IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.

MESSAGE No.


37 (a)Reconditioning of main and internal drain- age ...... $38,500.00 ( b)Clearingland for building ( c)Clearing landfor purposes...... 1,800.00 agriculture7,200.00 Honourable Members of the Legislative Council, $47,500r00 I have the honour to invite the Legisla­ to approve of the expendi­ tive Council ture of $47,500 to drain and improve the lands <>n both sides of the puiblic road at Charity Esse­ and Amazon, Pomeroon, quibo.
These lands, which are about 500 acres in area, have re(Cently by Goverrunent improving living conditions for the purpose of in the area.

been acquired 2.The road which runs from Supenaam Station.

River court, casualty magistrate's ry and quaners, Coast ends at Charity of a pulice post, on the Thsequibo on the right bank of the Pomeroon where there i:s a Government The Station is comprised station, nurses' host\el, dispensa post office and quarters, officer's and.
there is also quarters, a depot under t h e control of the· Agriculture Department used for rece1vmg and storin.gJ farmers' pro­ by the duce to be shiipped to Georgetown steamers and Harbours of the Transport Department is the entrepot which call there.
Charity of the Pomeroon 6.Although the area amounts 10 500 acres, and land from for cultivation of 1lhe works of clearing the �cheme cannot be regarded approximately which revenue will be obtaine.d will be by the made available and execution draining, as economic.

It is intended the front lands for building the back lands for cultivation a market place at Amazon near to the stelling traders cover the parapets sometimes and the small shops that now of the public road a:r:id thereon.
to lay out pmposes and to accorrunoda� impede traffic 7.I recommend that the sum of and provide the petty agricultural $47,500 to which I have referred.

be· provided to carry out the work GORDON LE,THEM, Governor.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, British Guiana, district.

21st June, 1945.

PAPERS LAID.

3.The population of the Pomeroon on was 6,810 at the end of 1943. occupied shQps from and which reg,ularly.
Th&e are Indian Reservation� district These people are principally farms, but there are several which revent.je is collected, must be inspected also two Aboriginal which are visited penser, ment Medical Officer.

therefore, maintained.

weekly by the dis­ by the Go,vern­ It is essential, that the Station should be and once monthly The COLONIAL SECRETARY laid on the table the following documents : - Mr. H. R. Howie's Report on Income Tax in British Guiana.
Report 'of the Directors of the Public Guarante e Fund for the Officers year 1943.

Schedule 4.Owing to the condition of the sur­ lands the health and general conditions rounding �anitary what they ought to be.

If the'se be improved tions secured, are to condi­ that the it is essential :cmcl normal health at Charity are far from of applications for gratuities teach­ of deceased from dependents ers for the period September 1943 to June, 1944.

Report on exploration Guiana.

for Oil in British.

�553 Govt.


Notices 26 JUNE, 1945 Rice Farmers (S.T.)

Bill 2551: A short survey on Tuberculo sis in Brit­ ish Guiana.

Report of the Trustees, Berbice Luth­ eran Fund for the year, 1944. month of June, 1945, required to meet expenditure made in the Estimates which has been laid on the table.

in excess of the provision for the year 1945, The Inland Postal Matter (Registration Fees) Regu­ and Advice of Delivery lations, 1945, (No.

21 of 1945).
21 of 1945).

ORDER OF THE DAY The Stamped Postal Stationery Regulations, 1945, (No.

22 (Charges) of 1945).

CLOSE OF THE SESSION The Inland Postal Order (Amendment) Regulations, 1945 (No.

23 of 1945).

The Inland Postal Order (Rates of Order, 1945 (No.

17 of Commission) 1945).

The Inland Money Order (Rates of Order, 1945 (No.

:8 of Commission) 1945).

The Overseas Money Order (Rates of Order, 1945 (No.

19 of Commission) 1945).


The COLONIAL TREASURER laid on the table a Schedule Provision for the month of June, 1U45.

of Additional GOVERNMENT NOTICES.

ASSISTANCE FOR CANE-FARMING INDUSTRY.

The COLONIAL SECRET ARY gave notice of the following motions:- The PRESIDENT: I should Council, that this is the last meeting of Bill, which i.s now printed aind if we finish today's Coundl, intimate the Session, business I shall pror·ogue summoning the new Council for Tuesday, 3rd July.
That will be, I the laist session of the pre­ anticipate, and one of the sent Legislative first Bills to be presented will be the Franchise and in the hands of tho.se Members of this Council who are Members of Executive Council.

I have not yet received o.f State on the Bill, but anticipate that I shall do so before we take at least the second reading.
Other important Bills that will come up will be the Local Government Bill, and an important under by statute all the conditions which the United States Bases ar:· held in this Colony.

the comments of the Secretary Bill and the Town Planning Bill confirming That, with reference to the Governor's: Message No.

36 dated the 12th of June, 1945, this Council approves of the proposals for assista cane-farming provide therein.
in principle nce to the and undertakes to as set out the necessary funds industry, The first business on the Order ol the Day is the third reading cf the Rice Tenancy Bill.

RICE FARMERS' (SECURITY OF TENURE) BILL, 1945.

CHARITY-AMAZON IMPROVEMENT ScH�ME.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: l beg to move that the following Bill be read a third time and passed:- That, with referenc e to the Governor's approves Message No.
37 dated 21st June, 1945, this Council of the provision of and draining the lands $47,500 at Charity quibo, in order to improve the living conditions and Amazon, Pomeroon, Esse­ for clearing of that area.

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE-JUNE, 1945.

A Bill intituled provide better security tenant rice farmevs; payable for the letting and for purposes matters aforesaid."
"An Ordinance to of tenure for to limit the rent of rice lands; with the connected The COLONIAL TREASURER gave motion:- notice of the following Mr. LUCKHOO seconded.

Question put, and agreed to.

That, this Council ule of Additional approves the Sched­ Provision for the Bill read a third time and passed.

2555 Janki LtGISLATIVE COeNcit... 1Pension Bill 2556 to add just over 2 years for the purpose of calculating proposed service It does not make very much his pension.
very although difference, financial officer.

to the retired The acceptable i� $41.23 a year, difference h1 pension and the difference in lump sum is :t,27G.

that a person who has I am quite sure served 40 yearis or more deserves to he and that fairly and equitably, treated this Bill.

In every Member will support fairness I must add that to the officer this Bill is not introduced at his own request.
that when the pension submitted Auditor, ehecked, he noticed stances of the case and drew attentfon Government where special action should and ,as -a result this Bill has been move that the I formally introduced.

Bill be read a second time.

to be is checked, circum­ the extraordinary in any way What happened was w::t -3 to it.

He suggested that ,surely this was a case calculation way to the the la.te Mr. Lempriere, · as every pension in the ordinary be taken, to Mr. LUCKHOO seconded.
Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

JANK!

PENSION BILL, 1945.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: l move that the following first time:- Bill be read the A Bill intituled "An Ordinance to make special in regards to the provision pension and lump sum · payable to Thomas J anki."

Mr. LUCKHOO seconded Question put, ,and agreed.

t-0 Bill read the first time.


