COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL. •
No. 470. LAGOS.
RE PORT FOR 1 9 0 4.
(For Report for 1903, we No. 427.)
frwtnteb to both 3)ott«e ot fJatiianteni bjj Commanb ot 3)10 IRajretg. November, 1905.
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FINANCIAL • •• ••• - - ••• •••
TRADE ••• . ,•»• .. »•% ... 3
SHIPPING .»• ••• ••«' ••• «•« * ... «AA \*J
jiLQRICULTURIf *«• ... ••• ... ••• ... ••• ••• 13
LEGISLATION ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 19
JUPICIAL MATTERS... - • ...... 19
EDUCATION ...... ••• ...... 19
POST OFFICE AND TELEGRAPHS 20
1 POLICE 20
HOSPITALS AND PUBLIC HEALTH ...... *•« 21
GENERAL ... ••• ••• ... ••• ••• COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL. 3
No. 470. LAGOS.
(FOP Report for 1903 see No. 427.)
MR. THORBURN to MR, LYTTBLTON.
Government House, Lagos, 9th September, 1905.
SIR, I HAVE the honour to enclose copy of a report on the Blue Book for 1904, compiled by Mr. Speed, Acting Colonial Secretary. 2. I would invite attention to the paragraphs dealing with trade, which were written by Mr. Birtwistle, and especially to those dealing with the countries of origin of imports.
I have, &c,
J. J. THORBURN, Acting Governor.
1000 Wt 25793 11/05 D*8 ft 23708 4 COLONIAL BBPOBTS—ANNUAL.
REPORT ON THE LAGOS BLUE BOOK FOR THE YEAR 1904.
FINANCIAL. 1. The total revenue for the financial year ending 31st March. 1904, was £334,695 16*. lQd. The total expenditure for the samfc period was £303,085 16*. 5d. This leaves a balance on the year's transactions of £31,610 in favour of the Treasury. The railway revenue for the same period was £51,072, and the expenditure £46,464.
REVENUE. 2. No change of any importance has been made in taxation during the period under review, but a certain amount of revenue lias been devoted to furthering the interests of the British Cotton Growing Association, and the Customs Tariff Ordinance was remodelled in August, in .view of the pending amalgamation of the Colony with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. The spirit duty has remained at 3*. per gallon as fixed in 1900, and the ad valorem duty on ordinary goods at 10 per cent, as fixed in March, 1901. The several heads of revenue for the year under review compare with those of the two previous years (the only years with which comparison is pos sible by reason of the increased duties and the opening of the railway) as follows:—
Head of Revenue. 1901-2. 1902-3. 1903-4.
St * £ Customs ...... 233,049 287,610 257,183 Harbour and Light Does 789 1,041 993 Licenses and Internal Revenue ... 7,199 8,740 8,676 Fees of Court or Office 4,862 10,171 6,209 , Postal Revenue 1,991 2,356 3,178 Rent ...... 448 582 483 Interest on Iuvefltments 2,198 2,236 2,326 Land Sales ...... 209 222 2,880 Miscellaneous 6,379 1,141 1,796
Total ...... 257,124 313,999 283,623 Railway Receipts 17,898 45,961 61,072
Grand Total 276,022 359,960 334,695 -1 Ados, 1904. 5
3. It will be 58eu that the ordinaiy revenue, while showing m increase of more than £26,000 upon the figures of 1901-2, shows an even larger decrease, namely, £30,000 upon the figures of the last financial year. This, though at first sight unsatisfactory, presents one re* deeming feature in that almost the whole of this decrease, viz., £22,000, is due to a falling off in the revenue derived from spirits. The following table shows the actual revenue derived from this trade during the past three years—the period which has elapsed since the duty was fixed at 3*. per proof gallon:—
1 ' % Revenue from Spirits.
Year. Per cent, of whole Revenue Aotual. Railway.
£ 1001m2 ...... 152,723 65-53 1902—3 ...... 182,690 58-18 1903—4 ...... 160,640 56-63
This shows a remarkable decrease in consumption and a still more remarkable decrease in the proportion of revenue derived from spirits, and it is a cause for considerable satisfaction that, while the revenue of the year under review excluding railway receipts exceeded that of 1901-2 by £26,000, only £8,000 of this excess was due to spirits, and the percentage of receipts from this source fell by nearly 9. It was pointed out last year that the amount received for spirit duty had for the last 11 years averaged 69*79 per cent, of the total ordinary revenue —practically the exact proportion realized in 1900-01. Since that date the proportion has sunk by no less than 13 per cent. Whatever may be the arguments for or ageinst a fiscal svstem which depends largely on the liquor traffic, it is clear tnat drink produces an amount of revenue in this Colony which cannot be surrendered without a complete dislocation of its finances, that, judged by European standards, the consump tion of spirits per head of the population is very small, that the traffic is not an expanding one, and that any additional revenue which may be derived therefrom in the future will probably be the result of an increase in duty rather than in consumption. Apart from the revenue which it produces, and without which no public improvements could be undertaken, the Colonial Government has no interest in the maintenance of this trade, and would gladly sea another source of revenue COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL. substituted therefor, or, were it- practical, raise the duty sufficiently to secure the necessary revenue concurrently with a diminution of the quantity of liquor imported. 4. The duty received on tobacco shows an increase of about 47.per cent, upon the figures of last year, and the relative proportion of this item to the total ordinary revenue has risen from 427 per cent, to 69 per cent. 5. There is also a satisfactory increase in the amount received from salt. Frequent representations have been made to the Government with a view to the abolition of this duty, on the jjround that it is a necessary article of consumption, out it has not been shown that any hardship is caused by the small tax, and in the present state of the Colonial finances it is not considered advisable to surrender the revenue realized. 6. There is a decrease of over £10,000 in the receipts from cotton goods, due probably to the general depression in trado and to the abnormal condition of the Lancashire cotton market. The duty received amounted to 12*3 per cent, of the total ordinary revenue as against 1461 per ceni for the preceding year.
