83 



has also been noticed that several samples coming forward 

 have contained small pieces of cotton ; this i*^ apparently caused by 

 pieces of cotton waste becoming mixed with the rubber and getting 

 rolled in. 



Another point that we should like attention drawn to is that 

 Crepe rubber is continually coming forward showing stains down the 

 edges caused by oil exuding from the bearings of the machines. 



We also note that the No. I Scrap Crepe is very often very 

 streaky. This can be avoided by twisting the lengths while passing 

 through the creping machine, and an immense improvement in 

 appearance is gainei •. 



We may say, in conclusion, that when dealing with large crops, 

 we think that the making of thick gristly Crepe is extremely hard to 

 improve upon both from the points of view of the producer and 

 consumer. 



Block Rubber is still being very successfully produced by the 

 Lanadron Company, but this method of treatment has not been 

 generally adopted by other estates. 



Grading and Sorting. 



We cannot too strongly advise Planters to pay great attention to 

 the grading and sorting, as if one small piece of inferior or 

 discoloured Rubber is found in a package, this piece, however small, 

 is bound to be shown in the sample drawn, and upon which the 

 Rubber is sold. 



When grading, standard grades should be fixed upon and strictly 

 adhered to, and pieces which vary in colour should be kept separate. 



We should say that two grades are sufficient for Sheet, and four, 

 at the outside five, for Crepe, viz., I Pale, 2 Brown, 3 Scrap, 4 Bark 

 and Shavings. (It is possible another pile will sometimes be neces- 

 saiy between the Pale and Brown or between the Brown and Scrap.) 



Packing and Weighing, Marking, &c. 



The packing and weighing of rubber is of the greatest importance 

 and the choice of a suitable packing case is somew^hat limited. 



Many Planters adhere to the Veneer case, the best known make 

 being the "Venesta." These cases have many advantages, being ex- 

 tremely strong, and the w^ood having a smooth surface there is no 

 danger of loose sawdust or splinters adhering to the contents and 

 spoiling the rubber. 



The only disadvantage of this case in the past has been that 

 when once opened for sampling purposes it was difficult to close them 

 down again satisfactorily, but the Venesta Company, realizing this 

 now makes a Special Rubber Case which obviates this defect. Messrs. 

 Riddy & Hale, Ltd., Londcm, are also making a Special Patent Veneer 