1 ,oniy 1� The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: lt to pension a school teacher of Mr. Junki's explanation in moving the second read�ng tor over 40 years, of events a civil think a very s.hort required of this Bill.

Mr. J anki served this Gov­ ernment continuours1y and in the normal course servant gets his maximum pension after 30 years.

Owing to the c1rcum· stances employment happens that in spite.

of his 40 years' on he is only entitled service the basis of 27 years and 2 months.
Mr. Janki was appointed on the 2ncl June, 1904:, and remained until the 7th June, 1915.

During that period he was Headmaster years ancl 7 months, and he wa� transiferred wi.thout service It s-0 happened his -appointment went to the Immigration he was not entitled the Pensions Ordinance he was not 60 years.
Since that because date there have be·en several amend­ but none ments to the tJrdinance, the cas-e o-f a person who le.ft covering in 1915 his employment but ,served Therefore �ervice be pen�ionable, that when he gave up ais a school teacher and Department those 10 years and 7 months' under of 1907, to the Immigration are not so in his case.

which in all otl1er any.

break in his as a teacher tu a pension cases would for 10 Department.
The Council resolved Committee clause by clause without and considered itself into the\ Bill discussion.

The Council resumed.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL move that the Bill be now read a thfrd time and passed.

1 Government until 194:'j, Mr. LUCKHOO seconded.

Question· put, and agreed to.

Bill read a third time and passed.

The object of the Bill iS' to award him the pension he s-erved tion Department.
had he would have got _ In other words, it is for 30 years in the Immigra­ Rules a n d Orders The Standing were suspended Motions appearing Schedule on the Order Paper.

in order to take the in the Second 2551 Assistance to 26 juNE, 1945 Cane Farming industry 2558 ASSISTANCE TO CANE FARMING INDUSTRY.

'l'he COLONIAL SECR�TARY: 1 beg to move the foilowrng motion, notice of which was given earlier me proceedings:- in That, with 1 e:i:erence io the Governor's Message No.
36 dated the 12th of ,June, 1945, this Council approves m princi.ple with the proposals cane ±arming mctustry provide the necessary therein.

ror assistance to the and undertaK.e.s to funds as set u�t The inclus� in the East Coast V i!lage.

:1 industry was industry 'l'he history the cane--farming and in 1938 the amount So it will be seen that the sold to the 7,054 tons of cane is of major to those vi1134ges.
'£he of cane-farming on the because lour Message affects that dis· tn1s: 1n l�u� wnlle 1 Commissione,r in that East Coast Demerara, Excellency's is 'briefly trict, was District OJstrict established or some of them to be precise.

In ·chai; year the cane-farmers �states' factories which netted them $17,101.

try progressed of 30,870 tons of cane was sold to the estates which netted the farmers $92,422.
cane-farming importance was due to success of cane-farming two factors-the in the cultivation the ne.gotiations behalf of the cane-farmers with the on which led Sugar Producers' to an agreement the farmer a minimum price for his cane.

Before the farmer put his fork into the ground he knew he would get not less than $2.20 per ton of cane He al,so bene­ supplied to the factory.
fited by any rise in the price of suga,r, and in addition he received 10 gallons of molasses for every ton of cane sold or the equiva­ lent in 10 pounds of sugar from the factory for every ton of cane he sold to that factory.
of the sugar cane and made by myself on Associati which guaranteed to cash and was permitted to buy skill of the villager to the money for his cane he received thereby uut m recen,:; and the can\:!­ of the soil, as might has gone back and in 19411 he was not allowetl to reduce his acreage under this and other sugar producing coun­ ti·1tS \Vas restricc.ed :.i.anmng maustry was aa1It!1;-c;ed m t111s way: While the farmc;r was not required cane cultivation, Lu prnm; any iunner area.

Cane.
Cane.

: fa,rming has progressed, years the fertility be expected, only 10,901 tons of cane was sold to ::,o that in 1944 we the factories.

back in the practically round ourselves same position as we were in 1932.

This has been en tireJy due to lack of of the soil, as an agricultural fertility that instead s u,rvey !

;Yield of 20 to 24 tons of cane per aere the farmer was in 1944 only getting 12.

7 tons of cane to the acre.


Further were made and recom� investigations were put up to Gove,rn­ mendations ment to try and restore the soil.

has disclosed the fertility of a of The only way this can be done is to approve to the extent That is to be spent on a Now this is a on by flood fallowing.

measure that has been successful ihe sugar plantations, and the Message before this Council is asking the Council ance to the cane-farmers of $23,650.
of 350 mobile pump, flood fallowing for acres for three years, crop damage in arranging vation and the provision planting Council has already sum of $10,000 to be used as an advance expended Of that $23,650 of the approved and that amount is now being block ,:ulti­ of improved in this manner.

mate,rial.

compensation this It is necessary for me to say here, in thei villages, in blocks to flood fallow that 350 acres is not all the acreage under cane cultivation but unle,ss.
cane is cultivated it will be pqssible and in very many of these villages there is mixed cultivation flood fallowing impossible.

be practical which makes at the present time it will La,ter on, however, to cultivate cane in the In 1937-38 by an international the export of sugar from agreement of financial assist­ 2559 Assistance to LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Cane Farming Industry 2560 to extend to other areas.
· While in blocks and further villages flood fallowing the Message speaks of 350 acres, it has been found necessary to reduce to 284, so that in actual that acreage fact flood fallowing Beterverwagting-T,riumph acres will be flood fallowed, Plaisance, 19 acres, cost, but it has been impossibl these people to fight against if I may say so.

The accretion has taken place on the East Coast has been too big a battle for them to fight, and it was essential for Gov­ ernment to go to their aid.
They are anxious it is only fitting should assist this way.

will take place at where 225 at making a total of 284 acres.

40 acres, and at Buxton, to help themselves them where it can in e for Nature, which and,.

I think, that Government It is very ess·ential that the \!ane­ on the East Coa::,t to its former position I fear that if an indu;:;try farming industry be not only kept alive but be restored of importance.
which is worth to those villages less and no more than $90,000 is not restored, in deterior­ those villages must certainly ate.

This, I hope sincerely, will not take place, to the favourable Council.

then the standard of living and I commend this motion consideration of this no spoon-feedir.g I do not think it can be said that these villag­ e1.1c., o,nct are'.
prepared has to be mad� on of dams, smousing, Government is entiirely for the reason that this these people, is not the total amount of money that is going to be required to put cane farming on its feet again .. A good deal of expenditure the raising I think the villagers to do that for themselves.

It is not to cover this capital expenditure but to start them off afresh, and Gov­ to go to ernment is quite right many their assistance.

I have for years tried to persuade ers, as the hon.
the Colonial knows, to go in for flood fallowing.

we not adopted in this Colony not one would have been alive today.

