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CANADIAN
WEST INDIA
TMdii)g JIssocmMot),
(LittiiN.)
HALIFAX, N. S. :
PRINTED BY WILLIAM MACNAB, 3 PRINCE STREET.
1893.
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CANA.D1AN
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WEST INDIA
Tradii)g JIssoeiaHoi),
(LiiDiC^cI.)
HALIFAX, X. S. :
PRINTED BY WILLIAM MACNAB, 3 PRINCE STREET.
1893.
Jamaica.
Ikrbadoes.
Trinidad.
Cuba.
Port Rico.
Bahamas.
Turks and Caicos.
St. Lucia.
St. Vincent.
Grenada.
Tobago.
Virgin Islands.
St. Christopher.
Nevis.
Antigua.
Montserrat.
Dominica.
Hayti.
San Domingo.
Guadaloupe.
St. Bartholomew
Martinique.
Curacoa.
Bonair.
Arulia.
St. Eustatia.
St. Martin and Saba.
Santa Cruez.
St. Thomas.
St. John.
Population as given by Encyclopaedia Britannica 5,070,038
British Guiana population 225,365
Bermuda, population 1871 11,121
.5,306,524
Canada 5,.o00,000
Ami
We don't want you to treat these papers as you may do the rank
and file of circular letters which come into your hands — by throwing
tliem aside. We want you to read them carefully, consider the sub-
ject matter, talk it over and discuss the subject with your friends and
neighbors, write for further information if you require it before sub-
scribing to the shares. If you are favourably disposed to take some
shares yourself, interest your friends ; give them your reasons for
joining the association and thus form clabs of small investors in every
community to which these papers come.
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Canadian \A/'est India Trading Associa-
tion, Limited.
Tt iH i)roj)oso(l to form such an Association for the purpose of
developing an exchange of trade bet ween Canada and the West Indies.
The importance of such a trade hotli»to Canada and the West
Indies cannot be over-estimated, when we consider the fact that the
1/est Indies purchase and consume of almost every article produced
or manufactured in Canada, and that we, on the other hand, purchase
and consume of almost every article exported by the West India
Islands. True, there has been for many years past a considerable
trade between Halifax and the West Indies, consisting on our part
chiefly in fish and lumber, and on theirs in sugar and molasses, but at
best it has been more or less a desultory and local trade ; so much so,
indeed, that for several years past New York has been gradually grow-
ing in upon that trade, and has been purchasing from Canada such
commodities as fish, peas, lumber, hay, potatoes, etc.', required to make
up assorted cargoes for the West Indies. Now, that wje have steam
communication regularly established between Canada and the West
Indies under Dominion subvention, it behooves us, the people of both
countries, to make a co-operative effort for the better development of
trade. The possibilities of such a trade ai'e very great. The results,
with a competent and careful management should be satisfactory.
The United Stixtes returns show an export trade to the West Indies
of about $38,000,000 per annum, and an import trade of about
$100,000,000 ppr annum.
From the farm we should command the trade in hay, straw and
oats, barley, potatoes, and vegetables of all kinds, horses, sheep and
cattle, in<!luding some hog jiroducts, butter,'cheese, eggs, poultry, and
6
everything attaching to farm produce, inchiding apples in barrels and
preserved apples ; also, small fruits canned, condensed milk, etc. In
the manufactures from farm produce we should ship flour, cheap
hard bread and biscuits, mill feeds, split and rounil peas and beans,
pot and pearl barley, also oatmeal — the latter, of course, in limited
quantities. The forest products, and the manufactures thereof,
including staves, shingles, etc. Of the sea, fish of nil kinds, whether
dry, pickled or canned.
Malt li(pior8. — There is a considerable consumption of these in
some parts of the West Indies, and as wo have the cheapest barley,
there is no reason why we should not control the trade in these
articles. Beer of all kinds, and the different medicinal liquors
containing Malt.
In Matches and Kerosene oil, we might possibly do something, .so
also in Soaps, refined Sugars and Confectionery.
Besidps the articles enumerated, we could probably do a con-
sidei'able business, in the aggregate, in certain Canadian manu-
factures; for instance, one manufactui'er of boots and shoes wa.s
so well pleased with an experiment made over a year ago to
introduce his goods in the West Indies, that he has sent an
agent from his establishment for the purpose of canvassing that trade.
A carriage builder is now making his third trip, taking orders in
his own line alone. We should command the trade in Furniture
against all comers. All we require is to know what they want ;
manufacture, it and secure cheap freights for shijjping. The fur-
niture would need to be shipped in the most cninjjact form possible,
and in the readiest shape for setting up on arrival out. Some agri-
cultural implements, sewing machines, certain lines of Canadian
tweeds and a host of articles too numerous to mention.
