52 
of the undeveloped resources of our West African Colonies. It is 
only a few years ago that a somewhat similar though more gradual, 
rubber industry was ca called into existence at the Gold Coast. The 
u 
1889 “0. pe 110, 1890): e Althou gh the youngest of our industries, 
the preparation “of india-rubber is now only second in importance 
to that of palm-oil. Attention was ‘first t drawn to this valuable 
product by Sir Alfred Moloney (now Governor of Lagos) when 
dministering the government of the Gold Coast Colony in 1882, 
n gpl to the local press. The first practical experiments were 
y Cc. d e 
quickly followed by others, and the undertaking proving 
remunerative, the collection of 'rübber began in every part of the 
colony. The q peg’ now pr roduced annually ranges from 
30, po. to 40, 0001. in value. 
During the year mom the Gold Coast exported rubber to the 
Een of 3,395,990 Ibs., and of the value of 218,1627. 
The following details respecting the exports of Lagos rubber 
have been received from the Government of the Colony :— 
Colonial Secretary's Office, Lagos, 
January 13, 1896. 
DEAR THISELTON-DYER, 
I ENCLOSE a return showing the export of rubber during 
1895. Tremendous, is it not ? It seems to be the general opinion 
that there will be a considerable falling off this year, but I question 
if anyone can speak with any degree of certainty on this point. 
We have had a good year on the whole ; revenue, 142,0007., the 
largest on record. 
Believe me, &oc., 
(Signed) GEORGE C. DENTON. 
EXPORT of RUBBER from the Colony of LAGos from Ist January 
to 31st December, 1895. 
Month. Weight in lbs, Value. 
UATY oes oon . ove 21,131 1,218.10. 3 
February — RR 15,888 T 1 
i 5 uu Mir E 26,316 1419 7 
AmHE C cuu ; x 39,763 2,078 16 6 
Ma; we Le it 216,916 11,7 T 
IU e Pup ar 268,619 12,577 6 
a 5 461,765 22,593 13 3 
ust... . : i 354,990 19,951 18 3 
September ; : i 673,160 36,172 19 9 
OdsbM io io 1,059,158 57,117 1.10 
November ae nae = ud 983,394 52,802 13 0 
ae ee 948,404 51,488 9 4 
Total wi e 5,069,504 269,892 13 10 
E. A, LOVELL, Collector of Customs. 
