264 PART WV.
- Regarding the relative proportions of non-native and native
production for export in the Territory, given by value in the second
table of the paper, it may surprise some that these prove to be about
equal. But for sisal, however, as the table shows, non-native export
would be less than one half that of native; and there is the further
circumstance that the conditions of the year taken as an illustration
were such as to reduce considerably native production.
I may say in conclusion that Tanganyika is a territory largely
surrounded by other territories, whose good example and enterprise it
admires, and whose advice it craves. It is a coveted territory, a
considerable proportion of which one of its neighbours has already
threatened to bite off: and I might also refer to a smaller neighbour
to the south-west, which, I am informed, wishes to imitate the small
snake which tried to digest the large stone dog! Although I do not
wish to assist in this painful piecemeal way of dissolution, I shall be
glad to reply to any questions on the Territory which any members
of the Conference might wish to put.
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Holm) asked whether Government levied
any charges for the services rendered in respect of the native coffee
industry, particularly in connection with marketing.
Mr. KIRBY said that no charge was levied.
In reply to Mr. Bailey, Mr. Kirby stated that the production of
kapok was largely in the hands of non-natives, and that the export
amounted to some 60 tons per annum. They looked upon the kapok
industry, however, as a menace to the cotton industry on account of
the fact that kapok harbours cotton stainers. some of the most
dangerous pests of that crop.
Mr. SIMPSON proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Kirby for
his illuminating picture of the agricultural development in Tanganyika
Territory. It had been a great pleasure to listen to him, because he
had drawn his picture so graphically that they would all carry away
a very clear impression of what present conditions were in Tanganyika.
CHAPTER IIL
AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Holm) read extracts from a letter from the
Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Kenya, and stated that he
wished to place the matter before the delegates at the Conference, in
order to ventilate the subject and to see whether Agricultural
Departments were able to recommend their Governments to support
the proposals to hold an Agricultural Show representative of Kast
Africa at Nairobi about July. 1927.
In reply to Mr. Fuller, Mr. Holm stated that he understood that
if the Show took place the Trade Commissioner for South Africa might
be able to arrange for some exhibition representative of the South
African Agricultural industry. :
Mr. SIMPSON said that there was no doubt that most of the
work in connection with such a Show would fall on the various
Departments of Agriculture. He had only one officer who could be
deputed for such work, and he did not feel inclined to put this burden
upon him, as his energies could be better devoted to work in Uganda.