EXPENDITURE. 7. The charge on account of the public debt of the Colony amounted to £53,214 as against £51,368 for last year. The liabilities of the Colony, incurred solely on account of the railway and the bridges connected with it, have now been consolidated into one loan of £2,000,000, which will also pro vide for the extension of the railway to Oshogbo. The* total capital expenditure up to 31st March, 1904, was £1,288,181, of which £145,327 had been advanced from the surplus funds of the Colony, and £350,354 had been found by the Crown Agents, the balance of £792,500 being lent from the Imperial Treasury under the Colonial Loans Act. The working of the railway entailed an expenditure of £46,464, and the receipts amounted to £51,072, showing a credit balance on the year's working of £4,608. " The railway has now been almost brought up to standard, and hap been maintained during the year in a reasonable state of efficiency. Very great improvement has been effected in the punctuality of the trains, and complaints from the traders and the general public have not been numerous. 8. ^he expenditure on the Lagos Battalion of the West African Frontier Force is still very high, amounting to no less than £29,033 for a force consisting of three companies. It is hoped that the proposed amalagamation of the Colony with Southern Nigeria will enable this expenditure to be re duced. . * .LA009, 19Q4, 1
The expenditure on the Medical Department has remained practically unchanged. The work oi swamp reclamation has proceeded rapidly, and a sum of little less than £10,000 has been expended on this most beneficial work, which has added so much to the salubrity and the amenities of the town. A sum of over £2,000 has been expended on the extension of the sea wall, and it is hoped that this work will be completed within a very few years. The most casual observer cannot fail to be struck by the vast improvement which it has effected. 9. The total extraordinary expenditure on Public Works amounted to a little over £30,000, double the sum expended in 1902-3, and included the commencement of the fine Supreme Court building recently completed. This most necessary work had been held in abeyance for a considerable time to the great inconvenience both of those who administer and those who seek the assistance of the law, and its provision has afforded much desired relief. The following table gives a comparison of the items of the annual expenditure with those of the last two years: —
Class of Expenditure. 1901-02. 1902-03. 1903-04,
Publio Works- £ £ i * Extraordinary 14,631 15,464 30,843 Department ... 12,340 10,774 12,577 Recurrent 9,332 8,583 16,51* 1 Total Works... , ... 36,303 34,821 59,931 Medical ...... 14,057 15,594 15,611 Lagos Battalion W.A.P.F. 23,308 21,455 29,033 Police ...... 14,507 15,301 15,497 Judicial ...... 7,606 8,316 8,413 Publio Debt Charges 50,310 51,368 53,214 Other expenditure . 67,764 73,681 74,923
Total excluding railway 213,855 220,536 256,622 Railway—open line 21,640 33,795 46,464
Grand Total ... 235,495 254,331 303,086
The balance sheet of the Colony shows an excess of assets over liabilities on the 31st March, 1904, of £216,677, as com pared with £185,066 in 1903 and £79,438 in 1902—a most satisfactory state of affairs. *> • V d COLONUL BBtOBTS—ANNtJAt.
TRADE.
10. The trade of the Colony, so far at all events as volume goes, may be said to be in a satisfactory condition, there being an increase—taking commercial imports and exports together —of £140,000, say, 8 per cent., over the previous year; the figures being: — 1904 ...... £1,878,893 1903 ... £1,738,562
During the year the imports were practically stationary, being only £2,700 in excess of 1903, and an increased output of the produce of the Colony is consequently responsible for the above growth in the total business. Had it'not, however, been for the crisis in the cotton trade in the first half of 1904, resulting in practically prohibitive prices for the Colony's chief import (woven goods), the inward business would also un doubtedly have shown a substantial increase on the former year. * Detailed comparative returns will be found appended hereto, and as a searching analysis of the main features of the trade was made in the 1903 Report, it is proposed not to cover the same ground again in the present Blue Book, but to touch only upon the more striking fluctuations of the past year.
