106
APPENDIX TO REPORT FROM SELECT COMMITTEE
Appendix, No. 5.
Appendix, No. 5.
PAPERS handed in by Mr. Edward Hutchinson, 25 July 1871.
Reverend S. Hobbs to E. Hutchinson, Esq.
( Extract.)
Mahé, 19 May 1869.
1. The opinion I formerly expressed as to the eligibility of these islands for missionary
eíForts on beiialf of the liberated slaves was only partially favourable, but what 1 have
seen and heard since coming here inclines me to recommend this locality mucti more
stronglv than I anticipated.
3. It is about six years since the cargoes of rescued slaves began to be deposited at
Seychelles, and the number ! n ought here from that time to the present is, within a few
more or less, 2,000. In most instances the mortality on the first arrival of a cargo has
been large, the unhap[>y creatures being in a diseased and emaciated condition, but after
the first few weeks they become healthy and strong, and no more liable to sickness than the
rest of the population. I cannot ascertain the precise number now on the island, but judge
from what Dr. Brooks says, that 20 per cent, is the very maximum to be deducted on
account of mortality, so that the present total must be 1,600 at the lowest estimate.
4. It was lately rumoured in Mauritius that the people of Seychelles were complaining
that the rescued Africans were more troublesome than profitable, on account of their
indolence and their propensity to stealing. These reports prove to be unfounded About 180
were brought here last month by the “ Nymph,” and all are already disposed of, the
iniiabitants readily paying 30 s. a head to reimburse the Government for clothing and provisions,
and other expenses incurred on their account on their arrival. The last importation
before this was one of nearly 300 brought by the “ Daphne” in December last, who had
to be kept 80 days in quarantine, and being in consequence both more expensive and also
less able-bodied, were not applied for so readily, whence probably arose the rumour I have
just mentioned. Mr. Ward anticipates the arrival, before long, of much larger numbers
than hitherto.
5. Mr. Ward said his instructions were, in the event of more coming here than sufficient
for the wants of employers, to send the surplus on to Mauritius. Then I gave him a brief
sketch of what I understood to have been the system pursued at Sierra Leone 40 or 50
years ago, viz., the formation of little townships, which were placed under the direction of
missionaries, when the negroes, alter a short time, supported themselves by their independent
labour. At first he seemed to think that serious difficulties would stand in the way of
such an experiment here, but he appears to have been reflecting upon it since, and to be
now more inclined to look upon it as practicable.
8. Both Mr. Ward and Dr. Brooks expressed an opinion that the society would do
wisely in adopting Mahé as the basis of their work, more especially because of the perfect
salubrity of these islands, and the insalubrity of Mombas. The temperature at present is
very agreeable, this being the beginning of the cool season. At other times the heat is
severe, but all seasons are considered to be equally healthy. Sufferers from fever coming
here from Mauritius for change are almost without exception speedily and completely
cured.
9. The expense of boarding for school children might, I believe, be made very light from
the beginning, and after a short time reduced almost to nil. There is no necessity to give
rice, which the Indians in Mauritius require, and which is a very heavy expense, Ijeing all
imported. Here the rations served out to labourers consist almost exclusively of maize,
manive, ai d other productions of the country, which can be produced in any quantity, if
sufficient land be secured, and a few adult labourers kept for its cultivation. The school
children should be trained from the first to assist, and soon might do all the work that has
to be done.
11. When a cargo arrives the adults are all hired out on contract for three or five years,
according to the wish of the employer, who is bound to keep them until the expiration of
the period, paying them wages on a rising scale according to age, the highest rate being
14 s. per mensem, besides rations. I have no doubt they could be made over to a missionary
on modified terms, especially if application from the inhabitants should fail. Much
would depend upon the disposition of the Civil Commissioner, and that of Mr. Ward is in
the highest degree favourable to the scheme.
12. I think
