ill) 



MARKET CONDITIONS. — The period under review has been one of 

 marked changes. The industry at the beginning of the year was still 

 suffering from the set-back in prices which took place during the latter 

 part of 1907 ; both stocks and visible supplies exceeded requirements, 

 and there was little inclination on the part of buyers to operate with 

 any freedom. 



During the summer, however, a gradual improvement wase steadily 

 takaing place, and while in February the price of Fine Hard Para 

 had receded to 2/9 (the lowest quotation for over sixteen years), by the 

 beginning of August it stood at over 4/ -per lb., and in the middle of 

 November reached 5/4-}, which was the highest price recorded for 

 more than two years. The marked recovery that has thus taken 

 place in prices is clearly shown by the Diagram which will be found 

 overleaf. 



The statistical position is now on a sounder basis than it has been 

 for some considerable time past, owing not to any marked falling off in 

 supplies, but to the steady and continual improvement in trade, which 

 has resulted in the absorption of surplus stocks, more especially in 

 America, where for some months past stocks in warehouse have been 

 negligible. 



The Position of The Plantation Eubber Industry has 

 become more important, owing to the increase in production, and in 

 many instances a marked improvement in prepartion of the Eubber 

 has been readily appreciated by buyers. It is satisfactory to note that 

 some samples of Plantation Eubber have been pronounced to be equal 

 in all respects to Fine Para, but on the other hand, in certain cases 

 weakness and variation of quality are still complained of, and it is 

 evident that every effort must be made to raise the standard of quality 

 to a higher level. 



Varieties On The Market. — As the quantity of Plantation 

 Eubber produced has been increasing varieties new forms and methods 

 of preparation have been tried and a large number of different varieties 

 have consequently been put on the market. This has led to some 

 confusion, and it is advisable that the number of different forms and 

 grades should be reduced as far as possible consistent with proper 

 sorting. 



Biscuits, Sheets, Crepe and Scrap continue to meet with steady 

 support, but there has been an increase in the proportion of Crepe, 

 more estates having started the use of machinery. Though certain 

 buyers continue to take Sheets and Biscuits in preference to Crepe, the 

 demand for the latter has been well maintained, and very satisfactory 

 prices have been paid for the more carefully prepared samples. 



The enquiry for very pale pure Eubber which has been in evidence 

 for some time past continues, and premiums of up to about 4d. per lb. 

 over ordinary Fine Quality Plantation Eubber have been readily paid 

 increasing quantities. Up till now the supplies of such Eubber have 

 only been small, but the uses for it may still expand considerably, 

 and there should be room for a largely increased quantity in the future. 



