152 



Rambong [Ficus e/astica) has proved to be less productive than 

 was expected, and younger trees, though yielding well to start with, 

 have afterwards given disappointing results. Rambong has proved 

 less hardy than Hevea and more subject to the attacks of caterpillars 

 etc. Cases to have occured in which these trees have been serious- 

 ly affected by the calcining of arsenical ores. This process of treat- 

 ing arsenical tin ores is one that has become a most serious source 

 of danger alike to the health and comfort of the Community, and is 

 a menace to all surrounding vegetation. The effect is said to spread 

 for at least ten miles and we are aware that at least five miles from 

 the main centre of calcining operations the jungle is being destroyed. 

 We are able to inform you however that Government is taking strong 

 measures and forbidding the calcining of arsenical tin ores, unless 

 done in proper furnaces which will concentrate the arsenic so as to 

 prevent the fumes becoming a danger to health, comfort or property. 



The question of limiting the export of Rubber Seed has been 

 under discussion, but without the co-operation of Ceylon, it is 

 impossible to approach Government on the subject; and from cor- 

 respondence carried on with the Planters' Association of Ceylon it 

 would seem as if that co-operation could not be looked for by us. 



Seed oil. — No large quantity has so far been exported and the 

 additional profit to be derived on this account remains a matter for 

 conjecture. 



Coffee. 



The prices obtained during the year have assisted greatly towards 

 bringing Rubber into production at a low figure, but it is very 

 doubtful with the bright prospects of Rubber and the increased land 

 charges, whether new land will be taken up for the cultivation of 

 coffee alone, or even whether land at present under coffee will be 

 continued as such. Prices on the whole have been favourable and 

 altogether th? success of the year before last, although modest, has 

 continued to attend this branch of the planting industry during the 

 past year. 



Coconuts. 



This product with the exception of a few Estates may be at pre- 

 sent classed as a Native product. The satisfactory increase of some 

 10,000 acres bringing the cultivated acreage up to approx. 100,000 

 acres, valued at 17 million dollars would appear to reflect credit on 

 the action taken by the Government in establishing a Department 

 for the guidance to Natives as to protection against beetles. 



The Oil Mill at Kuala Selangor, it is satisfactory to note, con- 

 tinues as a source of profit to its owners and may be pronounced a 

 complete success. 



Fraedial Produce Enactment. 



Your Committee have approached Government for protection 

 under this Enactment and have hopes that Latex and Bark from 

 Rubber will be included in the Enactment. 



