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 vSupplement to the Weekly Bulletin of the Commercial Intelligence Service 
 Department of Trade and Commerce, Canada 
 
 West Africa and Its Opportunities 
 
 for Canadian Trade 
 
 BY 
 
 W. J. EGAN 
 
 Canadian Government Trade Commissioner 
 
 V 
 
 N 
 
 I 
 
 Issued by Authority of the Hon. H. H. Stevens 
 
 Minister of Trade and Commerce 
 
 PRICE OUTSIDE CANADA, 35 CENTS 
 
 OTTAWA 
 F. A. ACLAND 
 
 PRINTER TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY 
 
 1921 
 
f 
 
 / 
 
 / 
 
Supplement to the Weekly Bulletin of the Commercial Intelligence Service 
 
 Department of Trade and Commerce, Canada 
 
 West Africa and Its 
 
 for Canadian 
 
 Opportunities 
 
 Trade 
 
 BY 
 
 W. J. EGAN 
 
 Canadian Government Trade Commissioner 
 
 Issued by Authority of the Hon. H. H. Stevens 
 
 Minister of Trade and Commerce 
 
 PRICE OUTSIDE CANADA, 35 CENTS 
 
 OTTAWA 
 F. A. ACLAND 
 
 PRINTER TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY 
 
 1921 
 
 27164—1 
 
r 
 
 Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2018 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates 
 
 https://archive.org/details/westafricaitsoppOOcana 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 Introduction ... I 
 
 Population and Buying Capacity. 8 
 
 Currency and Banking. 9 
 
 Methods of Purchase. 9 
 
 Imports into West Africa.10-40 
 
 West African Bail way Eequirements.40-43 
 
 British West Africa Exports.43-46 
 
 Trade and Commerce in French West Africa, by Colonies.46-58 
 
 Illustrations of Articles required in West Africa. 68 - 73 - 
 
 How to Secure Trade in West Africa.73-75 
 
 Notes on the Tariff of West Africa. 75-77 
 
 Index. 78 
 
 27164—li 
 
i- 
 
PREFATORY XOTE 
 
 The report which Mr, Egan has prepared as a result of his visit to West 
 Africa is one that should be read not only with interest but with appreciation 
 by all Canadian firms interested in export trade. It is not only descriptive, 
 alike in text and in illustration, of the exact type of articles in a wide variety 
 of products that are in demand in the markets of West Africa, but it is 
 written throughout with that careful attention to relevant detail character¬ 
 istic of the work of this Trade Commissioner, It is gratifying to know that 
 in these territories, which contain a population of 32,000,000—almost entirely 
 native but of considerable purchasing power in the aggregate—the “indentors 
 are strong for trade with Canada, not only in products which may be distinc¬ 
 tively Xorth American in origin, but in any line in which Canada is competi¬ 
 tive in price and may be depended on to make prompt and regular shipment,” 
 
 The exports of Canadian merchandise to British colonies of West Africa 
 are given in the tables published by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics as 
 being valued at $666,576 for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1921; and the 
 imports into Canada from these colonies for this period at $104,719, The 
 export trade to these colonies is one which—given regular and adequate ship¬ 
 ping facilities—should be capable of great expansion; and many of the raw 
 ’ materials of these colonies, at present received through indirect channels, 
 might be obtained direct from West Africa, 
 
 Canadian exporters interested in the West African market will be well 
 advised to pay the closest attention to Mr, Egan’s remarks. He writes from 
 personal knowledge, and has been at iDains to ascertain the particular infor¬ 
 mation that it is necessary for those to know who are determined in their 
 efforts to prosecute a successful trade with the countries under review. 
 
 H, R, POUSSETTE, 
 

 6 
 
 -pared m NATURAL RESOURCES INTELLIGENCE HRALVCH 
 OET'ARTNIENIT OF THE INTERIOR, OTTAWA 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
 
 CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 Cape Town, April 19, 1921.—In accordance with instructions received from the 
 Department of Trade and Commerce, the writer undertook towards the end of 1920 
 a mission of investigation into the possibilities for Canadian trade in the British 
 and Trench colonies of West Africa. The mission was projected in the late summer 
 of 1919, and in that year a preliminary survey was made of the situation in England, 
 in which country are located the head offices of the firms trading in West Africa, 
 so far as the British colonies are concerned. 
 
 In the interval, owing to the interest shown by Canada in a possible direct trade 
 with the West Coast, the several British Colonies were advised by the Colonial Office 
 of the intended visit by a Canadian Trade Commissioner, and as a result two 
 special reports were compiled, one by Ilis Excellency Brigadier-General Guggisberg, 
 the Governor of the Gold Coast, and the other by Mr. T. F. Burrowes, at that time 
 Comptroller of Customs in Xigeria. Both of these reports have been reviewed in 
 WeeJcly Bulletin (Xos. 853 and 8G9) and were indeed useful in showing the pulse of 
 both the official and trading community, and as exhibiting a wholehearted desire to 
 build up a connection between Canada and the West Coast. 
 
 On account of the extreme turn in the tide of British West African trade, the 
 interval that occurred between the projection of the mission and its actual accom¬ 
 plishment has been to advantage, because any report, no matter how conservative in 
 statement or how' guarded and careful in its presentation of facts, on conditions as 
 they existed in the year 1919 and early 1920, would of necessity have been misleading, 
 as the crest in commodity prices was reached during that period; and although, due 
 to the methods employed by most of the large buyers, the natives did not secure all 
 • the increase of price, the spending power of the country was such that it will take 
 years of endeavour in increased production to place anything like the same amount 
 of money again in circulation. In many districts natives, who had never known 
 money of a.ny kind, had plenty in hand; barter in these districts was forgotten, and 
 it would seem as if it would be difficult to restore it, as the producers (natives) now 
 realize that much more can be secured over the counter with ready money than by 
 barter. There remains, however, the fact that the native has tasted the value of 
 money, either for the first time or in increased amount, and knowing what comfort 
 and even luxury it has brought him, there will always be an incentive (more particu¬ 
 larly when the prices he has to pay for his wants approximate to the price offered 
 him for his products), to produce in quantity and quality so as to secure as much 
 money as possible each season. 
 
 There can be no doubt about the future prosperity of West Africa: first, because 
 with the world in anything like normal working order, the raw materials of the 
 colonies are sure to be in constant and growing demand; and secondly, it is not 
 difficult to visualize the bettered condition of the native, when at first hand one sees 
 and realizes the endeavours made by the Governors and other officials of the several 
 colonies to protect him and his interests in every way, and to prevent him from being 
 utilized for the mere exploitation of the country and for the profit of the few. 
 
 It is impossible to say too much in appreciation of the co-operation and up-to-date 
 business methods shown by the Colonial Office in London, as regards the writer’s trip 
 to the British colonies of West Africa. While in West Africa, every official was 
 
8 
 
 DEPlRTMEyT OF TRADE AAD COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 courtesy itself; there was nothing asked for in the shape of information that was not 
 supplied, or a suggestion made as to where it could be secured. The Commissioner 
 enjoyed the hospitality of the 'Governor of each colony, and in every case Their 
 Excellencies, with their Golonial ^Secretaries, helped enthusiastically in making a 
 success of the visit. Thanks and appreciation are also due to the general managers 
 of the railways in 'Sierra Leone, the Gold Coast, and Nigeria; the manager of the 
 latter road, 'IMr. Bland, who is a Canadian, placed a special car at the writer’s disposal 
 for his trip np to Kano, which is seven hundred miles inland. 
 
 ‘IMuch of the comfort of the trip was also due to special arrangements made by 
 l\Ir. David Jones, managing director of the Elder-Dempster Co., who had written 
 to the agents of that company to arrange for the Commissioner’s accommodation 
 while in their respective districts, and when one mentions that there are no hotels on 
 the whole of the British West African Coast, it is not difficult to appreciate the value 
 of this arrangement, even though the open door” hospitality of the West African 
 Coast is proverbial. 
 
 Wuch might be written about the romance of trade and commerce in West Africa 
 in the past and present, but the essentials in a report of this kind are the facts as 
 regards the country, in so far as they may be interesting either from a Canadian 
 export point of view, or from the point of view of the import into Canada, in a more 
 direct way, of the raw materials of these colonies. And-to these essentials the writer 
 has scrupulously confined himself. 
 
 POPULATION AND BinNNG CAPACITY 
 
 In addition to the four British Colonies a visit was paid to some of the Erench 
 colonies. Taking in the territories visited from Dakar, in Erench 'Senegal, to Duala, 
 French Cameroons, the total iiopulation is w'ell over thirty-two millions, and every 
 colony, British and Erench, is said to be very much under-populated. In quoting 
 population, it is usual to estimate the buying capacity of the individual. This rule 
 will not he followed in this report, as the buying capacity is usually according to the 
 income, which, in tropical countries, varies from year to year. By income, of course, 
 is meant the amount of produce gathered or harvested, and sold for export. Although, 
 as stated, no attempt will be made to show the buying capacity of the individual, 
 one could not help being struck by the fact that the Gold Coast, with a population of 
 about one and a half million, has a purchasing capacity of about one-half of that 
 of Nigeria, with a population of over seventeen millions. 
 
 As with some of the more civilized parts of the world, hygiene and conservation, 
 as regards infant life, seem to be the only hope on the part of the interested depart¬ 
 ments who have plans to expand and to build up the population. Much of the work 
 in view, in order to better conditions, had of necessity, with so many other things, to 
 be delayed on account of the war and its after effects, but confidence is expressed that 
 in the not too distant future the programme will be well in hand. 
 
 THE COLONIES AND PROTECTORATES OF WEST AFRICA, FRENCH AND BRITISH 
 
 The Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria includes the territory situated on'the 
 Bight of Benin, between Dahomey on the west and the Cameroons on the east. The 
 approximate area is 375,700 square miles and the population at the end of 1919 was 
 estimated at 17,500,000, including about 2,800 Europeans. 
 
 The Gold Coast Colony and Protectorate stretches along the Gulf of Guinea 
 between the Erench Colony of the Ivory Coast and Dahomey. The hinterland includes 
 Ashanti and the Northern Territories. The area of the colony was added to by the 
 inclusion of a strip of the former German territory of Togoland, amounting to about 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 9 
 
 one-third of the whole, w^hich was ceded to ’Great Britain under the mandate. The 
 total area is .92,000 square miles, and it has a population of about one and a half 
 millions, of which about 2,200 are Europeans. 
 
 The Colony and Protectorate of 'Sierra Leone, which is situated between French 
 Guinea on the north and the Bepublic of Liberia on the east and southeast, has an 
 area of 31,000 square miles, and a population of about one and a half millions, 
 including 1,600 Europeans. 
 
 The Golony and Protectorate of the Gambia, situated at the mouth of the Biver 
 Gambia, has ,an area of about 4,000 square miles, with a greatly fluctuating popula¬ 
 tion, which is estimated at 155,000 permanents (Europeans about 150). 
 
 Senegal, which is one of the colonies of French West Africa, extends along the 
 coast from Cape Blanco to the northern boundary of Portuguese Guinea, exclusive 
 of the British Colony and Protectorate of Gambia. The area is estimated at 74,000 
 square miles, and has a population of 1,250,000, wLich includes over 5,000 Europeans. 
 
 French Guinea, which lies on the coast between Portuguese Guinea and the 
 British Colony of Sierra Leone, has an area of 95,000 square miles and a population 
 of 1,800,000, of -which 1,400 are Europeans. 
 
 The French Colony of the Ivory Coast, which lies between Liberia and the British 
 Gold Coast colony, and has comm.on frontiers with French Guinea and the Upper- 
 Senegal-Niger Colonies, has an area of 125,000 square miles and a population of 
 about 1,400,000, with a European population of about 1,000. 
 
 Dahomey, which stretches from Nigeria on the east to the Gold Goast Colony 
 on the west, and extends northwards to the French Military Territories, has an area 
 of about 42,460 square miles and a population (1918) of 900,000, of which .about 
 500 are Europeans. 
 
 The Upper-Senegal, including French Soudan and Upper Niger, has an area 
 inclusive of about 770,000 square miles and a population of 6,250,000, of which 1,100 
 are Europeans. 
 
 Mauretania has an area of 344,000 square miles and an estimated population of 
 600,000. 
 
 Leaving out Mauretania and French Niger, the total population under French 
 rule is about 11,000,000. 
 
 CURREXCY AXD BAXKIXG 
 
 The currency throughout the four British Colonies of West Africa is in sterling, 
 and while British currency is accepted everywhere, the money which is most accept¬ 
 able is that of the Currency Board, in connection with the West African banks, which 
 are; the Colonial Bank, afliliated wdth the Bank of Montreal in Canada, and the 
 Bank of British West Africa, which has some indirect connection with Canadian 
 banks. 
 
 ^METHODS OF PURCHASE 
 
 Owing to the peculiar methods of purchase in West Africa, it will require a 
 special effort on the part of Canadian firms to secure and hold a trade in that part 
 of the world. It will also be necessary in many cases to duplicate their work as 
 regards endeavour by catalogues, illustrations, price lists, labels, and (wherever pos¬ 
 sible) samples. The reason for this duplication of effort is that almost every firm 
 doing business in West Africa with whom Canadian exporters should do business have 
 their parent houses in the United Kingdom or France, where all orders or indents 
 are confirmed. 
 
10 
 
 DEPARTME'^'T OF TRADE AFD COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 In each large centre in West Africa, more particularly in the coast towns, all 
 old crretry firms have their distributing houses or coast headquarters for that 
 particular district. These distributing houses hold the reserve stock for their several 
 districts, and it is these coast headquarters which indent of their own requirements, 
 idicse clisiricts embrace anything from five sub-branch stores up to eighty or more. 
 The indc.'it placed by the general agent of the distributing house, or coast head¬ 
 quarters, is never sent direct to the manufacturer or shipper; it is always despatched 
 to the parent house either in the United Kingdom or France. The parent house, 
 inidcr normal conditions, will usually place the order as indented from the coast, 
 but in nearly all cases they group their several coast headquarters indents, and the 
 dei)artmental buyers for the parent houses send out notices to several manufacturers 
 or agents of same asking for quotations. These inquiries are not confined to the 
 iriimcdiate vicinity of the parent house, but are sent to any centre from which a 
 favourable quotation may be expected. 
 
 Although many United Kingdom firms send their representatives to West Africa, 
 these representatives never secure orders for direct execution; they are, of course, 
 often advised by the chief agent of the indent placed with the parent firm, but no 
 actual order is placed with them. They (the travellers) are of course able to advise 
 their firms about the indents placed, which are followed up by the manufacturer on 
 receipt of the advice. This again is a duplication of work and cost, but it must 
 be considered worth while, as one meets with a number of these representatives on 
 the coast. 
 
 The real value of representation on the coast lies in the fact that when a firm, 
 or group of firms, is established, the representation may at first hand find out what 
 competing lines are encroaching, or liable to encroach, on sales, and why; also, it 
 helps the seller at the West African end to understand fully the merits of the lines 
 offered, to hear complaints, and to straighten out difficulties of any kind. 
 
 Before making any recommendations as to the best methods to follow in attempt¬ 
 ing to secure a share of this trade in so far as Canadian manufacturers are con¬ 
 cerned, it will be best to make a study of the class of goods found in the several dis¬ 
 tricts of West Africa, the packing required, and, as near as possible, some estimate 
 of the quantity imported and the prospects for increase of trade. 
 
 Imports into V/est Africa 
 
 As a great deal has been published about the general imports of West Africa, 
 it will be best in this part of the report to cover only those lines which it is believed 
 Canada can undoubtedly supply, or in which, with a little effort, there is at least a 
 fighting chance of securing a share of the trade. For the purpose of obtaining a 
 quicker understanding as regards any one article, or group of kindred lines, instead 
 of arranging this review in alphabetical order of articles, it is submitted in groups. 
 
 FLOUR 
 
 The greatly increased wealth of West Africa during the year 19'1'9, and the first 
 half of 1920, was the prime factor in the- increased demand for flour by the natives. 
 There is no doubt that during times of prosperity the demand of the natives is for 
 wheat bread, and as the future development and prosperity of West Africa as a whole 
 is a matter of certainty, Canadian millers may take it that this is sure to be a very 
 big market for flour. And for the successful export of flour to West Africa it is an 
 absolute necessity to live up to standard of quality. 
 
 The essential condition in production is a flour that will bake to advantage with 
 palm wine,” instead of yeast. With very few exceptions the bread sold throughout 
 the country is baked by native mammies,” and unless the flour is such that the 
 bread will retain the “ rise ” after baking, there is little or no chance of a market. 
 Sierra Leone is the '^uly district in the British West African colonies in which yeast 
 
WEST AFRICA AM ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 11 
 
 is used in fair quantity. Dakar, in the French colonies, also uses yeast. The essen¬ 
 tial required is an extra dry flour, not too strong, which' will stand up in the loaf and 
 give a pure white bread. A sample of the flour used in West Africa has been sent 
 to the Exhibits and Publicity Bureau of the Department of Trade and Commerce, 
 Ottawa. 
 
 Good packing is necessary in shipments to tropical countries. First, a good close- 
 fitting barrel (19'6 pounds flour), with as many as ten hoops. The importer, in 
 nearly every case, is willing to pay for the extra hooping. In addition to the best 
 cooperage in barrel, great care must be exercised in the proper kind and method of 
 paper lining in all barrels. In a few districts shipments from Canada made within 
 the past twelve months have been commended on account of the good packing. 
 Judging from the writer’s experience in other centres, there can be no doubt that in 
 the past quite a fair quantity of the flour imported into West Africa as American 
 is Canadian-made. 
 
 Throughout Nigeria and the Gold Coast there is a big import of flour in 
 hermetically sealed tins, weighing 7, 14, and 28 pounds. The big sale is in 7- and 
 14-pound tins. While selling price quotations cannot be of any value, it may be 
 interesting to note that the 14-pound tin was selling at Lagos, late in January, 1920, 
 at 11s. 6d. per tin. Most of the tin-pack imports are from the United Kingdom. 
 
 Some importers at Dualla, in the Cameroon Protectorate, expressed the opinion 
 that with special care in packing it may be possible to build up a big trade for 
 deliveries in September, October, and November each year. The consensus of opinion 
 along the coast is that it is unsafe to try it at all times of the year. 
 
 In addition to the possibilities for the development of a flour export trade in 
 West Africa, it must be remembered that there is also a large tropical market further 
 south than the French Cameroons, such as in the French and Belgian Congo, 
 Portuguese coast and other territories. 
 
 KIGERIA^’S FLOUR IMPORT 
 
 The import of flour into Nigeria in 1919 w^as 27,000 cwt. For the first eleven 
 months of 1920 it totalled 20,905 cwt., which, on an average monthly basis of a little 
 over 2,000 cwt., may fairly give an import for that year of 29,000 cwt. This makes 
 an average annual import of 28,000 cwt. for Nigeria, and of this the port of Lagos 
 absorbs over 24,000 cwt. Calabar and Port Flarcourt are the next largest importers, 
 but the quantities are small. 
 
 For 1919, out of a total import of 27,000 cwt., the United States was credited 
 with 19,740 cwt. and the United Kingdom with 6,722 cwt. 
 
 GOLD COAST FLOUR IMPORT 
 
 At the time of writing, the 1920 figures of import for the Gold Coast were not 
 available, but in the statistics for 1918 and 1919 the greater buying jiower in this 
 one line of foodstuffs of this thinly populated province, as against the almost eight 
 times larger population of Nigeria, is clearly shown. In 1918 the one and a half 
 million population of the Gold Coast colony imported 7,835 cwt. of flour, as against 
 5,658 cwt. for Nigeria with its population of sixteen and a half millions; and in 1919 
 the total imports into the Gold Coast were 73,344 cwt. compared with 27,004 for 
 Nigeria. Expansion of buying power will not come rapidly in Nigeria, but there is 
 no doubt that in time the native of that colony will, per capita, be as large a con¬ 
 sumer of flour as the native of the Gold Coast. 
 
 SIERRA I-EONE 
 
 The only figures available at the time of writing of the flour imports of Sierra 
 Leone are for 1917 and 1918. A careful average, after consultation with the principal 
 firms, shows an annual average import from 1913 to 1918 of about 29,000 cwt., and 
 up to 1917, of about 27,000 cwt. Of course, it must be remembered that Sierra 
 
12 
 
 DEPARTME^'T OF TRADE AyU COMMERCE, C AX AD A 
 
 Leone is a naval station and a supply base for many ships. The colony and Protec¬ 
 torate of Sierra Leone is one, however, in which the natives in good numbers have- 
 ac(|uired the wheat bread habit, and this colony may always be counted on as a sure 
 and growing market for flour. About 95 per cent of all flour imports since 1913 are- 
 credited to the United States, and the balance is almost all from the Lmited Kingdom. 
 
 Attention is again drawn to the fact that in Sierra Leone yeast is used for 
 almost all the bread making. Canadian flour stands high on this market, it may be 
 because it answers to yeast more naturally than to the palm wine used lower down 
 the Coast. 
 
 Gambia's nipouxs of flour 
 
 This colony increased its imports of flour from 7,091 cwt. in 1919, to 17,201 
 cwt. in 1920. The average annual import previous to 1919 was 4,166 cwt. The- 
 imports from the United States in 1919 were 6,207 cwt. out of a total of 7,091 cwt., 
 with only 796 cwt. from the United Kingdom. In 1920 the position changed, for out 
 of an import of 17,201 cwt. the LAiited Kingdom shipped 9,279 cwt. There is a- 
 certain import into this colony of Trench flour, of Marseilles manufacture, which is 
 used by the natives of Trench Senegal who work in Gambia throughout the harvest 
 season. Quite a number of these people migrated during the war to Gambia in order 
 to avoid the danger of conscription by the Trench authorities. 
 
 The statistics of trade in this article of import, as well as most others, will be* 
 shown later on in this report, when the Trench Colonies of West Africa are reported 
 on as a separate group. 
 
 BREAD AND BISCUITS 
 
 The item under this heading, on which Canada should make a good showing in 
 export to AVest Africa, is what is known as cabin bread, or the native biscuit. It is a 
 plain, cheap biscuit, fairly thick, sold in two sizes, each of an oval and square shape.. 
 There are two qualities, one slightly sweetened, and one quite plain. There is also a. 
 fair trade with native users of cheap fancy biscuits, small sizes and patterned. 
 
 On the better-grade biscuit of all kinds, the United Kingdom manufacturers hole 
 the market. The supposed better grades from the United States have not been a 
 success. There are two reasons for this: one is that they do not pack properly for 
 the tropical climate of AVest Africa; the second is, that they do not manufacture to- 
 suit the climate. All better grades of biscuits must be in sealed tins. Many of the 
 fancy and better-grade biscuits shipped to the AVest African market from the United 
 States were packed in carton packets with a tin cover, and the cartons were shipped' 
 in light cases. The result was that many of the packages were crushed, and those 
 that were not very soon became useless on account of the poor packing. Biscuits and 
 all tinned goods must be hermetically sealed. 
 
 The cabin biscuits, the writer believes, should be made to advantage in Canada, 
 for export, because it is a plain biscuit which is put up in a packing that should be 
 produced cheaper in Canada than in any other part of the world manufacturing this 
 article for shipment abroad. This also, of course, applies to a large extent to the 
 paper wrapper or linings for the biscuit barrel. 
 
 The methods of packing vary; but the two most popular, or rather the two in 
 greater use, are small barrels weighing 75 pounds, and the square box pack containing 
 56 pounds. 
 
 In Nigeria there is a good demand for the barrel, or case, containing 112 pounds,, 
 and there is some demand for barrels of 196 pounds. There is also a demand for 
 this biscuit in 7 pound tins, 24 tins packed to the case. 
 
 As regards fancy and better-grade biscuits, which come packed in the hermeti¬ 
 cally sealed tins of 1 and 2' pounds, and sometimes 4 pounds, the general opinion ex¬ 
 pressed was that there is only one English maker whose biscuits will keep indeflnitely 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 13 
 
 —that is. on the shelf or in eases awaiting despatch up-country by road or river. The 
 statement made generally is that all others deteriorate, even with the best of packing. 
 It would seem as if the maker just referred to had discovered a process which carries 
 his biscuits through all the trying seasons of a tropical country. It is impossible to 
 tell the exact proportion of the cheap biscuit imported as compared with the better- 
 grade goods used mostly by Europeans, but it may be taken for granted that the quan¬ 
 tity of biscuits for the native trade is far in excess of the better grades. 
 
 Xigeria .—The total import of biscuits into Xigeria for 1919 was 17,221 cwt., 
 and for the eleven months of 1920, these had increased to 39,132’ cwt. The greater 
 portion of these shipments is from the United Kingdom. In the French colonies, the 
 Marseilles biscuit supplies the gi’eater part of the market. The imports into Xigeria 
 for 1919 were divided as follows:—9,151 cwt. to Lagos, 2,055 to Port Harcourt, 1,835 
 to Opobo, and 1,513 cwt.' to Calabar, with smaller quantities to the other ports. 
 
 Gold Coast .—The total quantity of imports in biscuits to this colony in 1919 was 
 17,693 cwt. and was much above the average. Of this quantity the United Kingdom 
 shipped 16,532 cwt. 
 
 Sierra Leone .—The imports into Sierra Leone average (1913 to 1918) about 4,700 
 cwt. annually. As with the colonies lower down the coast, the United Kingdom holds 
 the greater part of this trade. 
 
 Gambia .—Quantities and values on biscuits are not shown in the Gambia returns. 
 Inquiries, however, elicited the fact that the cabin bread is only imported in quantities 
 in years of drought, or other difficult conditions. The better gi’ades have a small but 
 regular import each year^ 
 
 FISH IMPORTS. 
 
 For a tropical country, bordered with a sea, the waters of which one would 
 suppose would produce anything but good firm-eating fish, West Africa is certainly 
 a surprise. At every centre along the coast, every day of the year, with the exception 
 of Tuesday, one may buy from the native fisheries very good fish indeed. (The 
 Tuesday exception is due to a superstition on account of a disaster of some kind 
 that once happened to a native fishing fieet on a Tuesday. On this account the 
 natives cannot be induced to spread their nets or take to the sea on that day.) 
 
 While the catch is good along the coast, there is no method of preservation, and 
 as a consequence, for general requirements, there is a big import. In the rivers 
 at certain times of the year—the dry season—there is a fair quantity of fish smoked 
 by the natives, which is sold in many districts. 
 
 Many of the native tribes have acquired a taste for canned fish of several kinds, 
 and when they have an extra bit of money, tinned salmon or sardines form a luxury 
 of which they are fond. In such a period as the past two years, the native never 
 questioned the cost, but under normal trading conditions, the packages must be of 
 such a character that the price will suit his income. 
 
 Almost all kinds of canned fish can find a market in West Africa, hut for 
 quantity export the packers and shippers must keep the natives in view. Salmon is 
 undoubtedly the favourite. The best selling sizes are the I-pound and l-p>ound 
 tall tins. On all canned fish, except sardines, the label goes a long way in making a 
 popular seller with the natives. The labels should be clear and bright and should 
 picture the fish, which should stand out distinctly on the label. There is a big sale of 
 the better quality salmon to the natives in trade and in the professions, in the larger 
 centres. Europeans purchase good quantities of the better class of salmon, also of 
 canned herring and pilchard. Herring in 1 pound tall tins is a good seller in some 
 districts. Salmon labels should always be red in colour, illustrating the fish, and the 
 herrings sfould have yellow labels, also picturing the fish. 
 
14 
 
 DFAWRTME^'T OF TRADE A2\’Z) COMMERCE, CA^\IDA 
 
 Facts were submitted to the trade as regards {lie Canadian fisheries, and the 
 opinion of all buyers who cater for the better class trade is that it is fairly sure that 
 such packs as canned cod, chicken haddie, and others, would be taken up, not perhaps 
 in large but ensuring a steady sale in fair quantities. 
 
 The big-quantity sale in sardines is'the white tin, no labels or printing. The 
 Portuguese are shipping a sardine of this kind, which is retailing in some coast towns 
 in - 4 -pound tins at 6 d., and in other towns at 7d. There would seem to be no doubt 
 about Canadian sardines finding a market in West Africa. As regards this, and 
 other fish, it is a matter of submitting samples and prices. The native has a strong 
 prejudice against cotton seed oil; to ensure big results some other oil must be used 
 in canning—olive, or an oil similar in taste. 
 
 There is a large import into West Africa of smoked, salted, and dried fish from 
 the Canaries, Spain and Denmark. The bonto, also known as stock fish, is the big 
 seller to the natives. Information regarding Canadian co^ aroused much interest 
 with some buyers, others stated that the cod would sell if packed as required and 
 sold as cheaply as the bonto. Several firms had, in the past, tried codfish from Canada, 
 but the price was too high. K. Lagos firm, who indented fair trial lots last year, 
 complained bitterly about this packing of dried haddock from Canada. The packing 
 was extremely bad; the least attention to it would have made a difference of pounds of 
 fish in the case, and shippers must ever keep in mind the difference there is in laid- 
 down cost when goods are packed to save space. Careless work of this kind is 
 penalty imposed on Canadian shippers generally. 
 
 The importation of wet salted fish, mackerel and herring, from Canada, has also, 
 been tried, but the fish did not keep as it should. There is a good demand for herrings 
 in casks, wet salted. 
 
 In importing dried fish, the packing required is in 100 or 112 pound bales, pressed.. 
 A coarse sacking of jute would be sufficient, but it is just possible that other j)acking 
 offered by Canadian shippers would be as satisfactory, and as cheap. The latest 
 price quoted by European firms for baled dried fish was 85s. per 112 pound bales. 
 Smoked or dried Canadian salmon is being tried by one of the big firms, and if it. 
 can be shipped regularly it should meet with success. Information was sought as 
 regards the possible sale of a hard-smoked herring, such as is packed in Eastern 
 Canada. Some were of the 'opinion that the packing seemed advantageous, but it 
 would be best to quote prices. It will all depend on how it will keep in tropical 
 countries, but regularity of shipments throughout the year would overcome possible 
 difiioulties as regards ^‘keeping quality.” 
 
 The only British colony giving up-to-date statistics of fish imports is Nigeria; 
 Sierra Leone also keeps a .separate record, but her figures are not available for later 
 than 1918. 
 
 Nigeria .—In 1918, Nigeria’s total import of fish was 1,'773 cwt., of which the 
 United Kingdom shipped 858 cwt., and the Spanish possessions 702 cwt. In 1919, 
 the total imports were 7,727 cwt., 3,790 cwt: of which were from the United Kingdom 
 and-3,909 from the Spanish possessions. The shares held by the principal ports were 
 as follows: Port Harcourt, 2,055 cwt.; Lagos, 1,941 cwt.; Opobo, 1,835 cwt.; and Cala¬ 
 bar, 1,513 cwt. For the eleve nmonths of last year (1920), Nigeria imported 53,254 
 cwt., valued at £212,256. 
 
