24 THECUBAREVIEW 



advantage as freights went as high as GOc. per 100 ]l)s. (hiring the season, the average f(jr the 

 year being 48c. 



For the coming season, tonnage for the Company's sugar has again ]:)een secured at very 

 favorable rates through the same soiu-ce. 



PLANS FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION 



The Company is proceeding with plans to increase its output approximately as follows: 

 1917—3,800,000 to 4,000,000 bags 

 1918—4,400,000 to 4,600,000 " 

 1919— 4,800,000 to 5,100,000 " 



The greater part of these increases are planned for the Eastern end of Culja, where 

 land and the cost of cane are cheapest and where railroad freights are lower than in the West. 



The improvements which are being made in the factories should show some result in the 

 coming crop of 1916-17, and still greater results in the crop of 1917-18 when most of this 

 work will have been completed. Improvements in the production of cane probably- \\ill not 

 show before the crop of 1918-19 because of the time it requires to mature the cane from the time 

 of its planting. It is expected that marked improvements will result along the lines of better 

 cultivation, with fertilization, where needed, and irrigation at points where irrigation can be 

 economically introduced. 



PROSPECTS FOR NEXT SEASON. 



For the coming season the care is in good condition. The first of tha plantations started 

 grinding on December 10. In many plantations, weather favoring the start, will be 

 earlier than last year, notwithstanding the many difficulties exijerienced in the shipment of 

 machinery purchased. C\iba has experienced unusually heavy rains during November. These 

 rains, if not continued through December, will have a favorable effect. If continued too long 

 their effect on the crop a«11 be adverse. 



The prospects for sugar prices for the coming season are favoraljle, as there are more 

 countries in Europe and elsewhere that will this year be compelled to import sugar. 



ASSETS 



Properties and Plants $57,636,115.65 



Advance Payments — Machinery and Betterments 140,156.37 



$57,776,272.02 



Cultivations — Achninstration Cane 1,122,568.90 



Materials and Supplies 1,703,706.14 



Current Assets and Advances to Colonos: 



Advances to Colonos less Reserve for Doubtful Account $3,659,019.49 



Advances to Stores 26,208.98 



Centrifugal and Molasses Sugars: 



On hand at September 30, 1916, Valued at Net Sold Prices, 



less Shipping and Selling Expenses 3,421,414.71 



Accounts and Bills Receivable, less Reserve for Doubtful 



Accounts 760,793.36 



Cash 1,527,723.42 



Cash on deposit to meet Dividend due Oct. 1, 1916 875,000.00 



10,270,159.96 



Security for Rede?nption nf Liens emdCensos on Properties — 



Cash Deposited with Trust Company $1,669,482.13 



Bonds of Cia Central Mercedes Deposited 60,000.00 



1,729,482.13 



Deferred Charges : 



Insurance, Rents and Taxes paid in advance $267,624.60 



Items in Suspense 7,500.00 



— ■ 275,124.60 



$72,877,313.75 



