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COLONIAL REPORTS-ANNUAL

No. 605.

SOUTHERN .

REPORT FOR 1910.

(For Report for 1909, see No. 665.)

IJrwentA to both $oa$** of fatlianmtt bg (Eommanb of Dt* JRajestg. November, 1911.

LONDON: PUBLISHED BY HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE. To be purchased, either directly or through auy Bookseller, from WYMAN AND SONS, LTD., FETTER LANK, E.O., and 32, ABINGDON STREET, S.W.; or OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT, EDINBURGH; or E. PONSONBY, LTD., 110, GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN.

PRINTED BY DARLING AND SON, LTD., BACON STREET, E. 1911. [Cel. 5467-si.] Price 4U CONTENTS.

FINANCIAL ... *•• ... •»• ... .«. ..

TRADE ... ••» «•• ••• .»» ... ••• •••

FORESTRY ...... »•* •»*

AGRICULTURE ......

SHIPPING ••• ... ..• ...... ••• »»•

LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OP LAND ...

LEGISLATION ...... ••• »•«

EDUCATION ......

POLICE ...... »••

CRIMINAL STATISTICS

PRISONS *.» ...... *• .*• ••» »•• *»•

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS

VITAL STATISTICS ... .

SANITATION ......

POSTAL ......

SAVINGS BANK ......

TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES ......

RAILWAY **• ......

WATERWAYS ......

MARINE SERVICES ......

ROADS AND WORKS .•• ......

CLIMATE ......

MILITARY ...... •»« ......

SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE...

IMPORTANT EVENTS ••• ......

GENERAL CONDITION OF THE COLONY AND PROTECTORATE

APPENDICES.

TABLE SHOWING THE IMPORTATION OF SPIRITS, 1906-10

WORK CONDUCTED AT THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE DURING 1910 FOR THE COLONY OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA ...

MAP. COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL, H

No. 696.

SOUTHERN NIGERIA.

(For Report for 1909, see No. 665,)

THE ACTING GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OP STATE.

Government House, , Southern Nigeria, 23rd August, 1911. SIR, I HAVE the honour to transmit, herewith, six copies of the Blue Book for 1910 and also two copies of the Report thereon.

I have, &c,

A. G. BOYLE, Acting-Governor. The Right Honourable, Lewis Harcourt, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c, &c, &c.

(21759—2.) Wt. 31959—450. 1125 & 8.\ 11/11. D & S. 4 COLONIAL REPORTS — ANNUAL.

ANNUAL BLUE BOOK REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1910.

FINANCIAL,

The total revenue collected amounted to £1,933,235, or more than the amount estimated by £372,904, and an increase of £571,344 as compared with 1909. This total of £1,933,235 was made up of £963 derived from sales of land and £1,932,272 from all other sources. The following statement shows the receipts under each head of revenue compared with those for the preceding year: —

Head of Revenue. 1909. 1910. Increase. Decrease.

£ £ £ £ Customs duties 987,571 1,440,284 452,713 Harbour and lighting dues 2,159 2,315 156 Licences, &c...... 20,378 22,146 1,768 Fees of Court, &e 77,170 131,566 54,396 Postal Revenue ... 13,113 14,119 1,006 Rent of GovernmentProperties... 2,128 2,273 145 Interest ...... >•• 59,540 51.332 8,208 Miscellaneous ... 5,697 2,576 3,121 Railway and Tramway 193,729 265,661 71,932

Total 1,361,485 1,932,272 582,116 11,329 Land Bales ...... 406 963 557

Total 1,361,891 1,933,235 582,673 11,329

The receipts from Customs duties amounted to 74*5 per cent, of the revenue received from all sources. The receipts from specific duties totalled £1,232J00, compared with £830,907 in 1909, while ad valorem duties amounted to £208.184, compared with £156,663 in 1909. The following are the percentages of duty derived from the principal articles on which duties of Customs are levied: — Percent. £ Spirits ...... 694 999,833 Cotton goods ...... 9:2 133,551 Tobacco, unmanufactured ... 09 100,345 The total sum disbursed in all provinces in 1910, chargeable to Revenue and Surplus Balances, amounted to £1,989,979. Ex­ cluding the £397,697 temporarily "advanced " from revenue to- capital account, which will eventually be repaid to revenue, the normal expenditure for the year was £1,592,282 against the budget estimate of £1.569.950, and actual pavments in the previous year of £1,648,680. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 5

The following statement shows the amount spent under each head of estimate during the year 1910, compared with the pre­ ceding year: —

Head of Expenditure. 1909, 1910. Increase. Decrease.

X 9, (I £ s.

Total 1,648,680 9 7 1,592,282 5 4 123,444 12 5 1179,842 16 8

Extraordinary Expendi­ 397,696 17 10 397,696 17 10 ture on Loan Works.

Total ... 1,648,680 9 7 1,989,979 3 2 521,141 10 3 1179,842 16 8

The following statement shows the total revenue and expenditure for the last five years: — 6 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

Revenue. Expenditure £ £ 1906 1,088,717 1,056,290 1907 1,459,554 1,217,337 1908 1,387,975 1,357,763 1909 1,361,891 1,648,681 1910 1,933,235 1,592,282 The excess of assets over liabilities on 31st December, 1910, \\m £716,714, being £340,953 more than at the close of 1909. In Lagos both the Bank of British West Africa and the Bank of Nigeria are established. Under an agreement the Govcn \*r\t is obliged to deal only with the former. Neither bank has yei opened a branch at any other station in the Western Province. But at Jebba (in Northern Nigeria) the Resident Engineer, Railway Con­ struction, has found the establishment of a branch of the Bank of Nigeria of great assistance. During the year under review arrangements were at last com­ pleted for the opening of Government bank accounts in the Eastern and Central Provinces. Not being under the same restriction as in the Western Province, Government is able to make use of both batiks. The arrangement did not actually come into force till 1911, but early in that year accounts were opened—in the Eastern Province at Calabar with both banks, in the Central Province at Porcados with the Bank of British West Africa, at Burutu, , and Onitsha with the Bank of Nigeria. Sanction has been given for further extension should either bank open at other stations where banking facilities would be of service to the Government.

TRADE.

Year.

1908 ... 4,046,672 3,335,911 7,382,483 1909 • la 4,529.604 4,114,237 8,643,841 1910 5,122,370 5,258,451 10,380,821

The above figures do not include either specie or Porto Novo transit goods and produce. They include, however, Government importations and goods and produce passing through the Central Province to and from Northern Nigeria. In comparison with the total imports and exports for 1910, viz.: £10,380,000, it is of interest to note that the average for the five years, 1900-1904, which included Porto Novo transit goods and produce, was £4,330,000 only. Deducting Government imports and exports for each of the last two years, and excluding specie, the following figures show the purely commercial inward and outward shipments of Nigeria taking Northern and Southern together. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 1

Year. Imports. Exports. Total.

£ £ £ 1909 ••* ••» 3,514,011 4,112,385 7,626,396 1910 ••• tt« 4,578,884 5,256,906 9,835,790

Exclusive of specie, the Northern Nigeria commercial imports and exports for each year were as follows: —

Year. Imports. Exports. Total.

£ £ £ 1909 - ••• ...... 171,581 264,357 435,938 1910 **• *•* t»« 258,608 288,311 546,919

Exports of tin ore have risen from £38,165 in 1909 to £72,660 in 1910. Allowing for the Northern Nigeria figures as quoted the follow­ ing are found to be the net commercial imports and exports of Southern Nigeria: —

Year. Imports. Exports. Total.

! * £ £ 1909 »•« ... ••* | 3,342,000 3,848,000 7,190,000 1910 ... ••< ... 4,320,000 4,968,000 9,288,000 i

These figures do not include specie, Government importations, Northern Nigeria goods and produce, or Porto Novo transit goods and produce, and, therefore, fairly represent the net trade of Southern Nigeria. It will be observed that, taking the Southern Nigeria commer­ cial imports and exports together, there is an increase of £2,098,000 in 1910 as compared witli 1909, until then the record year. This increase in trade was largely due to the greatly enhanced prices realised in the European markets for the staple products of the Colony and Protectorate. In this connexion, the average prices for the last four years are appended:—

1910. 1909. 1908. | 1907.

j I £ s. d. £ 8. d, £ s. d. | £ 8. (1. 15 6 6 13 11 0 16 15 0 Palm Kernels, per ton ; 19 0 0 26 10 0 25 8 6 30 1 0 (Lagos), per ton ... j 33 5 0 0 2 2 0 18)024 Rubber (Lagos Lump), per lb 0 3 6 2 5 0 2 15 9 ; 3 19 0 Cocoa, per cwt ... 2 6 0 6.18c/. 6.35c/. Cotton (Mid. American), per lb. j 7.87c/. b.&Qd. 8 COLONIAL IMPORTS—ANNUAL.

From the above table it will be observed that abnormally high values ruled during the year for the Colony's staple exports, palm- kernels, and palm-oil, which together showed an average advance of 25 per cent, over the previous year. Rubber also commanded extreme rates, the average value advancing more than 50 per cent, over 1909. Cocoa prices remained the same, but cotton showed an advance on the previous year of 43 per cent, for the season. The following statistics show the exports of palm-kernels and palm-oil, the mainstay of the Colony's trade, since 1900.

EXPOKTS.

Palm Kernels

Year,

1900 85,624 833,630 ••• «*• 1901 114,046 948,010 Porto Novo transit ker ••• ... 1902 132,556 1,274,487 nels included up to ••• ... 1903 131,898 1,094,349 1904. •* • ... 1904 139,788 1,278,394 •*« Ml 1905 •»• 108,817 1,090,054 190G ... 113,347 1,193,939 ... It* 1907 133,630 1,658,292 .. * ... 1908 136,558 1,424,596 »* • 1909 158,849 1,815,967 ... • *• 1910 172,998 2,450,814 ... • II

Palm Oil.

