RUBBER 



127 



gress in the last five years before amalgamation with the 

 Southern Provinces. The subsequent years are given at 

 the end of this chapter. 



VALUES or EXPORTS 



RUBBER. The extent of the export of this commodity 

 from the Northern Provinces was less generally recognised 

 than that from the coast countries, for the reason that 

 the Northern Nigeria's exports are necessarily shipped 

 from Southern Nigerian ports, and have been included 

 in the statistical figures of that country. 



Until 1907 no separate statement was furnished in- 

 dicating the quantity of rubber actually originating from 

 the Northern Provinces ; the whole produce leaving the 

 country by the Southern Nigerian ports made it difficult 

 to ascertain this. The following imperfect records show, 

 however, that the production was of significant extent : 



1905. The value of the rubber exported by two of the 



leading firms in the Northern Provinces was 

 estimated at 101,207. 



1906. The amount exported in the second half-year was 



given as 556,701 Ibs., valued at 34,344. The 

 year's exports were said to be 574 tons. Esti- 

 mating the whole at the same proportionate value 

 as that given for the second half-year we have : 



1906. 1,283,520 Ibs 79,185 



1907. 1,187,588 Ibs 91,074 



The decrease in recent years is accounted for by the 

 fall which occurred in the price of rubber, but is probably 



* Included in Southern Nigeria exports, 

 f Including copal resin. 

 { Including dressed skins. 