EXPORTS. 11. Palm Oil and Kernels.—The growth of trade in the year under review is to be mainly attributed to an expansion in the exports of palm kernels, the value of which was £113,000 more than in 1903. In connection with this large increase it must, however, be remembered that prices in Europe ruled high during the year, and that about half the increase in total value may be attributed to that factor. Still, the tonnage, which is the true criterion, was 5,720 tons in excess of the previous year, this being equal to 9 per cent. It is noteworthy that this increase in the volume was almost identical with the growth in kernel traffic on the railway for the same period, viz., calendar year 1904, there having been an expansion of rail kernel freights to the extent of 5,450 tons during that period. The palm oil exports are so remarkably near those of the previous year thaf it is worth while noting the gallonage and values, which wore: — 1904 ... 3,196,442 gallons ... £219,114 1903 ... 3,174,060 „ ... £218,247 hkJiOS, 1904. 9 a difference in bulk of under 1 per cent, between the two years. Taking the two sets of figures together (oil and kernels) we find ample corroboration, if that were needed, of the fact that the railway is bringing down kernels, from which formerly only the oily husk had been utilized and which were otherwise unworked owing to want of cheap transport. At and beyond the present rail head, Ibadan, the local demand for palm oil as a foodstuff and in a.minor degree as an illuminant, prac tically absorbs the supply,, but that is not the case with kernels, for which the purely local market is almost nil. Hence we now see large quantities of kernels brought down by rail from Ibadan, but little or no oil. With regard to the future of this branch of trade—the present mainstay of the- Colony—there is every reason to be lieve that when the railway extension, now in hand, is com pleted, there will be a very large increase from the areas beyond Ibadan, as the country through which the line will pass is reported to be as rich as that south of Abeokuta. Stress was laid in the last Report upon the effect which scanty or full rains have upon the succeeding year's palm crop, and that undoubtedly is an important factor which should not be lost sight of. 12. Turning from the staple products to others, which it is hoped may in future have an important bearing upon the Colony's prosperity, it is to be noted that, in addition to the growth in kernel exports during the year, there were increases in the following, the total value of which increase (about £34,000) was, however, almost counterbalanced by a falling away in mahogany. Maize 630 per cent, increase. Cocoa 107 „ Cotton 89 *> it Rubber 47 „ 13. Maize.—This comparatively new export was taken up by farmers and merchants with considerable spirit during the ysar, as is denoted by the fact that 4,600 tons were shipped against only about 600 tons in 1903, and 40 ions in 1902. GKvin fair steamship rates there would appear to be great possibilities in this business, but at present the enthusiasm of the merchants has been cooled by fluctuating freights and un certainty in that respect as to the future. It has been pointed out to the steamship owners, that exports such as this, which have to compete with similar products coming forward from other parts of the world, should have the ocean freights on a rity with the competing article, and it is hoped that Messrs. gder, Dempster
DESTINATION OF EXPORTS. 18. Owing chiefly to the increase in kernels, and to the fact that by far the bfcst market for that produce is on the Con tinent, the percentage of the Colony's export handled by Great Britain has fallen away slightly from. 1903—the figures being: —
Produce of Lagos only. 1903. 1904.
' Per cent. \ Per cent, t . To«United Kingdom! 30} .29 ,, Germany *•• 67 68 „ fotbercoun tries , ta COLONIAL REPORTS-—ANNUAL.
Against the increase in total exports to Germany it is, how- ever, to be noted that that country has lost ground in the oil and rubber businesses during the year; the exports thereto being as under: —
1903. 1904.
Per cent, Per cent, of total. of total. » Oil .•• ... ••• 37 32} Bubbor 7 5
The increased export to " other countries " is mainly due to the growth of the inter-colonial trade, which business up to the present has been classified under that head.
IMPORTS. 19. Whilst exports of produce distinctly mean actual pro duction and consequent purchasing power of the people, the true consumption of goods in a given year is not necessarily represented by the imports as shown by Customs, statistics. Heavy or light stocks held by the merchants here at the beginning or end of a year may make the comparison with former periods misleading; hence in this part of the report it is proposed to deal more particularly with the relative benefit which our manufacturers and shippers at home have secured from our trade during the year under notice, as compared with those in foreign countries. Imports into Lagos mean, of course, actual business to the manufacturers and shippers, though not always to tho Lagos merchant.. Taking the total inward trade (commercial imports only) the following apportionment is seen: —
Imports. 1904.
Per cent. Per cent. From United Kingdom and British Colonies and 78* 76} Protectorates. Prom (tarmany *•• ...... 184 181 Holland ...... *•« ...... \\ 2 it Other Countries...... ••* ...... r 3
20. Spirits.—Before going into separate lines of trade, it should here be noted that the enhanced values of trade spirits during the year have had a material bearing upon the above percentages as applied to United Kingdom, Germany, and Holland. LAGOS, 1904. 13
In that connection it will be seen from the tables that, although the year's imports of trade spirits showed a growth in value of £6,400 (equal to 10 per cent.), there was actually a reduction in the bulk brought forward to the extent of 16,000 gallons, say, 1£ per cent, tinder 1903. Apart from Germany's increase in the value of trade spirits imports—a business in which the United Kingdom does not compete—that country has lost about £6,000 of general trade, as compared with the previous year. Unfortunately, however, this is more than counterbalanced by the fact that Holland and other foreign countries have, apart from spirits, gained £11,000 more of our business than they had in 1903. 21. Cotton Goods, which represented 45 per cent, of our total import in 1904, suffered to a very marked extent from the effects of the crisis in the American cotton market during the first half of the year, so much so that the total imports in a progressive branch of our business fell away to the extent of close on £15,000. It will be remembered that raw cotton was run up to double its normal value in January, 1904, and the market generally was disorganised for months. The high prices of raw material were necessarily reflected in those asked by manufacturers, with the result that the values of goods for this market rose to such a point that it was practically impossible to get the natives to respond to the advance, and consequently the cotton trade of 1904 will be remembered here as one of the worst for many years. In looking into the figures there is, however, one satisfactory feature with regard to cotton goods to be noted, namely, that our British manufacturers have still further strengthened thoir position—the imports of 1904 showing that only 1£ per cent, of this trade is now of foreign origin. It may in this connection be remarked that the imports of cotton goods from Germany fell from £8,338 in 1903 to £4,624 in 1904. 