It is only on that we have managed to exist.

satisfied in the villages of existence.

the benefit from this motion is going to be of gre,at advantage not be long before the whole of the and East Coas,t is under extensive I have very intensive g,reat pleasure before the Council.

cane-farmirig I am also satisfied that is going to be derived it on· the sugar esta.te;s cane-farming.
to them and it will in seconding that without the motion will go out that Had I am quite flood fallowing Seoretary Mr. EDUN: When the proposal it wholeiheartedly, the last time, of $10,000 came for the expenditure up in the Legislature I supported am going to do the same in so far as this sum of $23,650 I am looking of cane-farming other than in respect of � mere 350 acres.

I am hoping that the Sugar is concerned.


sir, to the e!Xpansion in British Guiana forward, and I Mr. SEAFORD: I have great I I feel that tane­ this motio_o.

the villages in seconding , in fact I am certain, that the only way or method of drainage are as as the villagers, returns on the East is by cane-farming.

pleasure which is now before the Council.

sure with the hon.
sure with the hon.

the acting Colonial Secretary of stabilizing Coast Demerara believe farming in the East Coast Villages, where the maintenance and the cost of land cultivation high as they are, is the only means of maintaining they get from that higher than they would from any othe1r cultivation on that Coast.

The.

hon.

mover mentioned produced brought quantity bring them nearly $150,000 present price of cane.

These villages have been up against a hard time.


Government has assisted several especi­ ways which I appreciate, ally in the matter of drainage on which, as we all know, Government has expended an amount equal to neia,rly 75 per cent.

of the 30,000 tons of cane which If they get that of cane today that would they can adopt them $92,000.

that in 1938 the farmers them in at the 2561 Assfatance to 26 JUNE, 1945 Cane Farming Industry 2562 ought which this Council final amount to think of expending there.
The cane­ farmers on the East Coast should not come back for more money.

The point is, they should make it a self-support­ ing scheme.

be allocated fallowing first flood fallowing pleted.

this expenditure Some sort of fund should in order to meet flood cost after the period of the should be supported.
With those remarks, has been com­ sir, I think will take the opportunity is a very excellent in future years that unless take up cane­ within the estates in the one indeed, but to the period after the of sugar will go down That will be a calamity this measure of flood fallowing Companies now to begin a system of cane-farming on the sugar estates themselves.

I see will be so that the labour problem difficult the Sugar Companies farming seriously the production gradually.

indeed.
indeed.

Therefore encouraging villages l am looking three years.

We will be spending $23,650 now in order to put the lands in proper order.

After three years what will it mean?

Will it mean will have to come that the villagers to this Council further ing'?

Therefore this thing be of a self-supporting nature.

I do not expect them to come back here and ask for more money to do flood fallowing from the Legislative in the years to come Council.
sum be voted for flood fallow­ again in order that a I want to see A fund Mr. Naylor, on sugar $23,650, is required for the fulu,re.

What I hope is this: Now that we this should be of cane-farming and I made this suggestion are spending the nucleus should be built up so that when flood for another period fallowing a sum of money would be there ready to do that.
But, sir, when I began I was thinking on the plantations to the highest authority cultivation in this Colony, and to the Sugar P,rod ucers' Associa­ tion and prominent Association sider the advisability section of their lands to recognised family units to do cane-farming in order to solve the labour problem.

The labour problem is Guiana.


You a very big one in British system in one will have the plantation and the cane-farming section system in on the one plantation, and section another gradually the Sugar Companies will benefit thereby.

question, of the expenditure It is a ve,ry big but I hope on this question it is the too, that they should con­ members of that of $23,650 of giving out a 1vlr.
dei AGUIAR: I would have was only au In other of portion as possible correction in this Council in this Council for the support and which was passed of this sum in the the total expendi­ liked as many Membe,rs to speak on the motion before contri­ buting my quota to the debate, but it seems that after the remarks of the last speaker no other Member wishes to I would like first of all say anything.
to express my appreciation of and gratitude that this Message has ,received to make one today, and incidentally, made of the statement slight by the hon.

Member who has just taken his seat.

The $10,000 to which he referred previously advance motion.

Therefore, ture on the scheme will be the figu,re stated here, $23,650.

that $10,000 to what is stated here.


When Govern­ ment approached occasion, Council made, because it was necessary to make an early start with the work before the whole scheme could be properly and proper agreement the villagers and Government ihand.

I would like also to state in reply to the statement same hon.
Member that the actual aoreage of cane-farming Coast Demerara is more than 2,000 acres and the figure of 350 acres ,stated here in the Message only ref er,; to that portion that it is possible flood fallow at the present the hon.

mover worked out in detail between ,reached it was in order to get the of the motion rightly to time.

As beh1g .
As beh1g .

;o as on the one hand on t h e other to authorize this Council an advance made by the on the East words, on that is not an additional sum 2563 Cane FarmingLEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Cha1·ity-A1r1,azon Scheme 2564 where other there is mixed cultivation explained, on those lands, and it is impossible to do flood fallowing crops are being grown at the present time.

I should mention acres is not centralized lar village.
portion at the present ting and some of it is also in the Buxton-Friend�hil) 8f it of it but the majo,r portion in one particu­ Plaisance too that the 350 time i.s at Beterverwag� comes in for a area.

Question Motion adopted.

put, and agreed to.

CHlARITY-AMAZON IMPROVEMEN't' SCHEME.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY: beg to move:- That, with reference to Governor's Mlei.5isage No.
37 dated 21st June, 1945, this Council approves of $47,500 for clearing 1Jhe lands at Charity and Amazon, Pomeroon, Essequibo, conditions in order to improve the living 9£ that area.

of the provision and draining I mention that because I notice that the hon.

M�ber was rather sounding a note of warning that he hopes that the cane-farmers will be able to stand on their feet after this and not approach this Council again I share that hope for any more money.

with him, but I think he will �iso ag,ree .


the assistance that before that stage is reached necess·ary will be area, will have to the Pomeroon is important may consider on the Pomeroon, itarta Coast Road which s g there either one or two nights I think, Sir, that any Member of who has had to visit Char­ of this Council ity or who has had the experience sleepin will support this motion most whole­ heartedly.

Charity as Members are aware, is the end of the Essequibo from Supenaam.
Charity for the reason that it is from Chairity one passes through and it is from Charity that one returns.

Farmers in the Pomeroon their produce there.

So it is essential that Government amenities that point.

prepa,red and small Cottage Hospital and Police Officials Station there.

An Agricultural Officer It is the is living othe:r there as well as several I can say it i� individuals.
on On the last occasion which I had to stay at Chairity I slept at a building known as the Rest House, but I can assure hon.

Members no rest coul,d be obtained that from dusk to dawn one was assailed of mos­ by tens of thousands qui toes.

The reason for that is that the Charity area which is otherwise undrained.

buildings should be provided There is a Post Office and also a and other at this Compound is carved out of an there for the reason thing-where also bring bush and of it.
I it is I mention that, because be extended to a much larger area than the 350 acres ref erred to in this Message.

just pos,sible that when further lands are availahle it necessary in which case Government approached.

Gove,rnment to render some assistance, On the merits of the scheme itself successfully.

