directed
to this matter; and I am satisfied that for all ordinary work, no
apprehension need be felt that the supply of labour will fall short of
our requirements. There is a constant flow of native labourers into
the Wynaad for coffee cultivation; and these very readily take
employment in every kind of surface work, though as yet not many care
to undertake underground labour. Amongst the few who will do it, it is
exceptional to find men physically capable of the severe exertion
entailed by the use of the pick upon hard rock.
So
far no accident has happened through the falling in of any of the
tunnels. It is not pleasant to contemplate the probable consequences of
such an accident. The native of India is naturally timid, and is also
reluctant to attempt work to which he is unaccustomed. Should
unexpected dangers be encountered, he would in all likelihood
stubbornly refuse to enter a tunnel again. This is a contingency which
should be provided against. On the other hand, as has often been said
of native soldiers, the men are bold and daring when well led. It
follows that when encouraged by the example of good European miners,
they will soon gather courage and develop into useful workmen—though it
must be admitted that any ordinary Cornish miner would be able to do
the work of three natives. It is, therefore, a prime necessity to
provide a good staff of miners, who have been accustomed to underground
