3io 
Mr. Bradford under the direction of the above named two gentle- 
men. They will, doubtless, be further explained later in the meet- 
ing and some statistics relative thereto may be given out today. 
The figures derived from these experiments will have a verv im- 
portant bearing on the future of the rubber industry of Hawaii and 
we hope that when they are completed, a bulletin will be pub- 
lished for the benefit of our members. Dr. Wilcox has also as- 
sured us that the start of the chemical laboratory of the United 
States Experiment Station will make any necessary analyses and 
help us in every possible way to solve the problems that are sure 
to arise within the next year or two. Such assistance will be in- 
valuable to us and we ought to express our thanks to Dr. Wilcox 
and Mr. Hbsmer for the kindly interest they have taken in, and 
the help they have given to, this infant industry. 
During the last year, the price of commercial rubber reached 
the lowest point it has touched for many years. This was due 
mainly to the depression in the United States ; the demand failing 
to keep pace with the supply. For the last few months, however, 
the price has been steadily rising and there seems to be very little 
cause for serious apprehension from that .source. 
The labor situation in the Islands is one that must necessarily 
be given consideration by this Association in the future. At pres- 
ent the rubber industry requires comparatively few laborers, but 
when the present plantations reach the productive stage, quite a 
number will be required and it will only be just and equable that 
this industry should work in harmony with the others who are 
expending large sums in securing an adequate labor supply. 
The next few years will be the most important and critical ones 
in the development of this industry and I would suggest to the 
members of this Association that they see to it that the very best 
men possible be placed on the executive committee of this or- 
ganization as that committee will necessarily be an important 
factor in bringing to a successful issue one of the most promising 
of the diversified industries of Hawaii. 
Respectfully submitted, 
D. C. Lindsay, 
President of the Hawaiian Rubber Growers' Association. 
TREES AS A CROP. 
Throughout New England tree planting upon abandoned farms 
is being undertaken as a profitable industry — this vear about 2,500 
acres having been planted by private citizens for this purpose. 