Year. Tons. Remarks.

1900 45,508 681,296 •1 1901 ...... 56,766 813,478 Porto Novo transit oil 1902 •«• ... 64,167 957,637 included up to 1904. 1903 ...... 54,257 847,954 1904 57,947 929,168 190D ...... 50,562 857,848 1906 57,260 1,001,648 1907 ... 65,473 1,313,960 1908 65,460 1,154,933 1909 82,130 1,447,163 1910 ... 76,850 1,742,284

Appended is an extract from the Trade Report for 1910 dealing with this subject: — " Concerning the shortage of 5,280 tons of oil in 1910, as compared with 1909, attention was directed in the last Trade Report to the favourable climate conditions which ruled towards the end of 1908, when 1909 palm crop was maturing. The average rainfall at eleven stations in different parts of Southern Nigeria was found to be 28 inches in September and K0UTH1SRN NIGERIA, 1910. 9

October, 1908, as compared with 17 inches in the same months 1907, and 10 inches in 1909 when the 1910 crop was coining on. In view of the lighter rainfall towards the end of 1909, the reduction of 0 per cent, in the bulk of oil exports during 1910 need cause no alarm, especially when one remembers that after a similar fall in September and October, 1907, the oil crop of the following year was 11,000 tons less than that of 1910." "The bulk of our staple exports, as distinct from the value, always appeals to the writer of these reports as the soundest criterion of the country's progress, and it is gratifying to be able to record the following figures showing the average output of palm produce for periods of three years commencing with the first year when Porto Novo transit produce was excluded from the returns: —

Kernels. 1905-7 average 118,598 tons per annum. 1908-10 , 156,135 „ 1910 alone 172,998 „

Oil 1905-7 average 57,765 tons per annum. 1908-10 „ 74,813 ,, 1910 alone 76,850 ,,

Oil and Kernels together. 1905-7 average 176,363 tons per annum. 1908-10 „ 230,948 ,, 1910 alone 249,848 „ The exports of rubber were 560 tons more than in 1909, and in addition cocoa shows an advance of one and a half million pounds weight, the increase in the value of these exports being respectively £202,000 and £30,000. Against these advances, however, reduced crops of cotton and maize are to be noted, representing together a decrease in the value of these exports of £42,500. The following further extracts from the Trade Beport for 1910 are of interest:— " Cotton, as forecast in the last report, showed a very marked decline, although not quite so bad as the earlier months of the year indicated. The production of 1910, say 2£ millions pounds weight of lint, is roughly equal to that of the years 1906 and 1908, but is only half that of the record year of 1909 and falls 37 per cent, below 1907." " Reference was made in the Trade Report for 1909 to the light rainfall in the District when the 1910 cotton crop was being raised. In the months of August to Novem­ ber, 1909, inclusive, the rainfall registered was 15*39 inches only, as compared with 21*51 inches during the same period in 1908. This relative shortage of moisture must, one would 10 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

think, have adversely affected the 1910 crop, although, as pointed out in the report referred to, 4 million lbs. weight of lint was exported in 1907 after 16£ inches of rain August—November, 1906. The local manager of the British Cotton Growing Association attributes the 1910 shortage * chiefly to the heavy and prolonged Harmattan which pre­ vailed, and in a lesser degree to the late planting of the seed.' The Director of Agriculture in his annual report for 1910 says:—1It is somewhat difficult to account for the shortage in any other way than that less land was planted, although the native farmers affirm that it was due to tin- favourable climatic conditions. The Harmattan season is reported to have been more severe than usual, but cotton planted at the proper time should not have been seriously affected by it/ " " Before leaving cotton, it is of interest to note that some specimens of Southern Nigeria lint sent to Europe for valuation after the recent Agricultural Show were priced as follows: — " (native type) 3d. per lb. above Mid. American. " Meko ,, 2d. ,, ,, " Asaba ,, l£d. ,, ,, The following quantities of the principal Southern Nigeria products were exported in the last two years: —

1909. Palm kernels, tons 168,849 of which Northern Nigeria contributed ...... 3,646

Palm oil, tons ... 82,1300 J,!, ,, ,, 8

Rubber, lbs. ... 1,388,009 „}> „ „ 449,345

5,032,916 >* 140,080

Cocoa, lbs. 5,019,150 if Maize, tons 10,163

1910. Palm kernels, tons 172,998 ,, ,, ,, 5,810 Palm oil, tons ... 76,850 113 Rubber, lbs. ...2,634,023 ,, „ „ 519,943 Lint cotton, lbs. 2,478,336 „ 58,688 Cocoa, lbs. ... 6,567,181 H J5 : » Maize, tons .,. 5,096 With reference to the increase in the total imports, it is worthy of notice^ that cotton goods to the value of £1,306,000 were imported'in 1910, as compared with £1,075,000 in 1909.

FORESTRY. The Conservator of Forests, in addition to short visits made to Ibadan and Lagos, examined an extensive tract of sparsely SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 11 populated country in the Meko and Shaki Districts, that was found to be rich in all the more valuable species of trees found in the open savannah forests. The true " dry zone " mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis) was found to be fairly common north of the 8th parallel of latitude. In the Western Province extensive tours were undertaken. All reserves were visited as well as most of the richly timbered districts, and several areas were selected for reservation. But little travelling was done in the Central Province owing to press of other work; nevertheless some areas suitable for reservation were selected by the Provincial Forest Officer. In the Eastern Province the Oban Forest Reserve, some 360 square miles in extent, was thoroughly explored and a series of tours made through the Ikot-Bkpene, Aba, Opobo, Bende, and other districts in connection with the distribution of the various varieties of oil palm.

ALTERATION OF AREA. Though no reserves were gazetted during the year in the Western Province, considerable progress has been made in selecting new areas for reservation and in completing the pre­ liminaries connected with the final settlements. The procedure connected with the reservation of 230 square miles in the Meko District was nearly completed by the end of the year, whilst it had reached a less advanced stage in the case of another 1,180 square miles of forest land in other parts of the province. In the Central Province, an area of 67 square miles to the west of the Ologbo-Benin City road was finally gazetted as a forest reserve, whilst proposals were submitted and the consent of the natives obtained for the reservation of another four areas, aggre­ gating some 514 square miles, in the same province. The Oban Reserve was th& only one finally gazetted as such during the year in the Eastern Province.

REGENERATION OF FORESTS. Planting was continued in all the Government Reserves. Western Province.—In the Oloke-Meji Reserve 30'6 acres were planted with 9,200 teak seedlings and 8*3 acres were sown with 2,511 teak seeds to stake. In addition to this 819 mahogany, 8,000 iroko, 1Q8 apa, 120 Indian padauk, 4,000 Miviusoys elengi, 40 Cedrela odorata as well as 50 seedlings of log wood were planted out in various parts of the reserve. In the Mamu Reserve planting operations included the putting out of 1,807 Landolphia vines, 182 Para seedlings, 514 teak seedlings, the sowing to stake of 2,200 teak seeds, the planting of 2,438 iroko, 724 apa, 908 ijebo (cedars), 171 Indian padauk, 1,322 Indian sishum (Dalbergia sissoo), and 200 Terminaliacatwpa seedlings. In addition to this one acre was planted up with the oil nut or dika tree (Irvinijia Barterii). The plantations in the tlaro Reserve were increased by 3 acres containing 2,600 Dalbergia sissoo seedlings, one acre containing 12 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

300 Indian padauk, and 150 teak seedlings planted out at a distance of 12 ft. by 12 ft. In addition to this, blanks in the Funtumia elaHica plantations were filled up with 600 seedlings and those in the mahogany plantation with 400 seedlings. The nurseries in the reserve contain 2,000 teak, 4,300 Para, 1,000 ceara, and 250 pyinkado (Xylia dolabriformis) seeds. In the Oshun Reserve 1,000 Funtumia elastica seedlings were added to the small plantation; blanks were filled up in the Para rubber plantation, which now occupies lt| acres, and the teak plantation was slightly extended. Six acres were planted with Dalbergia dssoo in addition to which 532 Indian padauk seed­ lings, 900 iroko and 260 opepe (Sarcocephalus esculentus) seed­ lings were put out. The nurseries contained 10,500 Para and teak seeds. Several thousand ceara rubber seeds, iroko seedlings, and 800 teak seeds were sown and planted by the order of the late Alafin of Oyo in the proposed Ogun Reserve near Odo-Ogun. The success that has attended the Benin communal rubber plantations has induced some 24 villages in the Ekiti country (tlesha District) to start similar plantations of their own. The movement is spreading to the Ijebu-Ode and Epe Districts as well. The railway plantation was extended by 12 acres contain­ ing 8,000 iroko seedlings and by 150 teak seedlings on some open ground unsuited to the former species. Rodents of various species and the bush buck have done a great deal of damage to forest plantations in the Western Province, whilst the prolonged drought killed a large number of Para plants in the Reserve. Central Province.—The native communal plantations were in­ creased by 60,000 Funtumia elastica seedlings, whilst in the old Niger Division 12 new plantations containing 22,000 seedlings were made. There has been a falling-off in the number of seed­ lings planted out as compared with former years, but the decrease is almost completely accounted for by the wider planting intervals adopted during 19.10. Timber licence holders are reported as having planted out 67,648 seedlings of the various species of mahoganies and cedars exploited by them. Eastern Province.—The small Government plantations at the various district headquarters were extended and 250,000 seed.] of the soft shelled oil palm were distributed to natives for sowing.