 In the other colonies the fish imports are included under the customs entry oc 
 “provisions.” There'is just as good a market for fish in the other colonies—in fact, 
 after careful study of stocks and of answers received on the question of fish.imports, 
 it may safely be said that in proportion the Gold Coast Colony is as big a purchaser 
 as Nigeria. 
 
 AERATED WATERS 
 
 Although there is some attempt at manufacturing aerated waters in several 
 centres in West Africa, the output is limited. Under normal conditions there is a 
 big import of such lines as lemonades, lemon squash, ginger ales, etc., for the native 
 trade. When one considers the retail price in West Africa, and the cost of bottles 
 
WEST AFRICA A^D ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 15 
 
 in Ca]iacla, il: does not seem feasible to suggest an effort in this trade. But for the 
 aerated waters, which are of special quality for mixing with whiskies, etc., there 
 would seem to be a prospect for some Canadian springk 
 
 The first point to consider is that there is no return of case or bottles. The 
 packing must be exceptionally good, and each bottle must be protected by a special 
 wrapper, either of strong or corrugated paper. The leading English and French 
 brands are the waters that enter into competition in this market. The packing is 
 usually in quarts, four dozen to a case, and pints, five dozen. There are no quart 
 sizes imported in the ginger ales and other better-grade goods. 
 
 Nigeria .—The average annual import into Nigeria for the past three years is over 
 70,000 dozen bottles. The imports for the first eleven months of 1920 were 97,247 
 dozen bottles valued at £44,268. 
 
 It bas not been possible to secure the returns of quantity imports from the 
 other British colonies. The imports are, however, very large, and for the other three 
 colonies v/ill probably be about one-half to two-thirds those of Nigeria. 
 
 ALE, BEER AND PORTER 
 
 This is a line of import which is staple. Tropical conditions will not permit 
 of these brews being shipped in casks or kegs: all the imports are therefore in bottles. 
 
 Some importers prefer the following packing: 4 dozen quarts to a case and 5 
 dozen pints, and others require 48 quarts and 72 dozen pints to each case. All bottles 
 must be protected by a safety covering of some kind. Bottles and cases are never 
 returned.' One Canadian brand of lager is known on the Gold Coast and is so satis¬ 
 factory that repeat orders have been placed. Holland, Belgium and France are 
 selling some of the lighter brews, and Germany has again offered delivery. The 
 I'higlish trade holds the market on the beers and porters. It would seem, however, 
 as if competition will be very keen from'the Continent, as the several countries 
 mentioned are sending samples for trial and quoting c.i.f. prices. 
 
 Nigeria .—The imports into Nigeria during 1918 and 1919 were below normal, 
 averaging 127,000 gallons. For the eleven months of 1920, they totalled 189,144 
 gallons. Two-thirds of the imports for 1918 and 1919 were from the United Kingdom 
 and the greater part of the balance was from the United Btates. On account of the 
 poor quality now being shipped, and high prices as compared with Holland lagers, 
 the United States exports will drop. 
 
 Gold Coast .—The Gold Coast imports in this line in 1918 and 1919 were much 
 ■below nornifd. In the former year these were 58,579 gallons, and in 1919 77,136 
 gallons. The 1920 figures are not yet ‘ available. Information secured from several 
 sources indicates an average annual irnport of not less than 125,000 gallons. 
 
 ^Jierra Leone ..—The imports into Sierra Leone average 31,000 gallons annually. 
 
 Gamhia .—For Gambia there are no returns showing quantity of imports; there 
 is, however, a fair demand. ' 
 
 BACON AND HAMS 
 
 This is a line which is imported in two styles of packing, pieces and tinned; The 
 latter is usually in 1-pound tins, the bacon or ham being sliced. In the piece ship¬ 
 ments, the United Kingdom packing and quality is preferred. Some importers speak 
 favourably of an American packing with gelatine, or some such substance, as a 
 cover for the pieces. This covering is lined with salt next to the meat, and in a 
 special way at the cut. The English packing is a layer, or coating, of salt, this being 
 covered by cheese cloth, then a layer of oat shell with outside cover of fair quality 
 hessian or good quality jute. 
 
 In bacon, the pieces vary from 8 to 12 pounds outside weight, and hams from 10 to 
 15 pounds. Quotations are usually per hundredweight (112 pounds). 
 
16 
 
 DEPARTME^^T OF TRADE ARD COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 MEATS-ALL KINDS 
 
 Preserved meats of all kinds are imported into West Africa. It is not 'possible to 
 give the separate quantities because in some colonies the meats are shown under the 
 heading of ‘^Meats/’ and in others are included in ‘‘Tinned Provisions.” The imports 
 in tinned goods include meats of all kinds, but the big import is in corned beef. The 
 1 -pound tin box is the big seller for the native trade, and of necessity it must be at a 
 price. There are also imports in the |-pound and 2-pound tins. Every other kind 
 of tinned meat is sold. Exceptional care must be taken in packing and sealing the 
 tin. Exporters of tinned provision© must keep ever before them that packing for 
 tropical countries needs the greatest care. Considering the circumstances of their 
 purchase, it is a great pleasure to report that some lines of Canadian meats are 
 spoken of most favourably by the distributors in West Africa. These Canadian meats 
 were purchased out of war stocks in Liverpool, and that they should stand up as they 
 do for quality and packing in a tropical country of tropical countries, is surely a 
 high testimonial for the Canadian industry. The Australian pack of corn beef is in 
 evidence in almost every centre and is commended highly. There is also a large sale 
 for salted and dry and wet meats. Pork in pieces, pigs’ feet, head and tongue, wet 
 salted, is in several sections of the Coast an important line of import. 
 
 BAKING POWDER 
 
 V 
 
 The United Kingdom brands of baking powder are the only sellers which were 
 noticed in the warehouses or retail stores. Other brands have been tried from time 
 to time, but they are never repeated in quantity. The import is all in tins, and the 
 best selling size is the Lpound tin, on account of climatic conditions. There is also 
 an import of the |-pound and 1-pound tins. 
 
 BREAKFAST FOODS 
 
 The best seller is oats in 2-pound tins. There is a fair import of brands from the 
 United Kingdom, but the greater bulk is from the United States. None other than a 
 perfectly air-tight tin will do for shipment to South Africa. The West African trade 
 would be glad to make its import© of oats from Canada. The packing must be in tins 
 of 1 and 2 pounds, 36 tins to the case. 
 
 BUTTER 
 
 Butter is always imported in tins of ^ and 1 pound weight. There are shipments 
 from several countries, the largest being from Denmark. A sample of the Danish 
 quality and packing is to be seen at the Exhibits and Publicity Bureau, Department 
 of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. With regular shipping service© and cold storage 
 space, there is a remote possibility of building up a small export trade for Canadian 
 butter in blocks, because there is a considerable development of cold storage accommoda¬ 
 tion on the West African Coast. There are at present plants at Lagos, Port Harcourt 
 and Calabar in Nigeria. 
 
 CHEESE 
 
 There is a big import of canned cheese in 1, 1, 2 and 3 pound tin©. The latter 
 
 weight is a special cheese from Holland, the regular red-covered, reddish Dutch cheese, 
 but always in air-tight tins. Cream cheese in jars, air-tight, is appreciated by Euro¬ 
 peans in the principal centres. Canadian cream cheese found its way to West Africa 
 for a long while, but is not now in evidence. 
 
 Cold storage will in time permit of the import of cheddar cheese in packages of 
 from 20 to 30 pounds. A few are now shipped from England, carried by special 
 arrangements in the Boyal Mail Steamship Line’s cold storage. These are, however, 
 distributed the moment they arrive, their sale having been arranged before arrival. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 17 
 
 CPIOCOLATES^ CONFECTIONERY, BOILED SWEETS 
 
 In chocolates and' boiled sweets of all kinds there is a big import, nearly all 
 British; and there is some import of Belgian and French chocolates. Chocolates 
 cannot be shipped successfully to West Africa in any other way than in air-tight tins, 
 ,and each chocolate wrapped in paper, silver or gold. The weights sold are 1 and 
 2 pounds. The ^ pound and 1 pound are the best sellers. If Canadian manufac¬ 
 turers familiar with the export conditions will arrange to pack in air-tight cans or 
 tins, there is no doubt about their ability to secure a big share, if not most, of the 
 West African trade, because their export chocolates are in quality and finish unques¬ 
 tionably far ahead of any British or other lines sold on the West African Coast. 
 On behalf of most of the brands on the West African market special claims are made 
 as to their keeping qualities in the tropics. The Canadian chocolates which find their 
 way to the Union of South Africa, and which pass through tropical conditions, while 
 not always of the best quality made in Canada, are very much superior to the .choco¬ 
 lates made and shipped by other countries under the special claim that they* keep Iwell 
 in the tropics. Cream bars in ordinary packing would not suit West African con¬ 
 ditions. : , if'. 
 
 There is an import of plain cocoa and chocolate bars. These are packed; in 
 heavy silver paper, oil-proof paper, cardboard, and strong outside wrapper. There is 
 considerably more wrapping than in the case of cocoa or chocolate. 
 
 There is a big trade to be done in boiled sweets. The natives buy large quan¬ 
 tities of the cheaper lines. The manufacture must be of such a character that the 
 boiled sweet will have a consistency that will not turn to sugar. The sweets for the 
 natives are imported in two styles of packing, tin boxes of 4 and 7 pounds, and large 
 glass jars with 4 pounds of sweets. All jars should have a special oilproof paper 
 sealed over the glass stopper. Peppermint is a favourite flavour. Acid drops of all 
 kinds are sold. Boiled sweets of fairly large size in imitation of fruit, such as a 
 ripe red apple, peaches or other fruits, should be branded with such names as, say, 
 “Ashanti Plum.” The arrangement for names could be made with the importing 
 trade. There is a good sale to the European trade for the better grades of boiled 
 sweets in small glass jars or tins; some are also imported in bottles with large neck; 
 all must be airtight. These must be nice fruit flavours. Quite a few are of rice 
 sugar. 
 
 FRUITS, PRESERVED 
 
 There is a very big import of preserved fruits of all kinds. With the exception 
 of one special line, there is a general complaint that the packing in the United States 
 is not suitable for West Africa. The writer has certainly seen hundreds of blown tins. 
 It requires great care in packing to secure the correct results, but if a reputation 
 is established for good packing, big business is assured. It is stated that the syrup 
 must be in much lighter liquid than is customary in preserving fruits. There is a 
 market for 1 and 2-pound tins. Every kind of fruit which Canadian packers have 
 for export would find a sale in West Africa. The continental packers of better-grade 
 goods are the only successful people with apples. The preserved apple from any. other 
 source of supply does not keep very long. Whatever the trouble may be, if the tins 
 do not blow, the fruit seems to crumble or divide as if it-were cooked over-much. 
 This does not apply to the peach, pear, or other fruits. 
 
 It has been suggested by several of the leading agents that, if Canadian packers 
 are in a position to ship regularly and consistently, so that supplies may be depended 
 on every year, and not when Canada is overstocked only, it would be a good plan to 
 send a sample case containing one can or package of each fruit packed for export, 
 these to be charged for if sold. In addition, a full range of labels as carried by the 
 manufacturer. This, it is claimed, would be the best way to direct attention to 
 Canada’s ability to export preserved fruits ,properly packed to tropical countries. 
 
 Tliere is some sale for the dried apple in air-tight tin containers. 
 
 27164—2 
 
18 
 
 DEPARTME'S'T OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 MILK, CONDENSED 
 
 The imports of milk, condensed, both sweetened and unsweetened, are very 
 large. There is some sale for the cream, and skimmed is also sold. Nearly all this 
 is from the United States. The greater part of the milk imports are made through 
 the medium of one company, but the countries of supply vary considerably from 
 year to year. 
 
 SALT 
 
 In the knowledge that certain interests in Canada have recently made inquiries 
 about salt exports from regular sources of supply, with the object of studying their 
 prospective chances as overseas shippers, the following facts as regards West Africa 
 are submitted. 
 
 There is some import of table salt in tins, but the large consignments are of 
 coarse salt. Salt, as a matter of fact, in some districts of West Africa, is a medium 
 of exchange—in other words, as good as money for the purchase of any article. 
 
 The packing varies. Some districts insist on a plain white cotton bag, others 
 on a twill bag, others insist on striped Hessian, and others on plain. The weight 
 per bag varies considerably: 20-pound, 34-pound, 40-pound, 42-pound, 44-pound, 50- 
 pound, 56-pound, and 90-pound. The last quotation per ton of 2,240 pounds was 76s. 
 9d., bags charged extra. The latter point alone will always make a big difference, as 
 the United Kingdom is able to quote very cheap on packing of this kind. The class 
 of bag required is always stated when orders are placed. 
 
 Nigeria .—This colony alone imported for the first eleven months of 1920, 1,002,371 
 cv/ts., valued at £505,724. Those for 1919 totalled 1,098,999 cwts., of which 395,000 
 cwts. were shipped to Lagos, 174,000 to Uorcades, 77,000 to Calabar, 40,000 to Opobo, 
 40,000 to Port Harcourt, 84,000 cwts. to Warii, and smaller quantities to other ports. 
 Almost the whole of Nigeria’s imports of salt are from the United Kingdom. 
 
 Gold Coast .—The total imports into the Gold Coast in 1919 were 137,876 cwts. 
 The United Kingdom shipped 116,948 cwts., the United States 10,814 cwts., and 
 France 4,692 cwts. 
 
 Sierra Leone .—The average annual imports of salt into Sierra Leone are about 
 6,000 tons, almost all from the United Kingdom. 
 
 Gambia .—Figures of salt imports are not shown for Gambia. 
 
 SAUCES, SOUPS, ETC. 
 
 These lines are imported freely, mostly for the European residents. 
 
 SOAPS 
 
 There are several sources of demand on the West African Coast for the possible 
 supply of soaps from Canada, both common and toilet. One of the leading manu¬ 
 facturers of soap in the United Kingdom, whose interests in commercial affairs on 
 the Coast are very great, controls most of the imports, but quite a few importers 
 outside the sphere of infiuence of this corporation would be glad to hear from Cana¬ 
 dian exporters who can compete and supply regularly. If competition in the common 
 or laundry bar is impracticable, there is left a good market for toilet and cheap 
 carbolic soaps. 
 
 Nigeria’s imports of soap average annually about 65,000 cwts. For the first eleven 
 months of 1920, these were 68,363 cwts., valued at £201,700. The great bulk of 
 Nigeria’s imports of soap are from the United Kingdom. The shipments to the Gold- 
 Coast will average annually over 31,000 cwts., almost the whole of which is from the 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 19 
 
 United Kingdom. Those into Sierra Leone will average about 7,500 cwts. per annum, 
 the bulk of which is from the L^nited Kingdom. 
 
 The figures for Gambia are not shown, but there is a good total which, added 
 to the other territories, make it well worth looking after. 
 
 SPIRITS 
 
 There are several centres on the Coast which handle Canadian brands of whisky. 
 One district in particular carries good stocks, importing regularly. There is a large 
 consumption of whisky and high-grade gin, some rum and brandy, and a fair amount 
 of wines of all kinds. What is known as ‘Trade spirits” is a forbidden import in all 
 four colonies. 
 
 Scotch whisky is a very large import. The writer understands that for some time 
 a considerable portion of Scotch whisky exported from the United Kingdom had a 
 good proportion of rye whisky in its make-up. 
 
 Xigeria imported 139,281 Imperial gallons of whisky in the first eleven months 
 of 1920, of a value of £179,495, and for 1919 only 46,238 Imperial gallons were 
 imported. Gold Coast imports of spirits, other than rum and gin, totalled 42,213 
 gallons in 1919. In Sierra Leone the imports of whisky average annually about 
 17,000 gallons, and of all spirits into Gambia about 12,000 gallons. As the United 
 Kingdom’s share of this total is about 55 per cent, this may be considered the 
 average annual whisky import. 
 
 STARCH AXD BLUE 
 
 Starch and blue are in evidence on the shelves of all West African stores in 
 districts in which there is any white population, and are used in a considerable way 
 by natives in and around coast towns and inland business centres. The only 
 lines in evidence were of United Kingdom origin. 
 
 SUGAR 
 
 Under normal conditions there is a good import of sugar into West Africa. In 
 many districts the big sale is on lump sugar, but there is a demand for the soft in 
 browns and whites. 
 
 The packing for barrel sugar is best at 112 pounds, and good paper lining is 
 essential. Cubes (white) were accepted during the war in barrels; now they are 
 wanted in cases or cartons. A favourite packing of lump s^ugar for inland points is 
 in tins of 4,'5, 6 and 7 pounds. Another favourite packing in both the cube and flat 
 tablet is in 1-pound cartons, blue wrapper, white printing, and white wrappers with 
 blue printing. These are packed 112 cartons to the case, tin-lined; also the same 
 packing in extra strong case, not tin-lined, but all cases wired and clipped. Yet 
 another packing which was used extensively pre-war, was 10 or 12 pound cartons in a 
 box, 4 boxes strapped in flat iron or heavy wire strapping. 
 
 For the Arab trade inland, there is a good sale of white sugar in cones. This 
 is usually shipped from Belgium. The cones vary in size; the best seller is about 
 14 inches high and abo-ut 6 inches circumference at base. These cones are shipped in 
 barrels. The cones are wrapped in grease-proof paper next -to the sugar, with an 
 outside wrapper of plain blue paper. 
 
 Nigerian imports in the first eleven months of 1920, were 23,117 cwts. The Gold 
 Coast imported 21,703 cwts. in 1919. Sierra Leone averages annually about 9,000 
 cwts. Gambia imported 12,534 cwts. in 1920, of which the LYited Kingdom shipped 
 1,348 cwts.. United States 4,291 cwts., France 3,334 cwts., Brazil li,708 cwts., and 
 Portuguese Possessions 1,124 cwts. 
 
 SYRUP 
 
 Golden syrup is a very large import, and is in evidence as an article of sale, both 
 inland and at the coast. Some dealers express the opinion that only the syrup from 
 cane will keep to advantage on the Coast. 
 
 27164 —21 
 
20 
 
 DEPARTME'NT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 VEGETABLES 
 
 Xinn6d, oi pres6rvGd, VGgGtablGs find a, big” markGt in AV^Gst Africa. A very limited 
 number of dealers have been supplied with one brand of Canadian vegetables, which 
 has turned out very satisfactory both in quality and packing. Particular attention 
 should be paid to labels. Sample shipments of one case assorted, as with fruits, will 
 surely bring good results to any packer prepared for regular shipment. Except cab¬ 
 bage and cauliflower, all vegetables properly tinned will find a market, but more par¬ 
 ticularly green peas, beans, carrots, onions, beets, parsnips, etc. 
 
 The packing should be 100 tins to a case, of either ^ or 1-pound tins. There 
 is some sale for the 2 pound tin, but it is not large. Shippers of canned goods should 
 remember the weight contained in a case, and that cases shipped overseas receive a 
 great deal of rough handling. After they have been despatched from the plant to the 
 seaboard, and have been carried thousands of miles, at the other end they are dumped 
 on deck, then dumped into lighters, from lighter to the shore another dumping, then 
 thrown into a wagon or carried as a head load by native to the customer’s shed, where 
 they are usually dropped to the floor. From there, when cleared from the customs, 
 there are at least two more rough handlings before they are placed in the warehouse. 
 The cases should be strong. Build up a reputation for good packing of the parcel, 
 -clear labels, and strong cases which keep the contents in good condition and repeat 
 orders may be depended on. 
 
 VERMICELLI AND MACARONI 
 
 Vermicelli and macaroni are sold in the larger centres in fair quantity. They 
 must be packed in air tight tins. No other parcel will do. With the exception of 
 flour in bulk, and sugar, almost all foodstuffs for tropical countries must be preserved 
 in tin or glass containers; the preparation must be standard, and all packages positively 
 air-tight. All tropical countries require large quantities of foodstuffs, and Canada 
 with its immense production should certainly share in the imports of West Africa 
 and other tropical countries. 
 
 IMPORTS OF METAL MANUFACTURES 
 
 The imports of metal manufactures as regards general trading in West Africa 
 aTe limited in range, and often in quantity. There are, however, several articles of 
 import in large quantities, and on most of these Canada has established a good repu¬ 
 tation in other export fields. As regards quantity imports, it is impossible to give 
 data; but the fact that large quantities are brought in can be best judged by the fact 
 that the import is usually an article in everyday use by the native. 
 
 Samples of the leading hardware and tool lines used in West Africa are on view 
 at the Exhibits and Publicity Bureau of the Department of Trade and Commerce, 
 Ottawa, and illustrations will be submitted showing the kind of article most in use. 
 
 It is in the consideration of such lines as hardware and tools that one realizes 
 the peculiarity of the native mind. If his tribe, or his father, has been in the habit 
 of using a certain pattern, it is almost impossible to induce him to buy any other 
 article. If, on the other hand, some pecularity about an article strikes him as being 
 either the correct thing, or a ‘Mu Ju’^ against its being used in any other way than 
 the right one, then that article is a permanency on the market with a constant increase 
 in sale. 
 
 No agricultural machinery is in use from one end of the Coast to the other, 
 except an odd piece by some government department. The hoe and matchet are in 
 universal use. It is the earnest hope of officials in charge of government departments 
 that in time the value of ploughing, harvesting, etc., will be recognized by the chiefs 
 -or wealthy natives—professional or business men—who would take a lead, and encour- 
 :age the use of agricultural machinery by the small landowners among the natives. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 21 
 
 Sawmill equipment seems to be the only industrial machinery which will make 
 any headway in quantity of import, excepting, of course, requirements in machines 
 and machinery for the railway shops and public works departments of the several 
 governments. 
 
 ENAMELWARE 
 
 » 
 
 Enamelware is an article of import which is used in a much more general way 
 than any one not familiar with West Africa would, or could suppose. Pre-war on 
 account of price Germany held this trade, and recently exporters in that country have 
 been offering in quantity c.i.f. West African Coast. Their recent quotations are some¬ 
 what lower than stocks in hand, which are very heavy, but they are not nearly as -low 
 as their pre-war prices. 
 
 Some lines of Canadian enamelware purchased in London at an exhibition there 
 last year were in evidence at certain centres on the Coast. This Canadian ware is 
 appreciated for its quality and finish, and for a while sold freely, and should figure 
 largely in any real effort for trade connection with West Africa. Again we have an 
 article of every-day use which brings out the pecularity of the native demand. 
 
 Throughout Nigeria, with the exception of Calabar and the Cameroon districts, 
 there is a demand for enamelware which, with the exception of a border of blue on the 
 edge of the article about three-eighths of an inch inside and outside, is all white. 
 There is some sale for a self-brown, blue or green outside, but inside must be white. 
 In a few districts the granite finish, under normal conditions of supply, commands 
 a fair trade. It must always be remembered that the white will be the big seller 
 in Nigeria. The demands and requirements on the Gold Coast are somewhat 
 the same as for Nigeria. In Sierra Leone and Gambia, while there is a demand for the 
 all-white with the blue border, it is not insistent. The natives will buy any colour; 
 tjie clear light gray is a very popular seller. 
 
 There is very little frying done by the natives for personal use. Cooking utensils 
 in enamelware are for steaming and boiling. In some districts tin covers are accept¬ 
 able in limited quantities; but the demand is for the enamel cover. Pasins, from the 
 .smallest up to the extra large, are imported. The larger basins are used as the holder 
 for head-carrying (by the native, and of course for general use at other times. The 
 chamber pot is of more general use than any other article; it is so'ld in a variety of 
 sizes and used in a variety of ways. Soup plates are used much more extensively than 
 other plates. Steam pans, sauce-pans, pudding bowls, mugis, kettles and teapots are 
 imported in big quantities. In another section of this report some of the patterns 
 used are illustrated. 
 
 In 1918 and 1919, the imports of enamelware were about evenly divided between 
 the United Kingdom and the United States. Those into Nigeria in 1919 were to a 
 value of £34,011, and for the first eleven months of 1920, of £123,640. 
 
 The success of the German exporter of enamelware is not due altogether to his 
 cheaper prices, if very inferior quality. A great part of his success is owing to the 
 fact that he is a packer for export, has reserves ready for shipment the minute the 
 order is received, and that his invoices indicate clearly the contents of each case. All 
 these conditions are a high factor in the placing of business. The buyers naturally 
 follow the line of least resistance,—or in other words, when thinking of indenting for 
 any given line they will first consider the manufacturer whose methods facilitate 
 handling and despatch on receipt of goods. 
 
 LANTERNS 
 
 Lanterns form an article of Canadian export which should find a very big market 
 on the West African Coast. The use of storm lanterns is almost universal by natives. 
 Canada has already exported a lantern which is almost identical with the American- 
 made lantern used in West Africa. Although the country is overstocked with almost 
 
22 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 all imported lines for the immediate present, there were many warehouses clamant for 
 lantern shipments, hut advices to hand at end of February and the beginning of March 
 indicated some deliveries from-Canada and big deliveries from the United States. 
 
 The names of Canadian manufacturers have been submitted to importing houses, 
 and inquiries should be received from several districts on the West African coast, 
 or the parent houses in England or France. Manufacturers quoting should also 
 olfer separately for extra globes, which are usually packed in strong barrels. Some idea 
 may be formed of the quantity used when it is known that only one large company 
 on the Coast has an average of 2,200 dozen always on order. 
 
 There is also a demand for metal wall lamps and table lamps, and for hanging 
 kerosene lamps. Any manufacturer offering a lamp which will not blow out on 
 account of extra strong breezes springing up suddenly, is assured of a big sale. There 
 is a fairly good sale for an acetylene lamp. Several styles of lamps used on the 
 West Coast will be found illustrated on page 64 of this report. 
 
 TINWARE 
 
 There is a large import of tin dishes and basins. The basins are of standard 
 sizes and used as measures for trading purposes by the natives. They are imported 
 in several sizes, 6-inch, 9-inch, 12-inch, 18-inch and 20-inch in circumference; the 
 9-inch and 12-inch sizes are big sellers. A fine mesh sieve Uiiich is sold in quantity, 
 wood sides; these come nested in several sizes. There is a large sale of a metal hatbox, 
 with lock and hasp hoops. Japanned finish. These are shipped nested, sometimes 
 three sizes, and sometimes six sizes, the smallest size being 10-inch diameter, 11-inch 
 depth. 
 
 BEDSTEADS AND MATTRESSES 
 
 » 
 
 • 
 
 Iron bedsteads are imported with wire mattresses attached in single and double 
 beds, which are bought in fairly good quantities. The possibilities, according to 
 all agents of retail houses in West Africa, are really very big, as they find an increasing 
 demand by the natives. This means a potential market of a very large kind. The 
 United Kingdom has always held the trade for both the general import trade and 
 government supply, which some years is larger than that of the general trader. 
 
 There are certain peculiarities about iron or brass beds in West Africa, which 
 are mentioned with illustrations shown on pages 64-65 of this report. 
 
 HARDWARE, IMPLEMENTS AND TOOLS 
 
 The first articles for review under the heading of hardware, implements and 
 tools, are axes and hatchets. There is a big import of axes with handles; these are 
 used principally for felling hard 'woods, such as mahogany. A good axe is in demand. 
 The weights vary from a 4-pound axe to a 7-pound. There are a greater number of 
 7-pound axes used on the Gold Coast than in Nigeria, where the 4-pound axe is 
 favoured. There is not a big demand in Sierra Leone or Gambia, although there is 
 some import of the 4-pound axes. 
 
 There is a good sale by the traders of a hatchet with nail ratchet and hammer 
 head. The ordinary hatchet is also imported in large quantities and used in many 
 districts for palm kernel cutting. The ratchet and plain hatchet are usually imported 
 with the straight handle. The weight most in use for palm kernel cutting is -| and 
 1 pound weight; this hatchet is more of an axe in shape. 
 
 Hammers ,—There is a fair demand for carpenters’ hammers of all kinds. The 
 mining districts use the 4-pound mining hammer more than any other weight. There 
 is also an import of 8, 10 and 16-pound mining hammers. Illustrations of the type 
 used will be found on page 64 of this report. 
 
^VE^T AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 23 
 
 Bolts and Nuts. —The bolts and nuts in nse are all British pattern and thread. 
 For general trading purposes, the |-inch and ^-inch, up to 6-inch length, are the 
 sellers. For the mines, the 4 by 2 . 2 -inch and _| by 2|-inch are the sizes used in 
 quantity. Ten to twelve tons of each size is the outside quantity used annually by 
 one of the most active mines in Tarquah Gold Coast. 
 
 Bolts, Draw Bar. —Bolts for doors and windows are sold in large quantity. The 
 •biggest sale is for the black japanned iron bolt. There is a good sale for the galvanized 
 (finished bolt. All sizes are sold, and there is some sale in brass up to 6 inches. 
 
 Coopers' Tools. —This is one of the very large imports into West Africa, l^igeria 
 imports more in proportion than any other colony on the coast, the shipments for 
 1920 being valued at over £873,000. The requirements under this head include, of 
 course, the staves, but in tools there are such articles as coopers’ hammers, all weights 
 Up to 5, 6, and 7 pounds, which are the best sellers. Then there are rivets, scribes, 
 drivers, beck iron, hoop iron, shooks, staves, bung borers and coopers’ compasses. 
 
 Cutlery. —There is a fair import of cutlery. For table use the greater portion is 
 of a cheap nature. Some 'of the warehouses stock a patent razor, made in Canada, 
 but which is also shipped from the American plant. The Canadian-made blade has 
 the reputation of being a much superior article. The bulk of the import in table 
 cutlery is from the United Kingdom, the United States share being about 10 per cent. 
 Pre-war German table cutlery, and cheap pocket knives found a good market in 
 West Africa. 
 
 Chains. —Chains are not in general use, except in certain districts, where they 
 are used in connection with river transport. Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Gambia are 
 ihe markets fur canoe chains, and the heavier chains for lighters, tugs and river 
 steamers of all sizes. The canoe chain is usually an oblong link and varies in lengths 
 as follows: 10 feet, 12 feet, 15 feet and 20 feet long. It is always shipped packed 
 in casks. 
 
 Carpenters' Tools. —There is a large and growing import of carpenters’ tools, the 
 greater proportion of which is used by native carpenters. The demand is for a 
 reliable medium-priced tool. For some native tradesmen there is an import of high- 
 class goods; these are also used by government departments, including railways, and 
 by the mining companies. 
 
 Cross-cut saws. —There is a very good import of cross-cut saws, most of which 
 are used in cutting down mahogany. A good bending steel is essential. The sizes 
 stocked throughout the country are in 7-foot and 8-foot lengths. 
 
 Files, Basps, etc. —Large consignments of files are sent to every centre on the 
 Coast. All kinds are imported and all sizes. For the mines, the principal demand 
 is in triangular files. There is some import of a file well known in Canada, but not 
 from the Canadian plant. If quotations were submitted from the Canadian plant, 
 or any Canadian concern competing, a good trade could easily be established. 
 
 Fiat Irons. —There is a really big imx)ort of flat irons right through the Coast. 
 All sizes, up to 7-pound weight, are in evidence. There is also, in some sections, a 
 demand for a fuel iron which wfill carry coal or charcoal in a case above the iron. 
 