On the other hand we grow no tropical fruits in Canada. The
United States are becoming large producers themselves of certain
semi-tropical products, and supply us with West India importations,
often at a profit of several hundred per cent on original cost. Prob-
ably there is no country where tropical fruits cost so much as in
Canada.
Thft profits on importing are so large that a Montreal firm of fruit
ilealerw, were iiiilucod last spring to charter a fruit steamer and place
lier on tlie route between Montreal, Halifax and Jamaica. The
results have lieen so encouraging as to induce that firm to have
u steamer Imilt for the trade, and the coming season will see two
fruit carrying steamers running between Canada and Jamaica in the
interests of this firm. This is quite independent of the subsidised
line from Halifax, which' runs to the various ports of the West
Indies terminating at Demerara.
There are many other articles l)eaide8 sugar, molasses and fruits
exportable by the West Indies, and which oidy need Canadian
markets provided fok' them to make exporting profitable
This possibly great trade between Canada and the West Indies only
requires organization to make it advantageous to both countries, and
most profitable to co-operators. We require not only to find out what
we can produce and manufacture for the West India markets, but
also, how to put it into the beat shape to secure a permanent footing
upon those markets ; the kinds, qualities and quantities to send to
each market. Also to organize the trade for West India produce in
Canada, to have customers ready to take the fruits and all perishable
goods promptly on their arrival in Canada, and above all to influence
.steamship owners and agents to so equip their steamers as to carry
the produce of both countries, and deliver it to customers at either
end of the line in the best possi])le order.
To this end it requires the co-operation cT all those in both
countries v.ho can be interested in the furthering and development
of such a trade.
Individual effort must remain more or less desultory in action and
inicertain in results, from the fact that it requires a shipment of
assorted cargoes on direct order, which can only be secured by per-
sonal canvass, and for a shipper of each particular line to send his
agents to the West Indies to take orders, or for a West India shipper
to send his travellers to Canada for his particular line, is attended
with too much individual expense, moreover the shipments of both
countries should go as directly as possible into consumers' hands after
shipment. Therefore co-operation will lessen the expense of conduct-
ing the trade and greatly increase the probabilities of profits.
8
It is therefore proposed to form a joint stock co-
operative company or association, with limited
liability to each co-operator in the sum subscribed,
for which stock certificates will be issued. Sub-
scriptions will be solicited both in Canada and the
West Indies. Any profits after deducting the
actual expenses of the business will be paid to
shareholders, or applied to a reserve fund at the
discretion of the association.
Xow, a woril as to the probable expenses iuvolveil in carrying on this
business. It will require a central office at Halifax or elsewhere in
Canada, probably at Halifax ; this being with St. John the shipping
and receiving port and the tenninus of the steamers. A general shipping
agent to attend the forwarding and receiving of goods. Two or more
intelligent and pushing agents, one or more travelling in the
West Indies taking orders for Canadian products and issuing instruc-
tions as to the best methods of preparing our goods for that market •
also pundiasing, or inducing West India producers to ship such of
their articles as we can find a market for in Canada. The other agent
to travel in Canada purchasing Canadian goods when required, and
selling or taking orders from the Canadian trade for the West India
fruits and other exports of that country.
As there is now cal)le communication with every important [)art of
the West Indies, the business can be greatly facilitated by the use of
telegraphic (todes.
In fish, flour and the product of floin- mills, biscuits, peas, oats, hay,
lumber, butter, cheese and condensed milk alone, a business of not
less than $500,000 cari be worked for export the first year, tliis we
consider from our present knowledge of the trade a low estimate.
In the aggregate of other articles we consider it safe; to add, at
least, 1150,000.
AVith regard to imports outside of sugar and molasses, we cannot
speak with so much certainty, but if we may judge fi'om what is
already being done in the initiative stage, in fruits, etc., we do not
think that $150,000 Avould be an over estimate for all articles outsioe
of sugar and molasses. Of these latter articles, allow our company a
market for at least the importations of some local firms which in some
years may reach $200,000 or even $300,000.
This, tlion, would make a total export ami import trade of $1,000,-
000.
This may Kcem to some persons a high estimate, but it must he
borne in mind that there are private firms even in this city who have
done that amount of business in a single year, and that there are New
York firms who annually turn over several millions in the West
India trade.
Our estimates are small and there is no reasonable ground to
doubt that an exchange business can be built up with the West
Indies, aggregating in a few years, at least, $2,500,000 annually.
There is no reason why this trade should not be conducted at a cost
of 1^ per cent, on actual turn over, to cover all expenses, excepting
interest on capital and bank charges on collections.
It should not therefore be too much to expect a
dividend of profits of from 10 to 25 per cent, per
annum on the capital invested.
