, 1872-11-30

supposed injustice of preventing the
stronger and harder working labourer from
enjoying the natural reward of his capabili-
ties and industry, and the employer from
obtaining labour at the price he is willing
and can afford to pay according to his ca
pltal, energy, and knowledge Of the bust
ness.
"Another argument is that a larger
quantity of work would be obtained from
the existing number of labourers, and that
these would be less inclined to evade
working by feigning sickness and other
pretences if they were paid according to
the quantity of the visible results of their
work, ius'ead Of being paid for the time
spent on it. The change, it is maintained,
would greatly increase our chance OF add
ing to our %labouring population, by means
OF immi grafton from other Westindla Is
lands and counteract any desire on the part
of our w population to emigrate to
places, where the nominal rate of wages is
higher than here. Finally the opponents
of the existing system urge that it is not
enforced nor can be enforced in reality, as
it is practically in the power of any en-
ployer SO disposed to evade it with impu-
nifty"
SO far for the passage quoted from the
Report of July 18th 1865, on tn Labour
Regulations and says Governour Billie, 81
have no hesitation in stating that, in my
official capacity, | adopt the above stated
objections against the working of the eX-
listing system and | also acknowledge the
truth of the Introductory remark to the
effect that the yearly contract, being found
ed in the nature of the cultivation, and
generally approved, is not a subject for
doubt or discussion. And he further
adds, after short comment on the above
extract, expressing his observations, 81
have for the purpose of clearness and brew
ty found it expedient to attach my observa-
lions thus far to the Commissions Report
of the 18th July 1865. In so doing [
could only state the Governments views
In relation to the economical aspect of the
question. But since, as | have already in
timated-the initiative | have been direct
ed to assume in this matter, purposes
amelioration beyond the mere material
welfare, | ought not to omit to point out
and define what those words are intended
to convey.
These words plainly intimate the course
which His Majesty's Commissioner was in
structed to pursue in this particular mat
ter; viz, to effect changes and ameliora-
tions in "the condition of the large labour-
ing class Of the population, involving their
instruction as we'll as their material life''.
The various representations of the bad
working of the labour system here, had
reached the proper source whence correc-
tons could be made, and means for RENE
dying all the evils in this direction was
devised for e%fGecting the desired good, when
this subject formed SO prominent and i'm
portant an item in the Commission entrust-
ed to the late Governour Billie.
The question of so modelling the whole
matter as to make it answer the purpose
fully, has been fairly started by the Gov
eminent, and the motives for positively
effecting changes-changes which will
afford to all parties intended in the matter,
a prospect OF improving their condition
have been most strenuously urged by the
Government upon the notice of the Com
mission and now all will depend upon the
Colonial Council whether the view taken
of the matter when discussed, will tend
towards the point SO plainly indicated by
the best wishes of the Government.