 Guns. —There does not seem much hope of any export of guns in the ordinary 
 way from Canada. There are good quantities imported of the only gun allowed the 
 native in West Africa. It is a cheap article which would not be hard to put together. 
 It is knowm as the “ Long Dane,” and has a flint lock, flashpan, ordinary gun stock, 
 and a barrel not unlike a piece of gas pipe. The full length of the gun is 5 feet 6 
 inches. 
 
24 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Garden Rakes and Tools. —There are very limited shipments of these tools to 
 West Africa, and the trade is hardly worth an effort, unless in connection with some 
 other line. 
 
 Hoe, Hatchet, and Adze. —The first two lines, the hoe and matchet, form the big 
 tool and implement imports of West Africa; and adzes are also brought in. For 
 years, and even now, although not in the same quantity, these tools were native-made. 
 Through the kindness of His Excellency Sir Hugh Clifford, the Governor of Nigeria, 
 samples of the native-made hoe have been sent to the Exhibits and Publicity Bureau 
 of the Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. Any Canadian manufacturer 
 who can submit samples along the lines of the pattern to be seen in Ottawa, at a 
 reasonable price, is assured of a trade running into thousands and thousands each 
 year. The patterns vary according to locality, but the quantities are always worth 
 while. 
 
 The matchet is another agricultural tool, or implement, for which there is a very 
 large market. Before the war, Germany was laying down a matchet at a cost of about 
 3id. During the war this tool ran up to such a price in supply from the United 
 States that the native in many districts, not being able to purchase, was forced to 
 make the best tool he could from old hoop iron. The adze is a very big seller inland on 
 the Gold Coast, and is sold in many parts. 
 
 Illustrations of the above lines will be found on page 67 of this report. 
 
 These three lines—hoes, matchets, and adzes—run into large quantities, and it 
 would seem from past experience with some progressive Canadian manufacturers as 
 if Canada could secure a very big share of the trade which pre-war was German, and 
 which is now held by the United Kingdom and the United States. 
 
 Hinges, Butt and T-sliape. —In all these lines there is a fairly good import in 
 both brass and iron. The T-hinge is brought in largely in galvanized finish, with 
 some in japanned, and a good import of the plain iron. 
 
 Hasps. —There is a good import of hasps at every centre. Plain iron shipments 
 are fair, galvanized finish is good, and the black japanned finish is also a good seller 
 in all sizes up to 8-inch. Illustrations and other data are submitted on page 68 
 of this report. 
 
 Kettles. —In addition to the enamelled kettles already referred to, there is a 
 fair import of tin and brass kettles. There is also a big import of cast-iron kettles. 
 The two best selling sizes are 4 pints and 10 pints. Other sizes are of course 
 imported; black japanned finish is the best seller. The covers are not cast, but made 
 of pressed steel, knob and cover all one. 
 
 Lawn Howers. —From inquiries made there cannot be more than twenty lawn 
 mowers on the Coast, but the opinion is expressed that, owing to the many bungalow? 
 being built, there will likely be a certain demand in time. 
 
 Locks. —Door locks, mostly of the cheaper make, are imported in quantity. Fully 
 80 per cent of all door locks have the brass handle. There is also a good import of 
 locks for native boxes and native-made furniture of the better grade, and the ship¬ 
 ments received of galvanized padlocks are large. The big sale is on sizes li-inch, 
 2-inch and 3-inch. There is also a certain demand for the ordinary padlock, plain 
 iron and japanned finish. Cheapness is essential. The native puts a padlock on 
 anything that it is possible to put it on. His theory is that it is not at all wrong— 
 unless caught—to appropriate anything if it is not necessary to break into something 
 to secure it. Illustrations of locks are shown on page 68 of this report. 
 
 Meat Choppers. —There is a very fair sale for meat choppers. The lines noticed 
 were mostly of American pattern. 
 
 Nails. —There is a very big import of wire nails. It is surmised that the 2-pound 
 parcel would be satisfactory, 28 or 56 parcels to a case. Some districts have used the 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 25 
 
 1- pound parcel. There is a demand for wire nails loose in cases of 14, 28 and 56 
 pounds. There is an extra sale for the 2-inch nail; some districts demand 22 pounds, 
 and others 28 pounds to a case. For general stock purposes all sizes from i-inch to 
 6-inch, are sold. For the building trade and some general import trade, loose nails 
 in cask or barrel of 112 pounds are brought in. These must be bo.und very strongly 
 with wire, otherwise the shipment must be in metal casks. In river sections of the 
 coast, there is a demand for the wire nail in jute bags, 7 pounds to a bag, and 16 
 bags (112 pounds) in a metal keg. 
 
 For inland purposes, it is essential that the nail be rough in finish to prevent 
 popping out when the Harmatan winds are blowing. If possible a wire nail, with 
 prongs pointing to head on lengths of nail, would be a big seller for all inland work, 
 and would be used in many parts of the Coast. In the river districts, there is a 
 demand for a spike-shape nail, with big head, for canoe work. Cut nails are also 
 imported by the building trade, and some general importers, in sizes 1-inch, 1^-inch, 
 
 2- inch, 2-2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch in bags of 100 and 112 pounds. The 
 mines import 6-inch nails in good quantities. The packing is either 100 pound kegs 
 or 50-pound cases. 
 
 Pickaxes. —The regular pickaxe is sold in very small quantities by the general 
 dealers. The mines import a good quantity of the l^-po'und double-ended pick. An 
 illustration of this pick is shown on page 67 of this report. 
 
 Flyers, Pincers and Punches. —Only a limited import of these tools is made. 
 The plyer imported in greatest quantity is for wire cutting, a 6-inch tool insulated 
 with rubber handle. There are some imports of the plain wire cutter. 
 
 Pins, Cotter. —This article is usually of malleable iron and split. It is sold in 
 all sizes and is used extensively on the mines and in some government workshops. 
 
 Pipes and Piping, and Fittings. —The wrought-iron piping is imported by the 
 mines and government railways, also public works departments, and some by builders. 
 The imports by the mines are up to 10 inches, but the big demand is for the 3-inch, 
 with a threaded screw socket at each end. The ordinary cast iron plug cock up to 2-inch 
 size is brought in in large quantity. In brass and gunmetal fittings the import is small, 
 one of the large mines receiving at most, of all sizes, amiually 1,000 pieces. 
 
 Screws. —There is a fair import of galvanized screws for building purposes, and 
 by the mines. There is some sale of the brass screw, and a fairly good sale of the 
 iron screw, bright finish, for native box work, and also for building purposes. 
 
 Scales. —A few of the cheaper kind and some better grades in large centres are 
 imported for counter use. The big import of scales is in platform scales for produce 
 weighing. These platform scales are to be found in every corner of the country. 
 All sizes are sold, from 150 to 3,000 pounds. The best selling size is 300 to 500 
 pounds. In the larger size platform scales, the demand is for 10, 20 and 30 cwts. 
 
 The Germans are able to offer a one-ton platform scale, laid down in any Coasi 
 town of West Africa at £30, and consigned in any quantity, for any length of time, 
 or rather until sold. Of course the offer has been made to the old reliable houses 
 only; nevertheless, German manufacturers must be in a good financial position when 
 able to consign articles running into these high prices in any quantity that may be 
 demanded. 
 
 Shovels and Spades. —The biggest import of shovels is for the mining district, 
 but the total is not really large. Some idea of the quantity sold may be formed by 
 the fact that one of the most active gold-mining districts would handle 3,000 dozen 
 a year at most. There is, however, from one end of the Coast to the other, a fair 
 import, to obtain a share of which an effort should be made. For agricultural work, 
 although used in a small way, the T handle is preferred; the railways also use the 
 T handle. The mines, and some section of railways, prefer the D shape. The kind 
 used in West Africa are illustrated on page 67 of this report. 
 
26 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Spanners. —There is an import of all kinds of spanners. The Clyburn is a big 
 seller in all sizes, from 6-inch to 24-inch. The mines are also big users of spanners. 
 There is a very good sale indeed for a 14-inch screw spanner. 
 
 Spikes. —The mines are the largest importers of dog spikes. All sizes are 
 imported; the 3-inch and 4-inch for light rail is the big seller. They are usually 
 imported in kegs of 100 pounds. 
 
 Stoves. There is only a fair sale for a cooking stove, mostly of the cheap class 
 which will burn either wood or coal. There are very few oil-eooking stoves used. 
 There is a possible good sale for an oil heater. Perhaps something on the order of 
 forced draft. During the rains on the Coast at night there is some necessity for 
 heating, and inland during the “ Harmatan ” season at night it is very cold, and a 
 heater of this kind should sell in fairly good number. 
 
 Traps, Animal. —There is a good import of animal traps into West Africa. All 
 the traps have chains attached. They are sold in all sizes; the 10-inch, 12-inch, and 
 14-inch are the big sellers. The kind used are illustrated on page 72 of the report. 
 
 Trowels .—There is a good import of trowels and these will be increasing. 
 
 Valves .—See the notes on pipes, piping and fittings, page 25. In rubber valves 
 the sale is in 2j-inch, 3J-inch, and 9-inch sizes. 
 
 ^Yasllers, Steel. —All sizes are.stocked by the mines and machine shops in rail¬ 
 ways and public works departments. The locking washer has the best sale, 
 
 kVire. —Only in Nigeria is there a fair import of plain fencing wire, as it is not 
 compulsory to fence all compounds. Barb wire is not allowed. The mines in Tarquah 
 import a steel mesh wire -| inch, 2 inches wide, in lengths of 27 feet. Another wire 
 for the mines is 27 strand W.S. 20 mesh, | inch, 16 wire gauge. A spring steel wire 
 is also shipped. The wire rope imported is the Langsley rope, I inch, 6 wires to 
 strand, 7 strands to rope of best plough steel, hemp cord, in lengths of 3,600 feet. 
 The breaking strain is 130 to square of metal. Another import on the gold mines at 
 Tarquah is a i-inch rope, same make up and quantity, and at odd times the same 
 length of flexible steel wire in i inch and f inch is brought in. 
 
 Iron and Steel, Bar and Rod. —The imports of iron or steel in bars and rods are 
 fairly large in all the colonies. Nigeria alone imports an annual average of 1,000 
 tons, and as more round rods and other wrought iron will continue to be used for 
 reinforcing cement, the average should increase. The kinds and sizes vary consider¬ 
 ably. The variety wanted is usually soft, to be worked with a coal loaded with 
 sulphur, or by wood fire. The big selling lines in Nigeria are 2-inch, 2 - 2 -inch, and 
 3-inch by 1-inch, in lengths from 12 feet to 24 feet; 18 feet is standard. Other sizes 
 stocked are |-inch by 2-inch, 1-inch by 2-inch, Hf-inch by 2-inch, and |-inch by 3-inch. 
 The round is usually ^ inch. Cement pillars are used extensively in new bungalows, 
 and the round iron is used for reinforcing. 
 
 iVnother import of iron bars into Nigeria is in the following sizes for the manu¬ 
 facture of hoes by natives: length 8 feet 4 inches by 1|- by i-inch in bundles of ten. 
 The bundles must be securely fastened so as not to break apart. They are stocked 
 and sold in bundles. 
 
 The specifications above given apply also to the Gold Coast, with of course 
 varying quantities. The gold mines in that colony use a limited number of rods, 
 perhaps one ton each annually, in sizes f-inch, i-inch, i-inch, f-inch, |-inch, and 
 I-inch. The mild steel imported is nearly all in small sizes. 
 
 Galvanized Iron Sheets. —There is a very large import of this material in the 
 corrugated sheet. The sizes most in use are 8 feet by 3 feet, 24 gauge, and 6 feet by 
 3 feet, 24 gauge. There is also a demand for 30 and 32 gauges. 
 
WEST AFRICA A'ND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 27 
 
 Iron and Steel Sheets. —There is some import of steel sheets by the railways of 
 the several colonies. The names of possible suppliers in Canada have been submitted 
 to interested departments and to general importers. If inquiries have not been made 
 as a result, it is probably because there has been a big drop in the English prices. 
 
 Galvanized Ironware. —^In buckets and other galvanized, ironware there is a large 
 import, more particularly in the buckets, which are sold in great quantity. Some of 
 the buckets have covers, but the greater number are without. Illustrations ot buckets 
 and packing for export are shown on page 63 of the report. 
 
 Pots. —‘Cast iron pots for native use, some with legs and others without, for 
 cooking purposes, are sold in large numbers. For some years the great bulk of this 
 import has been from the 'United Kingdom. The imports of Nigeria for 1919 were 
 2,073 cwt., and these had increased to 7,280' cwt., for the ■first eleven months of 
 1920. This line is illustrated on page 63 of this report. 
 
 VEHICLES 
 
 Truchs. —The two-wheeled hand truck for use in warehouses is coming into vogue 
 fairly well; but the import is not large. There seems to be a fairly heavy stock on 
 hand owing to heavy purchases in 1919 and early 1920. The two-wheeled truck is for 
 bales and bags of bulky material, and it is essential therefore that the truck be of a 
 fairly wide platform. The inside flange wheel pattern, as made in Canada, should 
 meet Coast requirements. There is some sale for a four-wheeled platform truck, both 
 boxed and end supports only. 
 
 Wagons. —This is about the only wood vehicle imported into West Africa. It is 
 used for hauling freight from warehouses to retail stores, or in any big centre from 
 one point to another. It is handled by man power (native). In Nigeria there is a 
 demand for a platform wagon, roller bearing and connected with platform under 
 body for front wheels. An illustration is shown on page 73 of the report. 
 
 Bicycles. —At present there is a very heavy stock of bicycles throughout the 
 colonies. During the boom they were selling very freely and in the best grades. 
 
 The West Coast of Africa is undoubtedly a potential market for a good reliable 
 bicycle at a low price. As the great majority of natives ride barefooted, the pedals 
 must be of rubber. Gear cases are essential, and metal rims. The native wants a 
 free wheel and will not purchase a flxed wheel bicycle. Although for the moment the 
 sale has gone dead, the prospects, under normal conditions, are of the very best. 
 Almost every Arm on the Coast has one or more bicycle agencies, which means that 
 the sale of a given brand is conflned to the possibilities of one general merchant only, 
 and there would seem to be no other way out of it. There have been recent offers 
 from the Continent of Europe of bicycles costing £5 and £6. The motor cycle is sold 
 in good numbers, but is not in general use by the natives, although quite a number 
 of the clerks and the professional class in large centres are using them. 
 
 Motor Cars. —The use of motor cars is increasing rapidly, and lorries are used 
 extensively in road transport work. This is an avenue for big development in West 
 Africa. Koad rules are being enacted which will prevent lorries, when loaded, from 
 running over country roads if the total weight is above two and a half tons. 
 
 Although Canada is not given credit for any of the motor car imports, the writer 
 had the pleasure of seeing frequently the ‘‘Made in Canada” sign on a car and lorry,— 
 admittedly the only car and lorry, up to the present, which meets all the requirements 
 of pioneer country district transport. 
 
 One of the reasons why Canada is not credited with the sale of motor cars and 
 lorries, and other lines of goods imported into West Africa, is because Canadian 
 manufacturers insist on settlement in New York for Canadian-made goods and bearing 
 
28 
 
 DEPARTMEISIT OF TRADE A^D COMMERCE, CAEIADA 
 
 the “ Made-in-Canada ” sign, and some manufacturers go so far as to invoice these 
 Canadian-made goods from their American plants or agencies. This point has been 
 mentioned before in respect to South Africa, and further stress need not be laid upon 
 it. Business firms or manufacturers must be given credit for knowing what is best 
 in their own interest, and one is prepared, up to a point, to admit that exchange 
 conditions and, of necessity, settlement by their firms warrant a course of this kind 
 (not the invoicing from the American office). At the same time, it has the effect 
 of spreading throughout the Empire a feeling which is not favourable to Canada, and 
 other Canadian exports are handicapped accordingly. 
 
 Windmills. —The value of windmills in West Africa has been demonstrated at 
 almost every centre, but the import is only specialized principally by the agricultural 
 and public works departments of the several governments. 
 
 It would be advisable for Canadian manufacturers to send catalogues to the 
 directors of each of these departments for each colony. The Director of Public 
 Works at Accra, for the Gold Coast Government, would be glad to hear from Cana¬ 
 dian manufacturers of windmills, with data of all kinds showing their experience 
 in other fields. On account of one unfortunate experience with a Canadian manu¬ 
 facturer, he wants to hear only from companies who are prepared to execute promptly 
 any orders placed with them, or at least to acknowledge correspondence. 
 
 MACHINERY IMPORTS 
 
 Mining machinery is the principal import in both the Gold Coast for gold mines 
 and manganese ore mining and in Nigeria for tin mining. The rock drills in use on 
 the gold mines are Ingersols, small sizes. Jack Hammer, Cornish and Holman. The 
 shoes and dies in use on the gold mines are of the same pattern as used on the Rand 
 (South Africa), only lighter, the total weight being 1,480 pounds. 
 
 Electric machinery is sometimes imported by the mines and by manufacturers 
 developing electric lighting. 
 
 The cables for the gold mines are 3/20 single cord, 7/14 rubber insulated. 
 Single coil cables 19/068" insulated and braided. Three cord cables 7/14 high tension 
 insulated and armoured, also 7/18 and 7/19. Another wiring is 10/35 insulated taped 
 and braided; 7/16 single cord rubber insulated; and 7/22, 37/14, 39/14 rubber, inches. 
 Insulating tapes of all kinds, with drops, switches, rosettes and lamps are purchased 
 by the mines and some municipalities. There are very few fixtures used, almost 
 all drop lights. 
 
 The railway machine shops have very full installation of machinery of all kinds, 
 and are each season placing orders for machinery, either for replacement or extension. 
 A big workshop extension programme is under consideration for the near future in 
 Nigeria. 
 
 Steel Drills. —The mines are importers of steel drills, octagon and ll-inch circum¬ 
 ference, 2 by 2i-inch, 18 foot lengths. There is also a demand by the mines for 
 manganesed steel bars, Osborn type for the tube mills. 
 
 Machinery Compounds. —The mines and government departments import bearing 
 metals, asbestos packing, grinding compounds, graphite packing and metals in bars. 
 
 Hose. —Importations are pretty much limited to the mines, and then the use is 
 confined to armoured rock drill hose. 
 
 Belting. —The only beltings observed in use were in the gold mines and railway 
 workshops. The mining belting was a balata in different sizes, up to 20-inch, with 
 6-ply copper woven edges. A special belting brought in in fair quantities was a 6-inch 
 marked T and G of English manufacture. 
 
 Carbide of Calcium. —Not a large import. The gold mines probably use about 
 2,500 pounds a month. This is imported in 100 or 112-pound drums, which must be 
 air-tight. The climate of West Africa disintegrates calcium of carbide very quickly. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 29 
 
 A fair trade is developing in lamps for ligkting purposes. If a lamp for native use 
 was developed, which, would be simple to handle, and which would compete with oil 
 or candles, a large trade would result. Supplies of carbide would, of course, have 
 to be fairly frequent and regular. A quality of carbide, with some protection from 
 disintegration in hot humid climates, would be a great stimulus to the more frequent 
 use of lamps for household purposes. There is some import by the wholesale dealer 
 of 112-pound drums, and a good sale for the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7-pound tins. The 28-pound 
 tin is a good selling size in some districts. 
 
 Coal .—The mines on the Gold Coast and the railways, which have already had 
 some experience with Canadian coal, are open to purchase if it can be laid down at 
 a reasonable price. The last lot of coal from Canada used on the Tarquah mines, 
 which are some sixty miles inland, cost at the mines £10 a ton; this is much too high. 
 The charge and delivery at Tarquah from the steamer by lighterage and rail to the 
 mines is about $4.50 a ton. A satisfactory laid-down price for the Tarquah mines 
 will mean a contract covering about 2,750 tons a month. The railways of Sierra 
 Leone and the Gold Coast are also open to purchase. Sierra Leone, which is the 
 British coaling station for the Coast, would probably also be a good market for 
 Canadian coal. Ocean freight prices, with cost of coal, must be such that the C.I.F. 
 price landed will compete with supplies coming from shorter hauls. 
 
 BUILDING MATERIALS 
 
 In the range of imports into West Africa, which is included under the heading of 
 building materials, Canada sho-uld secure a big trade; first, because there are several 
 lines of Canadian export which will fill the special requirements of this country; 
 and second, because the building programme for both private and Government 
 purposes will be a large one for some time. In addition, there are public works 
 projects under consideration, such as docks, sheds, roads and railway extensions, 
 which will require immense quantities of building materials. There should be no 
 difficulty in securing business from regular importing houses, be they wholesale or 
 specialists in certain lines of materials, if competitive prices and the necessary data 
 are submitted to the prospective purchaser. 
 
 For Government business in West Africa, be it requirements for public works 
 departments or railways administration, Canadian manufacturers 'will have to keep 
 in communication with the Crown Agents, 4 TIillbank, Westminster, London, either 
 through their own agents in England, or by regular and systematic supply of data, 
 showing their ability and preparedness to supply quantity regularly and to compete 
 with any other source of supply. They must also submit facts which will be a 
 guarantee to the Crown Agents that any orders placed will be carried out according 
 to contract. The Colonial Office of the British Government, and its purchasing branch, 
 the Crown Agents, have expressed a sincere desire for applications for tender forms 
 from any Canadian firm which is prepared to conform to the general conditions 
 here outlined. 
 
 WOOD AND TIMBER IMPORTS 
 
 Although the several British colonies of West Africa are well wooded, there does 
 not seem to be any timber which can be produced in quantity to replace imported 
 woods for general building purposes. Another feature, even where labo-ur is supposed 
 to be cheap, is that in nearly every case local woods offered to the dealer in sizes 
 suitable for building material, are usually just a fraction in price below the price 
 of the imported plank or deal. Pitch pine seems to be the favoured wood with most 
 people in West Africa interested in lumber. In the past, there has no doubt been a 
 huge import of pitch pine, but if all the pine, or rather wood, one sees offered for sale 
 as pitch pine, at pitch pine prices, has been purchased by the dealer as pitch pine, it 
 does not speak well for the knowledge of the buyer. There is some import from the 
 United Kingdom, the Baltic, and Canada, with of course the bulk from "the United 
 
30 
 
 DEPARTMEyr OF TRADE AFD CO^^IMERCE, CAyADA 
 
 States. There is also a supply to the Coast from imported stocks carried on the 
 Canary Islands, the entry being classed as from Spanish Possessions. 
 
 Pine and spruce from the east of Canada seems to fill many requirements in a 
 building way, when used by importers who specialise in this class of wood. Douglas 
 fir is now stocked by one very large Canadian dealer, who has already placed a fair 
 repeat order in this market. The manager of the timber department of the large firm 
 referred to is enthusiastic about the possibilities of Douglas fir, which can be sold 
 cheaper than either pitch pine or its substitutes, sold as such. He, however, as with 
 all merchants or importers, must go, as they say in West Africa, “softly, softly,” until 
 the native tradesmen express the opinion that Douglas fir is the wood. There would 
 seem no doubt that small and medium-size cargo quotations along the Coast would 
 bring results. 
 
 It may be well to state here that if cargo quotations are made C.I.F. West African 
 ports, anywhere below Sierra Leone, and they are for sailing vessels, it is essential 
 that the sailer should have auxiliary power, or it might possibly take months before 
 the vessel could return, owing to prevailing winds, or rather, lack of wind, in a given 
 zone. 
 
 From the moment the wood situation was investigated by the writer, there seemed 
 no doubt that Douglas fir could find a good market in West Africa, but one is more 
 than ever convinced when he finds a stock of Douglas fir which is appreciated for its 
 value as against any other wood, and when consideration is given to the fact that the 
 shipment of Douglas fir above referred to was only a fair quantity parcel, shipped from 
 Eastern Canada at full steamship ocean freight rates, and bearing, of course, the 
 added railway transportation across Canada. 
 
 Some districts on the Coast are fair importers of doors, several importers averaging 
 200 in a shipment. The best size for import is 6 feet 6 inches by 2 feet 8 inches, 
 four panels, and they must not be three ply. It is the builder in a position to import 
 to whom doors are usually consigned; the general dealer, or lumber dealer, usually 
 fights shy of these stocks, as the native carpenter and small builder would not purchase 
 his lumber if he stocked doors. 
 
 Building board, or fibre board, is already well known in certain districts on the 
 West African Coast. There is undoubtedly a big market for this, but the manufac¬ 
 turer will have to educate his prospective purchasers by sending advertising matter 
 showing their experience in other tropical countries, and establishing the value of this 
 article from the point of view of economy. If the manufacturer has any data regard¬ 
 ing quality for resisting vermin, or such insects as white ants, this should be supplied. 
 
 The Gold Coast calls for scantlings in the following sizes:—3 by 2' inches, 4 by 2 
 inches, 4 by 3 inches, 6 by 2 inches and 8 by 2 inches; a few 9 by 3 inches and 10 
 by 2 inches, assorted lengths. Rough boards, 6 inch, 8 inch, 9 inch and 12 inch, 
 I inch and 1 inch, assorted lengths. Tongued and grooved, dressed on both sides, 
 I inch, finished in 4 inch,, o inch and 6 inch, assorted lengths. The above sizes are 
 more for the importing builders than the jobbers or dealers. 
 
 The following range of sizes are an approximate demand for assortment in a 
 cargo lot:— 
 
 1 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 inch 
 
 ceilings, G. 
 
 & T. 12 ft. to 20 ft. 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 9 
 
 inch 
 
 16 ft. to 30 ft. 
 
 1 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 
 floorings, 
 
 <( ti 
 
 44 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 10 
 
 
 <4 44 
 
 li 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 
 n 
 
 u a 
 
 44 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 3 
 
 
 12 ft. to 20 ft. 
 
 }, 
 
 o 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 44 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 4 
 
 
 16 ft. to 24 ft. 
 
 l” 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 «< 
 
 44 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 5 
 
 “ floorings 
 
 «4 44 
 
 n 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 << 
 
 44 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 
 44 44 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 << 
 
 44 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 8 
 
 
 20 ft. to 36 ft. 
 
 n 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 12 ft. to 24 ft. 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 9 
 
 
 44 4 4 
 
 3 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 20 ft. to 3i6 ft. 
 
 4 
 
 by 
 
 4 
 
 
 16 ft. to 24 ft. 
 
 4 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 << 
 
 44 
 
 4 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 
 44 44 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 12 ft. to 20 ft. 
 
 4 
 
 by 
 
 8 
 
 
 2'0 ft. to 36 ft. 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 <4 
 
 44 
 
 4 
 
 by 
 
 9 
 
 
 44 4 < 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 16 ft. to 30 ft. 
 
 6 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 
 20 ft. to 36 ft. 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 44 
 
 44 
 
 6 
 
 by 
 
 8 
 
 
 44 44 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 44 
 
 44 
 
 6 
 
 by 
 
 9 
 
 
 20 ft. to 36 ft. 
 
 2 
 
 by 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 44 
 
 44 
 
 6 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 
 44 44 
 
V/EST AFRICA AIID ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 31 
 
 Nigeria’s imports of wood and timber, dressed, totalled for 1919, 531,032 super¬ 
 ficial feet. Wood and timber, rough hewn, sawn or split, totalled 779,673 superficial 
 feet. For the first eleven months of 1920, the total imports in the rough were 3,586,945 
 superficial feet, valued at £89,810. 
 
 The imports for the Geld Coast are bulked under one entry. The total for 1918 
 was 2,544,614 superficial feet, of which 2,514,594 superficial feet came from the United 
 States. In 1919 there was a drop to 797,162' superficial feet, 469,673 superficial feet 
 of which came from the United States and 137,866 from the United Kingdom. The 
 Geld Coast may be depended on for some years to come to be a much larger purchaser 
 than the statistics of 1919 would seem to indicate. 
 
 Sierra Leone imported an annual average of 1,887,000 feet, from 1913 to 1918. 
 There are large stocks carried at Sierra Leone, and a fair quantity is shipped to points 
 down the coast. 
 
 Gambia’s imports of lumber are not recorded. The investigation of stocks 
 throughout Bathurst leads one to believe that the shipments can seldom be very large, 
 but there is some import. 
 
 CEMENT 
 
 Cement, more than any other article of import into West Africa, will figure 
 largely for many years to come in the bulk imports of both the Gold Coast Colony 
 and Nigeria. Cement, it is found, is the most logical building material for the tropical 
 conditions obtaining in West Africa. There are extensive building programmes in 
 sight on both government and private account. In addition, the prospective docks 
 to be built in the ports of Nigeria and the Gold Coast will require hundreds of 
 thousands of casks. There are also many other developments in contemplation by 
 Government departments, which will call for great quantities of cement. It is true 
 that France, Belgium and Germany are now quoting, as well of course as England— 
 the latter, however, with a better article at a higher price that what is obtained from 
 the continental countries. 
 
 The Canadian cement landed in West Africa has on account of increased ocean 
 freight and other charges, been at a higher price than British Portland. The ship¬ 
 ments fvom the United States have not given satisfaction in quality, although the 
 complaint on this score is not nearly as bitter as the complaint about the packing. 
 The good quality and value of Canadian cement as shipped to the Union of South 
 Africa, is now known from one end of West Afvica to the other, and government 
 departments, as well as the general dealers, are anxious to have quotations c.i.f. 
 West African ports from Canadian manufacturers. 
 
 For shipments to a tropical country with a peculiarly penetrating humid atmos¬ 
 phere, good packing is a necessity. The cask should be good, and the best of paper 
 used in the lining; first, to protect contents from the moisture, and second, because, 
 more often than otherwise, the cask of cement is rolled from either the railway station 
 or warehouse to the job on which it is to be used. This may often mean rolling a 
 mile by a native, and unless well packed, involves a loss by leakage. Many casks of 
 cement are lost in West Africa on account of poor packing, and there is no doubt 
 that proper packing will be rewarded in the form of a higher price. 
 
 The imports of cement into Nigeria for the first eleven months of 1920 were 
 13,310 tons, valued at £129,722. Those for 1919 were 11,456 tons, 6,269 from the 
 United Kingdom for general import and 3,605 for the Government of Nigeria. The 
 balance, 1,582 tons, is credited to the United States. 
 
 There is a good import of cement into the Gold Coast. Cement is bulked with 
 building material other than wood, and quantities are not shown. The value of 
 building material imports in 1919 was £141,717, of which £127,575 were credited to the 
 United Kingdom, and £13,758 to the United States. The average annual imports 
 into Sierra Leone are 33,200 cwts., and almost all from the United Kingdom. Those 
 into Gambia are not shown separately and cannot be very big. 
 
32 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 PAINTS, VARNISH, OILS, ETC. 
 
 The greater part of the imports of paints, varnishes and oils is from the United 
 Kingdom. The demand for the bulk of the trade is confined to from six to eight 
 colours, according to district. The stock colours are red, green, yellow, bright blue, 
 white, and sometimes black. In some districts there is a demand for a paint paste 
 to be mixed later by the user with linseed oil and turpentine. Other districts require 
 the ready-made paint, well oiled. 
 
