Parliamentary Papers

total number of British vessels that entered in 1914 was 194, whereas in 1913 it was 278 vessels, including in both cases those that proceeded by canal to the neighbouring port of Eu.

Openings for trade.-Here as elsewhere the events that are taking place in Europe will, with the recovery of confidence and enterprise, favour the sale of various articles of British manufacture by the exclusion of all corresponding goods of German origin. The opportunities offered by the district are, however, very restricted, for although the maritime movement of Tréport is considerable, it has very little. connection with the trade requirements of the locality. A prosperous agricultural district, however, is to be found in this part of Normandy and neighbouring Picardy, and the methods of cultivation correspond with the modern scientific treatment of the subject much more than in some other districts of France; consequently there is a certain demand for agricultural machinery. The competition to be met with in this field comes chiefly from the United States. In the way of ironmongery and cutlery cheap articles of German origin have for many years found an increasing sale in the district. The object to be aimed at, however, should be to reach the central sources from which the local dealers are wont to obtain their supplies.

Agriculture. With the exception of hay, of which the first cutting was very light owing to the drought in April and May, the crops generally were satisfactory. The call of war caused the work of harvesting to be thrown largely upon women and children, but the fineness of the weather throughout the critical period greatly facilitated operations and all cereals were gathered under the best conditions. The crop of cider apples was exceptionally good both as regards weight and quality, and the yield of beetroot was more than equal to the average. Potatoes are little grown in the district.

Effects of war. Public health.-The war completely changed the conditions of life at Tréport. Before the end of the summer the floating population instead of being composed, as is normally the case during the season, of visitors in quest of pleasure, was made up chiefly of refugees from Belgium and the invaded districts of France. Although there were reasons for fearing the spread of epidemics among the civil population, there were only a few cases of typhoid and scarlet fever, and the general health of Tréport and Eu may be described as good.

RETURN of Principal Imports to and Exports from Tréport during the Years 1913-14.