286 CHANNEL ISLANDS :
CH A P T ER IV.
Trade and Smuggling—Civil Government of the Island—Small
Economy—The Militia—Views—The Caskets—The Island of
Berhou—The Petrel—The Burrowing Bee.
A l d e r n e y has now no trade, excepting merely that
which is created by the wants of the island; and the
remnant of an illicit traffic. The only exports are
potatos; and lobsters during the season. There is
still a considerable import of British manufactured
goods, which find their way into France—some say, to
the extent of 50,000/. per annum. I have reason to
believe however, that this is an exaggeration ; though
it is certain that this trade is carried on, with advantage
to those concerned in it, and without much hindrance
or danger. In the article of tea, too, there is a small
illicit trade: it is brought from France, and is disposed
of without difficulty, in Jersey and Guernsey, but
chiefiy in the latter island.
The import of spirits into Alderney, is considerable.
I have before me, a document furnished to me by Mr.
Gaudion, the king’s procureur, by which it appears
that from January, 1833, to January, 1834, 8049
gallons were retailed and consumed in the island.
This is an immense consumption for so small a population,
giving nearly thirty gallons per annum, to
every upgrown male person. But spirit is the only
liquor drank in Alderney. There is no cider, and no
beer; and brandy and water, therefore, is the only
substitute. In Alderney, as in the other islands,
there is an impôt, or duty on spirit, of one shilling per
gallon. This, in Alderney, amounts to about 400/.
per annum, which is applied towards improvements in
the island.
The constitution of Alderney is similar to that
of Guernsey. It consists of an assembly called the
States; and of a court of judicature, which however,
has no jurisdiction in criminal cases, all such being
tried in Guernsey. The states are composed of the
six jurats ; of the governor who has no vote, and of the
douzainier, who are merely consulted, but have not as
in Guernsey, any voice. The States and the Court,
are in fact therefore the same. The jurats are elected
by the rate payers; and from all I could learn, justice
is pretty impartially administered; though of course
under all the disadvantages which result from an
elective magistracy—especially where the electors
are ignorant, and the elected, eligible without qualification.
I have already mentioned government-house, and
the name of the present governor. The emoluments
of the office are extremely trifling—certainly not covering
the additional expenditure necessarily attendant
on the office. And here, I cannot help observing,
that in selecting Alderney for retrenchments, government
has made a singular choice. The utmost saving
that can be effected there, is pitiful, in comparison
with what might be done in the other islands. Will
I