 Only a few centres handle the 1 and 2 pound tins. Most of the packages are 7, 10, 
 28 or 56 pounds. Some districts want them in kegs, but most districts in the steel 
 drums. The cover on all parcels above two pounds should be very tight, turned on flange. 
 The majority of the metal containers for larger weights have a receptacle on each 
 side for a wire handle, which is shipped separately. There is also an import of 
 1-gallon tins for the builders’ trade. These are shipped twelve to a crate. The 
 builders’ trade also handle ready-mixed paints in 5-gallon drums. 
 
 White and red leads are imported in one district, in 1 and 2 pound tins, but in 
 most districts they are in 28, 56 and 112 pound kegs, although there is some purchase 
 of 7 and 14 pound cans. The metal containers up to 28 pounds are usually pail-shaped. 
 Bitumen black paint will find a good market with mining companies and govern¬ 
 ment departments, such as railways, public works and posts and telegraphs. These 
 are purchased in 112-pound containers. 
 
 Nigeria’s imports of paints and varnishes in 1919 were 17,166 cwts., of which 
 over 15,000 cwt. came from the United Kingdom; the United States secured in that 
 year 1,753 cwt. Uor the first eleven months of 1920, the total imports were 15,443 
 cwt., valued at £58,286. The imports for the Gold Coast are included in the builders’ 
 supplies entry. It can be taken as a matter of fact, however, that in proportion there 
 are very good shipments. The consignments received in Sierra Leone are fairly 
 large. The ready-mixed are popular in 7, 14 and 28 pound containers, with a limited 
 sale of 1 and 2 pound tins. Paste paint for mixing by the users is also shipped into 
 the colony. Gambia does some importing of paint, but it is quite limited. There are 
 fair shipments of turpentine and linseed oil, Nigeria importing the greater quantity 
 and the other colonies in proportion. The container is usually of a 5-gallon capacity. 
 
 OTHER POSSIBLE BUILDING MATERIAL EXPORTS 
 
 Asbestos Sheets and Tiles .—There is some import, not large, of asbestos sheets 
 for the mines. Asbestos sheets, plain and corrugated, have been tried by some 
 builders and government departments. They would come into more general use for 
 certain buildings if some method of packing, to prevent breaking while in transit, 
 were introduced. The breakage averages well over 50 per cent and of course this 
 puts the material out of count. 
 
 With asbestos tiles it has been found that after a short service as roofing 
 material under a tropical sun, the first tornado, or steady rain, causes them to leak; 
 in fact, in some cases the rain came through in such a way that they were called 
 sieves.” If an asbestos tile can be offered at a reasonable roofing price, with some 
 guarantee as to its ability to keep out rain, an export trade could be built up. 
 
 Lime .—In the mining districts of the Gold Coast, there is a demand for lime, 
 which is used there in connection with mining more than building. One mine alone 
 uses 1,000 tons annually. The packing must be in steel drums of 300 pounds. It 
 has been found that the most successful drum, from a carrying point of view, is one 
 with a circular corrugation near top and bottom. The packing for building purposes 
 is usually in 112-pound bags. Quick lime is shipped in tins of 28 and 56 pounds, 
 and some districts import it in 20-pound tins. Others import both kinds, in kegs of 
 28 pounds. " • .5 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 33 
 
 Roofing Felts .—Tropical conditions must be met for a successful export of 
 roofing felt. It must be a felt which, will not crack in the tropical heat, and which 
 will take a tar coating. The bitumen is so far considered best. The rolls, when 
 shipped, must have on the inside, over the coating of top finish, from one end to the 
 other, a covering of some material which will prevent them from sticking or massing; 
 rolls sometimes arrive a solid mass. It is suggested that perhaps mica, if thoroughly- 
 applied, would be all right. The amount used in the past by some manufacturers has 
 not been sufiicient. Any material which will prevent sticking and which will not 
 affect the quality would be acceptable. iSomething of the kind is necessary, or felt 
 roofing will not make headway. With a satisfactory article to suit all sections of the 
 Coast, a big trade could be worked up for private building purposes, as well as with 
 government departments, such as railways and public works. 
 
 Tar and Pitch .—There is a good import along the Coast of tar in 5 Imperial- 
 gallon drums. It is also imported in barrels of 112 pounds and 100 kilogrammes. 
 Pitch for use on canoes has a big sale in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Gambia, with a 
 smaller sale on the Gold Coast. It is shipped usually in casks of 400 pounds. In 
 addition to the above, there are other lines of material used for building purposes, for 
 which Canada should find a market, such as nails, iron bars and rods, and some 
 structural steel. These are reviewed in this report under the heading of “ Iron, 
 Steel and Metal Goods.” 
 
 READY-MADE BUILDINGS 
 
 There is only a small chance on wood ready-made buildings. There has been 
 some import, in part bungalows placed on iron pillars, standing some 8 feet above 
 ground. They are of different types from those seen in Canadian catalogues. The 
 general opinion is that shipments of ready-made wooden houses will not increase. 
 There is, however, a demand for a portable iron and steel shed, store and small bunga¬ 
 low. Trading locations in country districts of West Africa are frequently changed. A 
 big centre this year may be deserted next year because the native allows the land 
 worked last year to run fallow and moves on to new territory for the next cro'p. Of 
 necessity the trader must follow, and iron and steel buildings which can easily be 
 taken apart with galvanized roofs are in fairly good demand. One American company 
 have been supplying quite a few. A 50 by 80 building cost, towards the end of 1920, 
 £1,286, c.i.f. Lagos, Nigeria. Other sizes imported are 100 by 100 feet, 60 by 30 feet 
 and 90 by 30 feet. One company is standardizing on a building 163 by 48 feet. All 
 roofs are at an angle. Every piece must, of course, be numbered and in such a 
 w^ay that it will not wear out. There is also a fairly good prospect on garage sheds 
 of iron and steel. In 1919, Nigeria imported nineteen buildings complete. Seven¬ 
 teen of these were from the United Kingdom valued at £12,012, and tw^o from the 
 United 'States valued at £8,039. During 1920 there was a larger import from the 
 United States, but statistics are not available. This statement is based on reports 
 received from buyers in Nigeria. 
 
 FURNITiURE 
 
 There is a big demand for furniture shipped in the K.D.S. Bentwood chairs 
 are a big import, and the styles of kitchen chair with thick wooden seat will find a 
 good market. Bight up to the war, the Austrian bentwood chair held the market. 
 For any furniture which can be shipped in the knocked-down state, and not veneered 
 in any way, there is a demand. A considerable quantity of furniture is made from 
 the beautiful local woods of West Africa. It is good and substantial, but fairly 
 expensive and does not meet general requirements. 
 
 Facts regarding 'Canada’s ability for export in these lines have heen submitted 
 to almost every possible importer on the West African Coast, and it may safely be 
 said that offers of delivery will be w^elcomed. 
 
 27164—3 
 
34 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Through English agencies, Austrian bentwood chairs are once more being offered, 
 but there is a decided desire to secure these from within the Empire, if prices are at all 
 competitive, and regularity of delivery is assured. Austria is now offering, through 
 British agents, almost every kind of furniture in the K.D.S. One of their offers is a 
 complete bedroom suite, all K.D.S., except the wardrobe, in which is packed the rest 
 of the suite. The wardrobe itself is packed in strong cases. In dining-room sets the 
 packing is done in the sideboard, which an turn is cased for export. Eurniture 
 shippers to the West Coast of Africa* must always remember that 3-ply panels, etc., 
 are of no use in tropical countries. When the Harmatan winds are blowing they curl 
 them up. The tops of dressers, sideboards and other such pieces should be constructed 
 so as to allow for expansion. A tight securing or nailing down will mean split 
 furniture in two or three days during Harmatan time. 
 
 Nigeria’s imports of furniture of all kinds for the first eleven months of 1920 
 were valued at £100,390. Iron and brass bedsteads are not included in this total. 
 In 1919 the imports were to a value of £51,062, of which the United Kingdom was 
 credited with £47,877, the United 'States £1,273, and Erance £481. Canada shipped 
 to the value of £537. The Gold Coast imports for 1919 were valued at £34,190, of 
 which £30,000 are credited to the United Kingdom and £1,102 to the United States. 
 Sierra Leone averages annually an import of about £6,000. Statistics of imxKtrts 
 into Gambia are not available, but they will average much lower than those of Sierra* 
 Leone. 
 
 In addition to household furniture, there is also a fairly big import of folding 
 furniture for camp purposes. Offers for the chair, table and camp bed, all folding 
 of course, would be interesting to general importers. ' 
 
 Refrigerators. —There would seem to be very little chance for the export of 
 refrigerators, except perhaps those made of metal. It is found that almost without 
 exception the imported refrigerator splits up badly in the Harmatan winds, which 
 prevail in almost every centre during the dry period. There are a good number 
 in use where there are ice plants, and in other countries ice is often secured from 
 the steamers which call in the roadsteads. The refrigerator hive which gives the 
 greatest satisfaction is made locally; it is very big and cumbersome, and the actual 
 ice box is used for storage of provisions. 
 
 Musical instruments. —A gramaphone, at a cheap price, and of a make which 
 can guarantee a regular supply of records, is sure to secure an immediate trade. If 
 the machine is of metal, it must be made in such a way that it may be carried, or if 
 of other material, it must have a case. The natives are the prospective buyers, and 
 an instrument that may be sold complete at from £2 to £3 is sure of a market. There 
 is some import of the better instrument. These are not usually imported for sale, 
 but are brought out by the employees of the merchants or by Government officials 
 and are purchased or selected personally when in England. 
 
 Organs. —There is a limited sale of the better grade organs, and a fairly good 
 demand for a cheap organ. Folding Uarmoniuras also find a good sale. 
 
 Pianos. —There is undoubtedly a good sale in West Africa for a piano which will 
 stand tropical conditions, and which will cost landed not more than $190. The 
 tropical conditions to be met with are great heat with heavy monsoons at one time of 
 the year. At another season, when Harmatan is blowing, almost anything curls 
 up except iron. 
 
 Electro-plated ^Yare and Silverware.. —The silverware imported is usually for 
 personal use, and is selected by the user while in England. There are, however, some 
 lines handled by a limited number of manufacturing houses. In the plated, more 
 particularly the cheaper, goods,, in such lines as table pieces of the modern patterns, 
 there is a very good sale. Low standing cruet sets of three and four pieces sell well, 
 and there is a sale for the five and six piece sets. 
 
WEST AFRICA A~^D ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 35 
 
 The only other lines of household furniture, not iron or steel, on which there 
 may possibly be some chance of export from Canada in a small way, are earthenware 
 and glassware. In glassware the preserving jar is not imported. Olasses of all 
 kinds, and table pieces such as butter dishes, glass jugs—half and one pint and one 
 quart size; also glass lamps, of the cheaper kind in which the bowl and handle are 
 all one, and lamp chimneys are, of course, used extensively. 
 
 If there is any possibility of export in either glassware or earthenware, the 
 prospective exporter must take into consideration the cost of packing, which must 
 be of a very strong nature owing to the methods of handling freight along the coast 
 of West Africa. The usual packing which is charged for on earthenware shipments 
 is in a cask of such a good quality that it is afterwards used for storing palm oil. It 
 is a 38-inch cask, with strong staves, and five strong iron hoops, never less than 2 inches 
 wide. 
 
 OTHER POSSIBLE CANADIAN EXPORTS 
 
 There are several other lines which will now come under review, in which Canada 
 should secure a good trade conditional on the establishment of a direct and regular 
 ocean freight service. 
 
 Boots and Shoes .—There is nothing to indicate quantity of boots and shoes 
 imported into the several colonies on the West African Coast. Every merchant inter¬ 
 viewed laid stress on the fact that the trade in Coast centres and inland towns has 
 gone ahead very rapidly. Owing to the slump there are in every warehouse or retail 
 store a fair amount of boots and shoes at very high prices, but these will of course 
 be cleared. The general opinion is that the wearing of boots and shoes of some kind 
 will go on increasing with the native population. As things are now, seven out of 
 ten native employees in all warehouses, offices and government departments wear 
 boots and shoes, at least during office or business hours, and many of them as con¬ 
 stantly as the Europeans. 
 
 Samples of boots in demand, in West Africa are on view at the Exhibits and 
 Publicity Bureau, Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. 
 
 In leather goods a boot or shoe with fine appearance, but cheap, would be a big 
 seller. There is also a market, in a better-class boot or shoe—shoe mostly—in fine 
 leather (at least in appearance) for tops and light soles. Tan and blacks sell equally 
 well. Canvas boots and shoes with sewn chrome sole are fair sellers. A canvas boot or 
 shoe, leather soled and heeled, not sewn but nailed, is a big seller. If at anything like 
 old values, a boot or shoe of this kind, costing about $1.75 to $2, would find a big 
 export trade. Plimsols, or gymnasium shoes, as known in Canada, are big sellers. 
 
 In recent years there has been a good import of boots and shoes from the United 
 States, but under normal conditions the usual source of supply is the English market. 
 It may be well to mention that the quantity sale for ladies’ shoes is very small 
 compared with that of men’s. 
 
 Bags, Suitcases, Trunks and Attache Cases .—Attache cases of the cheap make are 
 sold in large numbers in many parts of West Africa. Canada should be in a position 
 to quote on these; 14-inch is the big seller. They are nested for export. The greatest 
 number of trunks sold are very specially made metal trunks, and even these eventually 
 give way under weather conditions. Leather bags or trunks are usually of the English 
 variety and are seldom stocked in West Africa. Suit cases' made of fibre board and 
 leather, or similar materials—in other words a cheap suit case—will also sell, and 
 there should be some possibility of supply from Canada. 'Nesting would, of course, 
 be necessary in export. There is a demand for a narrow leather belt with buckles, 
 for men’s wear. The best selling colours are white and khaki. 
 
 Cotton Goods. —Piece-goods from England are of course a great import in all 
 colonies on the West Coast of Africa. The peculiarities of the trade are such that 
 even if Canada were prepared for export in some lines of piece-goods, she could 
 
 27164—3i 
 
36 
 
 DEPARTME^iT OF TRADE AlsW COMMERCE, CAFIADA 
 
 not possibly hope to compete. There is also a very large import of both /grey and 
 white cottons. The greys are usually of a heavy variety running up to a quality 
 which is used in river work as a sail-cloth. The whites are of every variety, and 
 particular weaves or finish which are purchased in one section of a colony would 
 not be looked,,at in another. The whole of the Coast territory lends itself, in printed 
 goods, to the most extraordinary patterns. As you go north the sale is on plain goods, 
 either white or navy blue. iThe fashion in prints and woven patterns up north is 
 more towards stripes in the brighter hues, but blending perfectly. 
 
 Blanhets .—In both cotton and wool blankets there is a big import of fancy 
 patterns, but there is also a good sale for plain colours with borders, all single size, 
 both grey and white. When Canadian manufacturers are in a position to quote for 
 supply on demand, it is just possible that some of the Canadian blankets in flannelette 
 and wool would And a market, as there are some fairly good qualities of both kinds 
 sold. The bulk, however, is in the cheap make; some Bolton cloth finish, others mere 
 felts, fleecy surface and soft. 
 
 Underwear .—The sale for men’s undershirts, or what is known to the trade in 
 West Africa as singlets, is very large. While cotton undervests lead in quantity, 
 it will be surprising to many Canadians to know that light-weight wool undershirts sell 
 in very large quantities. The trade is peculiar, and varies according to locality. One 
 district insists on long sleeves and buttoned in front with four buttons—any number 
 less or more would kill the sale in that locality; other sections insist on an undervest 
 with short or long sleeves, but it must be made with sweater neck effect, no opening 
 down front—a pull on. One district insists on bright colours such as yellow, sky 
 blue or strawberry—these are for cotton undervests only—the majority handle one or 
 two colours, but the great proportion is white or natural. 
 
 Some samples of underwear are on view at the Exhibits and Publicity Bureau, 
 Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. 
 
 There are several types of material used such as Balbriggan finish, ribbed effect, 
 and open mesh, and these are popular. Eleece-lined undervests in khaki, blue, and 
 grey, are favoured in some localities. 
 
 In cotton goods there is also a sale for a pull-over cotton jersey, used by many 
 natives as a shirt. This is a heavier make than the undervest described above; white 
 and colours are sellers. There is also a sale, not large, for pull-over wool sweaters 
 and coat sweater. All lines of vests costing at manufacturers from $1.50 to $12 
 a dozen, find a sale, but the great bulk is for the cheaper article. There is also a 
 sale for the short bathing drawers. Colours of all kinds are in demand. In cotton 
 goods cheap lines are sold. 
 
 Sox and Hosiery .—There is a large import of white cotton and cashmere sox, and 
 very large shipments of plain black cotton and cashmere are made. Eancy patterns 
 are sellers, as well as the checked, in cotton, lisle and cashmere. Men’s cycling or 
 golf stockings are sold in quantity; these must be very fancy in pattern. There is 
 a limited sale in women’s hosiery, and a fair demand in cotton vests. 
 
 Clothing .—The sale of ready-made clothing is making slow progress on account 
 of the great number of native tailors. There is some demand for white and khaki 
 denims and duck trousers, turned up at the bottom and a good sale for what is known 
 as “ shorts ”—that is knee-length khaki trousers—and sports coats. In overalls the 
 market is limited. In smocks the two colours handled are brown and navy. 
 
 Shirts .—There is a large sale for shirts of all kinds, striped negligee shirts with 
 turned-up soft cuff, white soft, both dress and sports are popular. There is a big sale 
 in the latter, and a large proportion is sold with collar attached. In some districts 
 there is a demand for the black top shirt, and generally there is a good market for 
 the open-neck khaki shirt sold in combination with ‘‘ shorts ”—men’s trousers for 
 bush work. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 37 
 
 Whitewear and Dresses. —There is a limited import of ladies’ lingerie, in white 
 lawns, nainsook and cotton goods; and in cotton dresses and serge costumes as well 
 as blouses. 
 
 Waterproof Clothing. —There is a large sale for the ordinary cravenette, serge 
 or tweed waterproof coats. They must be at a fairly cheap price, and all seams sown. 
 Black rubber, well ventilated, meets with a fair sale. Oiled silk, or linen, waterproofs 
 are in fair demand. 
 
 Umbrellas. —There is an unusually large sale for umbrellas, 95 per cent with the 
 crook handle. In Gambia, Sierra Leone, and most parts of the Gold Coast, the 
 ordinary black umbrella is in demand. A good value line at about $9 to $12 a dozen 
 would find a big market; cheaper lines are sold in quantity. There is a large demand 
 for the better-grade goods up to $24 a dozen; and some sale for white sunshades, with 
 green lining. On some parts of the Coast, and in almost every centre of Nigeria, 
 the larger the number of ribs there are in an umbrella the better the sale will be. 
 Nothing with less than ten ribs will sell, and many are imported having twelve and 
 fourteen ribs. The umbrella imports are almost all for the native trade. 
 
 Some idea of the possibilities of this trade are shown by the figures for the first 
 eleven months of 1920 in the imports of Nigeria, which were to a total of 132,098 
 sunshades at a value of £35,462. The United Kingdom controls this trade. Shipments 
 from other countries are almost nil. 
 
 Yarns. —There is, of course, a big import of sewing threads, but also in large 
 quantities of cotton yarns and twists, for native weaving, sold in reds, yellows, green, 
 black and white. They are usually in -|-pound hanks, size No. 16. This is not a 
 carpet yarn; it is a very much finer grade for cloth weaving. Samples are on view 
 at the Exhibits and Publicity Bureau, Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. 
 In yarns alone, Nigeria’s imports for year 1918 amounted to 394,010 pounds, of 
 which 393,777 pounds came from the United Kingdom. Eor the first eleven months 
 of 1920, Nigeria imported 10,486,673 reels of thread and yarn valued at over a million 
 dollars. 
 
 Paper. —There is a very limited import of newsprint into West Africa. All papers 
 used are flat and include quite a proportion of coloured paper. The newsprint 
 interests of Canada should keep in constant touch with the Crown Ag-ents, 4, Mill- 
 bank, Westminster, London, England, as they must purchase a good quantity for 
 Colonial Government purposes. 
 
 Wrapping Paper .—There is very little imported. It is just possible that this is 
 a trade that will make good progress, and it would be advisable to send samples. Part 
 of the limited shipments of wrapping pai)er is in rolls. At the present time ten tons 
 annually would be a very big import for any one of the leading warehouses. 
 
 Paper Bags. —These were in evidence in extremely small quantities, and in two 
 places only. Although the natives carry all purchases as a head load, be it a thimble 
 or a 56-pound case of nails, quite a few of the general agents for the business houses 
 on the Coast are of the opinion that they will begin using paper bags fairly freely in 
 the not very distant future. 
 
 Stationery. —Writing paper, more especially foolscap, ruled and unruled, is a big 
 selling line. These are usually packed 25 reams to a case. There is also a demand for 
 a writing paper 32 x 34 and 9^ x 14-inch, ruled. There is a very big import of 
 writing pads and envelopes. Samples of leading lines have been sent to the Exhibits 
 and Publicity Bureau in Ottawa. - 
 
 Toilet Paper. —There is a good import of toilet paper, in pads as well as rolls.. 
 
 Wallpaper. —The only colony showing a possible interest in wallpaper, and that 
 in a limited way, is Sierra Leone. 
 
38 
 
 DEPARTME'NT OF TRADE COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Typewriters. —One Canadian line is represented on the Coast, for which there is 
 a fair sale. The government departments of the several colonies do, of co-nrse use a 
 great number of typewriters, and as in many offices there is every need for new 
 machines. This should be a fair line of import into West Africa for some time to 
 come. 
 
 Drugs, Patent Medicines, Chemicals, Disinfectants and Perfumery. —Most of the 
 drugs imported into West Africa are by Government for district doctors and hospitals. 
 The lines for retail purposes are mostly proprietary articles and patent medicines 
 If a patent medicine does perchance suit the native taste or requirements, there is an 
 assured and a constantly growing trade. Advertising of some kind is necessary, sucli 
 as posters or metal signs at corners or cross-roads. The manufacturers of the best 
 selling lines ship booklets and pamphlets to the general dealers, telling about the 
 wonderful properties of their remedies; these are also illustrated, showing the condi¬ 
 tion before treatment and the after effects. If a line of patent medicine secured a 
 reputation as a rejuvenator, it would be a big seller, and at a good price. In other 
 words, a medicine in the form of a tonic, such as one remembers being inflicted on the 
 Canadian public thirty or forty years ago, is the stuff that usually sells. There is, of 
 course, a sale for proprietary lines. 
 
 There is a good sale for disinfectants, mostly of English manufacture. They 
 are nearly always made up in small parcels, either in tins or bottles. Perfumery is 
 sold in large quantities, and it is surprising to see the very high prices paid by some 
 natives for the highest grade goods. The imports are in both glass bottles and metal 
 containers. The cheaper grades are in the big selling lines. 
 
 Tobacco. —The import of cigarettes is large and of cigars small; The leaf tobacco 
 brought in is the quantity-and-value article. The leaf tobacco in demand varies; 
 in one district a light brown, in another very dark. It is usually “loaded,” or cured 
 with some foreign substance and is, of course, for native consumption only. There 
 are enormous stocks on the Coast at last year’s prices, yet there was a fair amount 
 of buying being done at prices ruling at the date of writing, to average up cost. 
 
 The style of packing varies; cases being of 64, 100, 200 and 400 pounds. The 
 hogshead iDackings vary; in one district 800 pounds (a full hogshead) is the largest 
 imported, and half a hogshead of 400 pounds, while other districts will purchase 
 1,200 pounds hogshead. The width of hogshead is usually 56 inches and flat shaped. 
 The leaf should work out at twelve to fifteen leaves to the pound. Leaf tobacco 
 imports into Nigeria alone for 1920 amounted to 40,210 pounds, valued at £10,004, 
 and the manufactured to 9,104,066 pounds, valued at £837,924. 
 
 Tennis Racquets. —There is a very good trade in tennis racquets, not too lightly 
 strung, and tarred, or what is known as the tropical gut. The article of English 
 manufacture is the big seller, and is nearly all from one source of supply. 
 
 Rules. —A large number of natives are users of measuring rules. There are, of 
 course, several kinds which are good lines, but the big seller for the native is a foot- 
 rule, four-fold, inch wide. 
 
 Boot Polish and Cleanser. —The market for boot and shoe polish of all colours, 
 and the white shoe cleanser, is fair. Sets in tin boxes are sold freely. At the moment 
 almost all importation is from the United Kingdom. 
 
 Furniture Polish. —There is a fairly good importation of furniture polish. 
 
 Combs. —There is a good sale of combs, which must be heavy-toothed and very 
 strong. Amber colour is the best seller. 
 
 Brooms and Brushware. —There is some sale for cheap scrubs, cheap and medium- 
 priced whitewash or distemper brushes, and a fair sale for paint brushes. With the 
 exception of a few imported by government departments, very few of the better quality 
 are sold. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ttS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 39 
 
 For the gold mines on the Gold Coast there is some importation of the ordinary 
 corn broom, long handle. The mines also bring in a special broom; the length of 
 fibre is 10 inches to 12 inches, 2^ inches thick, and 8 inches wide, short handles, and 
 usually steel or covered handle.—There is also a trade for what is called a “spoke 
 brush,” 14 inches long. 
 
 Cotton Carders. —A cotton carder for native use is imported in fair quantities. 
 It is made on a wooden frame, 10 inches by 4 inches with 5-inch handle. The carder 
 on the 10 inch by 4 inch frame is made from galvanized iron. 
 
 Cordage. —The big importation in this line is for fishermen’s nets, and very large 
 quantities are used. A sample of the twine used has been sent to the Exhibits and 
 Publicity Bureau, Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa. There is a limited 
 sale of manilla cordage imported by the mines and for river transport, and some 
 importation—not large—^by the general importers. Cordage for river boats is 
 consigned in fairly good quantities for Gambia, Sierra Leone, and throughout Nigeria. 
 
 Corsets. —There is only a very small market for corsets in West Africa except 
 at Dakar, French Senegal, where the importation, although not large, is about as much 
 as for the balance of the Coast. France and the United Kingdom are the sources of 
 supply. 
 
 Cameras. —Recently there has been a more active endeavour to overcome the 
 handicap imposed by climatic conditions in the use of cameras, and there is now a 
 better demand, but it is still very limited except at ‘Sierra Leone, where they seem to 
 do better than in any other part of the Coast. 
 
 Eye-glasses {Optical Goods). —With the exception of an odd dozen assorted first 
 and second aids, which are usually handled by the native dealers, there is no importa¬ 
 tion of eye glasses. When required, they are usually ordered from England. 
 
 Gunpowder. —There is a very large importation in some districts of 18-pound 
 kegs only, while other districts take, in addition, 2, 4 and 8-pound kegs. The powder 
 is fairly coarse, showing the grain. Black is the nearest description of the colour. 
 
 Hat^ and Caps. —There is a big sale for men’s soft felts, all shapes, and a constant 
 demand at all points for helmets, which are being taken up by many of the natives. 
 No hard hats are sold. Caps should be of the brightest patterns. A knitted cap along 
 the lines of the woollen Canadian “toque” finds a very big sale, and the knitted cap 
 as worn by ladies, with the turned-up edge, and fitting fairly close to the head, is 
 worn a great deal by the natives. This is a line on which an effort should be made 
 in the cheaper grades of knitted toque or caps. 
 
 Ink. — There is a good sale of ink in small bottles. Powder and tabloid inks are a 
 possibility, but are not encouraged b;^ importers. 
 
 Jewellery. —The supplies are ohiefiy of Birmingham origin, and most of the sale 
 is to the natives. The real gold jewellery is nearly all of native workmanship, and in 
 some districts most remarkable work is turned out. 
 
 Lightning Conductors. —In many sections, more particularly inland, lightning 
 conductors are used, and they seem to be more in the hands of contractors than of the 
 general importer. The general opinion is that they will be used in greater numbers 
 as time goes on. 
 
 Matches. —There is a very big import of matches (safety only) into West Africa. 
 On account of the moisture (damp), the packing must protect contents. Some import 
 packing is in paper packets of 12 boxes, 12 packets to a parcel and 12 parcels in a tin- 
 lined case; the lining is very light. The majority of districts import in 8-gross to a 
 tin packet (very thin metal), 6 tin packets to a case. 
 
 Mica Sheets. —The mines in Tarquah, Gold Coast, import mica sheets, 2^ inches 
 by 1^ inches and 6 inches by 3 inches, all ^-inch. There is also a market for micanite 
 sheets 24 inches by 18 inches. I ' I ■ ! ■ 'i ' 
 
40 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Oilcloth, Table and Floor .—There are fair importations of table oilcloth, and, in 
 some districts, of floor oilcloth and cheap linoleum. The colours are either the natural 
 wood block effect or bright colours, reds and greens being favourites. Nearly all 
 imports are in 2-yard widths. 
 
 Pipes, Clay .—There is a very fair importation of clay smoking pipes. The 
 selling line has a curved stem; that is the best pattern. Pipes are also made of dark 
 clay or dipped in some solution to darken them. 
 
 Eibbons .—There is a good sale of ribbons, mostly for lingerie, sashes and hair. 
 
 West African Railways and Requirements 
 
 On the Nigerian railways, Canada is in evidence with coal and other trucks; on 
 the Eastern Division and on the Western Division with locomotives made in Montreal. 
 
 There was very little trouble, except some poor riveting, with the Canadian 
 locomotives. They were received at a critical time, when traffic congestion was very 
 bad, and non-delivery of earlier orders to English manufacturers had made almost 
 insurmountable the accumulation of freight for ocean traffic, or export. The Cana¬ 
 dian made locomotives not only relieved the situation, but when consideration is given 
 to the rush work on them in order to secure prompt delivery and the strain imposed on 
 them by overwork and steam demand for extra speed and pull, one does not wonder 
 at the wholehearted recognition by the engineers, and others, as to their standard of 
 quality. 
 
 The Nigerian railways have an operating mileage of over 1,126 miles, which car¬ 
 ried over 600,000 tons of traffic in 1919, and 1,109,095 passengers. All this traffic 
 was handled, with limited hauling power and a shortage of rolling stock on a 3 foot 6 
 inch gauge railway, with the exception of’ 143 miles, which is only 2 foot 6 inch gauge. 
 The management of the railways it is easy to see, is experienced, able, resourceful and 
 progressive. The Nigerian railways with all other railways have suffered during the 
 war years in shortage of operating officials, as much as in shortage of equipment. Par¬ 
 ticulars of the larger requirements for the immediate future, on locomotives and rolling 
 stock were cabled to the department early in January last, and are repeated here:— 
 
 On the Western Nigerian Line — Locomotives — 
 
 Estimated cost 
 
 10 Main line heavy goods locomotives.£12i0.000 
 
 15 Emir F type. 12'7,500' 
 
 3 Main Hne passenger tanks. 21,000 
 
 6 Shunting Iddo A type. 30,000 
 
 On the Eastern Line — 
 
 10 Aro type locomotives. 105,000 
 
 2 Main line passenger tanks. 14,000 
 
 On the Western Line — 
 
 55 Passenger coaches, 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. 300,000 
 
 On the Eastern Line — 
 
 43 Passenger coaches. 1st. 2nd and 3rd class. ^ . 229,500 
 
 On the Western Line — 
 
 200 Low-sided hogys, 25 ton. 160,000 
 
 100 High-sided steel wagons, 25 ton. 110,000 
 
 On the Eastern Line — 
 
 50 Covered goods bogy trucks, 20 tons. 75,000 
 
 1 2i5-ton travelling stearrij crane. 6,500 
 
 On the Western Line — 
 
 6 Cranes, 5-ton, travelling.each 2,000 
 
 Some 417 miles of 60 pound rail are to be purchased, and 120 miles of 80 pound 
 rails. 
 
