THE NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES 287 



This sum of 70 cents per pound is equal to is. 2d. 

 sterling, and represents the minimum average cost 

 f.o.b. for some years to come. The expenditure for 

 tapping and collecting is unduly high, but for reasons 

 already set out it is difficult to see how any substantial 

 economy is to be effected under this heading in the 

 immediate future. As the trees increase in yield, the 

 cost of tapping and collecting will diminish ; but owing 

 to the labour conditions in Java, the reduction in cost 

 will not be nearly so marked as in the case of Malay 

 and Ceylon, where the system of work is better 

 organized. 



The foregoing estimate concerning cost of production 

 shows that 80 per cent, is for expenditure on labour. 

 It is clear that in Java the factor of efficient supervision 

 is of very great importance. Together, management 

 and labour amount to 58 cents out of a total expenditure 

 of 70 cents per pound of dry rubber. Therefore it is 

 evident that on the ability of the manager and his 

 assistants to control the labour efficiently and econom- 

 ically depends the failure or success of the plantation. 



The charges from port of shipment, Java to London, 

 Rotterdam, or Amsterdam, differ very slightly from 

 those in force for Malay and Sumatra. The present 

 rate of freight to London is 77 shillings per 50 cubic 

 feet. To Dutch ports the cost of freight is 5 shillings 

 less per ton, the higher rate for London being on account 

 of transhipment in Holland. Rubber from Java is 

 packed in boxes containing 112 pounds, averaging ten to 

 the 50 cubic feet. Commissions in Europe are similar 

 to those from Malay and Sumatra. The total charges 

 are 