It where you that some­ I would like to inform the Council it was very carefully gone into by the Agricultural and the villagers themselves.
first time, I think-and a most extraordinary everybody that an agreement reached that there is every chance of this scheme being operated is one of the few occasions find everybody thing which is being put up is likely to give the results have no doubt, Sir, that the farmers of the villages and I feel sure they will ca,rry out their part of the bargain.

of fact I am in a position this Council has been begun in.

one of the villages where they are taking a very active interest to see some of it completed.
As a matter to inform , welcome this assistance, in it and it is hoped very soon that some work already agreeing expected In order to improve the facilities this Council wisely pnr­ and a grant or part of at Charity, chased Charity a grant on the other side of the river known as Amazon, the object being to and living con- improve the compound 2565 Cha1·ity-Arn.Q;Zon 26 JUNE, 1945 Improvement Scheme 2566 At , the is going to get rid of of the Charity Station an<l to I am sure it is mistaken.
of the road trenches.

If this time these shops are either it is proposed to and .AJmazon which roughly ditions form a market area at Amazon where shops can be erected.
present built on the parapet of the road or astride motion is adopted, drain both Charity together comprise Outside of the building market square, will be available the present time we are tapping quite a number of rubber trees at Amazon and there are other trees at Charity which may be tapped later on if these drainage works can be ca:riried around Charity the mosquitoes It would be much better to spend a of the money in erecting mos­ portion quito screens around the buildings where people live.
In the first place you cannot drain the land because it is below the level of the river.

Some time ago the Council of the land.

We wer� not purchase then told of the possibility sum of money for the a considerable to vote money to put the place in order.

should I think in future Gove-rnment let us know the ex1_penditure we are really to be let in for.

I am certain that the future will prove that I am will be proposal right that the present a waste of money, the remaining land& for cultivation.
At 500 acres.

area and was asked to vote of having out.

that this project a one.

It is really It is not claimed will be an economic Scheme.

We will be obtaining Welfare from the lands, and we some revenue time some at the present are obtaining but it is revenue from the •rubber, that revenue unlikely ly the cost of the· present scheme.

However, ment, the object is to make living conditions persons they will be able to Ii ve there in rea­ and under reasonable sonable comfort health conditions.

motion.
motion.

to the support of the Council.

as I said at the commence­ of draining I commend the who must live there so that these lands for those will cover entire­ The COLONIAL TREASURE.It seconded Mr. ROTH: I am sorry l cannot at a place called of Government which was then the head­ until the road agree with the remarks of the hon.

mover of the motion.

I have lived in in years gone by, not the Pomeroon very far from Charity, Marlborough quarters was extended.
and splendidly ed by cultivation, order-drains when the mos­ sluices quito season came around you had to live inside a protected ernment thinks that dr&.ining clean and kokers and working-but kept compound house.

If Gov.

surround-­ the lands all kept in perfect It was a well drained Mr. LEE: I have to agree with and vegeta­ I notice that no provision my friend.

has been made for the cost of main­ taining the place in good condition.

country This is a tropical tion ,grows again within three months.
Even when drains are properly dug within six months.

I take they fill in intends it that Government spending good condition-and simply for the purpose of keeping the compound free of mosquitoes?

is not taking a wise course, Government and I agree with the suggestion by the hon.

Nominated money to keep the place, in for what purpose, to continue Member.
made As rega:rds clearing the land for purposes, do I understand been given out to If that is there would by Government agricultural that land has• already for that purpose?

tenants so it is a good idea because not be any expenditure in reconditioning the bush, but if this is only a venture there I do not sub­ to attract scribe to this expenditure.

drains and clearing tenants Mr. EDUN: I observe in the Message these significant is the eritrepot "Cha,rity eroon district."
graph of the Message it is stated:- In the sixth para­ of the Pom­ words: 2567 Charity-Am<JJZon LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Improvement Scheme 2568 "Although the area amounts to approxi­ mately 500 acres, and land from which revenue will be obtained will be made available for cultivation of th€l works of clearing the scheme cannot be regarded as economic."

by the execlttion and draining of these lands of the big draimi,ge and the land at Vergenoegen .

will forget the things that us.


I think this Gov­ to speak on it but seeing that it concems drainage and irrigation I am reminded scheme on the Corentyne settlement scheme Have all those schemes gone with the wind?

Are we just thinking about I do not wish to think that the Charity?
Colonial and Welfare Act Development was merely a wa.r stunt, or that we have to wait a period of years when everybody were promised ernnient ought to take courage in its hands and carry out those schemes, a;;; to do some­ it is now taking courage thing about Essequibo.

I am sure that if this money is well spent Char­ ity and Amazon would be an asset to Essequibo Government in making this entrepot worth while.

With these few words I and Rnpport I commend Government on doing some­ thing-for Essequibo.
is doing the right thing something and the Pomeroon distri.ct.

the motion wholehea.rtedly, I have travelled about this country County I consider to be the Cinderella and when I travel I between the three the County of very much indeed, make compa,:risons Counties.

Essequibo of British Guiana.

That is a true statement, and I think that howev�!"

uneconomic the scheme may be, so far as the entrepot of the Pomeroon dis­ trict is concerned the money should be spent.
The money should be spent in such a way and all the work done with the view of expansion-land If settlement and leases to peasants.

that is Government's intention as regairds the future of the Pomeroon district then an expenditure addition in purchasing while.

to what has already the estate been spent would be worth of $47,000 in should be In my opinion Charity and Amazon I spent an there; I did not sleep ther€:', are a blot on civilization.

evening but what I saw was enough to make my soul creep.
I saw mosquito netting around the desks in the Police Station and swarms of mosquitoes move away the s.ent.ry.

mosquitoes donkey, know.

(Laughter).

of mosquitoes.

whether Government experimenting diRcoverv, mosquito DDT, in orde·r nuisance very ne,arly carried but how true that is I do not with that wonderful There were millions I would like to knO"w contemplates I was told that to abate th,3 there?

ready to away a drained I want to be assnred that these and irri­ lands will be properly gated.
If they are there is a possi­ bility ther€.

If Gov­ of land settlement ernment would lease the lands at Charity and Amazon peasants take them up.

would That brings me to a bigger ques­ tion.

I do not think this is the time th-�m many year� Charity.

in killing Secretary, Mr. J.

A. LUCKHOO: I am in with this motion and, like the who are producing­ and supplying the should be done to sympathy hon.
the Colonial ago I had the misfortune to sleep at the Rest House at While the Colonial Secrc.,tary was able to count, 10,000 mosquitoes or more r w:::i.s occupi�d in order to have some rest that evening.
I feel that if people are to live in that region-people ground provisions City - something alleviate undergo by ,reason conditions do not consider much to provide of living to make the people a little happier, even if from year to yeair we have to provide the district people are going to be advised the district be no need to spend this money, but so that area, and so long as they inhabit sums in order to keep condition.
If the to leave there wonld of the unhealthy I therefore for the improvement in that district, in that district.

this sum of money too then, of course, conditions the suffering which they must in a healthy further and 2569 Cha,rity-Ama,zon 26 JUNE, 1945 Improvement Scheme 2570 long as we depend upon them for some of the good things we enjoy here we ought at le,ast to them.· to extend some charity Mr. JACKSON: Both of ·the.
:se is a money for 1:lh�tt I am sure that no one I do not think we can manage names are unfortunate-Charity and Amazon-and -perhaps it may be thou!