A private exporter in this province told the writer, that in one
years' operations with the West Indies he cleared $30,000 on exports
and imports. We do not wish to hold out to you only the golden
side of the shield, for we all know that in trade and commerce there
are times of depression and loss, but we do contend that the trade we
offer you, if carefully n)anaged, must result profitably. This is a day
of combines as a rule ; the stronger the combination the greater the
success.
Let us form a strong combine representing the
manifold interests of Canada and the West Indies,
to prosecute an interchange of trade between these
two countries.
You can see at a glance wherein this organization
differs from many others to which you may have
been invited to subscribe. The capital, instead of
being invested in plknt or equipments, is readily
accessible, as it will only be used to move mer-
chc^ndise.
10
It is proposed to place the stock of this associa-
tion at $10 a share, so as to bring it within the
scope of almost every one.
This is a matter in which a very large community of interest should
be represented, not only in the light of a promising investment, but
also as a means of developing trade. Take for instance the farmer —
he has potatoes, oats, hay, horses, sheep and other commodities to sell.
If he is a member of this association he has an advantage over his
neighbor who is not, in as much as the association would show prefei"-
ence to its own members in the purchase of commodities for export,
besides, he being a member of the association entitles him to a share
in any profits derived from the sale of such commodities. The argu-
ment which applies to the farmer also applies with equal or greater
force to those engaged in trade, manufactories or other industrial
pursuits.
The farmer, the fif^ierman, the lumberman, the exporter of coal,
etc., the manufacturer of flour, butter, cheese, condensed milk, biscuits,
confectioneries, boots and shoes, furniture, or a host of other things,
represented in an exchange trade policy, should be interested in the
promotion and extension of his trade, and this is the only cheap and
reasonable mode of getting at it. Community of interests
with combination of capital, a manufacturer of any of
those articles already mentioned could scarcely aff'ord to equip an
establishment and undertake the expense of keeping an agent in the
West Indies to represent his trade.
The West India markets are widely scattered ; and owing to
equatorial location, goods are required in limited quantities and at
frequent intervals, so that they may be as fresh and sound as possible
for the consumer's use.
What applies to our trade with them applies with equal force witli
reference to their perishable fruits coming to us.
This trade emphatically calls for co-operation. It
alone can secure satisfactory results, both with
reference to the volume of trade to be exchanged,
and to the profits which are almost certain to flow
into the hands of the shareholders.
11
Let nie quote a paragrnph or two from recent issues of the "Mon-
treal Gazette " and Kingston, Jamaica, Gleaner.
Vipond of Montreal is the firm already referred to in this paper.
The Gazette says, " Mr. Vipond has returned from Jamaica, where
he has been nearly a year, looking after the interests of the Montreal
and Jamaica steamship line, for which lines the Viponds are agents.
The firm is evidently well satisfied that the venture made this year
with the steamship ' America ' will prove a success in time, and next
summer will have another boat in the trade. This new steamer
which is now being built on the other side will be called the ' City of
Kingston,' and will be about 1100 tons register. Mr. Vipond says
he has not the least doubt but that Canada can work up a very
successful trade with Jamaica, but to do so Canadian manufacturers
must go to a little trouble to manufacture goods especially
for the Jamaica trade. Take flour for instance, that supplied by
Americans and which they claim we Canadians cannot produce, makes
a dark, heavy loaf which seems to please the natives much better
than nice, ligl \ white bread. Lumber is an article in good demand,
a large amount of White Pine is imported, but whilst nearly all
is imported through New York, it is generally of Canadian pro-
duct, like the flour it is prepared especially for this market
— Canadian produce such as pork, hams, etc., all found a ready
sale during the past summer, and there has been considerable
demantl for Canadian stoves and furniture. In fact, says Mr. Vipond,
there is a good demand on the Island for almost everything we now
produce, both in the way of provisions and manufactures."
One word touching the flour question referred to by Mr. Vipond.
Just as we have grown in upon the American trade with this article
in the Maritime Provinces, also in Newfoundland and other places, so
can we claim a fair share of the West India trade by taking orders
direct from the dealers and shipping it in such quantities and put
up in such packages as will best suit their requirements.
As to pork and provisions it is most gratifying to read what Mr.
Vypond says, for that is about the only branch of the trade in which
the United States can have any great advantage over us.
Now let us take a quotation or two from the Kingston " Jamaica
12
Gleaner." Referring to Mr. Vipond's steamer, it says r " It may be
stated that this service is a small affair, too insignificant to he classed
as a benefit to the island as a whole. In reply we would refer to the
beginnings of the New York trade on the south side. There are many
who can remember the time when the Atlas Company steamers car-
ried a very inapprt ible amount of cargo to and from Kingston.
They obtained a subsidy and year by year worked up a trade, when
its extensive proportions are too well known to require description.