22. In the following minor imports the British merchants at home have strengthened their position during the year. Matches.—The import of 'British-made matches in 1903, as shown by the Customs statistics, was 12£ per cent. only. This year one-half of those received have come from the United Kingdom. These figures give an exaggerated idea of increased local trade, probably due to unevenness of stocks of British matches held in Lagos in December, 1902, 1903, or 1904. The position of home-made matches in this market, is, however, now very strong. Rice.—In 1903, 60 per cent, of the rice imports came from the United Kingdom, which now secures 80 per cent, of the trade, Germany having lost the ground we have gained, and her exports to Lagos having dropped in value from £3,077 in 1903 to £1,316 in 1904, 14 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
Silk Goods.—This year the United Kingdom have handled 94 pgr cent, of the trade, as compared with 90 per cent, in the previous period. Germany again suffers, her business falling from £801 in 1903 to £428 in 1904. Building Materials.—In 1903, 37 per cent, of the trade went to foreign countries; this year the United Kingdom secured 89 per cent, of the whole. Cement.—Only 20 per cent, of the total imports came from the United Kingdom in 1903, but this year 40 per cent. Bags.—The United Kingdom benefits more by increased imports than foreign countries, the percentages of their ship ments being: 1903, 65 per cent.; 1904, 72 per cent. Paints.—Only a small business is done here, but such as it is the position of the mother country has been materially strengthened. In 1903 she did 55 per cent, of the trade; this year 94 per cent. Germany bears the loss. - Firearms (Trade Guns).—With an increased trade the United Kingdom has slightly improved its position. In 1903 it did 43 per cent, of the whole, this year 46 per cent. Salt.—Imports from the United Kingdom, which repre sented 69 per cent, of the whole in 1903, have now risen to 8(J per cent., Germany falling away from 31 per cent, to 14 per cent. A perusal of the above marks of progress affords satisfaction, but there is, unfortunately, another side to the picture, and tha following notes provide food for reflection on the part of our merchants and manufacturers at home: — Earthenware.—In 1903, 87 per cent, of the imports came from the United Kingdom, this year only 65 per cent. Receipts from Germany are practically the same, but Holland has come into the market, in which before she had no interest, and has done 11| per cent, of tho whole trade of 1904. "Other countries " now receive a similar share to Holland, as against practically nothing in 1903. Haberdashery.— The falling away in total imports of £5,600 in this branch of business has been practically all borne by the United Kingdom, the imports from Germany being practically equal in value to those of last year. British imports ran out 92 per cent, in 1903, and 90 per cent, in 1904; Germany's were 6 per cent, in 1903, 8 per cent, in 1904. Tobacco Pipes.—In 1903 practically the whole of this trade was in British hands, imports from the United Kingdom equal ling 97J per cent, of the whole. This year Germany and 11 other LAGOS, 1904. 15 countries " take 37 per cent, o! the trade. It is to be noted that " other countries," from which no imports came in 1903? now contribute 18£ per cent, of our receipts* Wearing Apparel.—93| per cent, of the trade came from the United Kingdom in 1903, this year only 81 per cent. Ger- many's position is improved from 6* per cent, to 13 per cent., and " other countries " from 1 per cent, to 6 per cent. Tobacco.—Here again the loss of total trade has practically fallen to the United Kingdom; our percentage in 1903 being 82 per cent., and this year 80 per cent. Germany's share rises from 9| per cent, in 1903 to 11£ per cent, this year. Shooks (Empty Cash).—Holland has forged ahead at the . expense of the United Kingdom; Germany's share being only a fraction more than last year. The British figures have dropped from 60 per cent, in 1903 to 30 per cent, in 1904. This is due to Holland sending us £4,193 value of shooks in 1904, as com pared with only £336 in the previous year. Incidentally it may be remarked that Holland also shipped £4,500 more shooks to Southern Nigeria in 1904 than in 1903. It would appear that our British coopers are losing very considerable ground to the Dutch in this business. Aerated Waters.—Great Britain loses ground to Germany. Imports from United Kingdom in 1903 equalled 61 per cent, of the whole, this year only 51£ per cent. Ale and Stout.—Similarly to above, our position is weaker; the United Kingdom imports in 1903 being 40J per cent., this year only 25 per cent. Germany gains what we have lost. Gunpowder.-*British makers, who did 7 per cent, of the total in 1903, shipped nothing in 1904, the whole trade now going to Germany. It is singular that in the adjoining Pro tectorate of Southern Nigeria British gunpowder represents 94 per cent, of the total import, Germany sending only £752 value out of a total import of £12,220. S^a/.-Mention is made of this commodity, not because there is any very noticeable difference in the relative business, but because it is felt that wo ought to do considerably more of the trade. British sugar stands the climate better than the German beet, yet British imports represent only 44 per cent, of the whole—a slight improvement upon last year (414 per cent. 1903), but quite disproportionate to what it should be possible to do. It may be here remarked that in the sister Protectorate of Southern Nigeria 98 per cent, of the sugar trade falls to the share of the United Kingdom, Germany sending only £114 out of a total import of £6,000. " Other Articles."—Both the United Kingdom and Germany fall away—the former from 67 per cent, to 63 per cent., and the latter from 30$ per cent, to 23 per cent. The bulk of the 16 COLONIAL REPORT8—ANNUAL. difference has gone to "other countries"." which did 13| per cent, oi the whole in. unclassified goods in 1904, as against 1 per cent, only in the previous year. This increase is probably due in some manner to "the fact that we now have an important French house doing business in Lagos.
In making the foregoing comparisons the basis has neces sarily been the Customs returns giving port of shipment, which, it will be understood, does not always mean source of origin. Tobacco, for example, which is imported here from the United Kingdom, is, of course, really produced in the States, just as the bulk of the gunny bags"come from Calcutta to Lagos via Liverpool and appear as an import from the United King dom. But if the port of shipment, as appearing in our returns, does not in all cases imply increased trade for our British manufacturers, it does so, at all events, for our merchants and shipowners at home, and the figures are interesting from that standpoint.