EXPLOITATION OF MAJOR FOREST PRODUCE. Felling permits for tho export trade were issued for 4,901 trees, mostly mahoganies, the revenue from which amounted to £12,185 as compared with 4.200 trees yielding a revenue of £9,343 in the previous year. Under local felling permits 1,151 trees were cut, realizing a revenue of £198. The quantity of timber exported during the year is shown below for the three provinces. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910, 13

Western Central Eastern Total. Province. Province. Province,

Kind of Timber. . . >>

3 alue . oanti t uanti t uanti t i > CP > CP I

! £ £ £ Camwood, cwt... 21 I 20 — — 27 20 Ebony, tons .,, '15 ! i —. 50 166 50-15 167 Mahogany, logs 1,168 ! 5,675 14,019 54,895 11 120 15,198 60,191 Timber, cub. Ft. 5,128 ! 91 3 — — 5,181 91

! Total Value — — .— 60,469

The exports of mahogany logs during past years is given below for comparison : — £ 1906 15,734 value 56,942 1907 17,237 ,, 62,834 1908 ... 22,303 ,, 77,054 1909 9.576 „ 47,086 The increase in exports over that of last year was mainly due to the high prices offered in the home markets. The number of licensed timber areas exploited during the year was 46, whilst applications for 25 new areas were received, 5 licences were provisionally granted, 2 licences were renewed, 1 licensed area was abandoned, and the provisional sanction for 5 were withdrawn.

EXPLOITATION OF MINOR FOREST PRODUCE. Owing to the exceptionally high prices paid for rubber in the home markets, during the year under review a great impetus was given to the exploitation of that product; this, combined with the opening up of certain districts in the Western Province to rubber tapping, brought the exports up to 2,634,023 lbs. valued at £311,691, as compared with 1,388,009 lbs. valued at £109,075 in the previous year. The quantity of this product exported from each province and its value were: — Valued at Lbs. £ Western Province ...... 820,442 118,032 Central Province 1,607,703 177,315 Eastern Province 205,878 16,344

Total ...... 2,634,023 311,691

The total number of rubber licences issued in the three pro­ vinces amounted to 10,125, from which a revenue of £3,270 10s, was collected. 14 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

An important stage in the development and improvement of the preparation of native rubber was reached during the course of the year. Several thousands of trees in the native communal planta­ tions of Funtumia eladiea having attained tappable dimensions were tapped and the rubber prepared under the supervision of and by members of the Forest Department in the presence of the owners. The coagulation of the latex was obtained by boiling and the coagulant was then rolled out into thin biscuits on a table by a wooden roller, the rubber being washed throughout the operation with very hot water. The biscuits were then hung up to dry and smoked in a long drying shed. Rubber of the first quality was thus prepared by means of simple appliances that can easily be procured by the natives. The fine clear amber-coloured biscuits thus prepared were eventually sold at home for 6*. (id. per lb. on a falling market when the best Para only realised 6r/. a lb. more. This is a very great improvement on the usual quality of rubber exported from Southern Nigeria. As regards the yield, in all 1,021 lbs. 13 ozs. of dry rubber was obtained from 4,706 trees over 18 inches in girth and from 28,815 small plants that were thinned out and tapped to death, The average return per tree from the two classes was 1402 ounces and 0*337 ounces respectively, The percentage of loss in weight by evaporation of moisture was 37*7 per cent. The exports during the year of other articles of minor forest produce from the three provinces was as follows : —

i ; Western ! Central Eastern Total. Province. 1 Province. Province. 1 ! Articles. j

Quan­ Q n Quan­ Value. | ™ ' iValue, Value. Quan­ tity. t tity. tity. Value.

£ I £ £ £ Gum Copal ... — 2,377 20 I 27.703 439 16 30,096 469 Piassava fibre tons — j 20 145 299 3,771 819 3,916 Oil Pain ...cwts. 308,386 442,086 , 388,882 397,590 779,748 902,662 1,637,016 1,742.234 Palm Kernel* tons 79,157 1,176.185 | 41,910 514,719 51,980 769,910 173,047 2,450,814 Shea Butter.., lbs, 396,099 8,514 368,003 3,290 704,102 6,804 Shea Nuts ... lbs. 163,359 460 9,846,611 43,050 9,998,870 43,610 Total Value ... — — — — — _ 4,247,787 m against the following total exports of the previous year: — Quantity. Value. £ Fibre (lbs.) ... 1,117,30.1 6,1681 Gum copal (lbs.) 48,061 706 | Palm oil (tons) 82,130 1,447,163! Total Palm kernels (tons) 158,849 1,816,967 f £3,353,263 Shea butter (tons) 308 6,230 Shea nuts (tons) 9,728 78,029 There was a very gratifying increase in the trade in palm oil and palm kernels during the year. This increase was mainly due to the better prices ruling in the home markets. &OUTHERK tflOERIA, 1010. 15

A forest officer was placed on special duty for the greater part of the year in studying the distribution of the several varieties of oil palm, their cultivation, and the methods of preparing the oil, &c A very large number of nuts of the soft shelled or " Lissombe 99 variety of palm from the was distri­ buted amongst the natives of the Eastern Province for culti­ vation.

COLLECTIONS OF PLANTS AND WILD PRODUCTS. A large collection of samples of the various timbers of Southern Nigeria was prepared and forwarded to the Imperial Institute, as well as samples of camwood dyes together with botanical specimens of the plants from which they are obtained. Collections of local beans and calabash plants were also made for the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Other collections of both major and minor forest produce were made, and exhibited at the Agricultural Show held at Lagos towards the end of the year.

FINANCIAL RESULTS. The total receipts amounted to £15,723 8s, Ad, made tip as follows: — £ s. d. Revenue on timber and sales of plants ... 12,184 10 9 ,, ,, rubber licences 3,488 11 7 ,, ,, elephant licences 50 0 0

Total ... 15,723 8 4

The total expenditure amounted to £13,246 16*. Id. thus giving a surplus of £2,476 11*. 9r/., as against a deficit of £1,305 0*. hi in the previous year.

AGRICULTURE.

The area of land cultivated with crops for export is small compared with the enormous areas under native food crops. This is amply exemplified by the imports of food stuffs into the country, the total value of which works out at about 1*. per head of the population. Cotton, cocoa, and maize are the three most important crops exported.

COTTON. The cotton harvest has fluctuated considerably during the last five years as is shown by the export returns given below:—- 16 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

Year. Cotton Lint, Cotton Seed. Remarks.

Owts, Cwts. 1906 tt« .». ... 24,07075.. 61,746-6 Includes exports from Northern Nigeria. 1907 .»» »«• 36,513'75 93,001-25 Returns unreliable. 1908 ...... «•* 19,976-5 44,139-6 1909 *« • ... »* • 43,686 90,971

1910 IM >«« »i« 21,604 43,300

Total for 5 years ... 145,851 333,158*25

Average for 5 years... 29,1702 66,631*65

The exports of cotton lint during 1910 were 16 per cent, lower than the average export of this staple during the last five years. This decrease is attributed by the native grower to adverse climatic conditions in the shape of a deficient rainfall and strong Harmattan winds. It is, however, considered that the area of cotton planted was less than in the preceding years. More than 400 tons of cotton seeds were distributed, a quantity sufficient to plant about 36,500 acres of land.

COCOA. The cocoa industry shows steady improvement; the exports of this product were 30 per cent, greater than those of the previous year. During the last five years the exports of cocoa were as follows: — lbs. 1906 ... 1,619,987 1907 ...... 2,089,226 1908 ... 3,060,609 1909 5,019,149 1910 ...... * 6,667,181

Total for five years ...... 18,356,152

Average for five years ...... 3,671,230

At present the exports are mainly supplied from the Western Province, but the farmers in the Eastern Province are being encouraged to take up cocoa cultivation. During 1910, 1,112 cocoa fruits were distributed to intending planters.

MAIZE. Less make was exported than during any of the preceding four years. This decrease the farmers likewise state-was due to un- faArourable weather obtaining during the growing season. An enormous amount of damage was, however, caused by weevils and other grain-eating insects. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 17

For comparison the exports of maize during the Inst five years are given: — Tons. 1906 13,0T4 ... • • • • •» 1907 i» • . < . ... 9,891 1908 • • • • • • 15,631 • • • • • » 1909 . » « • * • 10,163 1910 • » • 5,096

Total for five years 53,755

Average for five years 10,751

ECONOMIC GARDENS. The plants and seeds distributed from the Economic Gardens were as follows : —

Cocoa Seeds Packets Seeds by Province. Plants. fruits. (counted). of Seeds. weight, Us.

Western ... 18,905 28,914 485 27C Central 22,013 56 Eastern 60,462 1,112 71,500 — —

Total ... 91,380 1,172 100,414 541 270

RUBBER TAPPING EXPERIMENTS. Tapping experiments were conducted by the Agricultural Department on Para rubber trees in three different districts and on Ceara rubber trees in two different districts. The yields obtained are briefly summarised in the subjoined schedule: —

Age of Average Average Number of trees girth at yield of Place. Name of tree. times in 3 ft. from tapped. dry rubber years the ground. per tree. 1

inches. lb. 02. Ebute- Hevea brasiliensis... 17 44 3 27 0 15-75 Metta. Hevea brasiliensis 8 41'8'f 26 0 13-65 (variety). Calabar ... Hevea brasiliensis... 14 128 2 5*18 „ ... » »> 6-8 _ 112 0 9-27 Manihot Gluziovii... 10 44-1 8 0 8- 0 }% >i 8 3P1 8 0 357 Orugbo ... Hevea brasiliensis... 9 28-95 Alternate 1 0 days from 19th Sept. to 31st Dec. Onitsha ... Manihot Glaziovii... 7 33 8 0 -92

21759 B 18 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

ENTOMOLOGY. The Entomologist was able to get a large portion of his collec­ tion of insects named at the South Kensington Museum and these will form the nucleus of the collection it is proposed to maintain for reference purposes.

