382 CHAPTER XX. 
“ free passages ”’ will denude Assam of workers, we would observe that, 
if work is adequate, the right will be limited to new recruits, and 
that many workers, if they are given leave (either at the end of three 
years or earlier) and the means to return, will readily do so. With the 
abolition of penal contracts and similar restraints tea gardens, like other 
industrial establishments, must depend on offering sufficient attractions 
in ord€r to maintain their labour force. The emigrant must be convine- 
ed that Assam holds out the opportunities of a better life than is open 
to him in his home land. If he is not convinced, nothing else will secure 
a flow of emigrants ; if he is convinced, it will be difficult to keep him 
AWAY.