PROSPECTS. 23. In reviewing the general outlook, so far at all events as the probable volume of trade and consequent revenue arc concerned, there is nothing disquieting to be noted, excepting that we are over dependent upon two single lines in our export list, which are the produce of the same tree—the palm—which in 1904 gave us in oil and kernels together 88 per cent, of the whole of the produce shipped from here. Every effort should, and is, being made to broaden the trade of the Colony. It is recognised that progressive agriculture devoted to other products than the palm trees will help very considerably in this direction, and much is now being done in the way of cotton, maize, cocoa, Ac, and in the planting up of kola trees, for the produce of which (kola nuts) there is alone a purely local demand to the extent of £40,000 per annum. We have also an indigenous product which at present is almost neglected, but from which it is hoped that substantial benefit may be derived in the future, viz., the shea tree. This is not as a rule found within the palm belt, but immediately beyond there are great areas of country inside the Lagos boundary where it flourishes, and in which the natives have at present but little regular occupation. At the time of writing this report the question of finding some free and remunerative outlet for the produce of this tree is being pushed forward by the Government, which feels that there are good grounds for efforts in that direction, as shea nuts to the value of about £19,000 were exported from the Niger during 1904. Up to the present the trees in Lagos have bVen only slightly LAGOS, 1904. 17
worked in order that what is known as shea Butter might be procured, there being a fair local demand for this com modity, but it is hoped that the shipment of nuts may give better results than have so far attended experimental shipments of the native manufactured "butter/' The attention of merchants at home who are interested in the Lagos trade is particularly directed towards this product, and their co-opera tion invited.
Apart, however, from the produce of the Lagos Colony and Protectorate, there is open to us a much greater field for the outlet of our goods, which at present is contributing but little to either revenue or the business of home manufacturers or local merchants. This field is to be found in the vast tracts of country lyi) £ beyond the Niger. If there is one thing more than another deserving the special attention of the merchants now, it is the cultivation of that particular business which at present is but in its infancy, but which, if properly encouraged and catered for, offers enormous possibilities. Although the dealings in bulky articles of trade (salt, Ac.) may be transacted on the Upper Nile, there is no doubt whatever that the p.ttractions of Lagos, with its numerous stores carrying a great assortment of ail classes of goods sold at reasonable rates, and having a free market for cattle and miscellaneous produce, are such as to capture the more valu able portion of the Soudan business, viz., that done in cotton and sundry goods.
Granted reasonable development of the new products, which are being pushed forward within the Colony, and the securing of the trade from the Hausa States and beyond, there will be nothing, so far as one can judge, to cause uneasiness with re gard fo the continued prosperity of Lagos, but until our trade can be thus materially widened, we shall always be liable to marked fluctuations due to causes over which neither Govern ment nor merchants have any control, and we must be pre pared to face lean years occasionally as well as to enjoy full ones.
SHIPPING.
24. The shipping statistics present marked features of difference from those of the preceding year; the tonnage entered amounting to 756,344 as against 628,413, and the tonnage cleared to 760,799 as against 625,849. 18 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
It is satisfactory to note that the increase o! British tonnage is proportionately very much larger than that of foreign (i.e.> German) competitors.
AGRICULTURE.
25. No great developments have taken place during the year under reviow. The energetic efforts of the British Cotton Growing Association have met with a certain amount of success, though by no means commensurate with the large expenditure incurred. It is not to be expected that the cultivation of cotton will ever take the place of the industry connected with products of the palm tree, but there remains outside the palm belt a consider able tract of country well suited for cotton growing, and it is possible that by careful nursing the industry may become per manently established in the Colony. Large quantities of cotton are already grown for home con sumption, but increased transport facilities alone can make export remunerative. New roads suitable for wheeled traffic are being constructed, and every inducement is offered to the natives to plant, but it is uncertain what will be their attitude when the present ficti tious price of Id!, per pound for seed cotton is withdrawn, as it must be in the near future. Large numbers of kola trees have been planted during recent years, some of which must be approaching maturity, and it is only natural to expect that a considerable and very profitable trade will result. At present the people are almost entirely dependent on imports for this article of food, which is con sidered in many places to be practically a necessary. It is hoped that the recently formed Agricultural Union with its branch societies at Abeokuta, Ibadan, and Oyo will do much to make known and popularize improved implements and methods of cultivation besides disseminating useful infor mation. There is no doubt that there is at present a marked disposi tion on the part of the people to return to the land, and the attractions of trading are becoming less alluring in consequence of the falling off in profits, due to keen competition. It is proposed at an early date to introduce elementary courses of instruction in botany and agriculture in the schools of the Colony. LAGOS, 1904. 19
LEGISLATION. 26. Changes were made in the Customs Tariff Ordinance in view of the proposed amalgamation of the Colony with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, and various minor amend ments were made in the ordinary laws. Provision has been made for the inspection of palm kernels to prevent adulteration and to ensure that the produce is brought to the market in a proper condition. Provision has also been made for the exercise by the Supreme Court of the Colony of the newly acquired jurisdiction in the Protectorate. Powers have been given to raise a loan of £2,000,000 to con solidate existing liabilities and to provide for the extension of the railway to Oshogbo.
