THE CYPRUS GAZETTE

171The Cyprus Gazette(EXTRAORDINARY.){Published by Authonty.)No. 1333.] TUESDAY, 11TH JUNE, 1918.No. 289HIS EXCELLENCY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER directs the pubhcation for general informationof the report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the extent, causesand effects of indebtedness in the Island. (M.P. 851/17.)THERy His Excellency's Command,M. STEVENSON,Chief Secretary to Govemment.REPORTOFCOMMISSIONAPPOINTED TO ENQUIRE INTO THEEXTENT, CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF INDEBTEDNESSIN THE ISLAND.ToTHE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT,Snt,IN obedience to the Commission issued by His Excellency the HighCommissioner on the 1st August, 1917, (Appendix A) by which we wereappointed to enquire into and report on the following matters:—1. The extent, causes and effects of indebtedness in the Island;2. The reaUzation and distribution of the estates of debtors and insolventpersons;3. Whether any, and if so, what remedial measures are required forthe protection of creditors and debtors, and for the rehef of the poorerclasses of the commumty,we have the honour to make the following report:—We have examined a large number of witnesses. Members of the LegislativeCouncil, Merchants and villagers and there is practically a unanimousexpression of opinion that there is a very large number of the villagers whoare greatly in debt and that remedial measures are both desirable andnecessary, and that there is pressing necessity for them.The village poor may be divided into two classes:—1 The labourer who works for wages or on the metayer system on thelands of the Monasteries, Chifthks and other large estates.2 The farmers, fruit growers and graziers, who are the registeredowners and possessors of immovable property and stock.We have Uttle evidence as to the first class, nor do we propose in thepresent report to consider them.The evidence we have taken shows that the indebtedness of the latterclass is largely due to the improvidence or disregard of their obhgations whichthey show.Commission.Large indebtedness.Classes of poor.Causes ofindebtednessof farmersimprovidence.ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