AGRICULTURAL SHOW, LAGOS. A most successful Agricultural Show was held in Lagos during December. Samples of crops from all parts of the Colony and Protectorate were entered for competition; the friendly rivalry thus engendered must tend to encourage agricultural develop­ ment.

SHIPPING.

The following statement shows the steamers and sailing ships inwards and outwards compared with the previous year: —

Entered. Cleared.

Flag. 1910. 1909. 1910. 1909.

No. Tonnage. No. Tonnage. No. (Tonnage. No. Tonnage. i i

Stoam— British ... 340 467,471 342 474,261 329 448,892 334 463,559 German 211 334,939 192 284,552 210 340,123 191 280,272 French 1 1,972 1 2,472 1 1,972 1 2,472 Spanish ... 1 44 1 44 Portuguese ... 1 181 1 181 Danish 1 876 2 1,752 1 876 2 1,752 Dutch 2 18 2 14 2 18 2 14 Austrian 1 658 1 658 Sailing- British ... 1 540 1 417 1 540 1 417 U.S. America 1 565 1 6 1 565 1 6 Norwegian ... 1 480 1 480

Total *•* 559 807,220 543 763,998 547 793,825 534 749,016

The following statement shows the value of the trade carried by British and foreign vessels during the year compared with the preceding year; — SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1010. 19

CO «t3 co o CP rW cp •J CO o rH 53 S3 *0 lO or O JH O rH ^ r-%H rH iQ to a .9 $ CO *-.9 CO CO COP CO a CO W •8 -a c3 au CP > .9 4- $3 So Cfl P •ft a I 2 CQ 8P ° CP • IH

rd r-l r? CL4J • © (Ui o o COP 00 O <3> 1 a » IH O rX3 o »«H I co *tr © co O CP CP H-4 o CO «£> OS > o> > CO to l> CO -r3 o .1 <£> cp CO 4>3 C8 rrt O g00f a rH CD « s CP g a o u o V S CP CO CO r? CO h» crs -H rO a> CO rO © oo CO TC33 CD CO CO t» rH CO CP 53 CP & i-l CO O • (H • lH • l O co CP c3 £1) to CP- r^ CP cCoO 3 o O CO Cp 03 o o • rH co U S c « M> r-H03 I^C 4J CO uO o 0 CO O r> o cp +3 CP O C8 O rH rS 4i CO rH to •CcM

> IH ^ o s « rH CO 53 O \Ci CO CD Oi co' ta »rn

LAND GRANTS AND GENERAL VALUE OF LAND.

In tha Eastern and Central Provinces, only leasehold grants have been issued by the Crown. Such leases have been issued mainly to merchants for the purpose of carrying on trade. At present there are 24 of such leases in force in the Eastern Province and 65 in the Central Province. The majority are of recent date. In the Western Province Protectorate, the Crown has claimed no right of disposing of land other than that acquired for railway purposes. Leases of land adjoining railway statibns have been issued to various trading firms. There remains that portion of the Western Province which formed the old Lagos Colony, and even here Government grants occur mainly only of land at or within a few miles of Lagos. By a treaty of the Oth August, 1861, the Island and Port of Lagos with all the rights and territories appertaining to it were ceded by King Docemo to the British Sovereign. Before the cession the land was vested in the native government, consisting of the King of Lagos acting through his subordinate chiefs. Subject to the approval of the king, these chiefs appear to have exercised the power of disposing of the use of the land. The assignee and his descendants obtained an inalienable right of user subject to determination in certain circumstances. After the cession, a commission was appointed to enquire into rights over land held by private occupiers, and where such rights were proved an absolute grant was issued. Such absolute titles were without doubt foreign to native ideas, and fundamentally differ­ ent, from the native assignment of user. Up to 1882 over 3,000 of such grants were issued; since that date absolute grants have been made in chiefly of reclaimed swamp lands, and in some cases in exchange for the surrender of old Crown giants. At and Ebute-Metta, absolute grants have been issued of the allotments formed to receive occupiers of land acquired by the Government Railway. The issue of absolute grants has been discontinued. Leasehold grants are still issued of swamp land reclaimed by authority of the Government. Building leases are issued at the western portion of the old Hausa Lines site, and also of sites at the New Hausa Settlement on the far side of the Macgregor Canal, ex-soldiers here receiving preferential treatment. The value of land in the Central and Eastern Provinces is considerably less than of that in the Western Province. In the latter farm land in the best agricultural district about 18 miles from Lagos has been recently assessed by the Supreme Court at £3 an acre. The real value of land on Lagos Island and at Kbute-Metta is difficult io determine, owing to the growth of speculative buying. Probably the high prices given are in excess of the true value. Supreme Court valuations range from 4.s\ a square yard of land adjoining the principal thoroughfare to 1*. a square yard and under in the poorer quarters of the town. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 21

LEGISLATION.

The principal new ordinances are: — 1. The Destructive Pests Ordinance, passed for the purpose of preventing the introduction of insect, fungus, or other pests destructive of vegetable life. 2. The Illiterates Protection Ordinance, designed to protect illiterates from extortionate charges by professional letter writers. 3. The Lagos Harbour Dues Ordinance, which provides for the levying of dues on cargo and passengers landed in Lagos or leaving Lagos Harbour by sea. This ordinance does not come into force until proclaimed by the Governor in the Gazette. 4. The Distilleries Ordinance, which prohibits the distilling of spirits without a licence. 5. The Destruction of Mosquitoes Ordinance, probably one of the most important pieces of legislation passed during the year; it is framed as a prophylactic measure against the spread of malarial and yellow fever, and already good results are apparent. 6. The Trade Marks Ordinance, which had been under dis­ cussion for some time; its legislative importance is recognised and the ordinance is expected to prove adequate for many years to come.

EDUCATION.

A new Education Code came into force in the course of the year. In addition to the ordinary subjects of school instruction provision is made in the code for colloquial English, drawing, kindergarten, object lessons, nature study, and physical exercises and musical drill. Some form of manual instruction—wood­ work or agriculture—is required to be taught in the primary schools during four months of the school year, and specific pro­ vision is made for giving grants-in-aid to technical or trade schools and to agricultural schools. It is also provided that instruction in agriculture and woodwork shall be included in the curricula of training institutions, and arrangements are in pro­ gress for the erection of a Government training institution in the Western Province, In the Eastern Province it is hoped that teachers will be trained in the Hope-Waddell Institute in con­ nexion with the Scottish Presbyterian Mission at Calabar, which comprises departments for primary, secondary, and technical instruction. An agreement has been entered into with the Mission to train in the institute students who at the end of their course will be employed as teachers of Government or Assisted schools. The schools under the supervision of the Government are of two classes—Government and Assisted. The Government schools are established by the Government and are maintained wholly or in part frc/m public funds of the Administration. The Assisted schools are schools established by some recognised society, or by private persons, in aid of which grants are made 22 COtONUL REPORTS—ANNUAL. by the Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Education Ordinance and the Education Code in force for the time being. The number of Government schools at the end of the year was 55, distributed as follows among the three Provinces:—Western 10, Eastern 22, Central 23. The number of Assisted schools at the end of the year was 105. Of these there were 38 in the Western Province, 52 in the Eastern, and 15 in the Central. There was no increase in the number of Government schools as compared with the number in the preceding year. New schools were not opened, as the policy of the Department has been to devote the energies of the organising staff to the develop­ ment and consolidation of existing schools, rather than to the opening of new schools which would be difficult of access to inspectors of schools and European organising teachers. With the supply of trained teachers and the strengthening of the inspecting and organising staff, it is hoped that a large number of new schools will be opened and brought under the entire con­ trol of the Education Department. The Assisted schools show an increase of two in comparison with the number returned at the end of the preceding year. Owing to various causes six schools were withdrawn from Government in­ spection, whereas eight schools were placed on the list of Assisted schools. In addition to the Government and Assisted schools, there are to be found in the three provinces a large number of Mission schools entirely controlled by missionary societies, and also a small number of private venture schools established and controlled by private individuals. The Mohamedans, more especially those in the Western Pro­ vince, have schools of their own in which the instruction is purely religious, consisting chiefly of learning by heart portions of the Koran in the original Arabic. There is no idea of giving a practical or literary education in these Moslem schools and most of the children attending them also go to Government or Assisted schools for an education on occidental lines. The Government makes no grants to the Moslem schools, and they are not recog­ nised in the scheme of public instruction. The number of pupils on the registers of Government schools amounted to 4,473, distributed as follows among the three provinces: —

— Boys. Girls. Total.

Western ... *.« ••• ... 802 39 841 Central... . *. . *» ... ••• 1,6.08 101 1,609 Eastern ...... 1,941 82 2,023

Total ... • • • 4,251 222~ 4,473 ••• SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 23

There is a falling-off of 41 boys and 57 girls in comparison with the return of the preceding year; this is due chiefly to a diminution in the school attendance in the Central Province, which shows a decrease of no less than 159 boys and 67 girls. The number on the registers of the Assisted schools was, at the end of the year, 15,120 scholars distributed as below: —

— Boys. Girls. Total.