We have in this single steamer, from St. Mary to Montreal, the
embryo of an extensive future trade with Canada."
In the line of thought suggested by the remarks of Mr. Yipond and
the comments of the "Jamaica Gleaner," the writer remembers hearing
one of our Halifax merchants who was practically engaged in the West
India trade nearly half a century ago, and who made many voyages to
the West India Islands in sailing packets, that he could remember the
time when Halifax had practically the West India trade in fish and
many articles making up of assorted cargoes, but that we had stuck
fast to the old schooner system of transportation, and that in the
meantime New York by her better steam communication and enter-
prise in prosecuting the trade had taken it from us. Now that we
have a full and complete line of steamers touching at almost every port
in the West Indies, even as far south as the mainland of Demarara, it
is left with the people of Canada to say whether we shall recapture
our share of that trade or not.
We wish to call your attention to letters from Capt. John Pugh, for
many years engaged in the West India business — also Capt. Crowell,
who writes from a lifetime experience and who touches upon two
important items. We also call your attention to Mr. W. A. Black's
letter. Mr. Black has visited nearly every im])ortant island of the
West Indies in connection with the commerce ol the two countries in
which his firm is engaged.
All these'gentlemen speak from personal knowledge, and all agree
<is to the necessity of a combined effort in order to make this trade
successful. We also subjoin estimates carefully compiled after inter
views with several business men, and from our own experience of
many years in business, and consider from a Halifax standpoint we
13
have made liberal allowance to cover all charges direct, or incidental
to carry on this business. We have allowed more liberal salaries to
employes than is usually paid here, but reliable, intelligent, active
young men must be secured, especially for travelling in the "West
Indies. As the markets are scattered out there 't will probably re-
quire two travellers to cover that ground and one in Canada. Those
three gentlemen, supported by the central stafl' at Halifax, could
readily turn over one million per annum.
The item of telegraphy may be too low and probably is, but is in
part provided for in contingent account.
The item of exchange on collections may and ought to be much
reduced by proper management in the exchange of commodities, as
for instance, whilst we are shipping goods to the West Indies, they
will be shipping us their produce, which, when disposed of could be
applied towards payment of their purchases. This is largely done by
. the trade now.
With regard to capital — It will take $100,000 of capital to move
one million dollars worth of merchandise between the two countries.
A less sum of course would do by using the Banks for advances
against shipments, but this should be avoided, excepting when advan-
tageous to do so.
Xow reviewing the other side of the estimates. We cannot find
an article in the list, excepting possibly flour, which will not fetch at
least 8 per cent, f/ross jn'ofit. In point of fact, whilst we do not care
to give business secrets away, we think it not at all difficult to show
that nearer 10 per cent, gross is being made on the few orders ob-
tained for flour, oats, millfeeds, &c., and that 8 per cent, is low
enough on that list.
As to the gross profits of 15 per cent, on manufactures and general
goods, we cannot speak with so much authority. If, however,
cheap furniture, stoves, boots and shoes, carriage material, agricultural
implements, sewing machines, cheap tweeds, buckets, brooms and all
kinds of wooden ware, together with made up houses for the natives,
will not pay, then we want to be enlightened on those items. In
fact our estimates are open to criticism, and we invite the most
severe tests that may be applied to them, so long as the
u
criticism is fair and reasonable and docs not come from gentlemen
whose self-interests may be touched by this organization.
With regard to profits .on sugar' and molasses we know that the
average on these staple articles runs low ; profits on sugar fltictuate
very widely, whilst that on molasses is more uniform, we think 4 %
a safe average.
On West India fruits, etc., such as oranges, limes, lime juice, shad-
dock, pine apple, banana, breadfruit and tamarind, cocoa and cocoa-
nuts, pimento and other spices, also some kinds of woods for
dying and other purposes. These articles are placed at an average of
20 per cent. The profits on fruits fluctuate widely, owing to their
being of a perishable character. However, fruits received in good
order at certain seasons pay large profits, and 20 per cent, is not too
much as an average. You will notice that an allowance of f 10,000
has been made for waste and depreciation in stock which is a reserve
fund (so to speak) and may be applied to any branch of the trade from
whatever cause it falls below our estimates.
We Miay be asked : Why have we not given the statistical
details of all shipments to the West Indies — in some given year ?
Our answer is that such particulars are being compiled from the trade
returns of Canada and the United States, and will form, when com-
plete, a jiamplet of equal or greater size than this. Such details
will bo furnished you when complete., if you request them or become
a shareholder. In the mean time it msvy be sufficient to state that
nearly the entire fish products, supplied to the West Indies and
British Guina, are caught in the waters of the Maritime Provinces
and Newfoundland, and that the United States supply countries to
the south of them, about 1,500,000 barrels flour annually, and several
million boxes of cheap hard breads. Finally if you can think of any
ar icle produced or manufactured in Canada, which is not used in
some form or other in the West Indies, we shall be pleased to look
it up and answer the enquiry.