JUDICIAL MATTERS. 27. The extension of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, to which reference was made in last year's report, has been carried into effect throughout the Egba and Ibadan territories, and assizes are now held quarterly at Abeokuta and Ibadan. The change has Veen accepted hy the people without demur, and though the business at the assizes has not been larget there is reason to anticipate a large increase concurrent with the growth of trade and the opening up of the country. It will necessitate the appointment of another judge at no distant date. The criminal statistics do not call for any special comments, the only remarkable fact being the comparative rarity of reallv serious crime. The number of offences shows a small decrease all round.
EDUCATION. 28. Education is practically entirely in the hands of the several Missionary Societies aided by Government grants, amounting in the aggregate to a sum of £2,000. The ^vmbers in attendance show a satisfactory increase, amounting fo 4,690 as compared with 4,351 for the preceding year. The great difficulty experienced is the want of adequately trained teachers, a perennial complaint which shows no sign of abatement. The societies are not able to offer salaries sufficient to attract young men from other and more lucrative 3*708 Rt 20 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL. pursuits.' It is well worthy of the consideration of the Govern, ment how far it is possible to remedy this by increased grants or otherwise, as it does not seem likely that the resources of the societies will ever be sufficient to meet the demands which are made upon them, more especially having regard to the continual extension of the sphere of their operations.
POST OFFICE AND TELEGRAPHS. '29. The volume of business transacted in the Post Office shows a considerable increase in every department. The total number of letters, post-cards, book packets and parcels which passed through the office amounted to 476,983 as compared with 349,368 for the preceding yeav, while the money order transactions involved a sum of over £25,000 as compared with less than £22,000 for 1903. The net revenue derived from the Post Office was £2,327 as compared with £917 for 1903. Provision is being made for a considerable increase of postal facilities in the interior. The telegraph system has been extended by the completion of the Lajros-Forcados Line, the working of which has, how ever, been attended with great difficulties by reason of the swampy nature of the route traversed. A new line has "been commenced from Ibadan to the Southern Nigeria frontier vi& Oshogbo, Ilesha, and Akure, and it is hoped that when this is linked up with the Southern Nigeria system it will be possible to abandon the beach line to Forcados, the maintenance of which must always be ex ceedingly expensive and liable to interruption.
*
POLICE. 30. The police establishment has been increased from 448 to 492, and a further increase will shortly be necessary owing to the extra duties devolving on the force by nason of the conversion of the constabulary into a purely military force. The fort© has hmn maintained in a high state of efficiency, which is all tht mm* remarkable considering the small number of Kurop^ait officers* LAG08, 19U4. 31
HOSPITALS AND PUBLIC HEALTH. 31. The Lagos hospital returns do not call for any special comment, though it is to be observed that the number of cases of malarial fever shows a considerable increase, and the per centage of deaths is much higher. The number of cases treated at the Contagious Diseases Hospital (chiefly small-pox) shows a remarkable decrease, due to the spread of vaccination which is now practically universal in the Lagos sanitary district, and is making an impression in the interior, especially in the large centres of population, where the prejudice against it is slowly dying out. The vital statistics for the town of Lagos and Ebute Metta show that the year was not a healthy one as compared with 1903, the death-rate at Ebute Metta having advunced from 76 to 94 per 1,000. It is extremely doubtful, however, wheiher any value attaches to these statistics, aj they are based on the population returns of 1901, and Ebute Metta is a rapidly- growing towr*. The Lagos increase is given at 2 per 1,000, and this again must not be considered absolutely trustworthy for the same reason. It must be remembered also that there is a large fluctuating population, consisting of traders from the interior, whose numbers are difficult to estimate, though they must have a considerable effect upon the public health statistics.
GENERAL* 32. The general condition of the Colony has been perfectly satisfactory. As has often been stated the native population is and remains loyal and law-abiding. Jealous as they are of. their native customs and their traditional rights, only on rare occasions has there been any disposition to do other than accept willingly and without cavil the advice of the Political Officers in charge of the various districts. The Uesha province is unfortunate in its rulers, and there is a certain amount of friction there, which, however, has never assumed really serious proportions and which is not likely to recur. , The Egba people have not abused the large amount of liberty which has been left to them in the conduct of their affairs. The visit of the Alake to England and His Majesty's tracious reception of the Chief formed an interesting episode it COLONIAL BEPORT8—ANNUAL. impression both on the Alake himself and on his people. He has amply justified the good opinion which Sir Wm.MacGregor formed of him. It is not to be supposed that the local Governments are entirely free from abuses, (but on the whole they work well. 33. Sir William MacGregor left the Colony early in January after holding the office of Governor for nearly five years. That five years has witnessed a most remarkable development in the resources of the territory and in the general condition and prosperity of the people. The town of Lagos has been improved almost out of recog nition, the revenue has been nearly doubled, the Protectorate has been pacified and organised, many public works of great utility have been carried through, others have been commenced and others again have been brought within the range of prac tical politics. A real interest has been awakened in the sanitary condition of the town, and there is no reason to doubt that the near future will see a vast improvement in the conditions of life and in the health of the community.
£. A. SPEED, Acting Colonial Secretary.
31st August, 1903. LAGOS, 1904. 23
APPENDIX A.
STATEMENT showing the MONTHLT RECEIPTS from IMPORT DUTIES in the COLON* of LAGOS for the years 1902,1903, and 1904.
Months. 1902. 1903. 1904.
