106 



THE INDIA RUBBER WORLD 



[November 1, 1914. 



Some Rubber Planting Notes. 



STATISTICAL POSITION OF RUBBER. 



COMING at such a late period of the year, the meeting of 

 Harrisons & Crosfield, Limited, held in London on October 

 13, was of special interest. As it will be recalled, this com- 

 pany acts as secretary for a number of plantations, and is thus 

 in closer touch with market conditions than any individual 

 estate would be. 



In addressing the meeting, Mr. C. Heath Clark, the chairman, 

 remarked that last year the world's production of rubber was 

 117,000 tons, while consumption represented a slightly larger 

 quantity. The present war conditions render it almost impossi- 

 ble to forecast correctly the rubber market. Two large con- 

 sumers, Germany and Austria, have been cut off from supplies. 

 It therefore remains to be seen how far the other European 

 countries, together with America, will utilize the whole of the 

 world's production. 



Existing conditions he regarded as distinctly favorable. The 

 English stocks, which had been at the end of July 5,543 tons, had 

 fallen by the end of September to 5,416 tons, as compared with 

 5,859 tons in stock a year ago. Dealing with plantation rubber 

 alone, he adverted to the fact that the total quantity landed in 

 England during the first nine months of the current year had 

 been 30,801 tons, against which there had been deliveries of 30.- 

 425 tons, practically the total quantity received having thus gone 

 into consumption. 



Since the commencement of the war demand has proved quite 

 satisfactory, prices having been well maintained. A certain fall- 

 ing off in some branches of consumption may have taken place 

 (such as motor cars for pleasure purposes), but there will be 

 an increased demand for motor vehicles to do the work of the 

 world and replace the horses withdrawn for military purposes. 

 Prices during the current year have, on the whole, been main- 

 tained better than was anticipated, first grade plantation rubber 

 being somewhat higher in September than it was a year ago. 



A feature of importance to the rubber industry has been the 

 reduction in costs, an average saving in the "all-in" (or inclu- 

 s!\i-l price of 6d. per pound having been effected in some ten 

 investigated. This reduction he expected to continue, and 

 to be further developed under the strict economy now being ex- 

 ercised in the management of estates by reason of the war. The 

 same cause may probably lead to a reduced production. All 

 needless capital expenditure will cease, and tapping will be avoid- 

 ed until the trees can show a profit. 



He anticipated that the collection of wild rubber would con- 

 tinue to show a decrease, the falling off being attributed to dif- 

 ficulties of financing rather than to low prices. Figures show 

 that the rubber exports to England from sources other than the 

 Far East were, during the first nine months of the current year, 

 nearly one-third less than during the corresponding period of 

 last year. 



In conclusion. Mr. Clark expressed the opinion that there 

 would be a continued further decrease in supplies from the 

 sources competing with the Far East, adding that whatever 

 might be the temporary effects of the war on the rubber indus- 

 try, it would still give handsome returns on the capital invested. 



SUNGKAI-CHUMOR ESTATES, LIMITED (FEDERATED MALAY STATES . 



By the directors' report, presented at *He eighth annual meet- 

 ing of the above company, on October 7, the total area is 1693.8 

 acres, of which 1469.5 acres are under rubber. The total quan- 

 tity collected for the year was 347,621 pounds, against, a yield 

 for the previous annual period of 279,354 pounds. A quantity of 

 355.000 pounds is estimated for the year ending June 30, 1915. 



The gross price realized was 2s. 3.25d. (55.24 cents) per pound, 

 while the inclusive cost was Is. 371rf. (31.9 cents), as com- 



pared with Is. 9.76J. (,44.1 cents) for the previous year. For 

 the year ending June 30, 1914, the dividend amounted to 30 per 

 cent. 



SECRETS OF PLANTATION SUCCESSES. 



Jhe four following axioms have been laid down for the guid- 

 ance of plantation companies: 1. Close the capital account as 

 as possible, so as not to annihilate the progress of the enter- 

 prise by an accumulation of financial charges. 2. During the 

 earlier years take all expenses from revenue, without yielding to 

 the temptation of the premature distribution of dividends. 3. Do 

 not increase the planted area beyond the limits allowed by the 

 treasury. In other words, no loans based on the alleged necessity 

 of < \tending the plantation. 4. Maintain a very capable adminis- 

 trative staff, constantly looking out for economies which might 

 ried into effect. 



HEVEA IN COCHIN CHINA. 



A recent number of the Annals of the Rubber Planters of 

 Indo China contains a protest against a statement that the climate 

 of Indo China is relatively too dry for Hevea. It is claimed that 

 within the suitable degrees of latitude Hcrea flourishes admirably. 

 The dry season of four months in no way impairs its growth, 

 while it serves as a protection against the diseases with which 

 Malaya has to contend. As to the output, the yield for 1913 ex- 

 ceeded 4}i pounds of rubber per tree for trees with an average 

 age of 12 years. 



PINK DISEASE ON MALAYAN RUBBER PLANTATIONS. 



In recently addressing the Central Perak Planters' Associatmn 

 Mr. F. J. Brooks, Government Mycologist of the Federated Malay 

 States, expressed the opinion that "Pink Disease" was the most 

 serious of the affections to which rubber trees are subject. The 

 disease was first noticed in 1904, but its spread has been par- 

 ticularly remarked during the last 18 months. 



At present it is chiefly found in southern Perak. its ravages 

 extending to northern Selangor. It has likewise been observed 

 in northern Perak, Negri Sembilan and Telok Anson, spreading 

 after heavy rainfall and in thickly planted sections. The disease 

 is caused by a fungus, which attacks every part of the tree above 

 the ground with the exception at first of the leaves. When it has 

 penetrated the bark it extends upward and downward and pro- 

 duces decomposition, the leaves and the affected branches com- 

 mencing to decay and perish. The disease is most noticeable 

 with trees from 3 to 10 or 15 years of age. 



The best means of coping with the "Pink Disease," in Mr. 

 Brooks' opinion, is the system of "Disease Brigades." This is 

 carried out by a sufficient number of men being detailed to go 

 over the whole plantation every three or four weeks so as to deal 

 with the rubber trees and other vegetation affected. 



In conclusion. Mr. Brooks expressed the opinion that planters 

 should not be discouraged by the "Pink Disease," as plantation 

 rubber is one of the healthiest of the cultures at present flourish- 

 ing in the Malayan Peninsula. 



ADDITIONAL CUSTOMS DUTIES IN PORTUGUESE ANGOLA. 



By a law passed on July 22 last, the following additional cus- 

 toms duties have been levied to defray the cost of public works 

 in the Portuguese Province of Angola : 



On all exports from the Province, 1 per cent, ad valorem. 



On rubber exported from the Province, 3 per cent, ad valorem. 



On all products (except wines from Portugal or Portuguese 

 colonies) imported through ports outside the Conventional Basin 

 of the Kongo, 2 per cent, of the import duties. 



Provision is made for the reduction or suspension of the ex- 

 port tax on rubber, according to the price of rubber in European 

 markets. 