!ht that in voting money to put Charity in order we are being chad.t­ ably inclined towairds Charit.v.

So far as Amazon is concerned.

I know the little about it is of a fighting woman.

I howeverc think that the moti-on fine one in view of the ob.iect it seeks to achieve.

would grudge spending purpose.


to kill all the mosquitoes We will never be able to do that, but 1 do not think anyone would be bold enough to say that becaus·e we could not do tJ}mt we should not carry out any mosquitoes in the campaign against City.

There is no doubt that if this money is snent it will be spent profit­ ably, and it would assist people who at present of proper drainage -and amenities.

I am sure in doing that the Council would be doing something are suffering from the lack that is right.
in Georgetown.

One hon.

Member wants· to know it is so intended to spend intends spent in pJ"ioviding netting whether Government money year after year to maintain the place.

must be kept up no Maintainance matter by whom it is done, and if it is intended-and I believe for -to have some of the land released cultivation it will be able to a very great extent to pay for itseJf.
I do not agree that the money could be more or profitably screens to keep mos•quitoes is going to live in a screened building continuously.

the buildings do not think the Council the proposal for the hinterland respect that Member's +he hintE>rland to discount this motion.

I am not surprised at the from the hon.

he has received support (Mr. Roth).

We views so :f.ar as but we haw� People must get out of some time.

I therefore made by the hon.

Memher is concerned.

need consider out.


Nobody hi,s views with respect to s is that some Member on his left (Mr. Lee).

My experience in this Council hon.

Members like to be somebody' and I think we should echo (Laughter), remarks go by also let that Member's the board.

I support the motion because because Charity we are about to give them, and because I believe I believe I believe are entitled it is reasonable, the people living at the money will be well spent.
and to the protection Mr. SEAFORD: If Government Government it essential then it is essential I therefore does in the way this to maintain that Govern­ considers Station as ment should make living conditions can and as good as they possri,bly healthy be, but I agree with the hon.

Nomin­ ated Member, Mr. Roth, that all the in the world will not get rid clearing of the mosquitoes.

feel that whatever of clearing, :ind bonification, further the people have to live.
It would not and add very much to the expenditure, the Government wculd be providing people with that extra bit of comfort 50 as to fit them for their work.

It would be an investment give very good returns.

it must go one st�p and screen the houses in which improvement which would of sanitation There is one-thing that worries me is the and that purposes.

is about this proposal, clearing of lands for building Does that mean that Government roming back to this Council time for more money for buildings'!
If that is the intention be wise to let the Council will be the annual bill right away.

It may be that Government the land for farms.

If that is the case it is so much the better.

I think it would is clearing­ in a short know what There i,s one other point.

In Your , Me1ssage it is stated that Excellency's the scheme cannot be regarded nomic.

I do not think we expect economy altogether, Council would like to know, and I personally going to be our annual bill to maintain this area.
I am quite willing· would like to know what is but I think this to vote as eco­ 2571 Charity-Am(J)Zon LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Jniprnvement Sclze·me 2572 suggests that screens and I protest cost.

It is all very well very strong· any voice raised in opposi.

migiht find to remove the Station the money but I would like to know the ultimate to spend money but I am not preq)a:red n9w if it is going to to vote $50,000 oost another to main­ annually $50,000 tain the area.
If the cost is going to be very heavy Government it es!sential some other site.

make a living, ly against tion to this motion.

I am glad to know that the hon.

Member on my left (Me.

Seaford) be put in the houses.

I know he has to do with the supply of something I can expect his materials, therefore support for the building of priority the houses and the provision We all know the difficulty .tion at Charity.
accommoda proposition to see that this small community 6,000 people should have some, imprnve­ ment of its living conditions.

take some orf the champagne City and drink it in the outlying to do on s·everal occas­ tricts.

of of screens.
of of screens.

in obtaining I made this Let u3 from the dis of other Members as, approval Mr. C. V. WIGHT: I take the as one of my small efforts and especially takes them to that should to of of expenditure in protest against, the district, Conditions that any voice should be to the of this sum of money, or there ,as appalling.

which cries for the asis.istance and I proposes to render, silence the motion.
On behalf of the residenti;i in the Pomeroon those whose business district, for its sup­ I thank the Council port of the motion.

To anybody who has visited that area, as I have had the opportunity ions, it must be striking to think that there should be any opposition expenditure even a larger sum, on the improvement of that district.

strike one immediately Humanity Government am surprised ,raised which is proposed of that area.

It is amazing to find the hon.


Member, who on seve,ral ions has ple•aded for the betterment the living conditions ally minded pe10ple of the Colony, in opposition is so ,amazing referred say that that echo will wane .some day.

He is losing his words of wisdom.

His appeals for of the conditions improvement in the islands can only mean of the Essequibo that we should circumscribe to those islands.

efforts of the Colony's going to be deterred it economic this Colony will progress.
to a motion of this kind.

It that one hon.

Mem�er to him as an echo.

I can oply be by expenditure, so long as or uneconomic, our entire I am optimistic his voice and has forgotten for the improvement of the agricultur­ future and I am not occ�.b­ of on the I think Your Excellency, of your visit, occasion the conditions The people in that district the hardiest.

They strive was appalled by Coast.


on the Essequibo are among very hard to Mr. LEE : I rise to a point of cor­ which should be recti­ I do not say that the people river are not living rection.

in the Pomeroon under conditions fied, but the motion only refers to Charity and Amazon, and it will be i3 observed in res,pect I would like to inform thiis Council how many people are resident trict- that the only bonification of the Government in that di.s­ compound.
The PRESIDENT: You are mak­ ing a second speech.

Mr. LEE : No, sir, I have only riisen to a point of correction .

T'he COLONIAL SECRETARY: I Mr. Roth, expect all the mosquitoes, have to agree with my friend, in the Pomer.� who has had experience oon, that one could not possibly to exterminate bnt I think he must agree with me that Marl­ borough is a well drained out pl-ace.

Ordinance building Charity is undrained.

to drain it.
to drain it.

I think the least we can do for the people who are compelled there is to purt it in proper order.

I think that is1 their due.

W� have a Public Health now which forbids houses in undrained persons areas.

anrl we are trvin g· and well laid to live As regiards of main­ which the Member for ES:Se· the question tenance 2573 Charity-Amazon26 JUNE, 1945 Sup.
Estimate 2574 for the rea..c;·o� it is, of course, that the whole area that is should be maintained part of the land is uris,ts aurl that area.

quibo River (Mr. Lee) and the hon.

asked about, Mr. Jackson essential in proper cleared order.

The hon.

Member for George­ wanted to town North (Mr. Seaford) know what it is going to cost.