£ t. d. £ *. d. £ t. d. January ... *•• 19,675 15 8 21,918 18 I 21,268 15 8 February ...... 17,256 18 4 21,386 19 2 20,053 4 0 March ...... 23,668 15 3 19,257 1 11 17,633 0 5 April ... 19,497 10 7 20,943 19 7 1C,494 18 10 May ...... 24,429 10 2 22.702 19 3 19,885 19 10 June ...... 20,129 17 9 18,229 18 3 21,954 10 8 Jnly ...... 25,556 10 1 27,894 18 0 21,534 11 7 August ...... 28,052 4 1 25,536 18 10 28,891 3 0 September 29,328 6 3 19,283 5 6 23,067 5 3 Octobsr ... 27,673 11 4 24,952 17 6 23,552 17 2 November 25,594 17 9 19,512 12 10 23,332 10 5 December 24,684 5 5 19,168 14 8 21,191 15 3
Total 285,552 17 8 260,789 3 7 253,860 12 1
APPENDIX B.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT showing the CUSTOM DUTIES received under principal headings of IMPORTS in the COLONY of LAGOS for the years 1902, 1903, and 1904, and differences of 1904 compared with 1903.
Receipts for 1904 Duties received. compared with 1903. Articles.
1902. 1903. 1904. Increase. Decrease.
£ £ £ £ Spirits... *.. ... 187,198 159,817 167,760 2,057 Tobacco (unmanufac 17,504 19,495 17,487 2,008 tured). Salt ... 6,097 5,902 6,300 398 Ala, Beer, Ac, 533 459 569 110 Firearms 983 1,336 1,4C9 73 Gunpowder 6,818 6,0*5 6,993 92 Kola Nuts 1,968 2,167 2,299 732 Kerosene Oil 2,614 4,417 4,058 "S59 Cotton Gcods. 43,469 38,195 36,662 1,533 Beads ... 1,866 1,915 2,128 213 Earthenware 604 737 754 17 Hardware 1,316 1,486 1,860 135 24 COLONIAL REP0RT8—ANNUAL.
APPENDIX a
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT showing the TOTAL AMOUNT received by the COLLECTOR of CUSTOMS at Lagos under the HEADS of receipt stated for the years 1902, 1903, and 1904, and differences of 1904 compared with 1903.
Receipts for 1904 Amounts received. compared with 1903. Heads of Receipts.
1902. 1903. 1904. Increase. Decrease.
£ £ £ £ £ Light Dues ...... 912 1,005 1,542 637 Warehouse Rent 619 710 386 324 Storage on Gunpowder 131 105 147 42 Storage on Petroleum 450 322 490 168 _» Customs Fees.... ro 78 89 11 Medical Dues...... Auctioneers' Licenses 66 132 108 24 Dog Licenses 45 41 72 31 Spirit Licenses 3,094 2,697 3,785 1,088 PetroleumS toreLicenses 7 9 10 1 mmmm Meat Market Licenses 87 131 101 30 Slaughter Bouse Dues 354 408 319 89 Fish Market Licenses... — — — —
6,835 5,638 7,049 —
APPENDIX D.
STATEMENT of the VALUES of IMPORTS into the COLONY of LAGOS for the years 1899 to 1904, showing C031- MERCIAL, GOVERNMENT and SPECIE values separately.
1 Value Value Tea^. Value Specie. Commercial. Government. Total.
i £ s. d. £ *. d. £ B. rf. £ $. d, 1899 806,209 17 10 !60,32£ 0 0 966,594 17 10 1900 ... 754,969 18 7 76,500 C 0 830,469 18 7 1901 ... 724,838 2 9 12,446 16 10 737,281 19 7 1902 895,223 3 7 35,522 1 8 930,745 5 3 1903 813,613 15 9 49,865 14 4 667 1 5 864,146 11 6 1904 ... 816,317 0 10 51,668 13 5 51,838 0 3 919,823 14 6 LAGOS, 1904. 25 26 COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
APPENDIX F.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT showing the QUANTITIES and VALUES of PRINCIPAL ARTICLES of IMPORT into the Colony of LAGOS for the years 1903 and 1904, and differences 1904 compared with 1903, under the various headings.
1901 1901 Increase. Decrease.
Articles. i J ...I 2 i •a i i 1 > ! 1 > £ £ £ £ Aerated Waters.. Do*. 23,485 3,183 26,001 3359 2,516 378 — Ale and Porter .. 2,738 15,167 3307 2,926 669 — mm MM—« Beads 19,141 21,277 — 2,136 mm Building MateriaU .. — 9,035 — 14,266 — 5,231 — mm — — — mm Cotton Goods t, 381,931 38M95 15,443 Earthenware .. — 7370 —. 9338 mm 168 mm Firearms .. .. No. 10,891 2,734 11,209 4351 678 1317 mm mm Gunny Bag* . * — 8344 -» 10,659 8,115 . mm —- Gunpowder Lbs. 243,417 2S9.7C6 3,194 27 3,711 mm Haberdashery .. «• 1837ti — 12,687 — 63*8 — 14319 13,497 — —. Kola NaU., Lbs. 2466,707 38,696 1,292,760 40,752 1*2,043 2.050 mm — 4,472 _ 7316 — 3,044 mm mm Oil, Kerosene .. Galls. 529,298 11,958 488,941 10,626 — c— 43357 P32 — 9,640 — 8,669 m.m mm 971 Cwt 15356 7328 14,664 6319 — mm 602 W9 Salt Tons 6308 7,883 6,177 K970 369 1387 8hooks,&c. .. 17321 16,13d mm. — mm US5 — 8.V90 — 7,043 mm, mm mm 1347 Spirits—Geneva ..Galla. 615315 43,420 499362 43,042 — 18,183 378 Bun •i 218,703 10383 320,093 17,901 101390 7,021 — Alcohol P.O. „ 326,490 10,628 221388 10392 — 1013U 136 _ 5,652 5631 mm, — «» 21 Tobacco, Unmanu Lbs. 1,167,473 24,423 1,011,156 19,747 — 126317 4,676 factured. Wines, Still ..Galls. 14,186 1,757 9.W9 1,728 _ — 4337 29 Woollen Goods .. • • — 7324 m» 4323 mm, — — 23W Wearing Apparel * • 4,968 —• 6,529 mm 1361 — 067 51338 mm, 51,171 mm
APPENDIX G.