We off'er to the Canadians a trade with 5,000,000, five millions
of people south of us, and to the producers in the West Indies
exchange trade with a like number of people in Canada.
There can be no question but that the manufacturers and producers
IS
want this trade — for Canadians there is no market On earth so pro-
mising or profitable for a limited amount of exports.
Then if wc want those markets, if we settle that question in the
affirmative, we must next devi.se how the trade is to be done.
Will you consign your flour, butter, cheese, boots and shoes, furni-
ture, etc., etc., into the hands of commission men, no matter how
honorable they may be, two or three thousand miles away from you,
in the face of a tropical climate, to overcome prejudices and to fight
for a market against New Yorkers and others who keep representa
tives of their houses almost constantly travelling in the West Indies,
protecting their trade and prejudicing all others 1 Modern unwritten
history recites that on one occasion five different exporters of fish sent
each a cargo imder sealed orders to one market, in West Indies,
scarcely large enough for one cargo. There could be but one result,
for fish like flour will keep good only^a short time in the West Indies.
We are satisfied that you will not consign goods, but if you do,
your trade will be intermittent at best and soon die out.
Will you send out representatives on your own account and for
your own trade 1 If you do yo\i must incur almost the same expenses
solely as would attach to the operations of t)ie associated body. You
must have one or more travellers in the West Indies and a central
supply office at Halifax to divicle up your parcels and to see that they
are in proper order and condition when going on board ship here.
Moreover, outside of fish, you cannot get orders sufficiently large in
any one line to pay you — therefore, if you start out you will find it
too expensive and drop out.
We again repeat that co-operation alone will ensure success.
We enclose you a form of application for shares
to be fiilled up and returned us at Halifax, together
with a remrl;tance of 10 per cent, on the amount of
shares subscribed. ' Such remittance, if preferable
to you, send direct to the Halifax Banking Com-
pany, Halifax, who will act as trustees for the
same and acknowledge receipt thereof. When a
sufficient sum has been subscribed to warrant a
start, the shareholders will be called together for
organization.
16
If you have a little money to spare and send in your subscription
to the shares, you will in all probability receive a dividend of from
lO^to 25 per cent, per annum upon the investment.
If you say, I have no interest in this matter, it is too speculativ*-, we
reply to you that this enterprise is as devoid of speculation as any
kind of trading can possibly be. It merely contemplates ascer-
taining what articles we Canadians can sell for cash in the West
Indies, and what West India productions we can sell in Canada for
cash.
Again you urge — If I join the association I am not certain that they
will buy my produce or manufactures — as the case may be. Most
certainly, if you grow the produce or manufacture the article wanted,
and your prices are as low as your neighbors, from the fact that you
are a member of the association, you will have preference.
Surely we have already said enough of the opportunities of this trade ,
to awaken an interest. The final question to be asked you is — will
you become a shareholder and encourage this cooperative association
or not 1
Awaiting the pleasure of at least hearing from you and trusting you
will write a full and frank expression of your ideas and opinions upon
the subject, with any enquiries whicji you may have to make or
suggestions to offer.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
J. A. CHIPMAN,
Acting Secret ari/.
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Mr. Pugh says : " Prior to 1857 I made many voyages to several of
the West India Islands, notably to Jamaica, to which island I made
no less than 49 voyages. It must be remembered that there are no
manufactures in the West Indies outside of sugar and rum — every-
thing must be imported. Having been so long in that trade I was in
the habit of taking orders for the return cargo, and very often the
orders were so large that our brig could not carry all. Our orders con-
sisted of all descriptions of provisions and some breadstuffs such aa
17
hard breiul and crackers, also tol)acco, buckets, l)roonis, light clothing,
hats, and many kinds of light dry goods. In those days we had to
import our liutter and some other provisions from Montreal at a great
exjHMise, yot these voyages wore very profital)lo. So long as the trade
was confined to sailing vessels New York could not beat us, but about
1855 to 1857 they began to establish steam connection, and Us they
were able to supply a great many articles which we hitherto had sup-
plied, such as lard, butter, cheese, hams, bacons, buckets, brooms and
Yankee notions as they were then called, they gradually drew that
portion of the trade off from us. They, by degrees, added many other
iirticles such as small packages of pork, beef, ox-tongues and canned
g(5ods, thus by degrees drew off the trade from us.
When asked the following cpiestions Mr. Pugh was emphatic in his
answers.
Now that we have steam connection with the West Indies, have you
any doubt of our being able to cope with the Americans in that trade?
