558 



FIBRES 



The fluctuations in the local value per metric ton of 

 fibre are shown in the following diagram : 



DIAGRAM II. LOCAL VALUE PER METRIC TON OF FIBRE. 



1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 



The fibre is chiefly purchased locally, and then shipped 

 to the United Kingdom on the purchasing firm's account. 

 The local price is based upon the value of fibre on the 

 London market and upon the quality as judged by the 

 purchaser's valuers. 



Mauritius fibre is not made use of to any great extent 

 in the United Kingdom, but is reshipped mainly to 

 Germany. During the past two years, however, there 

 has been a demand for Furcrsea fibre in the United States 

 of America, and a large proportion of the exports from 

 Mauritius has found its way to that country. 



Capital and Possibilities for Extension. 



The industry is worked on very little capital, and there- 

 fore it does not increase as fast as might be expected, 



