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2 66 CYPRUS IN 1879. [CHAP. IX. town were good enough to call frequently, and kindly ] afforded much information ; at the same time they did | not conceal their disappointment at the terms of the j occupation, which, by draining the island of its revenue, I completely paralysed the good intentions of the j English government ; the best resolutions being j valueless unless supported by the necessary capital. Although I received every politeness from the ] inhabitants, who appeared to think I had some official j mission, it was not difficult to trace a general tone | of complaint and dissatisfaction, which was perfectly J natural under the existing régime. Although nothing could exceed the pains taken by Sir Garnet Wolseley I and all his officials to introduce reforms for the general ] welfare of the people, the task was simply impossible I where various interests were conflicting, and no hybrid government could at once destroy existing abuses and • at the same time establish laws suitable to all classes. This general reform required an independent administration, untrammelled by mongrel relations with the Turk, and equally free from the vexatious labyrinths of English jurisprudence. I do not wish to catalogue the long list of grievances which have been entrusted to my unwilling ears, but there are some which are so utterly destructive to the interests of the country and the government, that I have no hesitation in describing them. The great trade of Limasol is wine, as the district exhibits the industry first encouraged by the Venetians; this, as the great money-producing cultivation, opposed to Mussulman prejudices, has been burdened with extortionate taxation and restrictions, which have not yet been relieved by the British administration.

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