" None whatever ; I think the steamers greatly increase our facilities
in.usmuch as it enables us to ship assorted cargoes better than in for-
mer times, beside we have the great variety of fish stuffs required in
all assorted cargoes. •
What advantage has New York over lis in point of time in making
voyages to the West Indies ?
None whatever. A steamer will make a voyage from Halifax ta
the West Indies in about the same time as from New York,
In what way can this business be best developed to tissure success ^
The only way to carry on the business in my opinion, is to con-
centrate the different interests through one focus, and the proper
mode of doing is to take your orders before the goods are shipped.
This in my opinion is the only way to give the West India people
their goods fresh and not overstock the markets.
What do you think of the prospects of cultivating a trade in
Canada for tropical fruits, Ac?
By the use of ventilated steamers, in my opinion, large quantities
of West India fruits, Ac, could bo landed here in good order and
should find a most profitable market in Canada.
18
Halifax, Jan. 14, 18{»2.
J. A. Chii'man, Esq. . •
Dear Sir, — In answer to your inquiry as to my ojnnion and ex-
perience with regard to Canadian trade with the West Indies, I may
8ay:-TiI have visited frequently the British and foreign West India
Islands since 1853, making some 200 voyages there within the last
forty years, in the cajjacity, of a shi])-mrt8ter since ) 858 ; carrying
«lifferent kinds of cargoes from England, America, and Canada.
Our Canadian fish stuffs until the last few years, when steam com-
munication was established, was done almost entirely l)y the con:
signment of cargoes owned by the shippers, and sent out aa a venture.
I have known and seen three and four sailing vessels arrive at one
port on the same day, which of course demoralized tlie market, causing
a heavy loss to the shippers, as the market would be ovcu- stocked
and the cargoes being perishable, had to be sacrificed.
Since, however, telegrai>hic conmiunication has been esttd)lished
M'ith those island about 1869, the fluctuation in prices has been
largely reduced, and the business is now conducted on a more even
basis.
t
With the aid of telegraph and steam, the question with those
islands to-day is, who will provide the most suitable article at the
lowest price ? and I am sorry to say that Canadians and Nova Scotians
have never competed for their market iis the Americans have done.
Americans have manufactured, packed, and apparently in every way
produced just what the West Indian required, while we have shipped
the same artirlesin any way that suited us, without consulting their
tastes. I know of no reason why Canadians should not be able to
suitably cure hams and bacon, or why Canadian hogs will not euro as
well as American.
I know of no reason why milk produced in Canada will
not make as good butter as the American, or why we can-
not make proper packages to put it in. Yet it is not
donfe. I do not know now why our land should not grow
oats suitable for them, and compete with oats that I have seen shipped
from Limerick, Ireland, grown on laud taxed on a yearly rental of <£3
sterling per acre. Our flour should be made to suit them, and
19
shipped in tlie kind of barreln they iTquire, viz., good *ound hoop
barrels and if possibhi air tight. Our potatoes shoidd bo .selected
cspeccially for their market, as thert; is a great difference in their
keeping (jualities. My experience is, that the barrels shoidd not bo
bored or chippctd but shouhl be as tight as |)0S8ible. There is also
demand for mnall houses 20 feet sipiare, one-8tt)ry. I think they
might be made ready to put together before being shipped. Our
shingles are put up in such poor bundles that they often fall to pieces
before they are stowed in the ship, and the handliiig of them in that
condition, by the time they are lightered to the shore, p'.it in adrogha
landeil at some out-port, and carted to the country increases the cost
very matcu-ially..
Why can they not be packed in square bundles with sufhcient
binders ? And so it is with about every article we export. We should
be able to meet uU comers in agricultural tools and cheap furniture,
competition in which F doubt if we have ever undertaken.
As the lack hitherto of our Canadian shippers to supply the West
India market with suitidjle gooils, packed in a suitable manner, is
doubtless due largely to an insufficient acquaintance with what is
actually needed l)y that market, the establishment of a trade bureau
or some other practical agency whereby both countries might better
understand the requirement of each other, cannot fail in my estima-
tion, to bring about a largely increased reciprocal trade.
In conclusion, I am confident that if we l)ut stepped aaide out of
the old beaten track, to capture this trade, we would find we were able
to do so, and lind also that we had a good market for our farmers, our
manufacturers, and our miscellaneous production. In glancing over
the statistics of the exports and imports of Canada and the West
Indies, no one can fail to see how essential it is that these countries
should trade with each other for their mutual benefit.
Yours sincerely,
S. 0. CROWELL.
20
• IIamkax, Jimy. IHth, 189:1
.1. A. CHIPMAN, KSQ.
