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by proposing the blending" of rubbers from large groups of 

 estates, and I think that subject and others might be taken up 

 with a view to securing greater uniformity than at present 

 exists. But these would only be temporary measures, and 

 would still leave open the question of what is the true standard. 

 I think tihat in many ways more uniformity might be arrived at 

 in Ceylon and in the Federated Malay States with regard to 

 procedure about which we are all agreed, and that would all 

 work towards the desired end. A good deal has been said 

 this morning about the chemical analysis of rubber, which all 

 must agree is still very far from being as satisfactory as 

 chemists would like to see it. We cannot yet assert that 

 chemical analysis alone enables us to judge of the quality of 

 rubber. Our knowledge is not yet advanced enough to enable 

 a proper method of analysis to be adopted, but sooner or later 

 we shall arrive at that stage, and when we do the whole method 

 of examining rubber will be considerably simplified. At 

 present we must have regard not only to the chemical analysis 

 but to the physical properties of rubber, and a very large 

 amount of work remains to be done before we shall be able to 

 come to any definite conclusion. I entirely associate myself 

 with the 'remarks which have been made as to the distinction to 

 be drawn between opinions and facts, but those who express 

 opinions will excuse themselves, no doubt, for expressing them 

 on the ground that facts are not forthcoming. Until the facts 

 are forthcoming we shall have, of course, to put up with a 

 variety of opinions, and that, I fear, is the present position 

 with regard to many of the problems connected with rubber. 

 I think on the whole we have had a very profitable discussion, 

 and I think it indicates very clearly the advantage which comes 

 from co-operation in such matters between manufacturers, 

 specialists, and planters. The trouble really is that manu- 

 facturers are somewhat shy in coming forward and telling 

 us of their difficulties and of their requirements; and we are 

 therefore especially indebted to Mr. Williams for having made 

 such a very valuable contribution to our discussion this 

 morning. 



