Coll 17/16(3) 'The Assyrian Question' [‎91v] (193/1206)

The temperature range is small-from 7l-5° F. minimum to 91-9 0 F.
6 The reports available as to the agricultural possibility of the district
based on examination of soil samples alone are not sufficiently comprehensive for a
definite opinion to be given, and too much stress should not be laid upon them. Sir
John Harrison’s report of 1925 showed seven samples to be fluviatile or riparian,
soils of the colony characterised by well-marked potential fertility. If properly
drained and skilfully cultivated these soils should yield satisfactory crops of
many tropical agricultural products. His repoit on ceitam othei of the samples
was undoubtedly unfavourable. 1 n ; ,
Mr. Follett-Smith in his report (1931) states that it does not appear that a
sample typical of the soil of the JE&upununi has been sent foi analysis.
It appears, therefore, as is usually the case when one officer collects the
samples and another examines them, that there is considei able doubt as to whether
most of the soil samples are truly representative of the Ilupununi.
I enclose reports, as set out in the enclosed schedule, on the potentialities of
the district, and the reports of those who know the district well and who, I
consider, are well able to form an opinion appear to indicate that there should
be no difficulty in the settlers being able to grow sufficient food-stuffs for their
requirements if settlement is carried out on the basis of small holdings. This can,
I think, be regarded as the only doubt, although a serious one, as to the area being
suitable, and this is one which can be dispelled only by a closer examination of the
agricultural possibilities of the district. The responsibility for a decision must
rest on those who, being fully acquainted with the requirements of the settlers,
make a tour through the proposed area of settlement.
7. With regard to the reported phosphatic deficiencies in the district, the
surgeon-general, according to available reports, suggests that, in the ordinary
food consumed by the people in the district, vitamin B is lacking, i.e., the
£t accessory substance ” which exists in yeast and is present in varying amounts
in all natural foods, and is necessary for growth. Diet will require to include
provision of such articles as bread (whole-meal), cheese, eggs, fish meats, milk,
potatoes, apples, bananas, grape fruit, oranges, pineapples, vegetables, cabbages,
carrots, onions, tomatoes, turnips, &c.
8 . If, in the light of an actual examination of the area, with particular
reference to its agricultural possibilities and the route by which it is proposed
to transport these people to the district and the permanent line of communication
with the coast (which need not be the same as the route by which they are taken
to the area), its possibilities are regarded as being favourable, there is no reason
why such arrangements should not be made as will enable the first party to arrive
not later than January next.
In this connexion, it would be well to note that before arriving in the colony
settlers should be vaccinated against smallpox. It may also be advisable that
they should be inoculated against the enterica.
9. I note that it is intended that no cost will fall upon the Colonial Govern-
re S ar( i f° any scheme of settlement until such time as the new community
is fully established and is in a position to take its share as an integral part oif
the population of the colony in contributing by way of taxation and otherwise
to the general revenue.
It is piesumed also that the colony will receive assistance towards the
esn ishment and maintenance of social services, such as medical, agricultural,
ve ermary, schools, hospitals and dispensaries, police and prisons, as it is highly
impiobable that the settlers themselves will be in a position for some years to
mee e cos o these services. The provision for the usual administrative and
social services should present no difficulty, especially if with the Assyrians there
Wm , I ? edlca j men ’ cler H &c., while the former members of the levies may well
torm the nucleus of a police force.
ff.i'rfflC'.Tvfi ' 011 ‘'kyk administration of the area and of the settlers should
nresent °ti the dmirmt administration scheme of the colony would
adopt * dl ffi° ult y> and would, I think, be the best and less costly method to
members 1 of fhfst°r the T* of distric t administration. The senior
ranks beine’ rpcrnitp.l i' ° U C ' ^ < 011 s l I Pr ' l 16 of pure European descent, the junior
ranks being recruited from among the Assyrians themselves.
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