 The Railway Department is open, from time to time, on c.i.f. cargo quotations 
 of lumber. The quotations should be made direct to the General Manager of Nigerian 
 Railways at Lagos, Nigeria, and to the Crown Agents, 4 Millbank Street, Westminster 
 London, England. 
 
WEST AFRICA AiN'D ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 41 
 
 Timber for railways is usually ordered in the following sizes and quality:— 
 
 1 
 
 inch 
 
 by 
 
 12 
 
 inches.. 
 
 1^’ 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 a 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 tt 
 
 2i 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 ti 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 a 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 t( 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 tt 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 a 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 tt 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 t% 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 tt 
 
 41 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 6' 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 4 # 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 tt 
 
 h 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 tt 
 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 it 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 16' 
 
 • t 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 tt 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 tt 
 
 
 
 
 4i| 
 
 tt 
 
 
 
 
 6i^ 
 
 ft 
 
 1 
 
 * ( 
 
 ti 
 
 4 
 
 tt 
 
 
 
 
 4J 
 
 tt 
 
 
 
 
 61 
 
 tt 
 
 li 
 
 (t 
 
 tt 
 
 6i 
 
 tt 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 5,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 1,500 
 
 1,500 
 
 1,500 
 
 1,500 
 
 6100 
 
 1.500 
 600 
 
 1,0-00 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,40-0 
 
 1,50-0' 
 
 900’ 
 
 600 
 
 18 
 
 3,500' 
 
 6,00-0 
 
 20,000 
 
 2,400 
 
 2,400 
 
 2,400 
 
 6,000 
 
 2,4'0’0' 
 
 2,400 
 
 2,400- 
 
 5,0'00 
 
 6.000 
 
 3.500 
 
 feet 
 
 i i 
 (< 
 a 
 
 ti 
 
 a 
 
 i t 
 
 « 
 
 a 
 
 i t 
 
 a 
 
 li 
 
 “ Lengths not less than 33 feet 
 
 < i 
 << 
 
 << 
 
 No. 3'3 foot lengths 
 
 feet T. and G. 
 
 << (< 
 
 “ Matchboarding 
 “ T. and G. 
 
 < < 
 
 n << 
 
 » 
 
 “ fin lengths not less 
 “ ^ than 15 feet. 
 
 “ [T. and G. 
 
 “ T. and G. 
 
 << it 
 
 *( << 
 
 As with almost every item of supply to the Crown Colonies, the railway purchases 
 are usually made by the Crown Agents at 4 Millbank 'Street, London, England, when 
 necessary in consultation with their consulting engineers in England. 
 
 The Canadian companies able to tender and compete for this class of trade should 
 keep in touch with the Crown Agents, and when not represented in England, a special 
 request should be made to be placed on the mailing list, so that they may be advised 
 of tenders. In addition to all catalogues and quotations made to the Crown Agents 
 in London, similar particulars should be submitted to the General Storekeeper of the 
 'Nigerian Kailways, at Lagos, and the General Mianager at the same address. 
 
 The following is a list of articles handled by the Chief Kailway Storekeeper, in 
 fair and good quantities, on which some Canadian firms should be able to quote to 
 advantage, providing, of course, regular shipping is established:— 
 
 Adzes, asbestos, augers, axes. 
 
 Bars, (crowO- Belting: raw hide |-inch to 2i-inch single, 2|-inch to 4-inch 
 double. Bits or drills, |-inch to 1-inch. Bolts: countersunk, square neck |-inch by 
 4i-inch and ^-inch by 4J-inch; round neck ^-inch and f-inch by 2-inch, with forged 
 feathers in f-inch from 2?-inch to 13-inch; cup-head 4-inch from 5|-inch to 7-inch, 
 in f-inch from 5;l-inch to Qf-inch; cup-head, square neck f-inch by Gf-inch and 7-inch, 
 f-inch from 51:-inch to 8-f-inch; H.R.H. |-inch from 1-inch to 3-inch in f-inch from 
 1-inch to 7-inch, in f-inch from If-inch to 8-inch, in f-inch from If to 2f-inch, in 
 f-inch from 3-inch to 15-inch, in f-inch from l|-inch to 14f-inch, in |-inch by 3-inch, 
 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, 7-inch and 10-inch, in 1-inch by 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, G-inch, 
 9-inch, 12-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch, in If-inch by 4f-inch and G-inch; in galvanized f-inch 
 by |-inch. Bolts, square head, round neck, f-inch by 4f-inch and 4f-inchy 1-inch by 
 4|-inch, 5-inch by 9|-inch, f-inch by 20-inch and 23-inch. Brass rods, round, yellow 
 metal If-inch, 2-inch and 3-inch. Brass sheet tV-inch, f-inch and j-inch in sheets 
 6 feet by 3 feet. Brushware; Buckets (galvanized). 
 
 Carpenters’ tools, all kinds. Calcium carbide, casement fasteners (iron and 
 brass); casement stays (brass), 10-inch and 12-inch. Cement (big stocks), lightning 
 conductors (plates 3-feet by 3-feet by fii-inch). Copper ingot; copper plate 4-feet 
 6-inches by 2-feet by Vs-inch, 4-feet by 6-feet by f-inch and Ve-inch. 
 
42 
 
 DEPARTMEI^T OF TRADE AED COMMERCE, CAEADA 
 
 Detonators (for signals and blasting). Distemper (white, dark stain and sage 
 green). Drills (twist), is-inch and i-inch straight shank and from ^-inch in six 
 sizes to 2^-inch, Morse taper shanks. Duck (for tents, roofing, etc.) 
 
 Emery cloth (discs and powder). Emery wheels for grinder, piston and cutter, 
 saw-sharpening tool machines, twist drill machines. Engine spares (all kinds). 
 
 Felt roofing; fencing wire; files (all kinds), flat bastard 14-inch and 16-inch, half 
 round bastard’14-inch and 16-inch (biggest stocks). Furniture (such as iron beds 
 with spring mattresses 6 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 6 inches) ; chairs (Bentwood) ; tables 
 (kitchen and dining and others). Grindstones: 24-inch biggest stock, some 42-inch 
 and few 48-inch, some with and without troughs. 
 
 Hammers of all kinds. Handles: cabinet brass 2-i-inch, 3-inch and 4-inch; door 
 brass 4|-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch; drawer brass, 2-inch, 2i-inch, 3-inch and 4-inch; 
 handles for adzes, axes, brooms, pickaxes (big stock), shovels and spades (fair stock). 
 Hinges, hasps, staples and furniture metal of all kinds suitable for railway carriages. 
 
 Iron, corrugated, galvanized, 20-gauge; iron, curved, galvanized, 20-gauge; 
 iron, flat, in all sizes from i-inch to 1-inch up by 4-inch; iron plate, plain, 6-feet by 
 
 3- feet by -fe-inch, -^-inch, i%-inch, 1-inch, flj-inch, f-inch, ^-inch, f-inch and |-inch; 
 iron, round, from l-inch to 3-inch; iron, square, 1-inch to 4-inch. 
 
 Jacks to lift 4, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ton. 
 
 Lamps of all kinds for railway purposes and lanterns. Lead, pig and sheet. 
 Locks, all kinds (greater quantity brass), also galvanized padlocks (3-inch being 
 biggest stock). 
 
 Machine tools and spares. 
 
 Hails, clasp, 1-inch to 6-inch about 2-inch and 3-inch; copper 11-inch and 2-inch, 
 cut 1-inch to 5-inch; galvanized roofing 11-inch, 2-inch and 22-inch. Hail spikes, 
 l|-inch to 12-inch; nails, spike dog, 21-inch to 4-inch; nails, copper, 1-inch to 1-inch; 
 nails, wire, 1-inch to 7-inch (21-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch biggest stock). 
 Huts (bright), 1-inch to 6-inch; hexagon for bolts, screwed, 1-inch, -fk-inch, |-inch and 
 1-inch up to ll-inch; square, black, screwed, from 1-inch to 11-inch. (All bolts and 
 nuts English standard and thread). 
 
 Oil, all kinds: linseed boiled (big stock), raw (fair stock). 
 
 Packing, asbestos cord and rope up to 1-inch. Paints all kinds, principally big- 
 stocks: brown finish (liquid), stone colour (liquid), lead colour (liquid), green (for 
 machinery), anti-fouling composition. Permanent-way fittings, switch spares, pipe 
 fittings, bend and cap, galvanized, from f-inch to 4-inch; elbows (right-handed 
 bends) -J-inch to 4-inch elbow square f-inch to 4-inch; flanges, f-inch to 4-inch; 
 nipples, f-inch to 4-inch; nipple barrel, f-inch to 4-inch; plugs, f-inch to 4- 
 inch; sockets, ^-inch to 4-inch; tees, ,4-inch by J-inch to 4-inch by 4-inch, 
 full range reducing to 4-inch by 3j-inch; steam pipes and fittings, pipes, 
 15-foot length, 3-inch and 12-foot lengths 1-inch; bends, caps, elbows, flanges and 
 plugs to match (all pipes with screwed ends and sockets, English standard and thread). 
 Plates, boiler, steel, 6-foot by 3-foot by ^^-inch, ^--inch, i^^-inch, f-inch, ii^^-inch, f-inch, 
 
 4- inch, f-inch, |-inch. 
 
 Rivets in galvanized iron and iron rivets for boiler work, all sizes, from f-inch 
 by 44-inch to -|-inch by 6-inch; mild steel rivets, all sizes, from f-inch by 1-inch to 
 f-inch by 4-inch. Rope, Manilla, from f-inch to 44-inch circumference. 
 
 Saws of all kinds, screws for railway coach work and other galvanized iron, 
 hexagon head and brass all kinds; screw drivers, steel (angle, mild), steel (cast 
 hexagon), steel (mild, round, mild square), steel (tool, flat and round). Stocks, dies, 
 taps and tap wrenches. 
 
 Telegraph material, all kinds. 
 
 Valves, steam, globe, brass screw f-inch to 4-inch, flange f-inch to 4-inch. 
 
WE.^T AFRICA. A'SD ITF, OPPORJ'UXITIES FCR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 43 
 
 Washers, iron, black, ^-inch hole to l|-inch hole. Wedges, steel, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 
 and 8 pounds. 
 
 There are, of course, very many other imports for railways and Government 
 departments. 
 
 GOLD COAST RAILWAYS 
 
 The mean mileage operated on the Gold Coast railways is 269 miles. The 
 number of passengers carried on this mileage in 1919 was 1,223,596, an increase of 
 378,126 over the previous year. The actual gross tonnage moved was 348,444 tons, 
 an increase of 30,705 tons over the previous year. There will be no demand for rails 
 for some time to come; the requirements have been contracted for and deliveries 
 fiiade from the Southern States. 
 
 There may be some demand for rolling stock, hut it will not be special for some 
 time, as orders placed during the war are now being delivered. Samples of railway 
 quality Douglas fir timber would be appreciated by the management. In a special 
 way the railways are open to contract for the supply of coal, cement, nails, and 
 building material such as building board, asbestos sheets, roofing metal; also for a 
 quality of felt roofing suitable for the tropics. 
 
 ! SIERRA LEOXE RAILWAYS 
 
 The total mileage of the railways of Sierra Leone is 354 miles, and all 2-foot 
 6-inch gauge. Owing to the clearance of accumulation and no produce offering, there 
 is very little freight moving on this railway, and the passenger trade has fallen con¬ 
 siderably. The management have an extended programme in view for relaying 
 tracks and for a few new coaches. Estimates will have to be passed before any action 
 can he taken, but it may be presumed that all necessary work will be proceeded with, 
 and if so there will be a fair demand for cement, corrugated iron, steel for roofs, 
 machine tools (about $17,000), 10 freight breaker vans, 10 covered freight cars, 475 
 tons British standard 30-x>ound rails 30 feet long, 440 tons British standard steel 
 sleepers, 4 tons fishplate bolts, and 5 tons rail keys, also 3,500 pairs of fishplates. 
 
 TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE MATERL4LS 
 
 The whole telegraph and telephone system throughout the four British colonies 
 ' is founded on British practice and British Government standards, wfith British 
 engineers and officials in charge of these services. Canadian manufacturers who are 
 in a position to tender and supply on demand to the several governments on the 
 Coast should make application to the Crown Agents, 4 Millbank street, "Westminster, 
 London, England. 
 
 British West African Exports 
 
 Nigeria’s total export for 1920 was to a value of £16,695,880, showing an increase 
 over 1919 of almost two million pounds, and an increase over 1913 of more than 
 seven million pounds sterling. The oil-producing nuts, and cocoanuts, account for 
 more than twelve million sterling of this total export. Tin ore shipments in 1920 
 were valued at £1,785,724. 
 
 A comparison of previous annual shipments will hardly be of value, but the 
 following statement showing quality and value of principal articles exported from 
 Nigeria in 1920 should prove of interest, as it brings home the many lines xported from 
 this part of the British Empire. It is true that during the early part of 1920 the quan¬ 
 tities shipped were greater than usual, and values much higher than they had ever 
 been; but, on the other hand, during the second half of the year the prices had 
 dropped very materially. The value is not so much a consideration as ability to 
 ship quantity, and for this reason the quantity statistics will be useful to Canadian 
 readers, and more particularly to manufacturers who buy the raw materials from 
 other sources of supply. 
 
44 
 
 DEPARTME't^T OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 EXPORTS OF NIGERIA FOR THE YEAR 1920 
 
 Articles 
 
 Quantity- 
 
 Animals, living. 
 
 Benniseed. 
 
 Beeswax. 
 
 Calabashes. 
 
 Cocoa. 
 
 Cocoanuts. 
 
 Coffee. 
 
 Coma. 
 
 Corn and maize.’ 
 
 Cotton lint. 
 
 Cotton seed. 
 
 Cotton goods (native). 
 
 Ginger. 
 
 Ground nuts. 
 
 Gutta percha. 
 
 Gum arable. 
 
 Gum copal. 
 
 Hides (tanned). 
 
 Hides (untanned). 
 
 Horns. 
 
 Ivory. 
 
 Kola nuts. 
 
 Ostrich feathers. 
 
 Palm oil. 
 
 Palm kernels. 
 
 Paim kernel cake. 
 
 Palm kernel oil. 
 
 Piassawa fibre. 
 
 Potash. 
 
 Provisions. 
 
 Rubber... 
 
 Shea butter. 
 
 Shea nuts. 
 
 Skins— 
 
 (a) Goat skins, undressed., 
 
 (&) Sheep skins, undressed.. .. 
 
 (c) Goat and sheepskins, dressed 
 
 Tin ore. 
 
 Wood and timber—mahogany logs. . . 
 Other articles. 
 
 Nos, 
 
 . Ton 
 
 t i 
 
 • Nos. 
 .Cwt. 
 .Nos. 
 Cwt. 
 
 . Tons 
 Pieces 
 . .Tons 
 
 ft 
 
 .. L/bs. 
 
 . .Nos. 
 << 
 
 ti 
 
 . .Cwt. 
 
 Central 
 
 . .Tons 
 
 tt 
 
 H 
 
 Cwt. 
 
 . .Lbs. 
 
 ..Tons 
 
 , Nos. 
 (< 
 
 tt 
 
 Tons 
 
 328 
 
 1,150 
 
 7 
 
 24,400 
 
 343,100 
 
 4,2'0'0 
 
 2'6 
 
 4,456 
 
 14,3^7 
 
 6'5,147 
 
 40’3 
 
 2i86 
 
 6 
 
 45,409 
 
 242' 
 
 1,338,049 
 
 4,8'67 
 
 15,440 
 
 346,996 
 
 ’21I6 
 
 2,914 
 
 84.85'6 
 
 207,010 
 
 1,005. 
 
 3,493 
 
 161 
 
 2,060 
 
 1,101,873 
 
 531 
 
 9,3'75 
 
 1,849,103 
 
 53,3'62 
 
 447,5155 
 
 7,913 
 
 9.77'6< 
 
 Value 
 £ 1,905 
 
 15,789 
 797 
 1,3216 
 1,237,538 
 35 
 85 
 8,'557 
 11,267 
 . 71'6,733 
 55,594 
 129 
 142 
 1,119,688 
 1,182 
 10,992 
 98 
 7,12i7 
 236,948 
 142 
 I0,89i5 
 5,038 
 6,788 
 4,1677,444' 
 5,717,980 
 7,171 
 136,158 
 3,165 
 4,508 
 14,324 
 57,044 
 21,741 
 100,790 
 
 419,336 
 
 10,429 
 
 100,781 
 
 1,785,724 
 
 139,72'6 
 
 61,764 
 
 Total 
 
 £16,696,880 
 
 EXPORTS FROM THE GOLD COAST FOR 1920 
 
 The total value of exports from the Gold Coast for 1920 was £12,352,207, showing 
 an increase over 1919 of £1,438,0‘32, and of £7,779,282: over 1918. As with Nigeria, 
 in oil nuts or its produce, the Gold Coast has at present one article of export, the 
 cocoa nut, which forms the great hulk of overseas shipments. The cocoa export for 
 1920 was valued at over ten million sterling; the quantity exported dropped from 
 176,000 tons in 1919 to 124,774 tons in 1920. There are other exports from the Gold 
 Coast which should be interesting "bo Canadian manufacturers, more particularly 
 mahogany and manganese ore; the latter will increase very largely to the .United 
 States. 
 
 As the purpose of this report is to show the sources of supply and ability to pro¬ 
 duce, the following table in reference to Gold Coast shipments overseas during 1920 
 is submitted:— 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 45 
 
 Principal Articles of Export for the Year 1920—showing .countries to which same 
 
 were exported 
 
 Countries to which exported 
 
 Quantity 
 
 , Tons 
 
 55,819 
 
 5,068 
 
 15,096 
 
 18,822 
 
 26,487 
 
 124,774 
 
 Articles 
 Cocoa — 
 
 United Kingdom. . 
 
 Germany. 
 
 Holland. 
 
 France. 
 
 United States. . . . 
 
 Total exports. 
 
 Kola Nuts — 
 
 United Kingdom. Total.Uhs. 168,892 
 
 Nigeria.“ 16,020,144 
 
 Total exports. “ 16,203,851 
 
 Copra — 
 
 United Kingdom.Tons 
 
 Total. “ 
 
 Cotton, rate — 
 
 United Kingdom 
 Gold and Gold Dust — 
 
 United Kingdom. Total.Ozs. 
 
 Aiiriferodes By-Products — 
 
 United Kingdom. Total.Lbs. 
 
 Diamonds — 
 
 United Kingdom. Total.Carats 
 
 Gudnea Grains — 
 
 United Kingdom.Lbs. 
 
 Total exports.“ 
 
 Gum Copal — 
 
 United Kingdom.“ 
 
 United States. “ 
 
 Total.Lbs- 
 
 39'6' 
 
 427 
 
 25,394 
 
 230,5'05 
 
 44,557 
 
 102 
 
 18,310 
 
 1'8,534 
 
 7,57© 
 
 76,560 
 
 84,136 
 
 ti 
 
 tt 
 
 it 
 
 632 
 
 620 
 
 678 
 
 1,935 
 
 Total exoorts.. 
 
 Ivory — 
 
 United Kingdom. 
 
 France. . i. 
 
 Nigeria. 
 
 Total exports. ... 
 
 Lumber (native timber )— 
 
 United Kingdom.Sup. feet 5,731,527 
 
 United States. “ 15,845,087 
 
 Total exports. “ 21,620,513 
 
 Ores, Manganese — 
 
 United Kingdom.Tons 
 
 vUnited States.•. “ 
 
 18,580 
 
 25,030 
 
 Total.“ 
 
 Total exports. 
 
 Ores', Tin — 
 
 United Kingdom. 
 
 Palm Kernels — 
 
 United Kingdom. “ 
 
 Holland. “ 
 
 Total exports.“ 
 
 Palm Oil — 
 
 United Kingdom...Gals. 
 
 United States.. 
 
 Holland. 
 
 H 
 
 tt 
 
 Total exports. “ 
 
 Rubber — 
 
 United Kingdom.Lbs. 
 
 United States. . •.“ 
 
 43,610 
 
 3 
 
 6,774 
 
 828 
 
 7,664 
 
 834,832 
 
 64,775 
 
 48,005 
 
 947,612 
 
 279,697 
 
 19,48'3 
 
 299,180 
 
 Value 
 
 £4,481,502 
 
 354,011 
 
 1,075,512 
 
 1,5'61,201 
 
 2,243,848 
 
 £10,056,298 
 
 £ 3,433 
 
 448,342- 
 £452,245 
 
 £16,37'5 
 
 17,561' 
 
 1,309 
 
 889,248 
 
 11,423 
 
 365 
 
 527 
 
 530 
 
 146 
 
 2,633 
 
 £2,779 
 
 326 
 
 219 
 
 320 
 
 £866 
 
 86,390 
 
 254,519 
 
 £342,115 
 
 27,887 
 
 40,132 
 
 £68,019 
 
 86 
 
 193,06'3 
 
 27,789 
 
 £222,467 
 
 93,142 
 
 10,480 
 
 10,462 
 
 £114,084 
 
 26,815 
 
 516 
 
 Total exports...“ 299,180 £27,331 
 
 Other Articles — • , 
 
 Total exports. £ 95,498 
 
 Total value of all articles exported (including bullion and specie) £12,352,207 
 
 EXPORTS OF SIERRA LEONE 
 
 Unfortunately statistics showing the figures of export for a later period than 
 the year 1918 are not available for Sierra Leone. 'Careful inquiry, however, shows 
 
46 
 
 DEPARTME1!^T of trade a^d commerce, caeada 
 
 that during 1919 and 1920, owing to higher prices for the raw materials of the colony, 
 a much greater production and export was in evidence. Palm kernels, which up to 
 the present time have not been of material interest to Canada, are now and have 
 always been the big item of export for Sierra Leone, totalling in 1918 40,816 tons, 
 the average for the five years from 1913 to 1917 being 45,615 tons. The Kola nut— 
 almost all the exports of which are either to other British West African possessions 
 or Trench West AL’ican colonies—is the next best article of export. In 1918 the value 
 exported was £397,726 for 2,302 tons. The average annual shipments over the 
 previous five years were 2,003 tons, valued at £293,291. Palm oil exports from this 
 colony average annually about 525,000 gallons. The other principal exports are ginger, 
 hides, piassawa fibre and African rice. 
 
 EXPORTS OF GAMBIA FOR 1020 
 
 The ground nut, or as it is known in Canada, the “ pea-nut,” is the one large 
 item of export from Gambia. In 1919, out of a total export of £1,229,921 in value 
 (excluding specie), ground nuts accounted for £1,185,255. Other items of export in 
 the order of their value are hides, palm kernels, calabashes, bees wax, piassawa, rubber 
 and timber. 
 
 The following table will show the qantities and values, and the principal coun¬ 
 tries of destination, of the principal articles exported in 1919 and 1920. 
 
 Gambia s Exports for 1919 and 1920 
 
 Articles Countries 
 
 
 Quantity 
 
 Value 
 
 
 
 1919 
 
 1920 
 
 1919 
 
 1920 
 
 Calabashes — 
 
 F'rench Possessions. 
 
 .No. 
 
 1,141 
 
 118 
 
 £ 46 
 
 f 4 
 
 Sierra Leone. 
 
 
 102,502 
 
 48,121 
 
 5,208 
 
 2,643 
 
 Total exports. 
 
 n 
 
 103,643 
 
 48,275 
 
 5,254 
 
 2,649 
 
 Ground Nuts — 
 
 Belgium. 
 
 . . ..Tons 
 
 . • . • 
 
 3,113 
 
 • • • > 
 
 73,186 
 
 Denmark. 
 
 a 
 
 2,894 
 
 719 
 
 52,0'93 
 
 21,459 
 
 France. 
 
 a 
 
 ■ • • • 
 
 10,948 
 
 • • • • 
 
 343,013 
 
 French Possessiops. . . . 
 
 (t 
 
 1,387 
 
 820 
 
 18,416 
 
 20,256 
 
 Sierra Leone. 
 
 tt 
 
 136 
 
 444 
 
 2,894 
 
 12,462 
 
 United Kingdom. 
 
 it 
 
 67,258 
 
 69,1461 
 
 1,099,408 
 
 1,928,068 
 
 Total exports. . 
 
 (< 
 
 71,677 
 
 8’5,1190 
 
 l,172,8'4i3 
 
 2,398,444 
 
 Hides — 
 
 France. . 
 
 
 • • • • 
 
 991 
 
 
 275 
 
 United Kingdom. 
 
 it 
 
 14,205 
 
 16,027 
 
 8,319 
 
 20,850 
 
 Total exports. 
 
 ti 
 
 14,405 
 
 17,018 
 
 8,419 
 
 21,125 
 
 Kola Nuts — 
 
 French Possessions. . . . 
 
 .. ..Cwt. 
 
 33.592 
 
 9,350 
 
 2,071 
 
 1,026 
 
 Total exports . 
 
 << 
 
 33,990 
 
 10,220 
 
 2,111 
 
 1,156 
 
 Palm Kernels — 
 
 United Kingdom. 
 
 
 626 
 
 405 
 
 14,064 
 
 9,350 
 
 Total exports. 
 
 it 
 
 671 
 
 408 
 
 15,324 
 
 9,470 
 
 Wax — 
 
 United Kingdom. Total exports.Lbs. 
 
 7,463 
 
 3.394 
 
 233 
 
 219 
 
 Trade and 
 
 Commerce 
 
 in French 
 
 West 
 
 Africa 
 
 
 As the kind of articles imported into French West Africa are almost identical 
 with those of British West Africa—in fact, many ot the notes made by the writer 
 were secured from the French companies, who were kindness itself—the review of 
 trade and commerce in the French colonies will be more in the nature of comment 
 on the statistics of import and export. 
 
 For the past fifteen years there has been a constant development of trade in 
 French West Africa, exportation increasing each year from 1904 with a total of 
 65,000,000 francs in value, to 1919, when the total value was estimated at 327,785,000 
 
^YEST AFKlCs\ ASD ITE OPFORTUXITIES FOR CAXAIJIAX TRADE 
 
 47 
 
 francs. Roughly, it is safe to say that nine-tenths of these exports were in oil products 
 of some kind. Imports have grown in value during the same years from 90,000,000 
 francs in 1904 to 375,000,00 francs in 1918, but dropping to 313,000,000 francs in 
 1919. Further on in this report quantity exports for 1920 are shown. 
 
 For a better appreciation of the progress of the colonies under the French flag, 
 the following table is submitted showing an average of trade in flve-year periods 
 since 1904. 
 
 Imports. EJxports. Total. 
 
 Years Averag’e annual Average annual Average annual 
 
 Francs Francs Francs 
 
 1904-08. 97,174,000 71,427,000 168,601,00‘0 
 
 1909-13. 141,722,000 119,536,000 261,258,000 
 
 1914-18. 194,646,000 164,712,000 359,358,000 
 
 1919. 313,179,OO'O 327,785,000 640,964,000 
 
 The percentage proportion of trade in each of the colonies comprising French 
 West Africa for 1918 and 1919 is as follows:— 
 
 Imports Exports Total 
 
 Colonies 1918 1919 1918 1919 1918 1919 
 
 Senegal. 79 63 77 62 78 62 
 
 Senegal above Nigeria. . . .^ . . 3 7 2 1 3 4 
 
 French Guinea.6 8 5 7 6 8 
 
 Ivory Coast. 4 8 5 9 4 8 
 
 Dahomey. 8 14 11 21 9 18 
 
 Total. 100 100 100 100 100 100' 
 
 The percentage of the total trade gives some idea of the relative trade of the 
 several colonies. 
 
 The following particulars cover details of trade in each of the five colonies of 
 French West Africa for 1919. Details of import for the full year 1920 are not avail¬ 
 able, but through the good offices of the statistical department at Dakar, the facts 
 regarding exports for that year are also submitted. 
 
 Senegal 
 
 Senegal’s economic and commerclil standing, 1919 
 
 The total trade for 1919 was valued at 110,653,420 francs less than in 1918, when 
 it reached a value of 510,997,287 francs. The imports for 1919 were 198,164,926 francs 
 in value—97,612,930 francs less than 1918; while exports for the previous year were 
 valued at 202,178,941 francs in 1919—a decrease of 13,040,000 francs from the prev¬ 
 ious year. The statistics for 1919 may be taken as nearer the increased normal trade 
 of the colony—those of 1918 being abnormal, owing to the fact that Dakar was a 
 base for convoy work during the intensive submarine campaign of the enemy during 
 the first half of that year. 
 
 The ground nut, or “peanut,” as known in Canada, accounted for a value 
 of more than 124 million francs in the 1919 exports. It is only recently (in February, 
 1920) that a world market has been permitted to the exporter^, who previously were 
 compelled to ship all oil-producing plants in French West Africa to France. The 
 figU7e=^ of quantity and value in ground nut export for this colony indicate clearly the 
 great increase in value. In 1910 the ’total was 227,289 kilogrammes, valued at 
 49,770,741 francs. In 1914 the quantity had increased to 280,526,613 kilogrammes, 
 valued at 69,089,309 francs; while in 1919 the shipments of the nut in the shell totalled 
 172,327,180 kilogrammes, valued at 65,672,766 francs; and decorticated nuts in quan¬ 
 tity were shipped to the total of 75,430,856 kilogrammes valued at 58,874,764 francs— 
 a total value of 124,547,530 francs for 247,768,036 kilogrammes, or 32,758,.ITT kilo¬ 
 grammes less than in 1914. 
 
48 
 
 DErARTilE^^T OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 In Senegal, as in otlier parts of West Africa, owing to keen competition in 1919 
 and 1920 to secure supplies of ground nuts, money then took the place of barter, the 
 former method of purchase. 
 
 Some of the principal lines of import into Senegal during 1919, as compared with 
 1918, are submitted. The following table is restricted to lines of nossible interest to 
 
 Canadian exporters:— 
 Articles 
 
 Provisions, canned or preserved.Lbs. 
 
 Flour. Tons 
 
 Bread or cabin biscuits.Lbs. 
 
 Sugar (all kinds).“ 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. “ 
 
 Tobacco, manufactured. “ 
 
 Lbmber. ..Store’s 
 
 Beer.Gals. 
 
 Building material (not lumber). 
 
 Provisions, canned or preserved 
 
 Flour.. 
 
 Bread or cabin biscuit. 
 