Western i«. ... in .»• 4,484 1,551 6,035

Central...... t*« ... MI 2,747 52 2,799

Eastern ..• ... *.« ... 5,395 891 6,286

Total .•...... * 12,626 2,494 15,120

The number on the registers of the Assisted schools in the preceding year was 14,014; there is thus an increased enrolment of 1,106, and it is satisfactory to observe that the corresponding increase in the number of girls attending the schools is not less than 500. The average attendance for the year in Government schools was 3,063, which compares favourably with 3,079 in 1909, when the number on enrolment was higher than that for 1910. In the Assisted schools the average attendance was 10,440, showing an increase of 1,062 on the average attendance for the preceding year. The total enrolment for the year in both Government and Assisted schools in the three provinces was 19,593, and the total average attendance 13,503, the corresponding numbers for the preceding year being respectively 18,585 and 12,457, the increase in enrolment of 1910 over 1909 being 1,008 and in average attend­ ance 1,046. The Cambridge Local Examinations were held in the Colony lor the first time in the month of December. Six boys from King's College, Lagos, entered for the junior examination, and three of these were successful. Increased attention was given to agriculture and manual in­ struction during the year. In three of the Government schools in the Western Province, gardens were started under the supervision of a school gardener; and in the other provinces all Government and Assisted schools were provided with a supply of economic plants for their school gardens. The visits of Curators of the Agricultural Department did much to improve the gardens of several village schools. Other forms of manual instruction in­ cluded carpentry, coopering, brick-laying, sewing, laundry work, cookery, and the preparation of agricultural products for market. Evening classes for teachers were conducted at Lagos for about six months in the year, and two courses of vacation lectures for teachers were also held in the Central and Eastern Provinces. The Lagos Annual Competitive Exhibition of School Work took place in the pionth of December. The number of entries was more than double that of the previous year, and the Exhibition was a distinct success. 24 COLONIAL RfcPOBtS—AtfNtUL.

The expenditure on the administration and management of Government and Assisted schools, exclusive of grants made to Assisted schools, amounted to £17,445 5$. 10d., and the amount of grants to Assisted schools was i!8,041 135. Id., making a total expenditure of £25,486 18s. lid. If to this amount be added the sum of £407 9*. I0d., expended on junior and senior technical scholarships, the total expenditure would appear as £25,894 85.9d> The corresponding expenditure for the preceding year, exclusive of the amount of £8,968 5s. 8d, representing the cost of King's College, was £22,834 3$. 5d. An increase of £3,060 5$. 4d. is thus shown in the ordinary expenditure of the Education Department. The amount paid into Revenue was £2,955 16s. made up of school fees, fees for teacher's evening classes, chiefs' subscrip­ tions, &c,

POLICE. The authorised establishment on the 31st December, 1910, was 1,361, an increase of 130 as compared with the previous year,— but the actual strength was 1,349. Authorised establishment: — European staff ... 16 Native staff , 18 Rank and file ... 1,327

1,361

The allocation of the actual strength was as follows: — Western Province ... 605 Central Province 313 Eastern Province ... 431

Total ... 1,349

Small detachments were drafted into the districts of Obudu, Okwoga,and into the recently established station of Ogwashi-Uku.

CRIMINAL STATISTICS. The number of persons apprehended or summoned before all the courts was 10,779, dealt with as under: — Discharged for want of prosecution 1,185 Discharged on the merits ...... 1,043 Summarily convicted ...... 8,099 Committed for trial ...... 452

Total ...... 10,779 SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. i5

Of the number of summary convictions, 967 were for offences against the person, 11 for malicious injury to property, 18 for cattle stealing and arson, 2,101 for other offences against pro­ perty, and 4,992 for other minor offences. In the superior courts there were 286 convictions and 185 acquittals, particulars of which are as follows: — Offences. Con vie t ions. Acquittals. Murder 101 123 Manslaughter 46 12 Attempted murder 2 1 Rape 7 3 Unnatural crimes... — 1 Theft with violence 3 2 Cattle stealing and arson... 3 2 Other offences against pro­ perty 51 8 Other offences against the person 36 16 Miscellaneous offences 37 17

Total 286 185

PRISONS.

In the Colony and Protectorate there are 413 prisons, and during 1910, 22,931 prisoners passed through the prison registers. Practically all these prisoners were inspected and reported upon. Health in the prisons has not been good, dysentery having

# been most rife, and in spite of all the care and attention given by the Medical Department the deaths show an increase over 1909. Great improvement is expected in the immediate future as build­

ings are being improved, ventilation increased, # &c. In this connection attention, care, and expense are not being spared. The work has been of the most varied description, but that of a sanitary or public nature had prior claim; road-making has employed a number of men, and light-labour men have been engaged on basket-making, tailoring, &c. The expenditure on the prisons amounted to £36,786 15A*. Id., and the earnings to £24,054, of which £1,172 was cash.

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.

At the Lagos Hospital, 167 Europeans and 1,310 natives were treated as in-patients, while 6,479 natives attended as out-patients. 334 major surgical operations were performed. The daily average number of Europeans in ward was 3*5, and the death-rate of Europeans admitted was 3*5 per cent, for the year. 26 COLONIAL KISPOHTS—ANNUAL.

In the Yaba Lunatic Asylum, Western Province, there were 9 cases with 2 deaths and 1 recovery. In the Yaba Leper Asylum, Western Province, there were 16 cases with 1 death. At Onitsha European Hospital, 41 in-patients were treated, with 5 deaths. In the Native Hospital, Onitsha, 369 natives were treated as in-putients and 4,550 as out-patients. In the Onitsha Leper Asylum, Central Province, there were 75 cases with 6 deaths. At the European Hospital at Warri, 61 patients were treated. At Calabar, in the European Hospital, 148 patients were treated. In the Native Hospital, Calabar, 1,232 in-patients and 5,490 out-patients were treated; deaths numbered 56. 119 surgical operations were performed. In the New Barracks Dispensary, Calabar, 1,564 patients were treated, of whom 14 were Europeans. In the lunatic asylum at Calabar in the Eastern Province, 12 cases were treated, with 3 recoveries ami 2 deaths. At OiK)bo European Hospital, only 1 in-patient was treated.

VITAL STATISTICS.

POPULATION. The estimated native population of Lagos and (its suburb) was 62,090, and the European 535. The native population of all three provinces is approximately: — Western Province ...... 2,200,000 Central Province 2,000,000 Eastern Province ... 2,500,000

PUBLIC HEALTH. The general state of public health continues satisfactory. In the Western Province, there were 16 deaths among Euro­ peans : 4 remittent fever, 2 lucmoglobimiric fever, 1 acute aniemia-pupera luemorrage, .1 hepatic abscess, 2 chronic nephritis, J accidental, I coma, 2 tuberculosis, 1 cardiac disease, 1 gastritis. In the Central Province, there were 13 deaths among Euro­ peans: 2 hepatic abscess, 1 ischio rectal abscess and pneumonia, .1 drowning, 1 concussion of brain, 3 hamioglobinuric fever, 1 acute alcoholism and malaria, 1 pneumonia, 1 peritonitis, 2 black- water fever. In the Eastern Province, there were 8 deaths among Europeans : 2 from malaria fever, 1 from blackwater fever, 1 from dysentery, 1 alcoholism, 1 hepatic abscess, 1 tubercle, 1 killed by buffalo. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 27

SANITATION.

Early in the year two sanitary officers were appointed, their 'duties being* to visit and inspect towns in all three provinces, render reports, make recommendations, and to see that orders issued were thoroughly carried out. Considerable swamp reclamation has been carried out during the year under review at Calabar, Forcados, and other places by means of pumping clean heavy sand, dredged from the river and harbour bars, over the areas to be dealt with. Road and street construction in the more important stations lias received much attention—the sandy road-beds being first bricked over, then covered by a thick layer of laterite, granite chips, or laterite and stone combined, and finally the whole is subjected to pressure by steam rollers. Concurrently with road and street formation comes the making of culverts ancl drains, and this has been most assiduously carried out, the requirements of large towns such as Lagos having received special attention. Street improvement is generally followed by the erection of new and comparatively substantial buildings. This has been most noticeable during 1910. General sanitary measures were systematically carried out, but as sanitary science has only recently acquired prominence locally it cannot be expected that Southern Nigeria towns can at once become models in this respect. Much has been done, however, and work in this direction is being pushed diligently forward. Anti-malarial precautions have in the past year given place to anti-mosquito measures, with this exception that quinine was still largely used as a prophylactic against malaria. The main features of the anti-mosquito measures were;—the abolition of mosquito breeding-places by reclamation or filling, draining, oiling, and bush clearing; the collection and destruction of refuse such as old pots, calabashes, tins, bottles, &c.; the overturning of pots which contained larvre; the mosquito-proofing of water-containing re­ ceptacles such as barrels, casks, and tanks; the mosquito-proofing of wells and the application of pumps to them; the closing of very shallow wells; puncturing of eave-guttering where sagging; and the introduction into towns of drinking water from some distance away from them. Water supplies of this description have been laid on for Calabar and Benin City, and waterworks are under construction for Lagos and a part of Ibadan. As a protection against mosquitoes and the larger biting Hies, houses were mosquito-proofed entirely, or one or more rooms were so treated, or an interior mosquito-proof room was built entirely of gauze and wood. Strict quarantine regulations were in force at the various ports, and quarantine stations and anchorages were established, but, up to the present, ships have been so free from infectious disease that there has been little occasion to call into requisition either of the two latter. Rules were made under the Quarantine Ordinance on the 18th February, 1910, and amended on the 16th, 18th, and 23rd May, and 27th August, and special instructions were issued and pre­ cautions taken during the outbreak of yellow fever in Sierra 28 COLONIAL REPORTS—-ANNUAL,

Leone and the Gold Coast, special medical officers being appointed to enforce the quarantine regulations. Public lectures were delivered on anti-mosquito measures, and an ordinance to provide for the destruction of mosquitoes was passed on 4th August. Special medical officers, sanitary inspec­ tors, and gangs of labourers were appointed in the larger towns to carry out its provisions. The Public Health Ordinance was amended on the 26th April, and the Lagos Municipal Board of Health (Incorporation) Ordin­ ance was amended on the same date. Eules were made under the Towns Ordinance on the 27th August, and on the 5th August several towns and districts were added to the list of places in which the ordinance would be en­ forced. On the 2nd September, a Leper Ordinance was passed. An Ordinance to amend the Towns Ordinance came into force on the 10th November. Btiilding regulations proposed by the Lagos Municipal Board of Health under Section 13 of the Towns Ordinance were published in the Government Gazette, No. 76, of 21st September. Besides the Lagos Municipal Board of Health, which controls the sanitary district of Lagos, local sanitary boards have been established in various large centres throughout the Colony and Protectorate. Vaccination by medical officers and native vaccinators was regularly carried on in many towns and villages. Water for domestic purposes was subjected to bacteriological and chemical analysis, and foods were inspected. Sanitary methods of burial received a large share of attention, and inter-mural burial is gradually being reduced. Mohammedan burial customs in Lagos and vicinity have been modified, and it is hoped that the new system will be generally adopted.

