2-888-629 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Henry Tufnell, Esq., M.P. for Devonport, 1850. Portrait from a photograph by Kilburn. Tufnell served as private secretary to the Governor of Ceylon. 'At that time, the native population of Ceylon were in a condition of serfdom that bordered closely upon slavery...In 1832, this compulsory labour system was abolished by an Order in Council dated the 28th of September, which was received by the natives in the colony with unbounded joy, and was soon followed by the disappearance of their former stubborn laziness, and the appearance, in its stead, of the readiness to work for fair wages. To this new spirit Mr. Tufnell gave additional impetus by the early establishment of a savings-bank at Colombo, allowing five per cent upon deposits, and which rapidly rose in public estimation, and still continues popular and prosperous'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.