I can­ not give a firm estimate, that the greater going to be given to agricult the f'arme�s wiLl maintain The hon.
Member also wanted to know what is the meaning of item (b )­ land for building Clearing In the fifth paragraph of the $1,800.

it is stated that we propose to Mess·age clear the land for a market place at Amazon, to which the petty traders.

and the small shops can themselves remove.

The owners of those shops will re-erect them there, so that there will be no cost to Government merely wish to clear the land for the market place.

at all.

We purposes, hon.


the Colonial Secretary rect in saying there may be more at Charity settlers good settlement and there can be a in that area.

is not cor­ Question put, and agreed to.

1'Iotion adopted.

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE--JUNE, 1945.

The COLONIAL TREASURER (Mr. McDavid) : I move- approves Provision That this Council ule of .&dditional of June, 1945, required ture in e�cess of fh� provision Estimates been laid on the table.
made in the for the year 1945, which has the Sched­ for the month to meet expendi­ The hon.

Mr. Edun wanted to know there will be expansion.

I hope whether there will be, but I think Government would be wise to see how the land is taken up, and then perhaps an extension of time to consider be the the scheme.

that would The PRESIDENT: My visit to The crux has been at Charity.

ref erred to.
ref erred to.

is that if the Pomeroon is to make any progres·s at all in the nature Condition Charity of the question district there must be something of an entrepot there at the moment I saw them in 1941, were just unspeakable.

N'Ovember, I have seen places which are thought of ten to be some of the worst places in the Niger deHa, that kind on eairth, and I am quite sure that any Govern­ ment Station with Charity.
there is paradise comparf;d of s for the re-organisation Before I move that this Council go Sched­ to consider the into Comrnitteei ule I -would just like to refer to one item on it, that is the one important under the Head "Treasury-Income Tax" to provide of the staff of tl1 at branch following of Mr. Howie, on the recommendations Income Tax AdYiser.

)Ir.
)Ir.

Howie's Report was laid on the table this after­ but I think copies were put into noo11, the hands of Members before then, and T hope they have had time to pay some to what he said at least in attention .

that portion also ask permission item which is not in the Schedule one ref erring to the purchase machines accounting and Post-Office ments of .

the Public /Service.

the posi­ circulated When the_ time tion in this respect.
comes I propose to deal more f u Uy with this the Council resolve mittee to consider i,t.self into Com­ this Schedule.

of his Report.

I shall point.

I beg to ip_ove that a note explaining Savings Bank Depart­ for the Treasury to move in an I have of If it were simply a question of it up it might be possible, but not the only thing to be done.

cleaning that is The trouble stretch of land a1ongside and get see why the rid of the shops.

1 do not is to find a convenient onded.


The Council resolved Conunittee the Schedule, and proceeded itself into to consider The COLONIAL SECRETARY sec-· 2575 Sup.

Esliinate ___.,.

LEGISLATIVE CouNCiL.

June, 1945 2516 COUNCIL IN COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE.

cents.

a letter therefore, grow the fruits.

and Agricultural All of us When it is only profitalJle example, you can find is to let the Agricultu­ ral Department lnstructors do enjoy the sapodil!a.
in season it does not cost much, but >·tl1'chase, Prodnction �·­ at the })resent I tim� you cannot get a good sapodilla for twelve 1Yha t is :the ca use of that?

It is the Dis­ lack in the Country �rnd Yillage tricts of these fruit trees.

Is it the poli<'y of GoYernment agriculture?


asking Government Jto consider whethe1· ;it is not possible such a nursery and plant all kinds of fruit trees for distribution free of charge to the people through tl1e Agricultural tricts, the persons receiving given definite instructions care.

The officers must also be made to carry out the instructions Department in seeing that the trees are cared for in the proper manner.

in the dis­ IJ nstructors and let the Instructors those trees are Member, 1\Ir.
Jackson, If it is, then I am to encourage Coast and could When I was six as to their see thaL to set up of the the 1 tem , __ l Distribution of Seeds and Plants $1,0UO.

l\Ir.

LEE: I had wl'itten Committee g Mangoes''.

Recently to go to the E.sse­ to the Advisory and given my hon.

friend and colleague, Mr J aeob, a request to giYc notice of a motion today, but as his chair is vacant I presume he is ill.
When I was a boy, about ten years of age, I visited the Essequibo have always got sugar apples, custard I apples and other fruits.

had the occasion qu\bo Coast and could not get any other fruit except what we call here ·'L011 years of age I went to the school at the village of my good friend, hon.

Nominated and could at a11y time during the vear obtain fruit.

from the village.
from the village.

I wrote the Advisory Committee a letter asking them to consider a pro· posal by me to distribute free of charge all kinds of fruit trees g,rown ju this Colony to Local Authorities and Yillages may be educated fruit trees and the selling fruits to who can buy.

The dis,tribu­ tion is to be under the supervision of the .Agrirultural vadous localities.

been brought to your knowledge this vote was considered Council.
Instructors in the Perhaps it has not when in Executive in ordel' that the people into the gro·wing of those of sir, they are going but in that I understand, to set up a nursery, musery the�· a re only going to grow such plantR ns are ordered and the small sum for people ha,r io pay a those plantR.

All of us who were born in this Colony and have grown ju this Colom· know that jn order to educate the people, especially the Villages you have to do it by example.
and Com:itry I am asking Government to this question as the re.-ult of such in the light be done for ten years kinds of fruit tl'ees c:ousicler that it 'should from now.-al,l to be grown in a nursen and distributed to the people free of chuge.

At the end of ten years I feel that this Col­ on.r ·will benefit a policy.

I had intended to move it as a motion.


I am, howeve1--, 1 not i.he saying that I am not supporting motion before Council, but I think it should be for a sum of $5,000, because be grown and sold at a very cheap rate throughout people will have to do the planting of them.

At the present moment cyer�·one kno-w that oranges contain and they should be· avail­ vitamins, nble fo1· the public to obtain.

This vot(' js only beggjng· asking for $1,000.

If Government's polic.

c· 1ltutal.


· iR agricultural, citrus plants iare to this Colony, the let it be agri­ the question by if 1·eally those in District;:;, 'rha that in mind.

'l'hc CHATRi\L\�: We will uear 2t577 Sup.

Estimate- 26 JUNEJ 1945 June, 1945 2571'5 to a letter to be present to attend the meeting 'impress­ to be an erroneous Ur.

de AGUIA,R: The hon.

made 1·eference to the Advisory Com­ ... 1\Iembe1· he add1·essecl mittee.

I think it is rather unfortu mt te the hon.


Member did not find it <.

:onvenient at ,,Thich his letter iwas com;iderecl.

He found it inconvenient and so he did not hear the other side of the story.

Before I deal with that I would like to correct what a ppea1·s ion as to this rnte of $1,000.

This is an excess vote, the original being $5,300 as appea,rs ule, and what is being asked for is an additional ud1irh is th� sum estim<1ted spent for this year.

Like the hon.
Like the hon.

l\Iember I ·would like to see an or $15,000, amount of $10,000 but we cannot do that me1·ely by coming to the Council and asking out making the necessary for it.

to ask him too, in what form could charges of discrimination be avoided in such cireumstances?