POSTAL. There is a satisfactory increase in postal business transacted during the year under review. The number oi articles, exclusive of parcels, passing through the post was 300,375 in excess of those in the previous year, The total number of parcels dealt with was 25,899 more than in 1909, and there has also been an increase of 25,812 in the number of registered articles. The cash on delivery system was extended to three additional offices during the year, and the number of parcels and packets received amounted to 13,266, the value of which was £15,493 5^. lO^d. Of this number 11,918 were delivered, and £14,022 8s. 8d. was remitted to the senders in respect of trade charges thereon. It should be mentioned that these parcels were received solely from the United Kingdom. There is an increase recorded in money order transactions to the extent of £1,597 0*. Ad., whilst postal order business is £41,998 Is. Ad. in excess oi the previous year's transactions. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 29

SAVINGS BANK.

The amount deposited in the Savings Bank during the year was £23,020 against £22,891 in 1909 an increase of £129. The withdrawals amounted to £22,476 as against £23,634 in 1909, a decrease of £1,158. The Bank held a total of £34,307 for 3,933 depositors on 31st December, 1910, as against £33,013 which stood to the credit of 3,521 depositors on 31st December, 1909. The total sum invested on behalf of the Savings Bank by the Crown Agents for the Colonies in securities approved by the Secretary of State is £30,205 17.?. lOd. Interest at 2\ per cent, per annum computed on the various amounts deposited during the year aggregated £749, of which a sum of £58 was paid to depositors who closed their accounts, the difference, viz.: £691 being added to capital in favour of the remaining depositors. The amount realised by interest on invested Savings Bank Funds was £912. The difference of £163 is placed to the credit of the Bank.

TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES.

TELEGRAPHS. The clearing along the main telegraph line from Oshogbo to Calabar, via Benin City, Onitsha, Ikot-Ekpene, and TJwet, has been increased in width, and on the majority of sections linemen are now provided with bicycles. There has been a consequent reduction in the number and duration of telegraph interruptions. A second wire was erected on the Ilesha-Ifon section (125 miles), thus completing the second wire from Lagos to Warri vid Benin City. The wire on the Ikot-Ekpene Calabar section (75 miles) was also duplicated. As a result, through communication has been expedited and traffic facilities greatly increased. Twenty-one miles (two wires) of the main line have been trans­ ferred from the telegraph route to the new road between Benin City and Ibekwe, on the Benin City-Ifon road. On the coast-line between Lagos and Foreados, alterations necessitated by the encroachment of the sea have been carried out, the clearing improved, and copper substituted for iron wire. This line is now a valuable alternative route to the Central Province. The following extensions were carried out during the year: — Reconstruction along the railway from Aro to Ibadan, in­ cluding new deviations 25 miles, (6 wires). Jebba—Zungeru (14 miles) completed (3 wires). Aro to Meko (44 miles) completed, and office opened at the latter place. Agbor to Egori (87 miles). This line, which had reached a point 52 miles from Agbor in 1909, was completed to Egori, and provides vid Lokoja, a second route to 30 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

Northern Nigeria. An office was opened at Agenebode, opposite Idah, on the River Niger. Afikpo-Abakaliki (33 miles). This section which had reached a point 24 miles north of Afikpo in 1909 was com­ pleted, and an office opened at Abakaliki. Afikpo-Ediba (Itigidi). A branch line (8£ miles) was con­ structed from Abba on the Afikpo-Abakaliki line, and an office opened at Itigidi on the Cross River. The total number of telegrams dealt with in 1910, exclusive of railway messages, amount to 477,512, which is an increase of 63,019 over the figures for 1909.

TELEPHONES. The telephone systems at Lagos, Calabar, .and Opobo, have been extended, and an increased number of subscribers obtained. Telephone circuits have been erected at Bonny and Oyo for the convenience of the local administrations. There has also been a great increase in the number of telephone calls dealt with; at Lagos Exchange they average nearly 600 per diem.

RAILWAY. The gross revenue of the Lagos Railway for the year amounted to £253,605, the working expenses to £157,868, and the net revenue to £95,737. Further progress was made with the capital works under con­ struction, and the total amount expended was £512,348. The number of passengers carried in 1910 was 387,667, yielding a revenue of £50,324, compared with 285,203 passengers and a revenue of £39,579 in 1909. The number of third-class passen­ gers carried was 379,824, showing an increase over 1909 of 101,689. The increase in goods traffic was .chiefly attributable to palm kernel traffic. The tonnage of goods carried in 1910 was 207,210 tons, and the income derived therefrom £191,953, com­ pared with 165,150 tons carried in 1909, producing £154,126. There was a total increase in tons of 42,060, and there was an increase in stone traffic of 43,855 tons over that of 1909. There was a decrease in construction material hauled of 247 tons on open lines and 9,091 tons on un-open lines.

IBADAN-OYO MOTOR SERVICE. This service was maintained during the year, an additional van having been added towards the end of the year. The ex­ penditure was £4,075 17$, 4tf;', allowing for depreciation of rolling stock at 20 per cent. The receipts were: — £ s, d. Freight ... 2,046 0 8 Passengers 336 13 10 Miscellaneous 183 12 4

Total £3,466 6 10 SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 31

Goods to the extent of 1,972 tons were carried in 1910, as compared with 1,789 tons in 1909, and 1,437 passengers were carried as against 1,228 in 1909. It is worthy of notice that the intermediate traffic to and from roadside market places is increasing, averaging over 33 tons during the last five months of the year. Arrangements were made to provide special trips to Iseyin, 27 miles further than Oyo, but the inauguration of a regular service for this extension has not yet been settled.

WATERWAYS.

Extensive waterway clearing was carried out throughout 1910 in the three provinces. In the Western Province, sudd-cutting between the Benin River and Lagos was carried out during October, November, and December. Many large blocks of sudd were removed, and the creek system was reported as thoroughly safe for navigation. The River Oshun was also cleared for a distance of about 27 miles; many large snags being blown up. The work occupied the first three months of the year. On the River Yewa, 14 miles were cleared of sudd, snags blown up, and the bush cut away where necessary. The time expended was about one month. In the Central Province, work was carried on from January to June on the Ndoni Creek and River Aseh, during which a large number of snags were blown up. The total distance covered by the clearing party was about 64 miles. A distance of 25 miles on the River Imo was cleared of trees and snags. In the Eastern Province a large amount of clearing was carried out on the Rivers Imo and Ota-Minni. Three months were ex­ pended on each river, and 52 miles of waterways dealt with. A small amount of clearing was done on the River Sombriero. A large party was at work on Stubbs Creek from January to April; four miles of cutting were completed, and a pathway made along the bank of the canal for a distance of five miles. A steel canoe was able to proceed from end to end of the waterway. Minor clearings on the Rivers Aya and Kwa, and Ikonetu Creek were carried out, and surveys of the Rivers Ewayong and Ikpi were made. The coast-line from Tom Shot Point to the River Middleton was'surveyed by the S.Y. " Ivy," and many changeo were found to have taken place.

MARINE SERVICES.

In the Western Province there are three services: — (i.) Lagos-Porto Novo Service. The usual weekly mail and passenger service between Lagos and Porto Novo is 32 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

still in operation; the number of the passengers carried during the year was 8,732, an increase of 1,234 on the previous year. (ii.) Lagos-Siluko-Sapele Service. A similar service to the above. The number of passengers carried during the year was 6,123, an increase of 1,148 on the previous year. (in.) Lagos-Ejinrin-Epe Service. Motor barges running in connection with the Ejinrin market every ninth day, and carrying cargo between Lagos and Epe vid Ejinrin every eighth day; this service was inaugurated in August. The number of passengers carried during the year was 3,455, as well as 1,064 tons of cargo. In the Central Province, transport of passengers and stores on the River Niger, other than those dealt with by the regular Northern Nigeria transport service, is performed by the Govern­ ment stem wheeler " Raven " and other craft, as required. Mail launches ply between Forcados, Warri, and Sapele. Dur­ ing the year 9,040 passengers and 951 tons of cargo were carried between these ports, showing an increase of 556 passengers, and 100 tons of cargo over the previous year, A larger launch with more accommodation for both passengers and cargo than those now in use will be built at Lagos during 1911. In the Eastern Province, the Cross River transport service lias been regularly maintained, and by means of the shallow draught motor launches, " Spider," Sandfly," and " Mos­ quito," has been continued without interruption throughout the dry season. The " Mosquito " was added to this service owing to an increased demand for transport during the month of April. The number of passengers carried during the year was 14,558, and cargo amounting to 4,334 tons, as compared with 15,743 passengers and 5,210 tons of cargo of the previous year. The mail and transport services between Bonny and Akassa (calling at intermediate places), and between Bonuy and Opobo have been regularly maintained. The number of passengers carried amounted to 9,455, an increase of 523 over the previous year. The introduction into these services of the " Manatee " and " Pioneer," a type of larger motor ctfaft, has been fully justified.

ROADS AND WORKS.

