393 
softens with age. Perhaps some of these defects might be removed 
by the introduction in the East of the methods of coagulation em- 
ployed in the Amazon rubber camps, but we are disposed to believe 
that the Eastern planters have really produced a new grade of 
rubber, and that the Para article can never be wholly duplicated by 
them. It is to be understood of course that the rubber is valuable, 
and will find a ready market at a price which is likely to yield a 
profit, but such samples as have reached us, valued from the manu- 
facturer’s stand points, would rank at least 25 per cent, below fine 
Para. 
The good prices realised in London, doubtless, have been due to 
the cleanly appearance of the new rubber. And they have been 
based on the judgment of brokers, rather than results of practical 
tests in the factory. It would seem that the better course for the 
planters' associations would be, not to try to find how much money 
can be obtained in the open markets for their sample lots — which 
then become lost to sight — but to send them direct to a well equip- 
ped factory, to be made up in various forms of goods. The manu- 
facturer’s test is the one by which the value of this rubber will be 
judged finally, regardless of what may be the judgment of brokers 
to-dav. We do not mean to dampen the enthusiasm of the planters, 
but there is such a thing as basing their plans upon estimates of 
profits that are impossible. 
UNITED PLANTERS* ASSOCIATION, F. M. S. 
REPORT FOR 1901. 
Gentlemen, — Your Committee have the pleasure to submit to 
you the Fifth Annual Report of the United Planters’ Association, 
F. M. S. 
There have been three General Meetings, six Committee Meet- 
ings and one special Committee Meeting, all of them fairly well 
attended. Of the General Meetings, two were held in Selangor 
and one in Negri Sembilan. We regret to have to report that no 
support has been received from either Perak or Pahang this year, 
but hope to see an improvement in this respect during 1902. It 
has been suggested that, in Perak especially, where the distances 
are so great that it appears impossible to get regular meetings to- 
gether, and to keep an association going, planters and other un- 
official labour employers should obtain representation by appointing 
one of their members to treat with the Resident on all local matters. 
Such an arrangement, your committee feel sure, would be of great 
benefit to the residents in those States, and inasmuch as the Re- 
sident-General has already signified his approval, official co-opera- 
tion may be regarded as assured. 
Your Committee would suggest that by availing themselves of 
the existence of the U. P. A. F. M. S , as a medium of appeal, 
Perak and Pahang might further strengthen their own hands as 
well- as greatly add to the sphere of usefulness of the parent body. 
'/■m* 