At the present moment a man places his in the order for plants and it is entered usual way :and the -distribution is If the made in 01·der of priority.
distribution is to be free, I would like to know how it is possible the Department of dil:,<.:l"imination.

As I said just now, there are more orders on hand for the plants we have coming up, and for that reason it is thought effo1·t by a 1special more in that d frection Government the vote by $1,000.

possible next year, I liave no doubt that further do ask the hon.

:Member not to press his point that these plants be distri­ buted free of charge.
that we can do a little this year, and to extend it still further for it with­ provision proposes to increase $1,000 to make1 it $6,300 to answer any charge ti.on would be made.

I If it is found on the Sched­ a pplica amount to be for in he knows better this industry today, and that in his point that the plants I want to tell the hon.

:}!ember toda ,v that and that is to the "sling-shot He said he went into the and took fruits off the tree5; that he had belo�ged in his younger days.
that I heard something I did not know before, he had belonged brigade."

village and so I conclude to that brigade I presume he would be anested if he attempted it today.

I do IUOt think he can be serious should he got ready and distributed free of charge, the moment is that the price charged for the plants i� very small, a penny 01· more, and ,that is done really to have a certain amount The hon.

Member knows, as he was told, that although charge is made the plants a re not enough to go a round.
We have got more orders for these plants than are in the ground at the present thne, and this situation a l011g-time.

J would like the hon.

�Icmher to think what the vosition would be if they were to be distri­ buted fren of charge.

I would like Mr. FERREIRA: I strongly support the amount bein.g voted, but I would like to make this suggestion which, I think, would go a long way in helping to get on a much firmer footing.

I think the hon.
I think the hon.

Member who has just taken his seat will agree tha.t it was not possible in this Colony the past for residents to get supplies In fact the of plants.

ha:s been most position I know I had to wait for a small number of plan ts something it is a question agreed that this is something to the country, the necessary that this $1,000, not be tied dow:n to the Gardens in Georgetown.

That is wrong.
That is wrong.

A cer·· tain amount should be allocated such stations as Whim and No, 63 on the Corentyne Coast and the Land Scheme in New Amsterdam.

I say that for this reas·on: You!

will have the and the Agricultural on the spot to Agricultural make the people The plants will be given ouf-to the people in that locality Superintendent Instructor like six mon tbs.

If of money and we are funds.


But I would ask it is up to us to vote t\vhen the position at in the locality and these Officer::; such a small or whatever sum, should will be for of control.

for beneficial interestea.. unsatisfactory.

2579 Sup.

Estimate- LEGISLAT1Vll1 COU:NCIL.

June, 194S 2580 to do something is not done by the What happens now?

will be in a position which at present Department.


Orders are placed for plants and after that is those plants have been supplied the last the Department people.

kept of all persons and they be followed time.

who receive up from time to I feel that a record should be hears of those plants Beribice, On Saturday morninll' There are areas throughout a: refer to the Berbice Rive·c District and Savannah where, we have been told, nothjng can grow.
Only three weeks ago I had of seeing 300 grape fruit the pleasure just three years old, and orange trees, heavy with fruit.

Yet I have been told Department can­ that the A.gricultural That is not not get enough plants.

satisfactory.

last I raised the matter that I woukt like the Grow More Food Committee t1.1 ask for funds for the establishment of a Citrus Plants Nursery dam and possibly it was decided take the matter up with the Director and get his views on the Agriculture subjec.t.
I think the time has come when all that red tape sihould be set aside.

If we agree that something that nature should be done, let us· do it.

for these Citrus Nur;:;­ I am appealing eries.

Let us go in for a system of decentralization.

be interested Instructors people to groiw their own fruit trees.

that we would have to of in New Amster­ in getting the of Let the Agricultural on the Corentyne, and lands.
The Country and Vil­ to be well are supposed The moment a man puts must lay dormant and not encourage the peoiple to plant?

They have Agri­ who know the soil.

Instructors cultural I do not say the people must plant indiscriminately.

lage Districts drained the place should be in an application, and the man told what kind inspected of plant can grow there.

I do not know has had experienc,.:!


if Your Excellency of our pineapples-those from the with those Coast compared Essequibo from the Canals Polder area and from River.

They have three the Demerara and that distinct Coast is the best from the Essequibo you can eat.

Then why cannot they encourage the Essequibo that that particular district a particular country Coast in order to show can grow kind of fruit that the as a whole can be proud of?

tre growing of pine:::ip'!


)l es on kinds of flavour, I ,am in agreement with the hon.

River that if the be extended know that there they can get fruit Member for Berbice thing is to be done and to be extended, to then let the nurseries depots througihout the Colony.

Let the public trees which they can grow in their back­ yard.

Is it not a self-supporting that Government sorry I have to take up this attitude, but if we are aiming at self-sufficiency then these things must be encouraged.
of $50,000 If it calls for an expenditure lands and to bonify and drain certain nurs­ you are not prepared eries for the distri or plants Colony, to this then it iS' a waste of go9d time.

to establish 1bution of fruit trees which can be of benefit i.s aiming at?
I am policy and the Department that if we want plants advising that the then is it not the fault of Government people Mr. LEE: I would like to point out tha,t if it is within the knowledge of Government there are more orders for plants than can be filled, us who are do not srtress and cannot get them?

Therefore, cannot stand here and take the blame, and so I am asking Government to con­ sider it.

We have just voted $50,000 to open Agricultural eroon.
We have voted money for the Scheme and the Canals Polder Bonasika where there ·are lands available planting to say that the Agricultural fruit trees.

Are we then going lands in the Pom­ Department for I Mr. de AGUIAR: I do as.sure the of his sug­ that in respect as to the possibility there are a number of hon.

Meinibe'r gestion ing nurs,eries, difficulties, jt investigated.

but I promise him to have of establish­ COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE Item 1 (o)-Acting Allowances, $360 Mr. J.
A. LUCKHOO: I am glarl to see placed on the Schedule tional Provision to an officer who is acting in a more of Addi­ for 1945 an allowance 2581 Sup.

Estimate- 26 JUNE, 1945 June, 1945 25t the Schedule posiition Sesretary about post compels him to who are called upon to than his substantive I have examined I think the principle is a and have had a chat with the officer is called responsibility responsible appointment.

good one because upon to assume g,reate-r than his substantive ass1ume.
throughout the hon.

the Colonial some other officers act in a more responsible they now hold.

They also should be treated in the same manner.

I refer to the two Puisne Judges o.f the Supreme Court , and the Registrar.

called upon to perform duties more responsible tive posts.

Likely there are others who to be considered dese�ve the item under this Head, and I would like to see moved into the additional provision who are entitled at some time a sum for those to like treatment.
than those of their substan­ also.

I support position than They a re to is covered The CHAIRMAN : I think the by the Col­ and probably it is case referred onial Regula1tions unnecessary ary estimate.

sanction be asked for in a supplementary provi'3- ion.
If it is· covered I would it right away, if not it would to put it on a supplement­ MISCELLANEOUS-(B) OTHER THAN MUNICIPAL SUBVENTIONS Item 73-Contn:bution lishment of post of Direct01· General towards estab­ of Civil A viaUon, $3,960 · The CHAIRMAN: We wi how things stand at the end of years.