WESTERN PROVINCE. Several new roads in Lagos have been constructed with laterite, and a number re-surfaced, some with granite and others with laterite. Improvements to roads in Ebute-Metta have been made. Ebute-Metta—Taba Road was extended and laterited to Ojuwoye. Oyo-Iseyin Road completed up to Iseyin. Has been open for traffic since August. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1010. 33

Oyo-Ogbomosho Road, 26 miles completed except for the bridges over the Opeji and the Rivers. Ede- Road, 3 miles completed and strengthened. Oshogbo-Ogbomosho Road, 6 miles completed except for the bridge over the Eyin-Ile River, and a 15 ft. bridge over a stream of which the name is not known. Ibadan-Oyo Road, 33 miles re-metalled in soft places through­ out its length. Oshogbo-Ilesha Road, 20 miles kept open for traffic.

CENTRAL PROVINCE. The road from Onitsha to Awka has been metalled from Onitsha Waterside up to ninth mile, and again started at the eleventh mile working back. 44 culverts built and head-walls fixed. Mile­ stones erected throughout and side drains put' where necessary up to ninth mile and variotis places beyond. Several minor roads and bridges completed, including landing place, Niger Co. Road, Onitsha. Asaba-Okpanam Road complete, with exception of metalling.

EASTERN PROVINCE. One mile 50 chains of path, &c, on Kwa Palls Road constructed. Three miles of path cleared, and four miles of transmission line 100 ft. in width also cleared. The abutments and wing walls of Oberetem Bridge were repaired. Kwa-Ibo Bridge completed. Erriam Road repaired and additional culverts constructed. The foregoing work was carried out entirely by the Public Works Department; in the last named two provinces, however, new roads are being continually opened up by political officers, connecting market with market. The people fully appreciate the benefit to both life and property conferred on them by wide well- constructed roads in place of the narrow bush path hitherto existing, which was more of the nature of a drain shut in on both sides by tall grass or bush. Nothing in the opinion of the writer 1 has more contributed to the present prosperity of the Colony and protectorate than the willing work of the natives in opening up the country to trade by the means of properly made roads, and much praise is indeed due to the district officers under whose supervision this good work has been carried out. In, addition to the construction of roads and the building of officials' quarters, the following are the principal works under­ taken during the year under review: —

Western Province. In Lagos: — New Government offices, strong rooms, &c New Customs offices completed. Drill hall, Southern Nigeria volunteers. Alterations to Lagos prison. o 34 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

Sewage depot at Alakoro. Reclamation. Shed for steel construction work at . Laboratory medical research at Yaba. Up country: — Prison at Oshogbo. Prison at Ondo. Central Province. Reclamation and clearing, Warri. Iron water latrines, Porcados. Reclamation, Forcados. Sea wall (1,350 ft. run built), Forcados. Prison, Benin City, Reclamation and drainage at Abo. Quarantine station at Forcados. Eastern Province. Raising tanks and improvement to water supply, Calabar. Barracks water supply, Calabar. 347 ft. of sea wall at Bonny. Reclamation, Opobo.

CLIMATE. At the Lagos Observatory, the mean shade temperature was 80°-2; the highest was 93° in March, and the lowest 65° in January. The greatest rainfall—148'92 inches—was at Akassa (Lat. 4°'20' N., Long. 6°'03' E.), and the least—1-46 inches—at Ogbomosho (Lat. 8*08' N., Long. 4°14' E.). The rainfall at provincial headquarters was:—Lagos (Western), Lat. 6° 27' N., Long. 3° 24' E., 69*43 inches; Calabar (Eastern), Lat. 4° 58' N., Long. 8° 19' E., 102*50 inches; Warri (Central), Lat. 5° 31' N., Long. 5° 44' E., 107*63 inches. The "'harmattan'" winds continued from 11th November, 1910, to 4th February, 1911.

MILITARY. The Southern Nigeria Regiment of the West African Frontier Force took part in the following operations during 1910: — Abini Patrol (continued): 1st January to 11th January. Ogwashi-Uku Patrol: 7th January to 27th May. Obudu Escort: 4th March to end of April. Akembara Escort: 10th April to 29th April. Okija Patrol: 16th September to 3rd October. Ogunta Escort: 1st October to 10th October. Buanchor Escort: 18th October to 30th November. Orlu Patrol: 22nd November to end of year. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910.

SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE.

For the purpose of briefly describing tbe social condition of the people, Southern Nigeria may be divided into two parts, the Western Province forming one, and the Central and Eastern Pro­ vinces together forming the other. The Yoruba-speaking tribes, which occupy practically the whole of the Western Province, have attained a state of civilisation many degrees higher than that reached by the numerous tribes of the other two provinces, and on this account should be considered separately. Pride of race is one of the factors that have pushed the Yoruba onward, whilst past wars with neighbours, together with internal disruption, have assisted in making him keen, wide-awake, and comparatively energetic. Excellent eugenic marriage laws have helped him to keep down disease and maintain unimpaired the physique of his race. The Yorubas are law-abiding, and a sound system of Imfs is administered by the native authorities with the assistance of the British officers stationed in the various districts, The most per­ fect compromise between British and native law in all Southern Nigeria is, perhaps, that of the " mixed " court at Abeukuta, the capital of Egbaland, where the District Commissioner sits as president, with two Egba judges to assist him. The Yorubas are to a very large extent pagan; there are, how­ ever, numerous European missions established throughout the province, while the Moslem faith has many adherents. A large number of well-attended schools, Government and otherwise, exist, and the advantages of education are much sought after. It may be said of the Yoruba that he is to-day the readiest of all the tribes of Southern Nigeria, possibly in all tropical West Africa, to adopt, and to adapt himself to, that" civilization/' which British rule deems good for him. Turning to the Central and Eastern Provinces, we find, with few exceptions, the pure-bred Inokun or Aro of the Ibo race, the Bini of the Benin territories, and the Igara with his wonderfully organised feudal system-T-a congeries of tribes speaking a multi­ tude of different languages and dialects, all in degree somewhat inferior to the Yoruba-speaking people. Of these tribes, the lowest in the social scale are undoubtedly the Ibibios and the fishing folk of the creek region of the ; these people have the most degraded customs, and lead lives but little above the existence of animals. Between these lowest tribes and the superior Bin is, Igaras, and Inokuns or Aros, come the Cross River tribes, the Efiks of Calabar, the Jekris, I jaws, and Sobos of the Central Province, and the various Ibo-speaking tribes of the country lying between the Niger and Cross Rivers— all of them inferior to the Yoruba of the Western Province, but superior in various degrees to the Ibibio and Niger delta people. Native councils and courts, under the supervision of the Euro­ pean officers in charge of districts, administer native law in so far as it is not incompatible with any statute and not repugnant to natural justice. The tribes of the Central and Eastern Provinces are generally pagan; many missions stations are to be found, however, through- 36 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

otit the country. As in the Western Province many Government and non-Government schools are established and are well-attended. British occupation is gradually making great changes in the social condition of the people, the construction of railways, roads, and telegraphs having, perhaps, the most marked effect in this direction. The philosopher may view the rapidity of these changes with some misgiving, and may doubt if the natives themselves are really any happier for them; but a period of transition is always painful and difficult, and good often comes out of what seems to be an evil. The welfare of the country rests principally witli the native himself, and there are not wanting signs that there is springing up a group of intelligent, thinking men, born and educated in Southern Nigeria, who, imbued with love of country, are devoting themselves to its development and future prosperity on right lines.

IMPORTANT EVENTS.

During the year, dredging operations on the bar, commenced in 1907, were continued by the dredgers " Egerton " and " Sand- grouse." The work was interfered with in September in consequence of the grounding of the " Sandgrouse," which necessitated her return to England. The bar draught, which had been 14 feet at the end of 1909. was raised to 15 feet for twin- screw steamers only, on January 24th, and to 16 feet for twin-screws and 15 feet for single-screws on April 5th. It was reduced to 13 feet for all vessels on the 29th of the same month, at which it remained until the 3rd December when it was raised to 14 feet. The Director of Marine visited Holland, Belgium, and Ger­ many in December, with a view to studying reclamation work in order, if possible, to improve the methods in vogue in Southern Nigeria. Reclamation work to the extent of 138,000 tons was carried out during the year by the " Sandgrouse," as follows: — Tons. Lagos ... 63,000 Apapa 42,000 Forcados 33,000 and the value of such work cannot be over estimated. The small pontoon dredger, u Barmaid," was engaged throughout the year in reclamation work at Forcados and Bonny. The construction of the East Mole was pushed on, and 1,539 feet were added, bringing the total length on December 31st to 4,068 feet, calculated from the wharf. The work on the West Mole was confined to the erection of wharf, clearing bush, &v. The approach has been built and the line laid on it to the foreshore, ready for unloading material when it arrives. The trans-Niger extension of the railway from Jebba towards Zungeru had reached a diKlai.ce of 79 miles on December 31st. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 37

The branch line from Ebute-Metta to Apapa, constructed in order to facilitate the working of the stone traffic for the harbour works, was nearly completed, but the work on the wharf will take some considerable time to complete. A provincial Agricultural Show was held at lbadan in January, and was quite successful. A larger one was held in Lagos in December, and attracted exhibitors from Northern Nigeria, the Gold Coast, and England. The preliminary work in connection with the scheme for a water supply for Lagos from the Iju Valley was continued, and although difficulty was experienced in regard to the supply of labour, it is estimated that the water supply will be laid on in Lagos early in 1914. The anti-mosquito campaign was more vigorously pursued as a result of Sir Hubert Boyce's visit to West Africa and his de­ claration that yellow fever was undoubtedly endemic on the coast. The following changes in the civil establishment have to be recorded: — Sir , K.C.M.G., proceeded on leave on June 7th, and Mr. J. J. Thorbnrn, C.M.G., acted as Governor until the 12th November. Mr. Thorburn was appointed Governor of the Gold Coast Colony, and left Lagos to take up his new duties on November 20th. Mr. P. S. James, C.M.G., acted as Colonial Secretary from the 7th June to the 11th November.

