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378 THE LONDON WEST INDIA INTEREST July a right *} Yet more decisive is a reference of a group of planters in the same year to the ' many . . . Instances . . . where the Planting and Mercantile Interest Clash 2 No later trace has been found of this lack of harmony, and it probably disap- peared soon after this date. There remained, nevertheless, the other great difficulty which delayed the growth of the West India society which we find later in the century — the disputes between the resident planters and the absentees. In 1750 there were numerous hearings before the lords commissioners for trade and plantations of the agent for Jamaica, John Sharpe, on behalf of the resident planters, and a certain Mr. Paris on behalf of the absentees. The point in dispute was the so-called Deficiency Acts passed by the legislature of the island ; these required that a certain proportion should be maintained on every estate between the whites and the slaves, a fine being exacted as penalty ; and where the owner of the plantation did not reside on the island a larger proportion of whites was prescribed. The absentees argued that the acts were contrary to an instruction issued to the governors of the islands in 1748. For a long time the matter was discussed, until finally in 1764 it was decided in favour of the absentees. Although it is true, however, that these disputes had to be settled before the final form of organization could be developed, they did not prevent some degree of organization in earlier years, nor, as we have already seen, joint action by planters and mer- chants when occasion demanded. In 1733 and again in 1739 the West India interest secured strong support from parliament. Details are lacking as to the means by which these measures were obtained. We can trace, indeed, the petitions of the planters and merchants, the evidence given by them, and we know their final triumph : but at the manner in which the influence at the disposal of the petitioners was manipulated we can only guess. Valuable assistance is afforded by evidence relating to the years 1740 to 1745. At some time previous to 1740 there came into existence the Planters' Club. William Beckford, writing to James Knight from Spanish Town on 11 October 1740, says : 1 am glad to find our Club at Lebechs continues. It is very proper that a Number of Gentlemen should meet together in order to consult on Every- thing that shall be thought of for the good of their Country ; 3 and again, ten months later, ' I am glad to hear our Club still 1 Letter-book of Messrs. Lascelles and Maxwell, 1743-5, p. 249, letter dated 2 March 1744/5 to John Fairchild. 2 Colonial Office Papers 177 (5, 16 October 1745). 8 Brit. Mus., Add. MS. 12431, fos. 116, 117.