It is only proposed for thr years at the moment.

An Air Via.,..

Marshal from Montreal me L.:.

• visited night and he spoke about th., officer coming here.

PRISONS Item 16-Extension etc.


at New Amsterdam of Dairy Fann Prison, $1,120.

condition.

Mr. FERREIRA: I notice that an Prison.

Assistant to be blessed of the dairy herd and y had that P__rison Warder is required to have a Chief Warder should be of at the New Amsterdam additional for the extension piggery The Warder so employed someone who has some knowledge the work.

In the past we have been very fortunate up there who certainl Fiarm.
and Dairy in excellent But all men are not alike; some a1·e fortunate to have the gift of knowledge.

ment of an Assistant Warder for the Dairy and Farm is being made in order to ge,t the best results, we should get someone wiith some knowledge the work who would take a distinct interest for very .good reasons line of the Department placed immediately under tural Depa.rtment.

I think it would be a very wise thing.

in thait work.
in thait work.

I would suggest I think if the appoint­ the Agricul­ that this side­ should be of Mr. LEE: May I enquire of Gov­ ernment whether this will be a yearly contribution'?'

The CHAIRMAN : I will take a note of that certainly.

The CHAIRMAN : There is to be TRANSPORT & HARBOURS DEPARTMENT in Trinidad arrived there shortly.

He with this general ques­ throughout the an officer who ha.s been he·re before.
1 think he has either or will be arriving is to be charged t�on of Civil Aviation Caribbean Area.

be at Trinidad pensionable contribute ..

It is a three years, non­ to post, and His headquarters will we are asketl so much.

Item 12-Boat, Lorry and Equipment fm· Cam.aria Service, $9,000 Mr. LEE: May I enquire if it is of Government within the knowledge that this Service Colony as it cannot pay its way?
will be a los1s to the Mr. LEE: I am thinking whether as I have seen_ them a The COLONIAL TREASURER: 0 the estimates certain Principals rate has been agreed to by the of the Cuyuni Goldfields Ltd., after three years the post will be retainecJ.

Suv.

Estimate­ LEGlSLATIVE COUNCIL.

June, 1945 2584. il J the Service will just pay its way.

n other words the operati�g revenue.

-·ill balance exp�nse:os M�.. LEE : Is Government enter­ ing into a contract that their freight at least?
with the Company should be so much on it I would leave in a memorandum Unless hon.

Members wish to have explained attached.

make any enquiries it at that as, I take it, th.1at memorandum fully covers the ground.

There is how­ ever one point I would like to mention .

in respect of item (f)-2 Junior Assessing Officers.

Class I Clerk and the other is a new t in place of the Supernumerary One is in place of a The CHAIRMAN : I do not think it is ,so much per year but per lb.

car­ riage.

Clerk.
car­ riage.

Clerk.

The COLONIAL TREASURER: The Coml)any agreed to pay 1 fo.

per lb.

for all transport.

Mr. LEE: I would like to tell that my information is that Government will be a loss.

If it is a lo�3 this Service it would to the Government in revenue, is subsi­ nly m�1an that Government "ing this Service.

The CHAIRMAN : Then we will .cnlt up the rate.

I should like to amend the total and in $3,636, by a Class 1 by adding $600, for the from some other Service .figure.
reason that we now feel that this post should be a new post altogether, order to enable it to be filled clerk released we a,re asking that the amount be increased by a sum of money to pay the new officer as from the 1st August.

I also move that the item-Temporiary by $75.

War Bonus, $345-be increased In other words the items will -be increased tively.

to $4,236 and $420 respec­ Mr. LEE: I hope when that iE it will not be turned down.

suggested Items as amended, agre€d to.


of Mr. ROTH: This is the result of the one of the recommendations Interior Development Min­ ing operations indeed, Government Company, than repaid many times over.

can afford to tha.t and any reasonable I am certain, Committee.

will be more show very good prospecfa assistance TREASURY�INCOME TAX Commissioner The COLONIAL REASURER: The most important item is the provi­ sion for a new whole-time of Income Tax.
Mr. Howie stated in his report that Income Tax Admini,stra­ tion will require will ·act with the two Commissioners, Mr. King and myself, who are part­ time.

I do not think I need go into the I lmow hon.

of the report.

details ·' Members have read the report them­ a full-time man who It is fully estaJblished that In­ selves.

come Tax is so important that it requires the administrat' on.
The oth r items l a whole-time officer to direct The COLONIAL TREASURER: a Expendi­ with mechanical expl,aining the need for in this Colony.

The most use to which tihese machines I am very glad that has arisen for us to beg to move in the item I ref erred to-­ XL.

Treasury--iExtraordinary ture-6.

Purchase of Accounting Ma0hines1, $10,000.

I have circulated memorandum these machines.


the oppo,rtunity make a 'beginning accounting important will be put will be the re-constitution the- Post Office Savings Bank.

I think mo.st Members realize ing machines are regarded for efficiency.

necessity gest that the personal should be reduced, estimate staff eventually prove successful.

Treasury of the Department be improved accounting, at the commercial Banks in these days as a prime I do not sug.
of the office will in every way by the use of mechanical but there again l do not of what might be saved on the if these ma.chines In the case of the I feel sure that the efficiency that the account­ although I have an of 2585 Sup.

Estimate- 26 JUNE, 1945 June, 1945 i, ·any reductio wish to promise until I feel sure that in due course of be handled by a .

time the work can smaller staff.


n in s.taH The COLONIAL TREASURE formally move: That, this Council the Soh· apprnves ule of Additional for the rr Provision to meet expr · of June, 1945, required ture in excess of the provision madr> the Estimates for the y,ear 1945, which been laid on the table.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY s. Mr. SEAFORD: What will be the onded.
the question it considers if, when this matter comes moment the Co rol by certain rules· and and it has to consider verv position before the Control Board, that these machines are not e.31sential?

At the present Board is governed regulations, carefully the v;alue of e dollar.

may argue that Governmen carrying these machines unde1r the leadership of the Treasurer, and that it does not consider them essen­ tial.
If on those grounds the a�pli­ cation is turned down, what does the T,reasurer on for many years· without success with wonderful The Boarrl t has been of finance anj propose to do?

Mr. de AGUIAR: The vote woul<l lapse.

The COLONIAL TREASURER: The Treasury, controlled too, can boast of being exchange.

by foreign The Council resumed.

sine die.

Motion put, and agreed to.

The PRESIDENT: That brii" over the time.


In adjourni us to the end of the Ju · ness just £ minutes we end what I expect will be the pi sessfon of this long-lh ultimate Council.

We open next week what p· haps will be the last session of tl Council, though modified some extent only two years ag< would ju.st like to express my per,r thanks to Members .

for the manner :... out the busi­ which they have carried ness of this last year.
which has been in bein·g so le, in its compositior The Council was then adjourned