[19]. I do not consider any remarks necessary with regard to the native trade. I agree, however, with the method practised by Mr. Zwaardecroon in order to prevent the monopoly of grain, viz., that all vessels returning with grain, which the owners take to Point Pedro, Tellemanaar, and Wallewitteture, often under false pretexts, in order to hide it there, should be ordered to sail to Kayts. This matter is recommended to Your Honours’ attention.
[20]. With regard to the coconut trees, we find that more difficulties are raised about the order from Colombo of October 13 last, for the delivery of 24 casks of coconut oil, than is necessary, considering the large number of trees found in this country. It seems to me that this could be easily done; because, according to what is published from time to time, and from what is stated in the Pass Book, it appears that during the period of five years 1692 to 1696 inclusive, a number of 5,397,800 of these nuts were exported, besides the quantity smuggled and the number consumed within this Commandement. Calculating that one cask, or 400 cans of 10 quarterns, of oil can be easily drawn from 5,700 coconuts (that is to say, in Colombo: in this Commandement 6,670 nuts would be required for the same quantity, and thus, for the whole supply of 24 casks, 160,080 nuts would be necessary), I must say I do not understand why this order should be considered so unreasonable, and why the Company’s subjects could not supply this quantity for good payment. Instead of issuing licenses for the export of the nuts it will be necessary to prohibit it, because none of either of the kinds of oil demanded has been delivered. I do not wish to express my opinion here, but will only state that shortly after my arrival, I found that the inhabitants on their own account gladly delivered the oil at the Company’s stores at the rate of 3 fanams or Rd. 1/4 per marcal of 36 quarterns, even up to 14 casks, and since then, again, 10 casks have been delivered, and they still continue to do so. They also delivered 3 amen of margosa oil, while the Political Council were bold enough to assert in their letter of April 4 last that it was absolutely impossible to send either of the two kinds of oil, the excuse being that they had not even sufficient for their own requirements. How far this statement can be relied upon I will not discuss here; but I recommend to Your Honours to be more truthful and energetic in future, and not to trouble us with unnecessary correspondence, as was done lately; although so long as the Dessave is present I have better expectations.
[21]. No remarks are necessary on the subject of the iron and steel tools, except that there is the more reason why what is recommended here must be observed; because the free trade with Coromandel and Palecatte has been opened this year by order of the Honourable the Supreme Government of India.
[22]. It is very desirable that the palmyra planks and laths should be purchased by the Dessave. As reference is made here to the large demand for Colombo and Negapatam, I cannot refrain from remarking that the demand from Negapatam has been taken much more notice of than that from Colombo; because, within a period of four years, no more than 1,970 planks and 19,652 laths have been sent here, which was by no means sufficient, and in consequence other and far less durable wood had to be used. We also had to obtain laths from private persons at Jaffnapatam at a high rate and of inferior quality. I therefore specially request that during the next northern monsoon the following are sent to this Commandement of Colombo,[3] where several necessary building operations are to be undertaken:—4,000 palmyra planks in two kinds, viz., 2,000 planks, four out of one tree; 2,000 planks, three out of one tree; 20,000 palmyra laths. Your Honour must see that this timber is sent to Colombo by any opportunity that offers itself.
[23]. It will be necessary to train another able person for the supervision of the felling of timber, so that we may not be put to any inconvenience in case of the death of the old sergeant. Such a person must be well acquainted with the country and the forests, and the advice here given must be followed.
[24]. Charcoal, which is burnt from kernels, has been mentioned under the heading of the Oely service, where it is stated who are bound to deliver it. These persons must be kept up to the mark, but as a substitute in times of necessity 12 hoeden[4] of coals were sent last January as promised to Your Honour. This must, however, be economically used.
[25]. As stated here, the bark-lunt is more a matter of convenience than of importance. It is, however, necessary to continue exacting this duty, being an old right of the lord of the land; but on the other hand it must be seen that too much is not extorted.
[26]. The coral stone is a great convenience, and it would be well if it could be found in more places in Ceylon, when so many hoekers would not be required to bring the lime from Tutucorin.
[27]. The lime found here is also a great convenience and profit, as that which is required in this Commandement is obtained free of cost. When no more lime is required for Coromandel, the 8,000 or 9,000 paras from Cangature must be taken to Kayts as soon as possible in payment of what the lime-burners still owe. If it can be proved that any amount is still due, they must return it in cash, as proposed by Commandeur Zwaardecroon, which Your Honour is to see to. But as another order has come from His Excellency the Governor of Coromandel for 100 lasts of lime, it will be easier to settle this account.
[28]. The dye-roots have been so amply treated of here and in such a way that I recommend to Your Honour to follow the advice given. I would add some remarks on the subject if want of time did not prevent my doing so.