 Sugar (all kinds). 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. 
 
 Tobacco, manufactured. 
 
 Lumber. 
 
 Beer. 
 
 Building material (not lumber) 
 
 1919 
 
 1919 
 
 1918 
 
 1918 
 
 'Quantity 
 
 Value 
 
 Quantity 
 
 Value 
 
 
 Francs 
 
 
 Francs 
 
 247,916 
 
 1,029,034 
 
 176,84'8 
 
 623,-035 
 
 3,7'63,376 
 
 4,739,438 
 
 6,324,642 
 
 5,607,025 
 
 773,027 
 
 1,410,417 
 
 178,935 
 
 244,954 
 
 2,559,416 
 
 4,973,56'0 
 
 7,678,400 
 
 14,792,462 
 
 1,656,223 
 
 7,488,864 
 
 941,68'5 
 
 3,198,62:5 
 
 79,858 , 
 
 920,273 
 
 59,6-016' 
 
 614,867 
 
 5,586,620 
 
 1,479,640 
 
 4,87-5,236 
 
 2,566.443 
 
 364,340 
 
 854,612 
 
 2-80,441 
 
 401,9'92 
 
 7,850,539 
 
 1,530,002 
 
 13,746,543 
 
 1,748,092 
 
 Increase 
 
 Decrease 
 
 71,0i6'8 
 
 4-05,989 
 
 
 
 594,092' 
 
 2,561,26-6 
 
 867,587 
 
 1,165,463 
 
 5,118,984 
 
 9,818,902 
 
 714,538 
 
 4,2-90,239 
 
 3-05,406 
 
 20,252 
 
 711,384 
 
 
 
 
 1,086,803 
 
 83,899 
 
 453,520 
 
 
 5,896,004 
 
 218,-090 
 
 Countries of origin are not shown in the statistical tables of this colony, but 
 inquiries at the Statistical Hureau at Dakar permit of the following remarks in regard 
 to imports. 
 
 In provisions Xorth and South America are credited with the greater portion of 
 the imports of canned meats, but North America holds a very subordinate place 
 in the shipping of canned fish and canned vegetables, as these are nearly all from 
 France and other parts of the Continent of Europe. 
 
 In bread or ‘^cabin” biscuits, during 1918 and 1919 the United States made good 
 headway. At one time the exports from that country were about one-half of those 
 supplied by France, which on this article, for the French colonies, will under normal 
 conditions hold the trade. 
 
 After cotton and wool piece goods, the ‘‘doctored” leaf tobacco, for native use, is 
 one of the most important items of im.port. The United States were the only suppliers 
 in 1919. The bulk of the manufactured tobacco imported into Senegal is from Algeria 
 and France. In beer, the light brands are supplied chiefly in bottles. The greater 
 import was from the United States, the total in 1919 from that country numbering 
 600,000. 
 
 The difference in flour imports between 1918 and 1919 is due to war conditions in 
 the former year, when, as with many other articles, very large quantities were landed 
 for transfer to transport ships and to other countries on the coast. In 1919 about one- 
 third of the trade was with France and the balance with the United States. 
 
 Sugar imports in 1918 were abnormal. The United Kingdom exported in that 
 year supplies, which had been purchased outside the United Kingdom or Europe, to 
 the value of 12,500.000 francs. In 1919 France shipped to Senegal to the value of 
 about 570,000 francs, the United States 3,200,000 francs, and South America 973,000 
 francs. Although Canada is not given credit for it in the returns, there is some 
 (huiadian sugar in stock at Dakar. 
 
 In building materials, pre-war most of the articles such as lime, bricks, tiling, 
 piping and cement, came from Marseilles. Cement formed the greater part of this 
 eutry in 1919, of which 2,152 tons were from France, 2,378 tons from England, and 
 872 tons from the United States. This is a line which should figure very largely for 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 49 
 
 number of years, as, in addition to the Government’s big building programme, there 
 is a strong demand for building materials for warehouses and bungalows of all kinds. 
 
 Some idea of the importance of Dakar as a coaling station is shown by the follow¬ 
 ing table:— 
 
 Coal Im'ports into Dakar, 1011-19 
 
 Year. Tons Year. 
 
 1911 . 215,255 1916.. 
 
 1912 . 277,267 1917.. 
 
 1913 . 312,585 1918. . 
 
 1914 .182',410 1919.. 
 
 1915 . 251,438 
 
 Cottons—which are not shown in the table of principal articles ot interest to 
 Canada given above—are of course the principal import into this colony, as well 
 as into other tropical countries. The imports pre-war into Senegal averaged about 
 18,000,000 francs per annum, while for 1919, on account of increased prices, the value 
 totalled 52,000,000 francs, 12,000,000 of which were from France and her colonies. 
 About three times that amount came from the United Kingdom, and the balance from 
 some European continental countries and the United States. The average annual 
 imports are about 12,000,000 metres of a cloth called ‘‘Guinee,” which is made in 
 French colonies, and is used principally for shawl purposes, in loose garments and 
 head coverings. The balance of cotton imports are estimated at 2,700 tons. 
 
 The principal countries exporting to Senegal in 1918 and 1919 were the United 
 Kingdom, which held first place with, 88,500,000 francs, although her exports in cotton 
 goods fell from 65,500,000 francs in 1918 to 41,250,000 francs in 1919. There was also 
 a big decrease in the export of coal to Dakar. The United Kingdom, however, 
 increased its trade in soap, candles and iron and steel goods. The British Dominions 
 and colonies figured very largely in 1919. The value of imports totalled 90,000,000 
 francs, on account of large shipments of wheat and flour from Australia, and corn 
 from the Union of South Africa. This dropped to 10,800,000 francs in 1919, of which 
 8,800,000 francs represented kola nut from Sierra Leone. 
 
 France dropped from a total value of 58,626,000 francs in 1918 to 52,840,000 
 francs in 1919. The drop was due to decreased imports of ladies’ and men’s clothing, 
 and to a big reduction in leather goods. The guinees from French Indian colonies 
 increased in value from 443,000 francs in 1918 to 2,195,000 francs in 1919. 
 
 The United States of America made great headway in the years under review. 
 The increase was about 80 per cent in 1919 over 1918. The invoice price values 
 increased from 17,400,000 francs to 30,751,000, of which 600,000 francs represented 
 condensed milk, 7,000,000 leaf tobacco, 3,000,000 sugar, 600,000 beer, 750,000 alcohol, 
 2,969,000 coal, 1,800,000 oils, 1>,580,000 bar iron and sheets, 1,600,000 other iron and 
 steel goods, 860,000 automobiles, and 3,375,000 francs bags and cotton goods. Scan¬ 
 dinavia increased her wood and matches exports to Senegal from a value of 300,000 
 francs in 1918 to 1,400,000 francs in 1919. 
 
 EXPORTS OF SENEGAL 
 
 The total exports of Senegal, after deducting re-exports, were valued in 1919 at 
 141,253,671 francs—an increase of 87,640,431 francs over the previous year. Some 
 of the exports are: animals (living), wax, kapock, rubber, and ivory, but the prin¬ 
 cipal are the following: gum-arabic, to a value of over 8,000,000 francs; palm kernels, 
 nearly 3,000,000 francs; hides, over 2,000,000 francs; and ground or “ pea-nuts,” in 
 shell, 65,500,000 francs; and other nuts decorticated 58,750,000 francs. In order 
 that the ground or “ pea-nut ” should be exported to better advantage, the Dakar 
 district made a specialty of decorticating the nut. Decorticated nuts shipped in 1919 
 totalled 75,430,856 tons, which represented 115,000 tons of the nut in the shell. During 
 1919 nearly all the shell was used for firing purposes on account of the extremely 
 
 27164—4 
 
 Toiid 
 
 393,411 
 
 537,290 
 
 347,460 
 
 336,549 
 
50 
 
 DEPARTMElS^T OF TRADE AFD COMMERCE, CAFADA 
 
 high price of coal. Gum-arabic exported in 1919 totalled 4,800 tons, which is more 
 than double the average annual quantity shipped since 1911. In oil nut production, 
 and in fact nearly all exports from the Senegal, the average shipped to France is over 
 87 per cent of the total. 
 
 PORTS OF SENEGAL 
 
 The statistics given below showing values of imports and exports handled at the 
 ports of Senegal, will show the Canadian exporter the places they respectively hold:— 
 
 Ports 
 
 1919 
 
 Francs 
 
 Increase or decrease on 1918 
 Increase Decrease 
 
 Francs Francs 
 
 St. Louis — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Dakar — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Rufisque — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Fondionque — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Zuicuin — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports.. 
 
 Goree — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 No export 
 
 M’Bour — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Joal — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Rip — 
 
 Imports. 
 
 Export from 1919 
 
 Niani Ouli — 
 
 Imports.. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 20,662,6-57 
 
 381 
 
 3,749,498 
 
 64 
 
 126,096,681 
 
 99,093,847 
 
 
 97,871,381 
 
 88,651,388 
 
 39,4'0t0,731 
 
 72,,346,958 
 
 . . 
 
 4,637,146 
 
 53,891,722 
 
 5,209,412 
 
 17,615,002 
 
 2,317,857 
 
 13,137,893 
 
 
 '6,03'7,3'3'6 
 
 8,064,9'98 
 
 1,449,698 
 
 6,130,647 
 
 
 311,534 
 
 173,'0'82 
 
 
 7,189 
 
 4,336,247 
 
 6,215 
 
 1,835,946 
 
 
 20,041 
 
 18,5'97 
 
 
 572,765 
 
 467,7-64 
 
 
 165,078 
 
 41,994 
 
 1,774 
 
 2-53,637 
 
 148,748 
 
 38,055 
 
 148,748 
 
 The headquarters for most of the firms having branch stores throughout Senegal 
 are at Rufisque, which is only a short distance from Dakar. 
 
 The total number of ships entering the port of Dakar in 1918 was 1,267, with 
 an aggregate tonnage of 2,682,795, of which 638,282 were unloaded. In 1919 there 
 was a fall to 1,109 ships, of an aggregate tonnage of 2,277,988, of which 403,450 were 
 unloaded. In 1919, of the 1,109 ships calling at Dakar, 350 flew the French flag, 323 
 the British, 206 the Italian, 50 the Norwegian, 29 the Portuguese, 28 the Swedish, 
 and 24 the Belgian. Among other flags flown, the United States was represented by 
 giine ships. 
 
 The Upper Senegal-Niger Colony 
 
 The upper part of Senegal, known as Colonie du Haut Senegal-Uiger,” 
 increased its import values from 12,329,449 francs in 1918 to 21,174,354 francs in 
 1919. The exports, however, fell from a value of 6,600,681 francs in 1918 to 3,488,694 
 francs in 1919. Almost all the increase of import was on cotton goods, both in 
 guinees ” made in French colonies and English piece cottons. The guinees’’ 
 imports increased in value by about 3,000,000 francs, and English cotton goods by 
 over 6,000,000 francs. 
 
 Among other principal imports in 1919 were tinned meats to a value of 26,434 
 francs, -of which France was credited with 25,889 francs and the United States 545 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 51 
 
 francs. Flour totalled 87,141 francs in value, of which 46,649' francs were credited 
 to France and 40,492 to the United States. Sugar imports to a value of 30,790 were 
 brought in from France, and 67,081 francs from the United States. Some sugar 
 from Canada was imported in 1920. The total import value of tobacco in 1919 was 
 ^28,588 francs, of which France shipped 117,791 francs, the small balance being 
 divided between the United Kingdom, Holland, and other countries. Wines from 
 France, or French colonies, were valued at 506,385 francs, the balance (11,096 francs) 
 from other countries. Spirituous liquors totalled 248,166 francs in value, the greater 
 part (227,843) from French sources and 19,532 francs from the United Kingdom. 
 Cotton thread and yarn were valued at 228,632 francs, of which the United Kingdom 
 was credited with 163,487 francs, and France 65,143 francs. 
 
 All other goods, covering many items, valued in smaller amounts than 25,000 
 francs totalled 4,431,000 francs, of which France was credited with 2,331,000 francs, 
 England 1,338,000 francs, the United States 567,0i00 francs, Holland 65,000 francs*, 
 and other countries 128,000 francs. 
 
 The principal exports from this colony are animals, hides, "wool, rice, and gum, 
 nearly all of which is exported to France. The only other country figuring as an 
 export field is the United Kingdom, which in 1918 purchased rubber from this terri¬ 
 tory to a value of 65,000 francs, and animals living, the total export of which reached 
 a value of 3,183,090 francs. In 1919 England purchased gum arabic to the value of 
 955 francs and of animals living, the whole export valued at 426,550 francs. The 
 greater part of these exports credited to the United Kingdom cross from this colony 
 to the Gold Coast territory. 
 
 French Guinea 
 
 With the view of showing the average annual value of trade in French Guinea, 
 the following table is submitted. It will be noted that while exports increased between 
 1910 and 1913, the imports for the same period were on an average about ten million 
 francs less. The figures for the war years speak for themselves, because while the 
 values are higher from 1916 onwards over those of 1914 and 1915, most of this 
 increase is in value and not in quantity handled. 
 
 Tear 
 
 Imports 
 
 Exports 
 
 Total Trade 
 
 
 Francs 
 
 Francs 
 
 Francs 
 
 1910. 
 
 . 29,562,772' 
 
 18,305,405 
 
 47,868,177 
 
 1911. 
 
 . 18,337,307 
 
 19,610,882 
 
 37,918,189 
 
 1912. 
 
 . 19,274,130 
 
 20,057,925 
 
 39,332,055 
 
 1913. 
 
 . 19,418,514 
 
 16,/644,752 
 
 36,063,266 
 
 1914. 
 
 . 9,238,165 
 
 11,4'03,035 
 
 20,641,196 
 
 1915. 
 
 
 16,240,488 
 
 2)5,929,779 
 
 1916. 
 
 . 20,187,752 
 
 17,511,576 
 
 37,699,328 
 
 1917. 
 
 . 21,359,436 
 
 16,,290,809 
 
 3i6,65 0,24-5' 
 
 1918. 
 
 . 23,029,972 
 
 12,8^2,621 
 
 35,852,593 
 
 1919. 
 
 . 25,918,941 
 
 23„533.011 
 
 49,453,952 
 
 During the war trade from France to its own colony dropped in value and quantity. 
 Great Britain, in addition to its regular export of cotton goods, secured a good share 
 in other articles, and the United States secured for the time being other lines than 
 flour. Exchange undoubtedly affected purchases in both these countries, more parti¬ 
 cularly in 1919 and 1920, France being able to supply in spite of much higher prices 
 than those quoted by either England or the United States. 
 
 271 G4 —4i 
 
52 
 
 DEPARMEST OF TRADE ASD COMMERCE, CA'S'ADA 
 
 Table showing Quantity and Value of some of the Principal Articles imported into 
 
 French Guinea in 1918 and 1919 
 
 
 1919 
 
 1918 
 
 Articles 
 
 Value 
 
 Value 
 
 1 
 
 Francs 
 
 Francs 
 
 Flour. 
 
 . 236,461 
 
 156,787 
 
 Bread and cabin biscuits. 
 
 . 10,378 
 
 926 
 
 Sugar. 
 
 . 128,311 
 
 5,201 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. 
 
 . 1,056,126 
 
 530,310 
 
 Building materials. 
 
 . 159,513 
 
 193,340 
 
 Coal. 
 
 . 65,672 
 
 15,875 
 
 Iron, steel and copper. 
 
 . 273,353 
 
 1,131,748 
 
 Iron and steel manufactures. 
 
 . 1,336,986 
 
 857,536 
 
 Other merchandise. 
 
 . 5,218,919 
 
 2,679,534 
 
 
 Increase 
 
 Decrease 
 
 Flour. 
 
 . 106,614 
 
 
 Bread and cabin biscuits. . . 
 
 Sugar. 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. 
 
 Building materials. 
 
 Coal. 
 
 Iron, steel and copper. 
 
 Iron and steel manufactures. 
 Other merchandise. 
 
 9,452 
 
 123,110 
 
 525,816 
 
 49,797 
 
 479,450 
 
 2,539,385 
 
 35,827 
 
 858,395 
 
 In the heading “other merchandise,” cotton threads, yarns, piece goods and 
 knitted goods are not included, nor are liquors and wines. 
 
 The principal countries exporting to French Guinea in 1919, are in order of 
 value as shown below. 
 
 The United Kingdom—cotton piece goods, 13,441,603 francs; threads and yarns, 
 388,139 francs; metal goods, manufactured, 488,670 francs; chemicals, 678,474 francs. 
 
 France and the French Colonies exported to a total value of 5,255,650 francs, 
 of which 1,709,136 francs represented cotton and wool piece goods; 963,103 francs 
 wines and liquors; 390,858 francs, metal goods, manufactured; 203,462 francs, pre¬ 
 pared paints and distempers, 345,727 francs, other manufactured goods. 
 
 The United States exported to a total value of 2,655,750 francs, of which 1,185,704 
 francs represented “de duriees colonial”; 398,984 francs, metal manufactures, 275,595 
 francs, farinaceous preparations; and 159,965 francs, cotton goods. 
 
 The total trade from all British Dominions and Colonies was valued at 714,319 
 francs; of which cotton and wool piece goods totalled 134,125 francs; and foodstuffs, 
 155,247 francs. 
 
 FRENCH GUINEA EXPORTS 
 
 The principal exports of French Guinea are animals, hides and skins, wool, 
 ground or pea-nuts, palm kernels, palm oil, rubber and gum Arabic. 
 
 In 1919 the following were the chief shipments: 1,186,064 hides, valued at 
 3,965,962 francs; wool, 648,290 kilos (1,620,725 francs); ground or pea-nuts 1,325,261 
 kilos (566,564 francs); palm kernels, 12,487,237 kilos. (7,741,359 francs) ; and rubber, 
 682,2'68 kilos. (3,411,342 francs). The total increased from a. value of 12,236,102 
 francs in 1918 to 22,568,867 in 1919. Special endeavo.urs had been made to produce 
 and gather as much as possible of the oil-producing materials for export in 1919, and 
 as a result that year’s total increased by 10,332,755 francs over 1918. 
 
 The countries to which exports were made in 1919, with values, were as follows: 
 France, 14,028,601 francs; French Colonies,. 38,939 francs; the United Kingdom, 
 2,593,158 francs; British Dominions or Colonies, 2,063,923 francs; Belgium, 163,081 
 francs; Holland, 3,265,710 francs; Portuguese Colonies, 307,137 francs; other countries, 
 118,307 francs. The preponderating position held by France in the export trade is 
 of course, due to the prohibition of export to foreign countries in several lines. 
 
 The principal port in French Guinea is Conakry, a really model town. Out of 
 a total import value for the whole colony in 1919 of 25,918,941 francs, Conakry was 
 credited with 25,397,481 francs, and out of a total export value of 23,535,011 francs. 
 
^YEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 53 
 
 Conakry was credited with 21,433,820 francs. The other ports are Boke, Farmorea, 
 Heremokono, Kade, Sieroumba, and Nongoa. The total number of ships calling at 
 Conakry in 1918 was 169—an increase of 45 ships and 3,197 tons over the 1918 
 figures. Of these 102 flew the French flag, 51 the British and 7 the Belgian. About 
 10,572 tons were unloaded. 
 
 French Guinea should develop in the immediate future in a much greater way 
 than at any period in the past. The palm kernel is the chief product, and as a 
 decision appears to have been arrived at to develop new roads and to open up more 
 country to oil-nut production of all kinds, Conakry should be kept in evidence as the 
 centre of endeavour in any attempt to do business with French Guinea. 
 
 Ivory Coast 
 
 As with other territories in West Africa, the Ivory Coast proflted by the enhanced 
 prices secured towards the ends of 1918, and special endeavours were made to stimu¬ 
 late production in 1919, and as this increased production secured the highest prices 
 ever known, the results were an increased trade both in import and export. The 
 total trade of the colony in the latter year was valued at 52,015,391 francs—an increase 
 of 23,068,840 francs over 1918. Imports increased by 7,749,459 francs, and exports 
 
 by 15,319,381 francs. 
 
 Articles 
 
 Cotton piece goods. 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. 
 
 Wines. 
 
 Distilled liquors.. 
 
 Soaps. 
 
 Milk, condensed. 
 
 Flour. 
 
 Sugar. 
 
 Salt. 
 
 Perfumery. 
 
 Machines and machinery, 
 Metal manufactures. . . . 
 
 Building materials. 
 
 Other merchandise. 
 
 1919 
 
 1918 
 
 Value 
 
 Value 
 
 Francs 
 
 Francs 
 
 4,624,129 
 
 4,745,317 
 
 1,956,197 
 
 378,112 
 
 636,484 
 
 417,696 
 
 613,489 
 
 197,293 
 
 789,354 
 
 687,487 
 
 ' 169,671 
 
 67,981 
 
 388,806 
 
 93,181 
 
 92,844 
 
 51,329 
 
 490,971 
 
 207,191 
 
 375,658 
 
 275,919 
 
 587,782 
 
 172,797 
 
 2,253,778 
 
 1,042,920 
 
 352,513 
 
 88,145 
 
 10,198,362 
 
 7,361,842 
 
 The principal increases in values recorded in 1919 were:—Machines and 
 machinery, 414,985 francs; other metal goods manufactured, 1,210,849 francs; and 
 building materials, 262,368 francs—nearly all in connection with the exploitation of 
 the forests and palm-oil industry. Other lines showing increased values were: cotton 
 piece goods, 78,812 francs; leaf tobacco, 1,578,085 francs; wines, 218,785 francs; 
 whiskies and liquors, 1,338,547 francs; soap, 101,507 francs; condensed milk, 101,690 
 francs; flour, 295,625 francs; salt, 290,780 francs; sugar, 41,575 francs; perfumer 3 ', 
 99,739 francs. The items in latter group represent the everyday purchases of the 
 European residents, as well as natives. 
 
 Some of the principal exports from the Ivory Coast are shown in the following 
 table, comparing exports for 1919 with those of 1918. 
 
 Articles 
 
 Palm oil . . . . 
 Palm kernels. 
 Mahogany.. . 
 
 Rubber. 
 
 Cocoa beans.. 
 
 Hides. 
 
 Cotton. 
 
 Smoked fish. . 
 
 1919 
 
 Value 
 
 Francs 
 
 10,216,248 
 
 10,517,231 
 
 3,422,391 
 
 381,460 
 
 1,815,558 
 
 173,428 
 
 623,527 
 
 34,857 
 
 1918 
 
 Value 
 
 Francs 
 
 4,576,094 
 
 2,877,547 
 
 3,003,956 
 
 1,245,625 
 
 556,298 
 
 8,514 
 
 143,872 
 
 4.302 
 
54 
 
 DElWRTMEyT OF TRIBE D COMMERCE, CASADA 
 
 Increases in values of export are as follows: palm oil, 5,640,154 francs; palm 
 kernels, 7,63'9,684 francs; mahogany, 418,435 francs; cocoa beans, 1,259,260 francs; 
 hides, 164,914 francs; cotton, 479,655 francs; smoked fish, 30,265 francs; and coffee 
 beans, 208,988 francs. The trade in coffee beans was growing before the war, and it is 
 fully expected that it will develop to much larger proportions. 
 
 Rubber exports dropped in value by 864,175 francs; kolas, 50,092 francs; and gold, 
 powder and bars, 80,612 francs. The fall in kola from 1918 was due to the fact that 
 there was no more shipping to the black troops in France and the Cameroons. 
 
 IVORY COAST IMPORTS 
 
 The imports from the United Kingdom were to the value of 11,442,361 francs in 
 1919—an increase over 1918 of 2,126,269 francs. The percentage of total trade with 
 the United Kingdom was 48.57—an increase from 27.42 per cent in 1918. The value 
 cf imports from the United States was almost four times that of 1918—5,014,373 
 francs against 1,374,273 francs, or 21.30 per cent of the total imports against 6 per 
 cent for the previous year. The percentage of total imports credited to Sweden is 
 1.36 per cent, Avhich is accounted for by an increase in value from 8'5,024 francs in 
 1918 to 320,950 francos in 1919. Holland’s trade decreased from 338,348 francs in 1918 
 to 115,442 francs in 1919. The balance of the imports is from other European 
 countries, principally Spain and Italy. 
 
 Cotton goods imported in 1919 represented in value 6,545,518 francs, of which 
 France was credited with 613,291 francs, the United Kingdom with 5,556,545 francs, 
 tbe United States vrith 176,136 francs, and Sweden with 160,252 francs. In tobaccos, 
 which totalled in v^lue 2^44,207 francs, the United States was credited with 1,885,007 
 francs, the United Kingdom with 183,271 francs, and France and her colonies with 
 (i5,5Sl francs. In whiskies and liquors, the United States shipped to a value of 
 343,205 francs out of a total import value of 613,489 francs; the United Kingdom’s 
 share was 132,431 francs; France, 62,970 francs; and Holland, 72,858 francs. France 
 heid the greater part of the import in wines, followed by Spain, the United Kingdom, 
 and Italy. 
 
 Condensed milk imports, which in 1919 were to a value of 169,671 francs, were 
 from the United Kingdom (300,238 francs), Sweden (128,091 francs), France (22,577 
 francs), the United States (15,589 francs). The value of salt was 497,971 francs, of 
 which the United Kingdom was credited with 363,989 francs, and France with 117,843 
 francs. Perfumery imports totalled in value 337,558 francs, of which 208,366 francs 
 represented shipments from France; 155,205 francs from the United Kingdom; and 
 14,087 francs from the United States. 
 
 In machinery and machines, out of a total value of 587,782 francs, 308,606 francs 
 were credited to France, 165,296 francs to the United Kingdom, and 103,933 francs 
 to the United States. In iron and steel and metal manufactured goods, out of a total 
 value of 2,253,778 francs, the United Kingdom shipped to a value of 1,229,986 francs, 
 the United States 588,257 francs, and France 417,948 francs. In building material, 
 the United Kingdom’s share was 175,532 francs, France 157,983 francs, and the United 
 States 18,998 francs. 
 
 SOME DETAILS OF IVORY COAST EXPORTS 
 
 Looking through the statistics of exports from the French colonies, one is struck 
 with their methods of conserving trade within their own borders—that is, in the 
 export of all their natural products to France or her colonies, unless there is a great 
 deal more than they can handle to advantage, or which is not of real value to their ov.m 
 industries or provision manufacturers. In the case of the exports of the Ivory Coast, 
 fully 60 per cent are shipped to France. All hides, sheep and goat skins were exported 
 direct to France, and all exports of cocoa beans, copra, resin, peppers, pigments, 
 cotton, kapock and gold. Nearly the whole of the exports of ivory, valued at 52,224 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 55 
 
 francr^, were to France, and the shipments of coffee were all to that country. In palm 
 cil, the export to France was valued at 7,634,520 francs, out of a total of 10,216,248 
 francs. Two-thirds of the kola exports were shipped to France, and in palm kernels 
 more lhan half of a total of 10,517,231 francs. The exports to the United Kingdom 
 represented 20 per cent of the total, and consisted mainly of palm kernels (3,640,852 
 francs), palm oil (788,000 francs), and rubber (1,438,000 francs). The shipments of 
 raw materials to the United States were in rubber principally, to a value of 1,858,800 
 francs; while of the exports to Holland, valued at 3,108,000 francs, 10 per c.ent consisted 
 of i)alm kernels and palm oil. 
 
 PORTS OF THE IVORY COAST 
 
 Grand Bassam is the principal port of the Ivory Coast, and exported in 1919, 
 8,390,000 kilos of palm oil, out of a total of 11,761,000 kilos. Lahou is next in import¬ 
 ance, with 2,199,000 kilos of palm oil; and other are Sassandra, Tabou, Assinie and 
 Beribi. In palm kernels. Grand Bassam handled 12,436,000 kilos, out of a total 
 export from the Ivory Coast of 16,439,000 kilos; and Lahou 2,243,000 kilos. In cocoa 
 beans, Assinie is the leader with 398,341 kilos; Grand Bassam next with 27L519 kilos; 
 and Lahou third v’ith 258,435 kilos. All hides and cotton are shipped from Grand 
 Bassam. In coffee, Assinie shipped 85,690 kilos out of the total of 109,834 kilos 
 exported from the Ivory Coast. The values of produce exported from the several ports 
 of the Ivory Coast were as follows: Grand Bassam, 21,104,000 francs; Lahou, 3,469,000 
 francs; Assinie, 1,536,000 francs; Tabou, 1,334,000 francs; Sassandra, 880,000 francs; 
 and Beribi, 93,000 francs. 
 
 Grand Bassam handled imports to the value of 21,473,000' francs, out of a total 
 of 23,537,000 francs. The other ports in order of importance are: Tabou, Sassandra, 
 Lahou and Assinie. Many of the imports for other ports than Grand Bassam are 
 unloaded there on account of the wharfage accommodation and other good conditions 
 for handling freight, and from there are sent forward in coasting vessels. The 
 number of ships calling at Grand Bassam during 1918 was 188, of which 73 were 
 French and 73 British. There were 8 ships flying the United States flag, 10 Swedish, 
 and 10 Norwegian. The French ships landed a total tonnage of 7,272 tons, and 
 embarked 18,882 tons of freight; the 73 British ships landed 8,919 tons and embarked 
 18,885 tons. 
 
 Dahomey 
 
 The French colony of Dahomey shared in the enhanced value of raw materials 
 in 1919 and 1920. The flgures of trade for 1920 are unavailable, but those for 1910 
 are instructive as showing the possibilities for development in this as well as in other 
 West African colonies. Dahomey made immense increases in both her imports and 
 exports, and of course, while higher prices and exchange conditions helped largely in 
 bringing about this result, there is the added satisfaction for this French colony, as 
 her quantities of export increased considerably, showing, as with other parts of these 
 territories, that the native is always prepared to make special efforts when the prices 
 for his produce suit him. 
 
 1919 1918 Increase, 1919 
 
 Francs Francs Francs 
 
 Imports. 44,384,684 28,346,92i6 16,037,758 
 
 Exports. 70,104,510 29,986,819 40,117,691 
 
 Total. 114,489,194 58,333,745 56,155,449 
 
 Pre-war, the average annual trade of Dahomey was about 33,000,000 francs. 
 
56 
 
 DEPARME:S'T of trade aed commerce, c ax ad a 
 
 SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL IMPORTS INTO DAHOMEY 
 
 Articles 
 
 X* xuux. 
 
 Cabin or bread biscuits. . 
 
 
 
 
 Sugar. 
 
 
 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. 
 
 
 
 
 Salt. 
 
 
 
 
 Soaps. 
 
 
 
 
 Glassware. 
 
 
 
 
 Cotton goods. 
 
 
 
 
 Machines and machinery. . 
 
 
 
 
 Matches (boxes)). 
 
 
 
 
 Other material. 
 
 
 
 
 Dried fish. 
 
 
 
 
 Crayfish (smoked). 
 
 
 
 
 Corn... 
 
 
 
 
 Copra. 
 
 
 
 
 Palm kernels. 
 
 
 
 
 Cocoa. 
 
 
 
 
 Cotton. 
 
