280 



[Oct, 1906. 



that the block rubber f rom Lanadron Estate in Johore was particularly springy, 

 and it is possible that the mere blocking of rubber may produce a good effect, as the 

 Lanadron blocks were made from crepe. The use of creosote, again, as recommended 

 in 1899 by Mr. Parkin, is evident^' to be recommended. 



It would be well worth while trying an experiment in the production 

 of rubber for market by preparing creosotcd biscuits, and blocking them while 

 still damp or partially dried. If for rubber containing a proportion of moisture 

 Ave could obtain a price even approaching that now paid for biscuits, it would 

 pay us well. Very few people realise that fine Para really gets a better price 

 than plantation. If the price of plantation rubber be 6s. 3d., while that of fine 

 Para is 5s. 8d. then, as the latter contains 18 per cent of moisture, its price 

 is really better than that of the plantation rubber in the proportion of 83 to 

 76, or nearly 10 per cent. 



It is evident that now is the time to try experiments in methods of coagula- 

 tion, ways of preparation, forms or shapes of preparation, ways of packing, and 

 many other things, before the London market has become firmly wedded to one 

 particular mode. Many planters think that the biscuit is good enough, but this 

 obviously cannot last, and now is the time to experiment. 



With regard to pests of rubber, again, one simple lesson, among others, that 

 we have learnt is that each estate should keep a supply of apparatus and materials 

 for dealing with them, and not have to hastily borrow at a time of need, or find them 

 unprocurable. Belts of shelter trees again should be left or planted through large 

 areas of rubber. 



The machinery, while giving promise of great things in the future, was in 

 general not very good, and capable of much improvement. 



In reference to the future of rubber, one of the most interesting and 

 important exhibits of the whole show is that of Mr. Bamber, illustrating his methods 

 of vulcanising and colouring rubber in the milk. This probably means the 

 ultimate extinction of present methods of vulcanising and colouring (except for 

 wild rubbers) and opens up many new lines of work which may prove of great 

 value and importance. 



