2 g6 THE RUBBER INDUSTRY 



months will be felt in many directions, and it will prob- 

 ably be reflected in the price of the raw material. 



The cry is often raised that a shortage of labour will 

 restrict the production of Eastern plantations. There is 

 nothing in the present situation to justify alarm in this 

 direction. From time to time complaints are heard 

 from planters that more coolies are needed ; but such 

 complaints have been made for many years past, and 

 yet the industrial development of the countries now 

 under review has not been checked by any serious 

 labour difficulties. Taking a broad view of the situa- 

 tion, it is impossible to foresee any great set-back from 

 this cause so long as India and China remain open as 

 recruiting-grounds for plantation hands. An adjustment 

 of the wage rate may be necessary as time goes on, and 

 many details in connection with the labour-supply 

 require careful consideration as the situation develops ; 

 but the coolies are there in abundance, and must work 

 or starve, therefore it is only a question of adapting 

 conditions to fit the case. 



The experience for the last ten years of the damage by 

 diseases and pests to rubber-trees in the Orient, has 

 demonstrated beyond question that no serious loss 

 occurs when adequate vigilance is maintained, and the 

 proper remedies applied to check the spread of the 

 various plagues which appear from time to time on the 

 plantations. This opinion is confirmed by the late 

 Dr. Jacques Huber, after an examination of the prin- 

 cipal centres of Eastern production, in a report to the 

 Governor of Para dated November, 1912. Dr. Huber 

 states that he was greatly impressed by the magnificent 

 appearance of the trees in all the districts he visited 

 of Ceylon, Malay, Java, and Sumatra. 