Dear Sir : — Uefcrriiig t<> jdur proposed ivHsociatioii for exteiuUiig
trnde to tlio Went Indios/we aro of the opinion tliat it is a very j^ood
Itliiii as that (jiiitf a hirj,'*- business in Canadian niainifa<'turP8 can bo
done if tho proper means are adopted to secure it. We have done
some business in tlie Islands and are so well satisfied with tlie result
that we have now a traveller making a tliree or four months tour
tloini,' the ditterent islands and finding out the different styles of goods
required. We are convinced a large business can be done by sending a
smart man to find nut the recpiirements of tlie different kinds of
goods in use.
Yours truly,
R(JHT. T.AVLOR »t CO., '
Mnimfarfurf'rx of Jioofn atiff Shoen.
Halifax, !N. 8., Jany., 1893.
J. A. Chipman, Esq.
Dear Sir :— In. a letter received to-day from Mr. (leo. W. Hensley,.
who is travelling through tlie West Indies in the interests of the
Canadian steamers and trade, he writes as follows :
"The merchants of Demerara are very pleased with the service and
they do all they can to help ; if Canadians Avill only move in the
matter and send the riglit articles out there will be no trouble about a
large trade with Canada. 1 wish some of our Canadian millers and
other merchants would come out and look into the trade here ; there
is a splendid business for them, but it wants working up. We have
a Trinidad baker on the steamer with us to-day and he is very anxious
for Canadian flour.
" As far as I have gone there is but one feeling and that is a desire
to deal more largely with Canada, but the people here desire to see
Canadian travellers, tlie goods they have to offer, condition in which
they are put up."
Yours tnily,
PICKFORD Si BLACK.
2»
Hamkax, X. S,, J ail nary 17tli, 18U3.
J. A. (-'iiU'MAN, Ewy.
/>ertr *StV. - (.)n a recont trip tliroiigli tin* West liidiii ImImiuIh, viz.,
.laiiiaica, HarlmtlocH, Trinitlad, the Leewanl Lslaiitls and UciiMMara <>ii
the iiiuin laud, I made fiuiuiry ns to tlie prospectH and proimlnlitics
i»f a duvelopiiiciit nf tniilc lictwocii tliosc Islands and Canada. < )n
oveiy hand tlicre was a manifest dispositimi cxpiowsed for closer trade
lolations with Canada and Canadians.
The existence for some years jtast of rej,'ular steam eominunication
between New York and those Ishmds, has centered this trade almost
wholly with New Vurk ; not only largely depriving Canada of it, hnt
drawing it from Portland and other American ports, which at one
time traiLsacted a large West India huainess,
Now that regular steam rommuuiV!atioii has been established from
(Canada, the energy and pluck of Canadian merchants and manufac-
turers will certainly capture more or l(;ss of the trade. Canada should
«upply these Islaiuls very largely with flour, oats, peas, iM'aiis, cheese,
butter, carriages, boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, potatoes, and
other vegetables, biscuits, lior.ses, cattle, lumber, shingles, canned
goods, spring mattrasses, etc., etc.
The time and consequent exjtense of sending travellers to the
Islands is a drawl)ack to individual firms, who might desire to bid for
these markets ; but if an organization could be formed, which would
undertake to supply all classes of goods, this expense would be very
greatly^minimized, inasmuch as one man could do the w rk in the
♦South, which otherwise must fall upon a number.
The business awaits Canadians, let them cultivate it.
' ' Yours truly,
AY. A. BLACK.
Note.— Just on the eve of going to press we received issues of the
Georgetown, Demerara, Chronicle under dates 26th and 29th of No-
vember. We transcribe the article of 26th in full, as it shows the
interest taken by our fellow-colonists nearly 2,000 miles away, to
cultivate trade with their fellow-colonists in Canada. The article of
the 29th is somewhat lengthy, and to our minds unimportant in re
suits, as an enquirj' from the Boaiti of Tmde committee of Georgetown
22
as to -the comparative qualities of American and Canadian flours.
When they speak of our winter wheat flours containing less gluten
than the American winter wheat flours, it shows a want of knowledge
— for if there is one essential in wheats and flour of which we may
boast over the American, it is that our winter wheats contain more
gluten and less starch than American. However, the fact of the
enquiry is commendable, inasmuch as it shows a desire on the part of
that British colony, to trade with us in Canada. We also commend
to the attention of our readers a letter from Mr. Robert Taylor, of
boot and shoe manufactures, already referred to in our paper.
J. A. C.
"Anything that concerns the food supply ot the people is of neces-
sity a matter of vital importance to our readers. We, therefore, view
with a considerable amount of interest the evidence given to the
Committee appointed to enquire into the merits of Canadian flour, at
a recent meeting of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society.