STATEMENT showing the VALUES of FOREIGN GOODS, COLONIAL PRODUCE, and SPECIE EXPORTED, with yearly totals of EXPORTS, from the Colony of LAGOS for the years 1899 to 1904.
Value of Value of Year. Foreign Colonial Specie. Total. Goods. Produce.
' £ £ £ 1899 ...... 30,184 804,174 111,760 916,934 1900 ... •«• 25,617 727,680 157,431 885,111 1901 ...... 30,881 768,150 110,201 909,232 1902 ••• ... . 3fl,384 1,220,300 117,566 1,337,865 1903 ...... 32,147 892,801 221,373 1,146,321 1904 ••• ... 43,522 1,019,054 148,144 1210,720 1 , , LAGOS, 1904. 27
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istt 28 . •'. COLONIAL REPORTS—ANNUAL.
APPENDIX J.
STATEMENT showing the VALUE of GOODS INWARDS in Transit between LAGOS and PORTO NOVO for tho years 1899 to 1904.
Year. Value. Transit Duty paid.
£ $. d. £ f. d» 40 1899 6,797 12 11 174 5 0 1900 3,268 5 8 199 17 8 1901 6,841 8 6 203 6 2 1902 11,200 14 5 434 12 10 1903 4,437 17 9 246 1 4 1904 7,974 8 10 329 2 0
APPENDIX K.
STATEMENT of the NATIONALITY, NUMBER, TONNAGE and CREWS of the STEAM VESSELS entered INWARDS and OUTWARDS in the COLONY of LAGOS for the years 1903 and 1904. 1903.
Steam Vessels Entered.
Nationality With Cargoes. In Ballast ToUL of V easels. t > | i ] 1 > j J
Britiih 384 423,922 14,152 44 9,672 1,397 328 433,594 15,549 German ... 196 198,724 8,702 4 420 81 200 , 194,144 8,783 French 1 676 20 1 675 20
team Vessels Cleared.
Nationality With Cargoes. In Ballast. Total. of Vessels. i 4 1 i i i t I 1 • J11.
British 306 426,816 14,806 22 6,242 '<76 433,057 15,582 German 118 279,811 5,919 81 12,306, 2,830 199 191,117 8,749 Frfach ... 1 676 20 mm 1 87ft 10 LAGOS, 1904. 29
APPENDIX K—cont.
1904. . . -
Steam Vtutla ICnttrtd.
Nationality With Cargoes. la Ballast, Total. . of Vessels. i > j i I O ! British 408 628,623 18,168 22 8,247 782 426 686,770 18,896 German ... 197 218,068 9,184 14 6,606 678 211 219,674 9,772
Steam Vessels Cleared.
Nationality With Cargoes. In Ballast Total. of Vessels. 4 1 { l O O British ... 890 528,576 18,234 42 8,568 1,189 432 537,144 19,873 German 158 209,077 8,786 57 14,678 2,220 215 223,655 10,006
t
• r COLONIAL REPORTS.
7
The following recent reports relating to His Majesty's Colonial Possessions have been issued, and may be obtained from the sources indicated on the title page:— ANNUAL.
N<> Colony. Tear.
443 St* Lucia ••• •.. ••• ... 1903 444 Baautoland ...... ••• 1903-1904 445 Leeward Islands...... II 446 St. Vincent ...... ••• tt 447 Bermuda ••• ••• ...... 1904 448 St. Helena ...... • «• ••• ti 449 Falkland Islands...... ••• e»» ?# 460 Weihaiwei ... «...... •*. w 461 Hong Kong ...... • •• ••• 19 462 Gambia ...... •t • ...... ft 463 Gibraltar ••• ...... ft 464 Turks and Caicos Islands ...... ••• tt 466 Qritish Honduras ...... ft 466 Seychelles ••• ...... ft 467 Northern Territories of the Gold Coast ... ft 468 Straits Settlements ...... ft 469 Southern Nigeria ... •». ... ••• 91 460 Sierra Leone ...... • ••• ff 461 British Solomon Islands ••• ... a. . 19C3-1905 462 Malta ...... *• ... 1904-1905 463 Grenada ... ••• ••• ... 1904 464 St. Vincent ... «•• ...... ft 465 Gold Coast • • • ... ».. • •• tt 466 Barbados ... ••• • •• 1904-1905 467 Uganda ... ••• ...... #*. • •• ft 468 Somaliland ...... tt 469 Trinidad and Tobago ••• ...... tt
MISCELLANEOUS.
No- Subject
28 Dominica ... •.. ... Roads and Land Settlement. 24 Grenada ... Land Settlement in Carviacou. 26 Hong Kong ...... Bubonic Plague, 1903. 26 Northern Nigeria Mineral and Vegetable Products 27 Miscellaneous Colonies Medical Reports. 28 Gold Coast and Siena Leone Rubber. 29 Ceylon * ...... Geological 8ur?ey. 80 Pitcairn Is'and B-eport by Air. R. T. Simon.