501 



The latter we estimate at quite $10,000/-, and we therefore shall 

 have to depend on donations, limited to say £50/-, from all those 

 who are interested in the Staple Industry of this Peninsula. 



Thanking you in anticipation, we are, dear sir, 

 Yours faithfully, 



(Sgd.) H. C E. Zacharias, 



Secretary. 



Mr. Gumming urges all planters to co-operate to make a first- 

 class show, and refers to the local show which is to be held here in 

 April, when a Committee will select the best samples to be sent Home. 

 It was the wish of the Committee to have a really representative ex- 

 hibit, and no expense should be spared. 



Mr. Skinner proposes that all companies be circularised and 

 asked to contribute a sum not exceeding $200/ — each ; the surplus, if 

 any, to be refunded. 



Mr. Harvey seconds, and the resolution is carried unanimously 



6. COMPULSORY GRADING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE. 



Mr. Prior thinks such a thing as compulsory grading of rubber 

 impracticable. 



Mr. Skinner presumes the idea was to prevent tapping immature 

 trees, but it was surely a dangerous thing to leave it to Government 

 to decide, which tree was immature, and which was not. 



Mr. Cumming deprecates further interference by Government 

 and restriction of the liberty of the subject. 



Mr. A. Dupuis Brown says that a similar question arose in Egypt 

 over cotton, and the Association there definitely fixed certain grades. 

 In view of the methods adopted by the Malays the question was a 

 very important one. 



Mr. Prior says that the Malay was not the direct exporter, as he 

 sold to the European. 



Mr. Dupuis Brown proposes, Mr. Skinner seconds, and it is car- 

 ried unanimously, that a sub-committee be appointed to consider the 

 question, with power to correspond with Government, and report to 

 the P. A. M., at the next meeting. Messrs. Skinner, Dupuis Brown 

 and F. G. Harvey are appointed members of the sub-committee. 