 
 
 
 Palm oil. 
 
 
 
 
 Flour. 
 
 
 
 
 Cabin or bread biscuits. . 
 
 
 
 
 Sugar. 
 
 
 
 
 Tobacco, in leaf. 
 
 
 
 
 Salt. 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 Soaps. 
 
 
 
 
 Glassware. 
 
 
 
 
 Cotton goods. 
 
 
 
 
 Machines and machinery. 
 
 
 
 
 Other material. 
 
 
 
 
 Dried fish. 
 
 
 
 
 Crayfish (smoked). 
 
 
 
 
 Corn. 
 
 
 
 
 Copra. 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 Palm kernels. 
 
 
 
 
 Cocoa. 
 
 
 
 
 Palm oil. 
 
 
 
 
 Cotton. 
 
 
 
 
 1919 
 
 Value 
 
 Francs 
 
 336,474 
 
 115,761 
 
 141,425 
 
 5,451,025 
 
 831,342 
 
 233,591 
 
 263,586 
 
 9,009,174 
 
 277,771 
 
 930,088 
 
 21,944,751 
 
 1,040,343 
 
 227,931 
 
 9,817 
 
 29,398 
 
 45,188,505 
 
 50,183 
 
 381,256 
 
 20,260,490 
 
 Increase 
 
 235,936 
 
 110,454 
 
 90,880 
 
 4,033,547 
 
 24,689 
 
 61,250 
 
 84,533 
 
 815,980 
 
 451,635 
 
 7,598,020 
 
 32,999,266 
 
 42,409 
 
 6,570,012 
 
 1918 
 
 Value 
 
 Francs 
 
 100,538 
 
 5,307 
 
 50,545 
 
 1,417,478 
 
 584,493 
 
 172,341 
 
 179,053 
 
 8,193,194 
 
 248,839 
 
 478,453 
 
 14,346,727 
 
 1,278,348 
 
 264,629 
 
 21,782 
 
 87,315 
 
 12,189,239 
 
 7,774 
 
 621,157 
 
 13,690,478 
 
 Decrease 
 
 238,005 
 
 36,698 
 
 11,965 
 
 57,197 
 
 239,901 
 
 As with the other Trench Colonies, the great bulk of palm oils and kernels, which 
 represent 95 per cent of Dahomey’s export trade, have been shipped to Trance, just 
 about 75 per cent of 1919 shipments going to the parent country. The United States 
 took 1,500 tons, and Holland 3,500 tons. 
 
 PERCENTAGE OF DAHOMEY^’s TRADE 
 
 Countries Values in 1919 Percent Value in 1918 Percent 
 
 France. 33,827,610 2i9-60 28,547,692 48-93 
 
 United Kingdom. 34,583,143 30 00 15,085,89'6 25-86 
 
 United States. 14,382,275 12-5 3,684,673 6-31 
 
 Nigeria. 7,563,941 6-i6 4,888,910 8-38 
 
 Togo. 4,584,921 4-0 5,195,627 8-95 
 
 PORTS OF DAHOMEY 
 
 The leading ports in Dahomey are Cotonou, Ouidah, Grand-Popo, Porto-Novo and 
 Anthiense. 
 
 In 1919, Cotonou handled in exports 54,054,785 kilos of palm kernels, out of a 
 total of 68,982,070 kilos, and in palm oil, 16,071,064 kilos out of a total of 22,511,655 
 kilos. In point of value of export trade the other ports are placed as follows: Grand- 
 Popo, Ouidah, and Porto-Nova. 
 
 In imports, Cotonou handled in value of 33,010,867 francs out of a total of 
 44,384,684 francs. Next in order in the value of imports handled are: Porto-Novo, 
 7,137,701 francs; Grand-Popo, 3,268,172 francs; and Ouidah, 683,581 francs. Conges¬ 
 tion at the port of Cotonou during 1919 is the reason for the greater figures of Porto- 
 Novo; but normally Cotonou is the great centre for both export and import. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 57 
 
 SHIPPING IN DAHOMEY 
 
 The total number of ships calling at Cotonou were 114. Of these 51 were English, 
 47 Erench, 6 Americaan, and 4 Norwegian. The aggregate tonnage of the 47 French 
 ships was 119,576, as compared with 109,181 tons for 51 British, which handled 
 8,473 tons of freight valued at 22,877,371 francs, as compared with 6,550 tons valued 
 at 7,984,262 francs. The six American ships of an aggregate of 13,795 tons landed 
 1,593 tons, valued at 3,053,836 francs. This will give some idea of the cost of exchange 
 to Dahomey. The British ships carried away 52,943 tons, as compared with 20,710 
 tons in the French ships. 
 
 FRENCH WEST AFRICAN QUANTITY EXPORTS FOR THE YEAR 1920 
 
 For the purpose of submitting particulars re French West African exports during 
 the past three years, the following table is submitted:— 
 
 Produce exported 
 
 Quantity 
 
 1920 
 
 1919 
 
 1918 
 
 Ground nuts, in shell.. .. 
 
 .Tons 
 
 238,872' 
 
 173,577 
 
 106,853 
 
 Ground nuts, shelled. 
 
 ti 
 
 47,507 
 
 75,413 
 
 13,734 
 
 Palm kernels. 
 
 it 
 
 49,160 
 
 101,880 
 
 3 7,765 
 
 Ricin grains. 
 
 tt 
 
 536 
 
 463 
 
 233 
 
 Sesame grains. 
 
 ti 
 
 444 
 
 483 
 
 806 
 
 Copra. 
 
 4t 
 
 103 
 
 99 
 
 141 
 
 Palm oil. 
 
 tt 
 
 20,394 
 
 35,075 
 
 11,755 
 
 Ground nut oil. .. 
 
 t ( 
 
 306 
 
 325 
 
 .... 
 
 Shear butter. 
 
 i t 
 
 256 
 
 211 
 
 73 
 
 Acajou wood. 
 
 
 53,756 
 
 34,961 
 
 37,321 
 
 Other woods. 
 
 ft 
 
 7,909 
 
 1,268 
 
 67 
 
 Gum arabic. 
 
 
 3,177 
 
 5,423 
 
 3,144 
 
 Gum copal. 
 
 t • 
 
 145 
 
 126 
 
 38 
 
 Rubber. 
 
 it 
 
 770 
 
 813 
 
 1,312 
 
 Cloves. 
 
 ft 
 
 18 
 
 60 
 
 138 
 
 Cocoa. 
 
 tt 
 
 1,049 
 
 984 
 
 427 
 
 Coffee. 
 
 tt 
 
 19 
 
 112. 
 
 30 
 
 Pigments. 
 
 ft 
 
 105 
 
 48 
 
 22 
 
 Tobacco. 
 
 t t 
 
 27 
 
 62 
 
 20 
 
 Wool. 
 
 it 
 
 694 
 
 1,146 
 
 752 
 
 Cotton . 
 
 ft 
 
 396 
 
 635 
 
 701 
 
 Kapok. 
 
 ft 
 
 5 
 
 132 
 
 80 
 
 Bananas . 
 
 it 
 
 113 
 
 119 
 
 65 
 
 Indigo.. . .. 
 
 if 
 
 267 
 
 210 
 
 169 
 
 Ground nuts . 
 
 t f 
 
 685 
 
 383 
 
 
 Salt . 
 
 f f 
 
 582 
 
 1,402 
 
 1,257 
 
 Gold . 
 
 
 118 
 
 187 
 
 676 
 
 Cattle . 
 
 
 10,120 
 
 30,865 
 
 31,881 
 
 Sheep . 
 
 t f 
 
 61,860 
 
 39,863 
 
 64,922 
 
 Hides . 
 
 
 1,673 
 
 2,076 
 
 2,447 
 
 Skins . 
 
 
 513 
 
 218 
 
 216 
 
 Wax. 
 
 tt 
 
 221 
 
 221 
 
 336 
 
 Honey. . . . .. 
 
 ft 
 
 14 
 
 11 
 
 6 
 
 Ivory . 
 
 tt 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 Dried or salted fish. 
 
 i t 
 
 846 
 
 1,114 
 
 1,814 
 
 Lobster. 
 
 11 
 
 276 
 
 263 
 
 343 
 
 •The complete list of exports is not shown, but the total tonnage for 1920 is 
 approximately 420,000, of which seventeen-twentieths are in oil products of some 
 kind; two-twentieths, or slightly over, are for wood export; and the numerous other 
 lines are included in a little less than one-twentieth part of the total exports. The 
 bulk of this export shows that French West Africa must depend on oil or fat exports 
 for her bulk trade. 
 
 Ground nuts form a shade over two-thirds of the total exports, and the greater 
 IX)rtion of these is from the Senegal colony. Of the two exports in ground nuts in 
 shells, and shelled, there is a total increase of 37,OCK) tons over 1920. On the other 
 hand, the palm kernel and palm oil exports dropped in large quantity. The quan¬ 
 tities in 1919 were of course abnormal. The 1920 figures show that in kernels the 
 exports are back to average. 
 
58 
 
 DEPARTMEXT OF TRADE AXD COMMERCE, CAXADA 
 
 It will be noticed that there is a big increase in export of wood. Most of this 
 is from the Ivory Coast, which has been very active in lumbering since 1919. Pro¬ 
 duction has also increased in several of the special grains, butter fats as well as 
 indigo. Decreases are shown in several articles, more especially in hides. 
 
 The average annual exports in oil, nuts, kernels or grain, for all the French 
 colonies, totalled for the five years 1915 to 1919, 217,267 tons, and for 1920, 356,636 
 tons—an increase of 89,369 tons over 1919. Oil exxx)rts—which include palm oil, 
 pea-nut oil, and shear butter fat—totalled 20,956 tons in 1920—an increase of 760 
 tons over the average annual for the* five-year x>eriod 1915 to 1919. In the lesser 
 exports the 1920 figures are approximately 16,000 tons—11,000 tons less than the 
 annual average for the five-year period 1915 to 1919. Foodstuffs show a great 
 decline from 7,159 tons, average annual, to 113 tons. There is a drop in animals of 
 about 1,000 tons. 
 
 The exports for 1920 of all the French colonies were 108,000 tons better than the 
 annual average of the five-year term, 1915-19, the total being 420,000 tons. 
 
 RAILWAY DEVELOPMEXT tX FREXCH WEST AFRICA 
 
 The programme for future development in railway construction in French West 
 Africa covers a period of twenty-five years. It is intended to build about 3,025 kilo¬ 
 metres of railway, in three constructional groups. The first group, which is most 
 urgently required, is for 850 kilometres; the second will consist of 1,675 kilometres; 
 and the third, 500 kilometres. It is proposed to build the first group in eight years, 
 the second in the following ten years, and the third in the following seven years. 
 The material to be used will be of the French standard, the rails weighing 26 kilo¬ 
 grammes to the metre. 
 
 Part of the requirements up to the year 1924 are as follows: 27 locomotives, 
 7 dining cars, 52 passenger cars (mostly second and third class), 220 freight cars of 
 various patterns. Blue prints for all locomotives and rolling stock may be secured 
 in France only, and application for the same must be made to the Minister of 
 Colonies. While it is the inile to insist on all railway and public works requirements 
 jieing made, or purchased, in France, when they cannot be produced n the colony 
 itself, exception to the rule is sometimes made, but only on the order of the ^Minister 
 of Colonies. 
 
 Illustrations of Articles in Demand in West Africa 
 
 PATTERXS OF EXAMELWARE SOLD IX WEST AFRICA 
 
 The enamelware trade on the West Coast of Africa is very large indeed and is 
 well worth cultivating. Pre-war the Germans held the bulk of the trade and are 
 again offering in quantity. The secret of the success of the German exporters is tnat 
 they hold reserve stocks, so that they are able to make immediate shipment on receipt 
 of orders. They never duplicate numbers on cases in shipments to any one mark, 
 and their invoicing is such that they never have to open a case to find out what it 
 contains. This, of course, is of great value to the Coast distributing houses, for their 
 shipments inland or along the river stations. A decided advantage to the manufac¬ 
 turers as regards shipments to West Africa, is the fact that there is a limited amount 
 of assorting in cases. Many shipments are ordered so that they contain all one shape 
 of different sizes, which of course can be nested. A fair number of the indents call 
 for three or four patterns assorted in a case, and a limited number for a full assort¬ 
 ment of patterns. 
 
 For the Gold Coast and Xigeria, with the exception of an odd district, white 
 enamel, inside and outside, with blue border, is the staple article. There is some sale 
 for solid colours outside and white inside, and a limited sale for all greys or blue 
 marbled effect, inside and out. This applies to French territories, except Senegal 
 and the French Cameroons. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 59 
 
 The bowl shown in illustration Xo. 1, is a very big seller; it is known as a 
 “cash bowl.” Manufacturers when estimating on this line for export, may take into 
 consideration that if successful they may depend on big quantity orders. The sizes 
 sold are from 10 cm. to 30 cm., but the bulk trade is from 10 to 18 cm. 
 
 The pattern shown as Mo 2, is known on the Coast as a “pudding bowl,” and is 
 sold in large quantities. All sizes from 10 cm. to 24 cm. are stocked. 
 
 The dish shown in illustration Mo. 3, is known as a “taper pan,” and while some¬ 
 times stocked in extra sizes, the big sellers are 10-inch by 2-inch and 12-inch by 2^-inch. 
 
 The deep bowl pattern, with cover and two side handles, shown as Mo. 4, is a fair 
 selling line. The smallest size stocked is a 16 cm.; other sizes up to 30 cm. are sold. 
 
 The deep bowl shown as illustration Mo. 5 is a very large seller. Mote the 
 slightly curved top. These bowls are sometimes sold in solid colours outside; the white 
 in and out is, however, the big seller. They are used for many purposes, and on 
 market days are used as holders for head loads. They are stocked from 28 cm. to 50 
 cm. The best selling sizes are from 24-inch to 30-inch. 
 
 The pattern shown in illustration Mo. 6 is one of the best jug patterns sold, and 
 is stocked in all sizes from 1 to 6 pints. The 2 and 4 pints are the best sellers. There 
 is a better opportunity to quote for colours in jugs than on the bowls, for the outside 
 only. 
 
 There is a fair sale for bowls in what is known as the “foot” pattern, shown as 
 Mo. 7. While sometimes stocked in all sizes up to 30 cm., the best selling sizes are 
 10 to 18 cm. In these patterns there is a better market for the blue mottled or marbled 
 effect, and solid colours—brown, blue and green—than on the plain bowl. 
 
 Another “foot” pattern is the basin shown in illustration Mo. 8. This is fairly 
 popular and lends itself to the marbled effect and solid colours. The inside must, 
 however, be white. The two best selling sizes are 13-inch and 18-inch. 
 
 The best selling pattern in tea pots is shown in Mo. 9. The all white, with the 
 blue border, and the marble effect and solid colours are sold in tea pots, and there is 
 a sale for the floral designs. The best selling sizes are the If, 21 and 3J pints. 
 
 The bordered effects shown on illustrations Mos. 10 and 11 are in some districts 
 tairly good selling lines. They may be in any of several colours, and are always on a 
 white ground work. 
 
 The bucket, with foot, as shown in illustration Mo. 12 is a good selling line. The 
 .sizes in most request are in 10, 11, 12 and 13 inches. There is also a market for the 
 bucket with a cover. There is a good sale for a bucket without foot. 
 
 The chamber as illustrated unden Mo. 13, and one with somewhat straighter lines 
 but curved top, are the best selling patterns. Chambers are sold by the thousands. 
 They are used by the native for many purposes and are always in evidence in or 
 outside their tents or houses, and when on trek by land or as deck passengers in steam¬ 
 ships are attached to the outside of head loads or chop boxes. They are stocked from 
 18 cm. to 30 cm. The best selling sizes are 10 and 12 inches. 
 
 GRANITE ENAMELWARE 
 
 In the granite enamelware for cooking purposes, there is a very large sale. Some 
 of the best patterns are shown in the illustrations. The double saucepan shown as 
 Mo. 14 is a good seller in West iVfrica. This is a seamed saucepan, and is imported 
 with a tin cover. Several sizes are sold, but 6 by 6 is most in demand. The usual 
 shipment is in cases of 3 dozen. 
 
 The plain, tin cover saucepan, illustrated under Mo. 15, is a good selling line. 
 It is sometimes stocked from 2 to 12 quarts. The 2, 3, 4, and 6 quarts are the best 
 sellers. Size 4 quarts measures 7f by 4| inches. 
 
 The same pattern in saucepans as Mo. 15 is illustrated as Mo. 16. This is some¬ 
 times called “kettle” pattern. This style of handle is much more popular than the 
 straight hollow handle. This line is a big seller. There are more of the larger sizes 
 
60 
 
 DEPARMEXT OF TRADE AXD COMMERCE, CAXADA 
 
 sold in this number than in Xo. 15. Sizes 4, G, 8 and 10 quarts are good sellers. Sizes 
 o and 8 quarts are the best. This line has a tin cover. 
 
 The convex-shaped pot, also knovm as a ‘‘kettle,” illustrated under Xo. 17, is in 
 good demand. This pot is without seams and has a tin cover. It is sold in three 
 «izes—12, 16 and 20 quarts. The measurement of the 16-quart size is 114 by 84 
 inches. 
 
 There is a good sale for a granite oval dish pan, seamless, with handles as illus¬ 
 trated under Xo. 18. Size 184 bv 144 bv 44 inches. The larger sizes are the sellers. 
 These are usually imported cased in one or two dozen lots. 
 
 In the graniteware kettles, illustration Xo. 19—a seamed kettle—shows a good 
 selling line. The covers on these kettles are usually enamelled. They are stocked in 
 
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 quarts. Sizes 2 to 5 quarts are the best sellers. The sizes, 3, 4 
 
 and 5 quarts are 84 inches, 8| inches and 94 inches. They are usually packed in 
 cartons of one dozen and cased according to order. 
 
 There are two patterns of coffee pots sold on the West African Coast. These are 
 shown as illustrations Xos. 20 and 21. Both are ordered with either tin or enamel 
 
 covers. They are stocked by some firms in 1, I 4 , 2, 3 and 4 quarts. The sizes 14, 2 
 
 and 3 quarts are the best selling sizes. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAN TRADE 
 
 61 
 
62 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Another good selling line in granite cooking ware is a soup stockpot with heavy 
 re-tinned cover, as shown in illustration Xo. 22. These are sold in 3f, 4|, 6 and 9 
 gallon sizes. The 6-gallon size measures 13 by 121 inches. 
 
 A granite chamber pail, in sizes 10 and 12 quarts, seamed, with enamel cover as 
 shown in illustration Xo. 23, is a fair seller. These are usually packed in half-dozen 
 cartons. 
 
 ALUMINIUM WARE 
 
 There is a fair sale for polished aluminium ware, in saucepans, stewpots and stew- 
 pans. 
 
 A good selling aluminium ware saucepan is shown in illustration Xo. 24, and is 
 sold in 5i, 5f and 6:l-inch sizes. Another type of light quality is shown in illustration 
 Xo. 25. This pattern and quality is stocked in sizes 4J, 5, 5|, 6 and 7-inch sizes. 
 Somewhat similar to the Xo. 25 saucepan, but of stronger quality, is shown in illustra¬ 
 tion Xo. 26. This is stocked in 5, 6, and 7-inch sizes. 
 
 The pattern shown in illustration Xo. 27 is known as a milk boiler. The 4-inch 
 size which is imported is of a light-weight quality. There is also an import of a 
 stronger quality in sizes 5, 6, and 7-inch. 
 
 A stewpot, with side handles, as shown in illustration Xo. 28, is a fair seller. It 
 is usually stocked in the 7 and 8-inch sizes. 
 
 A stewpan, with and without covers, as shown in illustration Xo. 29, is carried in 
 the light and strong qualities of this ware. The light quality has a slight mouthpiece 
 and is stocked in sizes 5, 6 , 7 and 8 -inch. The stronger quality is exactly the shape 
 of the illustration, and is usually stocked in 65 and 8 -inch sizes. There is some import 
 of 4|, 5^, 74 and 9-inch. 
 
 There is a considerable import of a heavy tinned steel, deep stewpan, and cover, 
 as shown in illustration Xo. 30. The sizes stocked are 5, 6, 7 and 8-inch. These stew- 
 pans are seamless. 
 
 STEEL FRYING PANS 
 
 There is some sale for steel frying pans. The pattern illustrated under Xo. 31 has 
 an inside polish, with iron handle. There is a sale for the same pan with a nickel 
 handle. The sizes stocked are usually from 18 to 28 cm. Some importers stock this 
 in larger sizes. 
 
 The pattern shown as Xo. 32 has a tubular iron handle, and is sometimes stocked 
 with a tubular nickel handle. The inside is polished finish. 
 
 There is some sale for the pan illustrated as Xo. 33. This is sold in three styles, 
 the black pan with polished wooden handle; the polished interior finish with wooden 
 handle; and (a small sale) the same article with a polished wooden handle, nickel 
 socket. The sizes are usually 20 to 32 c.m. 
 
 GALVANIZED BUCKETS 
 
 Galvanized water and stock pails, as illustrated in group Xo. 34, are all sellers. 
 The lines shown as 34 A, and 34 B, do not pack for export as well as the pattern shown 
 as 34 C, and 34 D. They are imported in two weights, heavy and extra heavy. They 
 are usually stocked in the 14-inch size, although there is some import of the 10-inch, 
 12-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch, and sometimes 20-inch sizes. 
 
 One of the best selling lines is a plain galvanized bucket. The demand is for a 
 strong, durable, seamed sided bucket, and the bucket shown as illustration Xo. 35, 
 with pressed ears, fluted vails and wired bottom, is a good selling line. Something 
 in a standard design and which will pack to advantage, as shown in illustration No. 
 36, is sure to find a good market. These are imported in different districts in different 
 sizes. The standard sizes are 11, 12, 13 and 14-inch diameter of top. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 63 
 
64 
 
 DEPARMEST OF TRADE A^D COMMERCE, CA'S^ADA 
 
 LANTERNS AND LAMPS 
 
 In addition to lanterns, particulars of which have already been noted, there is a 
 big sale of coal oil lamps, knowm as “well,” or “wall” lamps. ^ 
 
 The lamps illustrated under the numbers 37 and 38 give a fair idea of the type 
 of metal lamp used in West Africa. There is a very good sale for this type of lamp 
 or something similar. The smaller lamp is sold in two-size burners, |-inch and 1-inch. 
 The larger illustration is for a duplex burner. 
 
 There is a very good demand for acetylene lamps. The lantern type illustrated 
 under Xo. 39 is a fairly popular lamp. Canadian manufacturers producing any 
 acetylene lantern that wo>uld replace this style, should try the West African market. 
 There is a great tendency towards the use of acetylene lamps of all kinds. 
 
 Tor household purposes, there is a good demand for a serviceable household 
 acetylene table lamp. The lamps illustrated under Nos. 40 and 41, will give some 
 idea of the type which is in demand. 
 
 IRON AND BRASS BEDSTEADS 
 
 The wire bedstead import is one of some volume, and which has large possibilities. 
 The bed that will sell best is a combination three-piece bedstead—that is, the head 
 end, foot end, and spring with metal frame. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 65 
 
 Illustration Xo. 42' gives a clear idea of the kind of bed. This is an all-iron 
 bedstead. The patterns may vary, some manufacturers specialising on galvanised 
 springs and others on coppered and lacquered spring mesh, to prevent rusting. The 
 bed shown as No. 42, is imported in sizes 6 feet by 6 inches by 2 feet 6 inches, 3 feet 
 and 3 feet 6 inches. On account of the very general use of mosquito nets, there is a 
 
 
 growing demand for a bed T feet long, as it 
 tection to the net. In height, these single 
 20 inches from floor, with a 16-inch to top 
 rise of 6 inches. 
 
 27164—5 
 
 is claimed that this serves as a great pro¬ 
 beds are found satisfactory, at a rise of 
 for the head end, and for the foot end a 
 
66 
 
 DEPARTME^^T OF TRADE ARD COMMERCE, CA^^ADA 
 
 The bed shown in illustration No. 43, is in big demand. All Europeans use the 
 mosquito netting and many natives are learning its value. This type of bed, if 
 offered in 7 foot lengths, would create a good market. The pillars are 6 feet 6 inches 
 from the floor to the curtain rod. 
 
 Some manufacturers offer detachable net attachments, such as shown in illustra¬ 
 tion No. 44. These are made i-inch and f-inch uprights. Any such attachment 
 must be made to fit the manufacture of special sizes or the standard size beds. 
 
 There is a sale, of course, for a more fancy bed, with brass ornaments. The 
 illustrations Numbers 45 and 46 are for the purpose of showing some of the designs 
 wN'ich are imported for this class of trade. No attention need be paid to the inverted 
 sides, which are a specialty of one English manufacturer. These fancy beds are 
 often flnished in green or brown, as well as the japanned black. In illustration No. 46 
 the fancy pattern in head and foot pieces is brass, and in No. 45 the top rods and 
 tops are brass. Many of the double beds are imported, 4 feet and 4 feet 6 inches. 
 
 There is some import in the fancy beds, in the four-poster with rods for mosquito 
 nets. Some of these are very fancy designs, such as Persian patterns enamelled in 
 reds, greens, yellows, etc., in one pattern on tlfe^posts and end pieces. The sale is 
 limited. 
 
 There is a limited import of round and square tube all-brass bedsteads. These 
 are usually different in upright size of end pieces. The most standard size in these 
 is, height of head end 55 inches, and foot end, 44 inches. 
 
 MINING TOOLS 
 
 The illustrations Nos. 48 and 49 are for the purpose of showing the pattern of 
 shovels used in the gold mines in West Africa. The pattern shown in illustration 
 No. 48 is the one in more general use, and there is only a limited import of the shovel 
 shown as No. 49. Details as to these imports are shown in the review of imports, 
 page 67. 
 
 In pickaxes, the largest import is on patterns shown in illustration No. 50. There 
 is a fair import of the pickaxes shown as No. 51, and some import of No. 52. 
 
 The crowbar, with claw, all cast steel, as shown in illustration No. 53, is the one 
 in general use. The import is not in big quantity. 
 
 The mines import in fair quantity a hammer as shown in illustration No. 54. 
 There are three sizes imported—4, 6 and 8 pounds. There is also an import of a 
 similar hammer, bevelled edge in 4-pound size. There is fair import of the pattern 
 shown in illustration No. 55. The quarry hammer shown as No. 56 is imported in 
 sizes 12 and 14-pounds. In riveting hammers, the pattern shown in No. 57 is the 
 one universally used. Another Coast steel hammer, known as Engineers’ “round pin,” 
 shown as No. 58, is imported in fair quantity. The pattern known as “head” hammer, 
 shown in illustration No. 59, is also imported in fair quantities. 
 
 Quotations confined to patterns as illustrated will, with the exception of small 
 quantities in other patterns, cover the general demand in hammers of this type. 
 
 Eor the ordinary carpenter hammer, the claw hammer and handle as shown in 
 illustration No. 60 is the best seller. This is a general line of import, and is usually 
 stocked in four sizes. 
 
 In hatchets there is a very good import, and of several styles. The best selling 
 pattern of hatchet and handle is shown in illustration No. 61. It is usually imported 
 in the bright and blued finish, and in three sizes. 
 
 Particulars regarding axes have already been submitted. The best selling pattern 
 is shown as No. 62. 
 
^YEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 67 
 
G3 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 In spanners and wrenches, the four best selling lines are shown in illustrations 
 under Group Xo. 63. They are sold in all sizes. The ^‘Clyburn'’ pattern is of course 
 a big seller. 
 
 Hasps and staples are sold in big numbers. The smaller sizes are used for many 
 purposes other than the usual door requirements. They are stocked in all sizes from 
 3-inch, 3-|-inch, 4-inch, 4J-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch and 7-inch over all. The demand for 
 galvanized finish is large; there is also a good sale for the japanned and bright finish. 
 There is a small sale for electro-finish in small sizes. 
 
 Hasps and staples are usually packed 1 dozen to a cardboard box. The sale price 
 is usually quoted by the gross. The patterns shown in illustrations Xos. 64 and 65, 
 are suitable for the West African market. 
 
 Automatic spring padlocks are imported in large quantity. There is a gooa 
 sale for the self-locker. The iron graj'" or black japanned finish is xiopular. The 
 prices are usually quoted in dozens, but the supply is nearly always in gross. There 
 is a big sale in the small sizes, although all sizes are stocked. 
 
 Two popular patterns are shown in illustrations Xos. 66 and 67. There is a 
 sale for iron iiadlocks. Some lines are supplied with two keys, others only one. 
 
 There is a sale for padlocks fastened to cards. The card packing lends itself to 
 the polished brass padlock in the smaller sizes; an illustration of this packing is shown 
 under No. 68. This card shows one pattern only, but there are many kinds sold. It 
 is not essential that the keys be made with fancy bows as shown; plain will do. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 69 
 
70 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCE, Oils AD A 
 
 There is a good sale for all kinds of till locks, box locks and cupboard or furniture 
 locks. A stamped brass plate lever lock, suitable for boxes, is a good seller. IlluS' 
 tration No. 69 shows a type of lock which sells well. They are usually stocked in 
 IJ-inch, 2-inch, 2^-inch, and 3-inch sizes. 
 
 The lock shown in illustration No. 70, is a cupboard lock. The key hole is cut 
 two ways so as to be suitable for a cupboard or drawer. These locks are often supplied 
 with three or more keys. The prices are nearly always quoted by the gross. They 
 are stocked in li--inch, 2-inch, 2|-inch and 2|-inch size. There is also a good import 
 of a similar lock a little lighter in construction, in one size only, 2-|-inch. 
 
 Another style of chest lock sold in fair quantity is shown in illustration No. 71. 
 This is a light-finisned iron lock, with riveted cap and two brass wheels. The sizes 
 stocked are 3-inch, 3l-inch and 4-inch. 
 
 A. latch loclv, known as a “rim latch,” is sold in fair numbers. Illustration No. 
 72 is the usual stock size, 41 inches. The case is fancy steel finish. The bolts and 
 flush slide are brass. It is always sold complete with screws. 
 
 The best selling bolt for general use is the “tower bolt,” shown in illustration 
 No. 73. It is a heavy made bolt and solid end and black japanned finish. There is 
 also a good sale for a similar bolt galvanized. Departments specializing in hardware 
 stock all sizes from 3 inches to 10 inches and a 12-inch bolt. There is also a sale for 
 the barrel bolt, as shown in No. 74. Stocked in the same sizes. 
 
 Another bolt finding a good sale is the brass socket bolt, with iron shoot. These 
 are stocked in two widths, |-inch and Ig-inch, in sizes 2 inches, 2^ inches, 3 inches, 
 4 inches, 5 inches and 6 inches. There is some stock carried in a width ll-incli in 
 sizes 31 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches and 6 inches. This type of bolt is shown in illus¬ 
 tration No. 75. In addition, there is imported into West xAfrica a brass knob cupboard 
 bolt, some straight and some necked. 
 
