Saturday the 6th of April 1878
At the present time two topics occupy the entire conversation of our island community, the wide one of the Eastern Question which concerns the world, and the narrow one of the Central Factory which concerns us. We are sorry to say that the tone is not very cheerful on either topic. The war-cloud is still hanging over Europe, and the difficulties of the Factory seem not yet to be mastered. If we thus couple small things with great, it is because the small are so close to us that they assume an importance which at, a distance they would altogether lose. We are well aware that the Factory has what a humorous Yankee would call disfriends, but it is not only from these that we hear expressions of discontent. As we remarked a week ago, the opinion is pretty general that the Stations are not adequate to their work. This would perhaps be a small matter if there a short crop on the land, but with the present heavy crop it is a very serious consideration. Fortunately most of the planters have not removed any portion of their works, and after some little delay they have been able to grind for themselves as well as to supply the stations. So far as we can see at present this will be the only way to get off the crop. Besides this main defect of want of power we hear several others complained of, and we think it would be a good plan if a deputation of planters would wait on the Company's Managers, and discuss these defects and the remedies for them. Such a procedure would contribute to keep up the good understanding between the planter and the Company's staff, without which it will be very difficult to get along at all. We are not vain enough to suppose that we are called on to mediate in this matter; but we are proud enough to believe that we shall be credited with no other motive in discussing the subject than the sincere wish to further the best interests of the colony.
It seems to us that what is wanted is some kind of organization in dealing with the seller of cane. For example, there should be some notice given when cane are not required, otherwise a planter may end the day with a large quantity of canes cut, but which the station suddenly refuses and cannot take for a week. Of course it is easy to compensate the planter, who perhaps has these canes souring on his fields, but this implies a lods to the Company, and, however looked at, is a loss to the colony. Again, there should be some undetstanding as to what estates are to deliver canes during a given time, and how much will be received from each. We mention these matters not in an unfriendly spirit or to find fault; but merely as samples of the points on which it will be necessary to have a plainer understanding than exists at present. We are glad to learn that the sugar made at the factory is improving in quality, and we have not lost any of our faith in the ultimate success of the undertaking, even though it may require further labour and expense to secure the desired end.
Since writing the above we have seen a sample of the sugar which is now being made at the Factory, and it is certainly as fine both in regard to grain and colour a anything we have seen either from Demerara or the French Island.
(St. Croix Avis 6. april 1878).
Most of our readers have no doubt seen a sample of the beautiful sugar which is now being produced at the Central Factory. It is excellent in colour, nearly white or with what may be called a very pale straw tint, and also large in the grain. There is now therefore not the shadow of a doubt that the processes and machinery employed are capable of producing, and of producing continuously, a very high class sugar; and all that is now wanted is to bring up the pace. In this repeat we hear that there is a daily improvement, so that it will probably be only a short time before all th statious will be kept fully employed. It will then remain to be seen how far the stations are capable of taking off a heavy crop, and whether any additions or improvements will be required. The managers and shareholders, as well as all who are interested, that is the colonists generally, are to be congratulated on the present success in the actual manufacture, a success which we believe will only be the first of a series of triumphs to overcoming difficulties and removing obstacles from the path. In bringing the enterprise thus far, the energy aud perseverance shown by the directors aud by the Company's staff have beeu such that we cannot believe that the minor difficulties still remaining to be overcome will prevent a final and complete success. That success means for Santa Cruz a great deal more than we can at present estimate, and we therefore have pleasure in recording that another stage has been traversed on the road towards it.
(St. Croix Avis 13. april 1878).
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