GENERAL CONDITION OF THE COLONY AND PROTECTORATE. There can be no doubt of the unexampled prosperity of Southern Nigeria, as indicated by the trade and revenue returns; and the people of the country and the Administration can well be proud of the remarkable rate of progress, which shows no sign of diminution. When it is borne in mind chat a very large portion of the country is only nominally under control, and that the absence of good means of communication militates against the prospecting and opening up to trade of many large areas of productive land, it is evident that the vast possibilities of this part of West Africa are only beginning to be realised; with the steady advance into the interior, and rapid construction of good roads, the extension of the railway, and the systematic clearing of waterways, trade should continue to develop, and with the advent of the trader and the closer contact with civilisation, the work of administration and progress should be rendered easier and more effective. In conclusion I would like to express my gratitude to Captain Beverley, the Intelligence Officer, who has given me the greatest assistance in the compilation of the Blue Book and this report.

F. S. JAMES, Acting Colonial Secretary. 10th August, 1911. 38 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

APPENDIX I.

Statement showing the Importation of Spirits into Nigeria during tho Five Years ended olst December, 1910,

Quantity Revenue Declared derived Year, in Duty chargeable. Explanations. gallons.* value. from duties,

3,321,303 301,738 000,784 Prom 22nd December. 1900, Spirit imports amoun­ 4s. the imperial gallon, ted to 10*6 per cent, not exceeding 50 degrees of whole inward by Tralles' Alcoholometer, trade. and an additional Id* for every degree or part of a degree in excess of 60 decrees, 4,055,209 385,505: 800,942 As above Spirit imports amoun­ ted to 10 per cent, i of whole inward trade. 3,235,070 832,677 j 091,190 As above Spirit imports amoun­ ted to 7*70 per cent, of whole inward I trade. 2,950,111 From 15th January, 1909, Value of spirit im­ 308.770 I 089.503 6s. tho imperial gallon, ports amounted to not exceeding 50 degrees 0*22 per cent, of by Tralles' Alcoholometer, whole inward trade, and for every degree or including specie. part of a clogree in excess of such strength an addi­ tional duty of 2^(h per IM- J perial gallon. For every j decree bolow such strengtn I a reduction of H«Z per FM- 1 perial gallon. Minimum 1 duty As\ per imperial gal- I Ion. 4,748,139 160,486 999,838 ! As above ...... Value of spirit im­ ports amounted to 7*79 per cent, of whole inward trade, including specie.

* The quantity actually taken into consumption is shown for each year.

APPENDIX II.

WORK CONDUCTED AT THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE DURING THE YEAR 1910 FOR THE COLONY OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA.

Reports on the following subjects have been furnished to the Govern­ ment of Southern Nigeria from the Imperial Institute as the result of investigations conducted in the Scientific and Technical Department, supplemented when necessary by technical trials by manufacturers and commercial experts. In some cases recommendations have been made as to the further action which is required in the Colony to develop the pro­ duction of materials for which there would be a satisfactory commercial demand. Cotton. Four samples of cotton, which were probably all native varieties, were of satisfactory length but of poor quality and had apparently suffered from the attack of insect pests. A specimen from Illushi was decidedly superior to most West African cottons and was worth about Id, per lb. in advance of *J middling V American. SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910. 39

Fibre.

A sample of " Ndekhe " fibre was examined and found to be suitable for rope-making.

Silk.

A small consignment of native silk consisted of aggregations of cocoons of Anaphe sp. The material was dirty, and when degummed, yielded silk of poor strength and quality. This product could not be reeled, but might possibly be utilised as r spun silk."

Rubber.

Two samples of Para rubber (Hevea brusiliensis) from Ebute Metta consisted of light-coloured, well-prepared biscuits, free from impurity, and exhibiting excellent physical properties. They were valued in London at 9s. and 8$. lOd. per lb. respectively, with fine hard Para at 9s. lOd. per lb. A consignment of about 30 lbs. of Para rubber from Orugbo consisted of light-brown, well-prepared biscuits exhibiting very good physical pro­ perties but of rough appearance. The consignment was sold in London at 85. 10$d. per lb., with fine hard Para at 9$. lOel, per lb. A sample of Para rubber, prepared at Calabar consisted of two small pieces of light-brown rubber, one of which exhibited good physical pro­ perties whilst the other was weak. The chemical composition of the rubber was satisfactory, and consignments similar to the stronger piece would be worth about 7s. 6d. per lb. in London with fine hard Para at 10s. per lb. A sample of supposed Landolphia rubber from Calabar consisted of twelve small pieces of light-brown rubber which exhibited good physical properties, and were very satisfactory in composition. The rubber was valued at about 7s. per lb. in London with fine hard Para at 10s. per lb. A sample of Funtumia elastica rubber prepared at Oloke-Meji by boiling the latex, consisted of light-brown biscuits which were of rather rough appearance but exhibited very good physical properties. The sample was valued at 8s. per lb. in London, with fine hard Para at 10s. 6rf. per lb., and Lagos and Benin lump rubber (selected) at 4s. lid. to 6s. 3d. per lb. The latex of Mhnusops multinervis was found to yield on coagulation a sticky product which became hard and brittle on standing. This brittle substance contained 66 per cent, of resin and 29 per cent, of a somewhat friable gutta-like material, which softened and became plastic on warming. On account of its brittle character the product does not appear likely to be of commercial value.

Copra and Cocoanxd Oil. A sample of copra was equal in appearance to Ceylon copra but yielded an oil which was more acid than that furnished by the latter. It was valued at £19 per ton in the United Kingdom (June, 1910). A sample of coeoanut oil was of the usual character, and if quite clean would be readily saleable at the current market price.

OiUpalm Products.

The investigation of the products of the different varieties of the West African oil-palm, including those occurring in Southern Nigeria, was completed, and an exhaustive article on the subject, containing sugges­ tions for the improvement of the oil-palm industries of West Africa, was published in the " Bulletin of the*Imperial Institute," Vol. VII. (No. 4). Further samples of oil-palm products were received from Southern Nigeria and reported on during 1910.

Copal. Three grades of copal submitted for examination and valuation proved to be. " recent " copals of fair quality. The best grade was valued at 45s. to 47s., and the other two at Bos. per cwt. 40 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.

Vyestufft.

A sample of the wood of Sarcot* t;halus csculcntus, said to he used in the Colony as a yellow dye, proved on examination to he devoid of tinctorial properties.

Leguminous Seeds. Several varieties of beans were examined and found to be suitable for feeding animals or for human food.

Drugs. Herbarium specimens of the so-called " bitter kola," the seeds of which were examined at the Imperial Institute in 1909 and shown to contain no caffeine, were received and identified at Kew as Garcinia conruana, Engl.

Minerals. A large number of specimens collected by the Mineral Surveyors were received for examination during the year. The report on those collected by the Surveyors during 1907-08 was ready for publication at the end of 1910 and has since been issued in the Miscellaneous Series of Colonial Reports [Cd. 5517]. The samples of minerals received independently of the Mineral Survey included about 160 specimens of borings from wells sunk in the course of a search for petroleum in the Colony. Samples of clays and limestones were also examined, to ascertain whether they were suitable for the manufacture of cement, and various specimens of rocks and sands were received for identification. OUTLINE MAP OF S

Scale 1-3.334, 0 50

1 — • i- t 1

Railway constructed ..... Telegraph >> n under construction OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 1910.

cale ."• 3.334,636 or 1 Inch to 52-63 Miles. 50 100 150 (I 1 I . -.

REFERENCE -.vB,zmm--m Headquarters of Administrative Districts °

...... Portion of Southern Nigeria known . _ _ as the Colony COLONIAL REPORTS, &c.

The following recent reports, &c., relating to His Majesty's Colonial Possessions have been issued, and may be obtained from the sources indicated on the title page :— ANNUAL. No. Colony, &o. Year.

660 Barbados ... tit ...... 1909-1910 661 Swaziland ... I...... »• !t 662 Jamaica ...... 663 ...... it 664 Trinidad and Tobago ... ». • ...... 665 Southern Nigeria...... ...... 666 ...... ?! 667 ...... 668 St, Vincent ... • ...... 1909-1910 669 ...... 670 Uganda ...... 671 • ...... 672 St. Lucia ...... i.. ... 1&)9 673 Leeward Islands ...... •...... • • 1909-1910 Northern Nigeria ... it* 1909 674 ... . • • . i t 1910 676 St. Helena...... in 676 ...... »? 677 ...... 1909-1910 .it . i. • t. 1910 678 Weibaiwei...... 679 Gambia ...... < • . ... !! Ashanti Ml ...... 680 ...... !» 681 ...... It 682 ...... il 683 Northern Territories of the Gold Coast ...... 191(1-1911 684 Bahamas ...... 685 Colonial Survey Committee ...... 686 Malta ...... * «•« 687 Imperial Institute ...... * . * 688 Gold Coast ... M ... 689 Fiji...... i .. • J! ...... 690 Som alii and !» ... 691 Hong Kong ... i.« ... 692 ... , ... 1910^1911 693 .., , ...... 1910 694 Sierra Leone ...... »! MISCELLANEOUS. No. Colony, &c Subject.

Foodstuffs. ll Imperial Institute * •...... 72 Fiji ...... *»». Hurricane, 1910...... . 73 Jamaica ...... 74 Ceylon ...... Mineral Surveys, 1906-7 and ...... 1907-8. 75 West Indies...... Imperial Department of Agri­ culture. Mineral Survey, 1907-8. 76 Southern Nigeria ... . *. ... Roads and Land Settlement 77 St. Vincent ... »*» ...... Fund. 78 Weihaiwei ...... Census, 1911. •.. ... 79 Northern Nigeria ... Mineral Survey, 1907-8 artd ... ».. 1908-9. 80 Nyasaland ...... Mineial Survey, 1908-9. 81 Southern Nigeria ...... Mineral Survey, 1908-9.