 There is a small import of all brass bolts, usually in three sizes only, 3 inches, 
 3J inches and 4 inches. There is a limited import of a strong square spring bolt, sold 
 jn several widths from 4-inch to 1-inch, and of course in all lengths. 
 
 Tee hinges in the extra light pattern, as shown in illustration No. 76, are sold 
 in both black japanned and galvanized finish. These are seldom stocked above a 
 14-inch size. They are sold in size^4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches. 
 
 The Scotch T patterns of the heavier make are as shown in illustration No. 77. 
 These are stocked from* 6 to 24 inches, rising 2 inches. Japanned are sold, but more 
 of the galvanized. There is also a considerable sale of the plain iron T hinge. 
 
 There is a big sale for butt hinges in the bright finish, and in the electro-brassed 
 finish. The latter are usually stocked in sizes IJ inches, >2 inches, 21 inches and 
 3 inches. The iron bright finish are stocked in sizes 1 to 5 inches, rising in i-inch 
 and size 6 inches. 
 
 The cranked pattern hinge is shown in illustration No. 78, and the lock joint 
 hinge in illustration No. 79. The latter pattern is also sold in the all-brass hinge. 
 This is stocked in sizes 1 by I-inch, 2 by 1-inch, 2J by ll-inch, and 3 by IJ-inch. The 
 bright rolled steel back-fiap hinge is illustrated in No. 80. The sizes are from 1 to 
 21 inches, rising I-inch and the 3-inch size. 
 
 Illustration No. 81 shows the type of platform weighing machines used in West 
 Africa. Practically all the weighing is in bulky sacks, and a wide back rail and 
 moving platform is required. There are, of course, many other patterns on the market. 
 The portable scale is the big seller. It must be strong; all the larger sizes are mounted 
 on four wheels. It is only the small sizes that have the two wheels. 
 
 Native iron pots are imported in big quantities. Some districts insist on a pot 
 without legs; but the big sale is for legs, as shown in illustration No. 82. The price 
 is usually quoted by the cwt. (112 pounds). They are imported in all sizes, from a 
 quarter-gallon up. Some come without covers, some with flat covers, and some with 
 raised covers. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAN AD I AX TRADE 
 
 71 
 
72 
 
 DEPARMERT OF TRADE A^'D COMMERCE, CANADA 
 
 Steel sheet trunks are the only trunks which have any length of life in West 
 Africa, and they are imported in big quantities. They, of course, vary considerably in 
 design and quality. The high-class trunk, plain inside, lock-trunk, as illustrated in 
 No. 83, is a big seller. There is also a sale for the pattern shown as illustration No. 
 84. This trunk, as will be noted, has special clips, which bind the lid closely on to 
 the body of the trunk. 
 
 Another good selling pattern is shown in illustration No. 85. It is sold in all 
 sizes from 14 to 30 inches, rising 2 inches. In the better grades they are sold in sizes 
 24 to 36 inches, rising 3 inches. There is some sale for a 21-inch. The standard 
 measurements for a 30-inch trunk are 30 by 17^ by 10 inches. They are usually 
 finished in japanned black, or dark olive green, and sometimes in a nut mottled pattern. 
 
 The pattern illustrated in No. 86 is a favourite trunk wdth the natives. This is 
 a cheap line compared with the other lines illustrated. It is stocked from 14 to 30- 
 inch, rising 2-inches. The finish is usually japanned oak or mahogany, or colours. 
 What appears as a white stripe in the illustration must be gold bands. The lid musx 
 have the two moulds as illustrated, and the pattern is a rising sun which must be in 
 gold. 
 
 The trunk shown in illustration No. 87 is another good selling pattern for the 
 native trade. The body is printed in two bright fancy colours, and the bands are gold. 
 The lock must be brass. 
 
 There is a very big sale of oval bonnet boxes. In the pattern shown in illustration 
 No. 88, they are stocked from 10 to 18-inch rising 2-inch. The finish is sometimes 
 assorted colours—oak, black, Olive green, and all japanned. Locks are sometimes 
 quoted with the box. The band effect is nearly always finished in gold. 
 
 Illustration No. 89 is for a lighter weight box. The sale for this pattern is not 
 as good as for No. 88. These are sometimes stocked in the larger sizes up to 24-inch. 
 
 ANIMAL OR VERMIN ,TRAPS 
 
 There is a big import of animal traps into West Africa. This square jaw trap 
 is the best seller, but there is some sale for the round jaw trap. 
 
 All traps are quoted to include the chain. The packing varies: some districts 
 import in 25-dozen lots, but the greater is in 50-dozen lots, packed in very strong cases. 
 Each trap is marked with its size. All sizes are stocked and the following sizes are 
 fairly standard:— 
 
 Size No. 012345678 
 
 Leng-th over all. 9J 10 lOJ 11 llj 12J ISJ 14| 15-inch 
 
 Length of jaws. 3| 33 4 4| 5 51/ 5| 6-inch 
 
 The 4, 5 and 6-inch jaws sizes are the the largest sellers, but all sizes are stocked. 
 The traps should be well oiled before shipping. In some districts traps with teetii 
 are forbidden. The pegs for trap 12-inch sizes are included in the quotation for the 
 trap. There is some sale for extra pegs and chains. Illustrations Nos. 90 and 91 
 show the type of trap in use. 
 
WEST AFRICA AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 73 
 
 BRUSHWARE 
 
 Enough has already been conyeyed to inform exporters of paint brushware as to 
 the requirements of West Africa. 
 
 The patterns imported in scrub brushes are limited to about four patterns, which 
 are illustrated under Xos. 97, 98, 99 and 100. The import is mostly in what is termed 
 a Union fibre, and the medium size. There is also an import of what is termed Bass 
 and Bassim fibre. The prices are quoted by the dozen. 
 
 There is, of course, an import of nail, cloth and shoe brushes. 
 
 VEHICLES 
 
 With the exception of motor cars and lorries, the only vehicle imported into 
 West Africa is a wagon for transporting merchandise in and about the Coast towns 
 and cities by hand labour. 
 
 The type of wagon required is shown in illustration Xo. 101. This wagon is 
 nearly always imported without the rim. The approximate measurements are: length 
 92 inches, width 6 inches, height 37 inches, wheels (front) 30 inches, rear 36 inches, 
 width of tyre 3 inches, weighing about 780 pounds. They are built to carry a maxi¬ 
 mum load of 30 cwt. Prospective exporters should keep in mind the perfect season¬ 
 ing required on account of use in a tropical climate. 
 
 These wagons are packed for export in the k.d.s. The type illustrated occupies in 
 space for six wagons approximately 264 cubic feet, and weighs 2 tons 6 cwt. 
 
 How to Secure Business in West Africa 
 
 Tlie first consideration as regards West African imports is not so much in respect 
 to the general imports of these colonies, but more especially as to the lines on which 
 Canada should have a competitive chance. Eor that reason no general tables of 
 imports have been submitted. Details are given on all lines when it is considered that 
 Canadian exporters have, or should have, a chance. To the manufacturers or shippers 
 of any of these articles, who read this report, and who are convinced that they can meet 
 the conditions required, it is essential that a firm resolution be made to follow up the 
 first attempt. As already shown, the trade up to now is well worth while, and it will 
 grow very much more. The indentors in West Africa are strong for trade with 
 
74 
 
 DEPlRTMEyT OF TRADE ASD COMMERCE, C AX AD A 
 
 Canada, not only in products which may be distinctively USTorth American in origin 
 but on any line in which Canada is competitive in price and may be depended on for 
 prompt and regular shipments. 
 
 The necessity for a firm resolution is twofold: first, because it will require a con¬ 
 tinuity of endeavour for some time to secure business; and secondly, because so many 
 Canadian manufacturers who are more than keen when business is dull in Canada, 
 have the bad habit, when busy on home trade, of dropping all endeavours overseas, 
 and often go so far as not to reply to correspondence. 
 
 Let those manufacturers or shippers consider for a moment what it means to the 
 import merchant overseas who, in all confidence, has ordered certain goods, with the 
 idea that approximately they will be delivered at about a certain time. That time 
 arrives, no goods to hand and no communication to explain the reason; he may cable— 
 and we have known cases where even these were not acknowledged. The result is 
 that Canada as a whole receives a set-back as an exporting country. 
 
 In almost every effort to obtain an opening on the West African Coast, it will be 
 necessary to send catalogues, price lists, labels and samples, when possible, to several 
 centres in West Africa, with a letter of advice that similar information has been 
 passed on to the parent house in England or Erance, and when sending the duplicate 
 information to the parent house, it should be advised as to the centres in West Africa 
 wliere these have been distributed. 
 
 There are a few of the leading firms doing business in West Africa who prefer to 
 liave the duplica.te information sent on to headquarters in England, from which they 
 will undertake to distribute to their several centres in West Africa. This suggestion 
 should be followed, but on account of the conditions of doing business in West Africa, 
 it is also advisable to send catalogues, labels and price lists to at least a few of the 
 Coast distributing centres; but samples, when these are sent, should be shipped to the 
 parent house only. 
 
 The buyers or agents of all firms in West Africa come to England once a year— 
 in fact all Europeans must return, as a stay of eighteen months at one stretch is 
 exceptional and not conducive to good health or (in the long run) to good work. 
 During the agent’s stay in England, he is in close touch with the home buying depart¬ 
 ments, and it would be advisable to have him familiarized with information on the 
 exporting capabilities of any house that desires to take up this business. It is just 
 possible also that the home buyer for some reason might make up his mind that a 
 certain line could not find a market in West Africa, while, on the other hand, the 
 man on the spot might have another opinion and be prepared to order at least a trial 
 shipment. 
 
 Some Canadian firms, profiting by their experience in other fields, will perhaps be 
 keen to send representatives to the West African Coast. As already explained in this 
 report, representation on the West African Coast under certain conditions would 
 indeed be of great value, but for success from this point of view, representation in 
 England would be of much more value. 
 
 With some doubt, yet strong in the hope and faith that the lessons of the past six 
 years may have had some eft’ect on at least Canadian human nature, this opportunity 
 is taken to suggest the necessity for a getting together on the part of Canadian 
 exporters, for co-operation in representation. If some such arrangement could be 
 made whereby every possible exporter could be represented in England, there is a great 
 deal more than the West African business which could be canvassed, and canvassed 
 successfully, on behalf of Canadian export trade. If it is not possible to organize in 
 this way, so that all Canadian samples could be showm under the one roof, with say 
 two or more representatives in charge, then, alternatively, it should be possible for 
 kindred groups to arrange such representation. 
 
 There can be no question about the sale in West Africa of a good few of Canadian 
 manufactured products, in good quantities, and in fair quantities on many lines. 
 
WEST AFRICA AXD ITS OPPORTUXITIES FOR CAXADIAX TRADE 
 
 75 
 
 with the chance of adding to both classes by persistent endeavour in other lines. 
 Co-operative representation might be arranged by all members subscribing a certain 
 fee, the same amount for any firm joining, and the amount to be determined by the 
 number joining. Afterwards a commission could be paid in by all firms for whom 
 business was placed. From this fund, all subscribers would be rebated the whole, or 
 at least a portion, of their subscription. 
 
 Kepresentation of this kind might go a step further, and aid the work of eonserva- 
 lion within the Empire. Many of the raw materials as purchased in British West 
 Africa, and other parts of the Empire, are used in Canada; yet the greater 'portion 
 of these are received from other sources of supply, or at least purchased through 
 other avenues than British producers. Up to now, there may have been many good 
 reasons for it, but citing one instance only, why should Canada import in one year 
 d,081,000 gallons of palm oil from the United States, where there is no production of 
 rhis article, and on the other hand so much is produced within the Empire? An 
 organization along the lines suggested would be helpful to Canadian manufacturers 
 in perhaps arranging for the purchase of their raw materials under more competitive 
 conditions, which would mean a lower price and therefore added help in exporting 
 overseas, as well as reducing the cost of production in Canada. 
 
 The ideal way, of course, to purchase these tropical and other raw materials, 
 would be through the medium of an established market or brokerage agency in Canada; 
 but in the meantime an organization along the lines suggested should be of great 
 assistance to Canadian importers and indeed is almost a necessity for the successful 
 marketing in overseas British, French and other colonies, as well as to general 
 importers and the Crown Agents of the British Government who purchase all colonial 
 requirements, and who are just as keen to give Canada an opportunity as the import¬ 
 ing merchants and traders in these markets. 
 
 The keystone of all suggestions is to show your samples, quote your prices, explain 
 your packing, and do not fail to advise about your ability either to export as soon as 
 orders are placed, or the length of time you require. For a general trade these, of 
 course, must be backed up by some guarantee of regular shipping from Canada. 
 
 NOTES ON THE TARIFFS OF WEST AFRICA 
 
 By Wm. Gilchrist, Chief, Foreign Tariffs Dmsiox, Commercial Intelligence 
 
 Branch 
 
 The purpose of the following notes is to show in a general way what effect tariffs 
 might have in the development of Canada’s export trade with certain British and 
 French possessions in West Africa. To this end, an effort has been made to indicate 
 the essential features of the import tariffs in effect in the various colonies, protec¬ 
 torates, or territories under review. The information given has been gathered for 
 the most part from official tariffs and the bulletins of the International Customs 
 Tariffs Bureau. Note has also been taken of recent tariff’ changes as announced 
 from time to time in government trade publications such as the British Board of 
 Trades Journal. These additional sources of information have been drawn uix)n with 
 a view to bringing this survey up to date. At the same time, it is well to remember 
 that there may be other changes in West African tariffs about which no notice has 
 been received. In a summary of this kind it is necessary to interpret many laws 
 and regulations and present the information in a condensed form. There is the 
 ix)ssibility, therefore, that in some instances statements may be made that would 
 not agree with the official interpretation of the laws in question. On the whole, 
 however, it is thought that these notes will convey a fairly accurate idea of import 
 tariff conditions in the different colonies and protectorates dealt with. 
 
76 
 
 DEPARTME'ST OF TRADE AlsD COMMERCE, CAR ADA 
 
 Generally speaking, import duties in West Africa are moderate. The usual 
 practice in the tariffs in question is to assign duties to comparatively limited lists 
 of enumerated articles and to declare all other dutiable goods subject to a general 
 ad valorem rate. It will be noted that all goods are not dutiable. In fact, exemp¬ 
 tions from duty are considerable. The enumerated articles usually come under 
 specific rates of duty. In the category of enumerated goods are usually included 
 such articles as spirits, wines, tobaccos, matches, perfumes, salt, sugar, firearms and 
 ammunition, and a few other commodities, which are taxed specially with a view to 
 raising required revenue. Of much importance is the general ad valorem rate 
 assigned to goods that are not otherwise specified in the tariffs. These general ad 
 valorem rates, taking all the colonies into consideration, range from per cent to 
 25 per cent. There is no preferential tariff in the British colonies, but most of the 
 French colonies give a tariff preference to imports of French origin. 
 
 BRITISH COLONIES AND PROTECTORATES 
 
 Nigeria .—Unless there has been some recent amendment to the tariff of Fligeria, 
 a large number of articles would be exempt from duty on entering that colony. 
 According to published tariffs, the Nigerian free list covers all goods not specified 
 as dutiable. In the dutiable list, the following articles are subject to 12-| per cent, 
 ad valorem: earthenware; enamelware; furniture; hardware, including cutlery and 
 all minor metal articles, domestic and kitchen utensils not otherwise provided for; 
 hosiery and underclothing; thread and yarn; and wearing apparel. A limited 
 number of articles are subject to specific duties. Among these are: kerosene, 3d. 
 per gallon; lead, 2d. per pound; soap, 3s. per cwt.; and umbrellas, 8d. each. 
 
 Gold Coast .—A tariff ordinance went into effect in the Gold Coast Colony on 
 January 22, 1921, revising the former schedule of import duties and making a few 
 alterations in the free list. Under the new ordinance, the ad valorem duty on pro¬ 
 visions, not enumerated in the tariff, is 12-J per cent ad valorem, and on unenume¬ 
 rated goods, other than provisions, 20 per cent ad valorem. From the list of goods 
 with specified duties the following may be taken as of interest: cordage, 8s. per cwt.; 
 flour, 2s. 6d. per 196 pounds; fish, salted and cured, 8s. per 100 pounds; lard, 8s. 
 per 100 pounds; soap, other than toilet soap, 3s. per cwt.; and sugar, 6s. per 100 
 pounds. The free list includes, among other things, agricultural and gardening 
 appliances and implements; living animals, including poultry; structural materials 
 for telegraphs, telephones, and electric lighting; corrugated galvanized iron sheets; 
 beef and pork, pickled or salted; cranes and derricks; fresh fish; fresh fruit; harness 
 and saddlery; iron brackets, screws, etc., when imported for roofing purposes; various 
 kinds of machinery; fresh meat; railway material; pumps; and vehicles. 
 
 Sierra Leone .—^Sierra Leone has the highest rate of any of the British West 
 African colonies for unenumerated goods, namely 25 per cent ad valorem. On 
 July 13, 1921, the ad valorem rate on unenumerated goods imported into Sierra 
 Leone was advanced from 20 per cent to 25 per cent ad valorem. Since April the 
 tariff has been 20 per cent ad valorem on passenger automobiles, engines, type¬ 
 writers, sewing machines, and corrugated iron sheets, which were formerly free of 
 duty. The duty on lumber was advanced in April from 10s. per 1,000 superficial 
 feet to £1, and hags for use in exportation of West African produce, previously free 
 pf duty, were made liable to a duty of Id. each. The duty on sugar is 28s. per cwt. 
 The following, among other things, appear in the free list: agricultural implements 
 and tools, boats, coopers’ stores, fresh fish, fresh vegetables, fresh meat, fishing nets 
 and gear machinery of various kinds, poultry, telegraph materials, and mining tools. 
 There is also a short list of articles subject to specific duties. 
 
WEST AFRICA AIID ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN TRADE 
 
 77 
 
 Gamhia .—With respect to Gambia, the following rates are taken from the Inter¬ 
 national Customs Tariffs Bureau bulletin of January, 1920: boots and shoes, 10 per 
 cent ad valorem; jewellery, 10 per cent ad valorem; motor cars, £5 each; motor cycles, 
 including side cars, £1 each; unenumerated goods, Ti per cent ad valorem. The 
 free list comprises, among other things: agricultural and gardening implements, 
 fresh fish, fresh fruit,'live stock, various kinds of machinery, fresh meat, sewing 
 machines, fresh vegetables, and wire and iron fencing. Foods not mentioned in the 
 free list were formerly dutiable at 5 per cent, ad valorem, but it was announced in 
 February last that the free list had been enlarged to include all articles of food and 
 drink except kola nuts. At the same time, the duty on cotton goods was advanced 
 from per cent to 10 per cent ad valorem. 
 
 FRENCH WEST AFRICA 
 
 According to an official tariff issued in May, 1919, French West Africa is 
 divided into two zones with respect to the collection of import duties. One zone, 
 comprising the territories of Senegal, Upper Senegal and Miger, French Guinea, 
 and Mauritania, has a preferential tariff in favour of goods of French origin. The 
 preference is provided by a surtax on goods of foreign origin. In the case of 
 specific duties, this surtax is usually fiS-J per cent or 50 per cent of the ordinary 
 duties, although it is occasionally 100 per cent or more. In the tariff of these 
 colonies textiles are rather exhaustively enumerated, hut otherwise the list of 
 enumerated goods is comparatively short. There are certain exemptions from duty. 
 The rate on dutiable goods, not enumerated, is 5 per cent ad valorem in the case of 
 articles of French origin, with a surtax of T per cent ad valorem on goods of foreign 
 origin. 
 
 The other zone of French West Africa is made up of Ivory Coast and Dahomey. 
 These two colonies have a uniform tariff for all countries. The classification of 
 goods is the same as for the colonies included in the first zone, but the rates of duty 
 are not quite so high as the rates applicable to foreign goods in the tariff of the first- 
 mentioned zone. On goods not enumerated or exempt from duty when imported into 
 Ivory Coast or Dahomey the rate is 10 per cent ad valorem. 
 
 In establishing the value for ad valorem duty purposes in French West Africa 
 the value is fixed in accordance with an official table. If the goods are not included in 
 the official list, the invoice price, increased by 25 per cent, is taken as the value on 
 whicli duty is levied. 
 
 A decree was issued on December 30, 1920, raising certain duties by the use of 
 “ coefficients of increase.” The highest coefficient in use is 3. The rate of duty pre¬ 
 scribed by the customs tariff is multiplied by the coefficient, the resulting total being 
 the actual amount to be paid. , 
 
INDEX 
 
 Page 
 
 Aerated waters 
 
 West Africa imports. 14 
 
 Ale, beer and porter 
 
 British West Africa imports. 15 
 
 Aluminium ware. 62 
 
 Area and population 
 
 British and French colonies. 8 
 
 Asbestos, sheets and tiles. 32 
 
 Bacons and hams 
 
 British West Africa imports. ..... 15 
 
 Bag's, suitcases, trunks and attache cases 35 
 
 Baking powder. 16 
 
 Banking 
 
 British Colonies. 9 
 
 Bedsteads and mattresses. 22 
 
 Bedsteads, iron and brass.64, 65 66 
 
 Belting. 28 
 
 Bicycles. 27 
 
 Biscuits 
 
 Gambia imports. 13 
 
 Gold Coast imports. 13 
 
 Nigeria imports.‘. 13 
 
 Sierra Leone imports. 13 
 
 West African imports. 12 
 
 Blankets. 36 
 
 Boiled sweets.. .. 17 
 
 Bolts and nuts. 23 
 
 Bolts, draw bar. 23 
 
 Bonnet boxes. 72 
 
 Boots and shoes. 35 
 
 Boot polish and cleanser. 38 
 
 Bread 
 
 Imports, cabin. 12 
 
 Breakfast foods. 16 
 
 British colonies and protectorates 
 
 Population and area. 8 
 
 Brooms and brush ware. 38 
 
 Brush ware. 73 
 
 Business 
 
 How to secure in West Africa. 73 
 
 Buckets, galvanized. 62 
 
 Building materials. 29 
 
 Buildings, ready made. 33 
 
 Butter. 16 
 
 Buying capacity 
 
 British and French colonies. 8 
 
 Cameras. 39 
 
 Carbide of calcium. 28 
 
 Carpenters’ tools. 23 
 
 Cement. 31 
 
 Chains. 23 
 
 Cheese. 16 
 
 Chocolates and confectionery. 17 
 
 Clothing. 36 
 
 Coal. 29 
 
 Combs. 38 
 
 Page 
 
 Compounds. 28 
 
 Coopers’ tools. 23 
 
 Cordage. 39 
 
 Corsets. 39 
 
 Cotton carders. 39 
 
 Cotton goods. 35 
 
 Cotton 
 
 Senegal imports. 49 
 
 Cross-cut saws. 23 
 
 Currency 
 
 British colonies. 9 
 
 Cutlery. 23 
 
 Dahomey 
 
 Imports. 56 
 
 Ports. 56 
 
 Trade and commerce. 55 
 
 Drills, steel. 28 
 
 Drugs, patent medicines, chemicals, dis¬ 
 infectants and perfumery. ^ 38 
 
 Electro-plated ware. 34 
 
 Enamelware.. ..21, 58, 59, 60 
 
 Exports 
 
 British West Africa. 43 
 
 French Guinea. 52 
 
 French West Africa, 1920. 57 
 
 Gambia, 1920. 46 
 
 Gold Coast, 1920. 44, 45 
 
 Ivory Coast. 54 
 
 Nigeria, 1920. 44 
 
 Senegal. 49 
 
 Sierra Leone.45, 46 
 
 Eye-glasses. 39 
 
 Felts, roofing. 33 
 
 Files, rasps, etc. 23 
 
 Fish 
 
 Nigeria imports. 14 
 
 West Africa imports. 13 
 
 Flat irons. 23 
 
 Flour 
 
 Gambia imports. 12 
 
 Gold Coast imports. 11 
 
 Nigeria imports. 11 
 
 Sierra Leone imports. 11 
 
 West Africa imports. 10 
 
 French colonies and protectorates 
 
 Population and area. 8 
 
 French Guinea 
 
 Exports. 52 
 
 Imports, 1918-19. 52 
 
 Trade and commerce. 51 
 
 French West Africa 
 
 Exports, 1920. 57 
 
 Railway development. 58 
 
 Tariffs. 77 
 
 Trade and commerce. 46 
 
 Fruits 
 
 Preserved. 17 
 
 Frying pans, steel. 62 
 
 Furniture. 33 
 
 Furniture polish. 38 
 
 78 
 
JXDEX 
 
 79 
 
 Page 
 
 Page 
 
 Gambia 
 
 Biscuit imports. 13 
 
 Exports, 1920. 46 
 
 Flour imports. 12 
 
 Tariffs. 77 
 
 Garden rakes and tools. 24 
 
 Gold Coast 
 
 Biscuit imports. 13 
 
 Exports, 1920. 44, 45 
 
 Flour imports. 11 
 
 Railwaj’s. 43 
 
 Tariffs.. 76 
 
 Gunpowder. 39 
 
 Guns. 23 
 
 Hardware, implements and tools. 22 
 
 Hasps and staples.24, 68 
 
 Hats and caps. 39 
 
 Hinges, butt, and T-shape. 24 
 
 Hoe, matchet, and adze. 24 
 
 Hose, drill. 28 
 
 Illustrations 
 
 Aluminium ware. 62 
 
 Bedsteads, iron and brass.64, 65 
 
 Bonnet boxes. 71 
 
 Brushware. 73 
 
 Buckets, galvanized. 63 
 
 Enamelware.60, 61 
 
 Prying pans, steel. 63 
 
 Hasps and staples. 68 
 
 Lanterns and lamps. 64 
 
 Locks and bolts, and hinges. 69 
 
 Mining tools. 67 
 
 Padlocks. 68 
 
 Pots, iron. 71 
 
 Spanners and wrenches. 68 
 
 Traps—animal or vermin. 72 
 
 Trunks. 71 
 
 Vehicles. 73 
 
 Weighing machines. 71 
 
 Imports 
 
 See under names of specific articles 
 
 Ink. .. 39 
 
 Instruments—musical. 34 
 
 Iron and steel, bar and rod. 26 
 
 Ironware, galvanized. 27 
 
 Ivory Coast 
 
 Exports. 54 
 
 Imports. 54 
 
 Ports. 55 
 
 Trade and commei’ce. 53 
 
 Jewellery. 39 
 
 Kettles. 24 
 
 Lanterns. 21 
 
 Lanterns and lamps. 64 
 
 Lawn mowers. 24 
 
 Leather goods. ^ . 35 
 
 Lightning conductors. 39 
 
 Lime. 32 
 
 Locks and bolts and hinges.24, 70 
 
 Machinery. 28 
 
 Matches. 39 
 
 Meats 
 
 British West Africa imports. 16 
 
 Meat choppers. 24 
 
 Metal manufactures. 20 
 
 Methods of purchase 
 
 West Africa. 
 
 Mica sheets. 
 
 Milk, condensed. 
 
 Mining tools.. .. 
 
 Motor cars. 
 
 Nails. 
 
 Nigeria 
 
 Biscuit imports. 
 
 Exports, 1920. 
 
 Nigeria 
 
 Fish imports. 
 
 Flour imports. 
 
 Tariff. 
 
 Oilcloth, table and floor. 
 
 Optical goods. 
 
 Organs. 
 
 Padlocks. 
 
 Paints, varnishes, oils, etc. . . . 
 Paper. 
 
 Paper bags. 
 
 Pianos. 
 
 Pick axes. 
 
 Pins, cotter. 
 
 Pipes, clay. 
 
 Pipes, piping, fittings. 
 
 Plyers, pincers and punches. . . . 
 Population and area 
 
 British and French colonies 
 
 39 
 18 
 66 
 27 
 24 
 
 13 
 44 
 
 14 
 11 
 76 
 
 40 
 39 
 34 
 68 
 32 
 37 
 
 37 
 
 34 
 
 40 
 
 25 
 
 25 
 
 8 
 
 Ports 
 
 Dahomey. 
 
 Ivory Coast. 
 
 Senegal. 
 
 Pots. 
 
 Pots, iron. 
 
 Railway development 
 
 French West Africa. .. 
 
 Railways 
 
 Gold Coast. 
 
 Railways and requirements 
 Railways 
 
 Sierra Leone. 
 
 Refrigerators. 
 
 Ribbons. 
 
 Roofing felts. 
 
 Rules. 
 
 Salt.. 
 
 Sauces, soups, etc. 
 
 Scales. 
 
 Screws. 
 
 Senegal 
 
 Cotton imports. 
 
 Exports. 
 
 Ports. 
 
 Trade and commerce. 
 
 Sheets, galvanized iron.. . 
 Sheets 
 
 Iron and steel. 
 
 Shirts. 
 
 Shovels and spades. 
 
 .... 56 
 
 .... 55 
 
 .... 50 
 
 .... 27 
 
 .... 70 
 
 .... 58 
 
 .... 43 
 
 40, 41, 42, 43 
 
 .... 43 
 
 .... 34 
 
 .... 40 
 
 .... 33 
 
 .... 38 
 
 .... 18 
 
 .... 18 
 
 25 
 
 49 
 
 49 
 
 50 
 47, 48 
 
 26 
 
 36 
 
 25 
 
80 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Page 
 
 Sierra Leone 
 
 Biscuit imports. 13 
 
 Exports.45, 46 
 
 Flour imports. 11 
 
 Ttailways. 43 
 
 Tariffs. 76 
 
 Silverware. 34 
 
 Soaps. 18 
 
 Socks and hosiery. 36 
 
 Spanners and wrenches.26.68 
 
 Spikes. 00 
 
 Spirits. 19 
 
 Starch and blue. 19 
 
 Stationery. 37 
 
 Stoves. 26 
 
 Sugar. 19 
 
 Syrup. 19 
 
 Tar and pitch. 33 
 
 Tariffs 
 
 British and French colonies. 75 
 
 French West Africa. 77 
 
 Gambia. 77 
 
 Gold Ooast. 76 
 
 Nigeria. 76 
 
 Sierra Leone. . .. 76 
 
 Telegraphs and telephone material.. .. 43 
 
 Tennis racquets. 38 
 
 Tinware. 22 
 
 Page 
 
 Tobacco. 38 
 
 Toilet paper. 37 
 
 Traps, animal.26, 72 
 
 Trowels. 26 
 
 Trucks. 27 
 
 Trunks. 72 
 
 Typewriters. 38 
 
 Umbrellas. 37 
 
 Underwear. 36 
 
 Upper Senegal-Niger Colony 
 
 Trade and commerce. 50 
 
 Valves. 26 
 
 Vegetables. 20 
 
 Vehicles.27, 73 
 
 Vermicelli and macaroni. 20 
 
 Wagons. 27 
 
 Wall paper. 37 
 
 Washers, steel. 26 
 
 Waterproof clothing. 37 
 
 Weighing machines. 70 
 
 Whitewear and dresses. 37 
 
 Windmills. 28 
 
 Wire. 26 
 
 Wood and timber. 29 
 
 Wrapping paper. 37 
 
 Yarns.:. 37 
 

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