512 FIBRES 



economy of labour locomotives are now being used to 

 facilitate traction and save labour, which is as scarce in 

 East Africa as elsewhere. 



The plant grows best where there are pockets of broken 

 coral soil, and an occasional leaf may measure 63 in. On 

 flat coral rock the plants are stunted with matted roots, 

 which spread outwards, joining the roots of plants in 

 the next row. Small patches of ground occur here and 

 there where sisal will not grow. This causes irregularity, 

 and entails in this district the selection of the leaf into 

 various lengths before decorticating. 



As many as 180 leaves have been cut from one plant; 

 others have poled after only 130 were taken, while the 

 average number in practice may be reckoned at 140 to 

 150 leaves. When mature the pole or seed bearer shoots 

 up with incredible rapidity to a height of 15 to 20 ft., and 

 produces up to 3,000 bulbils. 



After cutting the leaves are transported to the factory. 

 A New Corona has been erected, the brushing is done by 

 converted raspadors, and the baling in a hydraulic press 

 made by Rollings and Guest. 



The sisal is graded as at Punda Milea; the fibre is 

 perhaps rather finer, the colour and quality are excellent, 

 and the produce finds a ready market at the price ruling 

 for German East African sisal. 



An area of 1,200 acres has been planted, and 700 to 

 800 are at the cutting stage. The machinery was started 

 in January, 1913, and two other sets are being fitted up. 



In many estates it is found advisable to allot to the 

 native a fixed task, and on its completion he may return 

 home or may continue working at the same rate of pay. 

 Work starts in some at sunrise, and continues without 

 intermission until four in the afternoon. A good worker 

 may complete certain tasks by two or even at noon, 

 after which his time is his own. Wages at the coast are 

 higher than at the uplands, averaging 12 to 14 rupees 

 (i6s. to i8s. 8d.) per month, against 6 to 8 rupees (8s. to 

 TOS. 8d.). 



At Nyali a feature is made of good housing for the 

 natives, and stone huts have been built. In other estates 

 the native erects his own grass hut in the traditional way. 



These two estates are typical of others in British East 



