63 



The very serious decline in price since October is mainly due to 

 the serious crisis in America, and the closing of many factories there. 

 But, considering the enormous increase and general expectation 

 of " planting " rubber in most tropical countries (coupled with the 

 prophetic figures of immense supplies of plantation within two or three 

 years), values were far too high. The decline will, we hope, cool many 

 new enterprises and prevent too large extensions of planting. There is 

 no sign of such increased demand or new uses for rubber as to warrant 

 too rapid an increase of supply. If it becomes too large, values will 

 suffer. We cannot expect much increase of consumption in 1908 in the 

 present state of trade and the over-production of motors everywhere 

 this season. 



Brazil shows no sign of reducing her output, though perhaps she 

 may do so in the next crop owing to the serious losses on this crop. 

 Brazil exported over 41,500 tons. 



There are rumours about the manufacture, by old and moneyed 

 people who do not often put money into disasterous speculation, of 

 what was erroneously described as synthetic rubber. We shall wateh 

 results with curiosity (and doubt). 



The lower price may retard or reduce the manufacture of 

 "substitutes," but they are largely consumed. The manufacture of 

 reclaimed rubber is very considerable and increasing. 



Rambang and Castilloa have not been liked, and sold cheaply. 

 The India-Rubber Journal, volume 35, p. 40. 



LEWIS & PEAT'S 

 REPORT ON PLANTATION GROWN RUBBER 



From Ceylon, the Straits and Malay States for 1907. 



6 Mincing Lane, London, 



January, 1908. 



It is with satisfaction that at the end of another year we are able 

 to report a large increase in the number of manufacturers and con- 

 sumers who are now using plantation rubber, and who send regular 

 orders for all kinds as they are offered on the market. There is no 

 doubt that this means that by degrees old prejudices are gradually 

 being overcome, and that experience in how best to use the Rubber by 

 manufacturers is proving to consumers the superior merits of 

 cultivated over native kinds, and considering the purity and reliable 

 quality of the bulk of supplies sent home for sale, we anticipate manu- 

 facturers will further adapt their plant and use plantation more and 

 more. We have had some most satisfactory results of tests for strength 

 brought before us, and if producers will only maintain the reputation 

 for purity and evenness of quality, we have no fear for the future of the 

 article, although it may be as supplies increase at lower prices. 



