50 



I would therefore suggest it would be an admirable thing if your 

 Association would immediately set about framing an estimate to 

 check the accuracy or otherwise of Sir John's figures. This statement 

 has alarmed those interested in the growing of rubber here and it 

 being a matter of vital importance to know the approximate truth, 

 (it is impossible to have extreme accuracy), I consider your 

 Association is the channel from which an official estimate should 

 emanate. Having all data at your disposal with regard to average 

 yields per acre, the acreages planted annually in preceding years and 

 also being in a position to value the question of labor supply, and 

 also that of tree resting as affecting output, I am satisfied the 

 planting comni unity and others interested would accept your figures 

 before that of any other body or individual. 



Trusting your Association may see its way to carry out this 

 proposal, 



I am, Sir, 

 Your obedient servant, 



(Sd.) H. K. Rutherford. 



2088/1910. Kuala Lumpur, 25th November, 1910. 



Sir,— I have a letter from the Editor of the India Rubber 

 Journal asking for the estimates of acreages under rubber in the 

 F.M.S. and Straits Settlements, at the end of December this year. 



2. We have, of course, the figures for 1909 but I have no means 

 of making an estimate for 1910, until our returns are in, I should be 

 greatly obliged if you can give me any information or can suggest 

 any means of getting it. 



I have the honor to be. 

 Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



(Sgd.) L. Lewton-Brain. 



The Secretary explains the difficulty experienced in the past in 

 obtaining the said statistics and that all attempt was given up a few 

 3^ears ago, as it was realized that only Government had the necessary 

 machinery to obtain sufficiently accurate returns. 



Resolved to instruct the Secretary to reply accordingly. 



11. LOCALLY RECRUITED LABOUR. 



The Secretary reads the following communication from the 

 Negri Sembilan Planters' Association : 



Seremban, 7th December, 1910. 



Secretary, 



Planters' Association of Malaya, 

 Kuala Lug^npur. 



Dear Sir, — I beg, to inform you that at the last Meeting of the 

 Negri Sembilan Pianttrrs' Association held on the 5th instant, the 

 following Resoliitiori was unanimously carried : 



Proposed by Mr. Mansergh and sec6nded by Mr. Biirgess. 



