32 



Though there are differences of opinion as to the quality of Plan- 

 tation rubber, the increasing quantities continue to be freely taken in 

 all markets, and we are again able to refer to a satisfactory feature 

 which has been much in evidence, viz., the disposition amongst manu- 

 facturers to contract for the crops of Plantations in advance, strong 

 enquiry having been observable even when " spot " markets were quite. 



Preparation.— For the past i8 months the result of experience 

 with the rubber has induced many manufacturers to give a decided 

 preference to that cured with smoke, it being noticeable that a pre- 

 mium is generally given for this preparation when properly carried out. 



Thorough smoking has a preserving effect, with the result that 

 the rubber is better able to stand the handling necessitated in manu- 

 facture and subsequent use. 



The process is, therefore, strongly to be recommended, but if the 

 premium at present offered is to be maintained, it is of course 

 essential that the quality must be kept up. 



A very important fact which cannot be too strongly brought be- 

 fore the notice of Planters is that, on the estate the less handling 

 Rubber undergoes the better, all that is required is to wash out the 

 impurities and reduce the coagulated Rubber into the most suitable 

 form for economical drying. There has lately been a marked tendency 

 to roll out Crepe very thin to hasten drying, but it is desirable that 

 crepe in the finished form should be thick and even in texture, say 

 5^-inch thick. Smoking carefully applied during drying is beneficial 

 either to sheet or any other kinds prepared. 



Generally speaking, the preparation of Plantation Rubber now 

 arriving shows improvement in various directions, more attention 

 being given to factories and machinery than formerly, and the sending 

 out of Chemists to Ceylon and the Malay States to study the question 

 on the spot has been a valuable move in the right direction which 

 should have beneficial results. 



Standard Quality. — In view of the proportions which the 

 Plantation industry is now assuming, the need of establishing and 

 maintaining an efficient standard of quality cannot be exaggerated. 



Especially in the case of what is known as " First Latex Crepe," 

 there have been complaints on account of the streaky and discoloured 

 nature of many arrivals. These, if continued, might affect the pros- 

 pects of Plantation rubber successfully competing with other grades, 

 and Estates Managers must take every possible precaution to insure 

 that their first quality rubber is in fact first quality and free from any 

 such defects as those refered to. 



Para. — As with Plantation so with Para, the last complete crop 

 has been the largest, exceeding that of 1909 by nearly 1,000 tons, the 

 sole cause being no doubt the satisfactory prices ruling. The receipts 

 at Para during the last eleven complete seasons and the first six 

 months of the last six years are given below. 