Xor can we, in approaching the consideration of this subject, ignore
the fact that, in a British Colony, all other things being equal, there
is, as there should be, a desire to deal with those who are bound to
us by the ties of a common race. Therefore, whilst we are prepared
very readily to acknowledge the great merits of the many well-known
brands of flour that come from tlie United States, we are disposed,
also, to see a good deal of possibility in the future development of our
trade with the Dominion in this particular (iommodity. Of course
there are, and there will be, many diflioulties to meet and to over-
come when we find an article has estiiblished itself in the public favor ;
for the public, however jjatriotic they may be in theory, are seldom
disposed to adopt any tiling that is new, unless it can be demonstrated
that, to do so, will redound to their immediate advantage, even though
it be manufactured by their own kith and kin. In these days when
men want that whicli is best — if they can get it from manufacturers of
their own nationality so much the better, and if they cannot they are
prepared to sacrifice their patriotism to tlieir pocket. As the world
wags to-day the business man must, in the first place, be a
man of business and buy the best article in the cheapest market
if he hopes to command a ready sale in the dearest. And the con
23
sumcr is not so anxious regarding the source of that which he [^con-
sumes as ho is solicitous to see that he gets full value for his money.
It is, therefore, easy to arrive at the conclusion that, if Canadian flour
is to hold its own in the West India markets, it must do so upon its
merits. It is not the slightest use imagining in the West Indies, or
any wliere else for the matter of that, people will furnish an inferior
article because it is the product of Ilritish industry, where a superior
one may be procured just as readily, and the only plea that can be
urged against it is that it comes from an alien shore. Men may have
been content to do this kind of thing in the past ; but the spirit of
thfc present age is not favourable to a continuance of the practice.
Therefore! when we are met with the query : " Is there any reason
why Canadian flour should not b(! generally used in the British West
Indies ?" we are inclined to meet the question with another, and to
ask : " Is the Canadian flour as good as that imported from the
United States?" Xow, any of our readers who have gone to the
trouble of studying the evidence on the point published in our columns,
that was taken liefore the Committee to which we have referred, is
bound to come to the conclusion that, whatever may 1)e its merits be-
fore it leaves Canadian ports, it does not arrive here in as good a con-
dition as the flour that is sent to us from the United States. This is
a fact the testimony given by competent authorities proves and proves
most conclusively. But it has not been shown that the commodity is
not equal to the best American flour before it leaves Canadian ports ;
in fact the natural inference derived from the evidence is that it is
quite as good if not better. Most, if not all, of the evils appear to be
of a nature that may be remedied ; not, it is true, without some
trouble, and certainly not all at once, but most assuredly in process of
time. All of these difficulties appear to have their existence in the
method of packing and the means of transit. And when the Can-
adian dealers consider this fact there is little reason to doubt
but they will entleavour, and endeavour in all probability very
successfully indeed, to suit themselves to the Colonial market.
" The hints and suggestions contained in the evidence to which we
have previously alluded should prove of material assistance to them
in any efforts which they may make towards furthering this end.
Neither should they overlook the fact that in approaching the West
I
\
24 ^^
Indian flour market %ey are in reality approaching one that is
already very well supplied from the United States and they nnist,
therefore, be prepared to ofl'er some advantage of a tangilde nature, if
they desire to supplant those who are already in jjosseasion. In the
course of time frequent consignments at their own risk, ])acked and
forwarded in the maimer approved by West India dealers would, no
doubt, secure for Canadian flour a large share of the patronage of those
who as we have already stated are pre-disposed in favour of British
produce, and, where all other conditions are equal, are jirepanul to
give the preference to the article imported and manufactured by men
of their own nationality. It is undoubtedly very bad policy on the
part of our Canadian brethren to supply an inferior article to people
who require the liest they can produce, es[)ecially when they are
trying to make a market. It is worth while going to a good deal of
trouble, and suff"ering a little loss in order to establish a good reputa-
tion ; while on the other hand, it is impossible to calculate the evil
results that may follow upon the possession of what is generally known
as a bad name. The public are pretty good judges in these matters ;
•and are quite prepared to accept the eating as the proof of the
pudding whether it be made of flour from Halifax or New York. Of
course, whilst it has been made quite plain that the method
of packing, and the material in which the flour is packed, have a
good deal to do with the nature of the reception it received, it is
desirable, in every way, thi\t the hour should be of the kind that has
been found peculiarly adapted to meet the requirements of the tropics.
We notice that a merchant at Halifax, N. S , has stated that 'The
class of wheat which should only be used for making flour for export
to the West Indies, is the best grade of winter wheat. Spring wheat
should on no account be mixed with winter, and no spring wheat
flours are safe, not even in limited quantities, excepting our highest
grades of Manitoba.' The gentleman who was instrumental in get-
ting the committee appointed is certainly to lie congratulated upon
the information that has been elicited ; and we trust that at no
distant date his efforts may be productive of still more tangible results."
— From Georgetoton, Demerara Chronicle. Nov. 26, '92.