scriptions were enchanced. They might defer consider- 

 ation of the matter, until they had time to further discuss 

 the whole matter amongst themselves. 



The Hon. J. Turner fully supports Mr. Fears' motion 

 and suggests the appointment of a Standing Committee, to 

 carry out the scheme. 



Mr. Skinner then proposes, Mr. Parkinson seconds, 

 and it is carried unanimously, that further discussion be 

 deferred until the next Meeting. 



VIII. Research Chemist. The Secretary reads out 

 the following letter from the E. Gr. A.: 



London, June 1909. 



Sir, — I am instructed by the Malaya Committee of this 

 Association to inform you that rubber producing companies 

 and proprietors in this country possessing Estates in the 

 Federated Malay States have been invited to co-operate in 

 the expense of employing a Research Chemist to conduct 

 experiments with regard to the curing of rubber, for the 

 guidance of those subscribing to the scheme. After care- 

 ful consideration the Committee have come to the conclusion 

 that this appointment be entirely unconnected with the 

 Government, so that the Chemist's services may be solely 

 engaged for those employing him, and for a special pur- 

 pose. 



The annual cost of the experiment is estimated not to 

 exceed £1,000 per annum, except at the outset, i.e., the first 

 year, when the cost of the establishment including labor- 

 atory must be met. 



It is suggested that Estate proprietors (Companies 

 and/or individuals) should guarantee to the expenses in 

 equal proportions up to a maximum of £50 per annum. A 

 smaller sum will, in all probability, be required, as soon as 

 it is known how many Estates will join. 



It is proposed that the guarantee should be entered 

 into for a period of three years from June 30th, 1909. It 

 is not, however, expected that even approximate finality 

 will be obtained in that period, but the results obtained will 

 probably enable guarantors to judge whether a continuance 

 of their contribution is desirable. 



The undernoted have already signed the guarantee 

 form : 



