FIBRES 555 



Royal Commissioners in 1908 obtained figures varying 

 from 10 to 15 per ton. 



The cost of production has been carefully inquired 

 into during the past year. The figures vary in the 

 different localities. If leaves are available near the 

 factories the cost of transport is reduced, and if tramway 

 systems exist the transport cost is less than where ox- 

 carts have to be employed. The average cost of pro- 

 duction per ton of dry fibre might be itemized as 

 follows : 



Cutiing ... 2 



Transport of I 



leaves to factory 

 Feeding leaves to 080 080 080 



gratteurs 



Decorticating ... 2 13 4 2 13 4 2 13 4 



Skins for gloves 060 060 060 



of gratteurs 



Removal of residue 040 040 040 



Fuel, oil and atten- 100 200 400 



dance 

 Transport of green 030 030 030 



fibre to basins 

 Soap ... ... o 13 4 o 13 4 o 13 4 



Washing ... 030 030 030 



Drying ... ...080 080 080 



Brushing ...080 080 080 



Baling ... ...080 080 080 



Transport to Port o 7 otoi ooo 7 otoi ooo 7 oto 



Louis 

 Miscellaneous ...084 084 084 



d. 



Total ... ...n o 01012 8 o 12 o 01013 8 o 14 o o to 15 8 o 



Every effort is being made to reduce the cost of pro- 

 duction. The fuel item is heavy where steam is employed, 

 and this is being met by the installation of suction gas 

 plants. Gratteurs are at times difficult to procure, and 

 therefore a small automatic feeding machine is being 

 constantly inquired for. 



Exports. 



The exports of fibre from Mauritius show a slight 

 upward tendency. The largest amount exported during 



