ioo THE RUBBER INDUSTRY 



least 50 per cent, in the immediate future must result 

 as a consequence of the present crisis. 



Owing to the scarcity of ready money throughout 

 the rubber districts, freight charges are paid in Manaos 

 or Para. For inward cargo the payments are made 

 at the time of shipment by the commission agents 

 (aviadores) forwarding goods to the different sections 

 of the country, and the amount debited against the 

 accounts of the various estates. In the case of down- 

 river consignments, the value of the freight is collected 

 by the shipping agent at the point of destination, before 

 the rubber or other cargo is delivered to the consignee. 



In order to obtain freight, a common practice, especi- 

 ally with privately-owned vessels, is for the master of a 

 steamer to make cash advances up to 60 per cent, of the 

 value of the rubber shipped, and to hold the consign- 

 ment after arrival in port until the loan has been dis- 

 charged. It is very seldom that any loss takes place in 

 connection with these transactions, for the margin 

 allowed is always ample to cover any fluctuation in the 

 market price. 



On arrival at Manaos or Para an agent takes charge 

 of the rubber, and defrays the necessary expenses in 

 regard to dock dues, cartage, weighing, storage, and 

 grading, and he arranges also for the sale. For these 

 services a commission of 2\ per cent, is made on the 

 price realized and on the amount of all disbursements 

 incurred, these latter being deducted from the payments 

 received. As soon as the rubber is sold, accounts are 

 rendered to the owner or manager of the property 

 whence the consignment originated, giving full details 

 of the transaction. 



The exporter into whose hands the rubber passes 



