608 
THE TROPICAL AaRIGULTURIST. [Makch 2, 1903. 
rubber nianufacturing world, for some weeksnothing 
else is heard but this. Somehow, rubber buyers 
always seem to take the bait. They remind ua 
very much of that stockbroker whom one of our 
contemporaries recently spoke of. The man had 
a dream ; dreamed that he was dead, and had 
passed to the regions beyond, where, as a new 
comer he was shown round by an older inhabitant. 
They came to a place where the fire was terribly 
hot, but njen were walking about in it unharmed. 
To his inquiry who these were his companions ex- 
pressed surprise. " Why do you uot know them? 
They are your clients. They are so green they 
will not burn." 
Rubber manufacturing tor some years has not 
been very profitable, and with increased competition 
and indifferent trade, the outlook is none too 
bright. The attempt to rig the price ot the raw 
material must be nipped at once or it may do 
harm. The remedy is easy, in our opinion. Let 
the larger manufacturers agree that if Parti goes 
over 3s 6d they will close Iheir works till it comes 
down. They will not be closed long, and as 
their chief lines are in things the rivalfirms are un- 
able to tackle, they will lose no trade by it, Tliey 
will do themselves and the whole trade a service. — 
India-rubber Journal, Jan. 5. 
■ ♦ ■ 
MR. WILLIAM JACKSON AND HIS 
PATENTS. 
Mr. William Jackson of Tea Machinery 
fame now informs us that he cannot say 
much about his nevy^ " Planet " Tea Rolling 
machine, that would be of general public 
interest at the moment, beyond the fact 
that his experimental tests in New Pera- 
deniya factory, with this machine, have 
satisfied him that a satisfactory Roller will 
be the outcome of his exertions. 
Mr. Jackson leaves for England as soon as 
he possibly can, to have the results of his 
experiments put into practical form, and 
hopes to have the improved "Planet" at 
work in the Island before the end of the 
year. 
His liquid-fuel burning arrangement, as 
applied to a Paragon Dryer at Labookellie, 
Ramboda, is giving every satisfaction we 
hear. This apparatus requires no steam 
for its use, is very simple and easily 
handled by the cooly-attendant, and 
maintains an even temperature of 
200 deg. or more if desired, with a con- 
sumption of about four-and-a-half gallons 
Liquid fuel per hour. This includes time 
for getting up heat when starting, and loss 
by machine occasionally running empty. 
The Liquid fuel costs about 12 cents per 
gallon in Colombo and the actual cost will 
vary on different gardens, in relation to the 
cost of transport, but generally speaking the 
cost per gallon on gardens, within reason- 
able range of the railway, will be from 
20 to 30 cents. 
'Ihe advantage of this compressed-air 
system of burning liquid fuel, are clearly 
set out in circulars that may be obtained 
from Messrs. Walker Sons & Co., Ltd., or the 
apparatus may be seen daily at work on the 
Labookellie Garden, by appointment with 
the Manager there. 
RANGALA PLANTERS' ASSOCIATION- 
EErORT FOR 1902, 
"Yonr Committee m d'siharging its daty begs to 
submit the third annual report of ' the Rangala 
Planters' Association. 
Eegistee. — The number of subscribers is twenty-one. 
Meetings. — There have been three general and two 
committee meetings during the year, at which the 
attendauce was good. 
Accounts. — A statement of the accounts is laid upon 
the table, sheviring a balance of R36 55 to credit. 
Official Estimates. — The total crop of 1903 is 
estimated at 2,098,000 lb., out of which 150,001) will be 
made into green teas. 
Tea, — The feeling of coufldence expressed in the 
last annual report was not altogether warranted, and 
the season has not been so favourable as was 
anticipated ; owing to the inclemenoy ot the weather 
yields have, with a few exceptions, been less and 
prices have ruled somewhat lower. The year closes 
with a firmer and more confident tone. 
Cardamoms. — The crop for the last year has been 
the largest secured, being 56,000 lb. over the previoas 
season. The pickings duiing the latter half o£ the year 
were exceptionally heavy, the dry spsU of weather in 
the early pwt ot the year suiting the higher-lying 
estates. Most of the crop secured from September 
to December is still in store, and the quantity being 
large, will add considerably to the.exports for 1903, 
which it is estimated, will slightly exceed last year's 
outturn. Very little new land has been added to 
the planted area, only a few acres here and there 
having been opened up. The cultivation in native 
lands has quite come to a standstill owing to 
the fall in prices. • 
Labouk. — The labour-supply in the district remain 
much the same as usual, and whereas some estates are 
short-handed, others have maintained the labour forces 
up to requirements. Tour committee would recom- 
mend special efforts being made to recruit for new 
districts ; with the tin-ticket system and a competent 
recruiting Agent this seems feasible. 
Hospital.— The unofficial Hospital Visitors report 
satisfactorily on the Hospital at Teldeniya and the 
Ferndale Dispensary, Their reports and recommen- 
dations will be laid before you. 
Post and Telegraph — The telegraph line was 
opened to the public in February and has proved a 
gceat benefit ; but a new Post Office at Teldeniya to 
combine both the Postal and Telegraphic business is 
desirable. 
LiOHT Railway. — a sub-C3mmittee was appointed to 
collect statistics in connection with the proposed ex- 
tension to Teldeniya and the pioject is under consider- 
ation. 
Police. — The scheme for amalgamating the present 
Police Forces into one central station at Teldeniya 
was suggested by the Government Agent ; it is hoped 
that the. alteration which promises a more thorough 
system ot patrols in oo-operation with the headmen, 
will have the desired eiiect of better efficiency. 
Labour Federation. — No oases have been brought 
before the General Committee and matters are work- 
ing harmoniously. 
Ceylon Planters' Rifle Corps.— The O.P.E 0. has 
been well supported during the year, and the shooting 
as compared with the previous year has greatly im- 
proved, there being seven marksmen, four extra-effici- 
ents, two efficients, and two non-efficients, whereas in 
1901, there were one marksman, five extra-efficients, 
seven efficients, and five non efficisnts. It is to bo 
hoped that all new-comers will join the corps. The 
new drill ground is in a central position, and if possi- 
ble a new range will be made. 
Main Roads. — These have been kept in good order 
through the year. 
Minor Roads. — The sums voted by the District Road 
Committee have been advisedly spent aad these roadg 
are much improved. 
