2g8 
the natives who previously lost many young trees from this cause, 
which has now been overcome, are most anxious to go in heavily 
for coconuts, so I expect to o see some further extension in the 
cultivation in these districts. 
Ki.nta.— With the exception of the Batang Padang district 
(and this will receive more attention from the Sub-Inspector 
during the current year) there has been a general improvement in 
the condition of the native holdings, and as it may be held to be 
mostly a mining district'd consider the further increase in the 
cultivation satisfactory. Sly Sub-Inspector reports that a number 
of owners have put in’ coconut nurseries to plant up their lands 
immediately after the padi crop has been harvested, so t look for 
a further area being planted up in 1907. At Fusing Bahru, in 
the Sungei Trap mukim, all the trees in the locality were attacked 
by a small caterpillar, simply in thousands, which denuded the 
coconut leaves and left them in skeleton form. These attacks 
had the effect of the trees losing their vitality and dropping the 
fruit before it reached maturity. In all about 1,000 trees were 
affected. This happened during the dry weather. Although 
particular attention was given to the trees and all the rubbish 
burnt in their immediate vicinity, it appeared to no good effect. 
As soon however, as the rains commenced an improvement set in 
and the pest gradually disappeared. The trees, which were 
considerably thrown back, are now recovering, and in six months 
time will, 1 think, come again into good bearing. Both 
Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Pratt visited the place; the latter in his 
annual report describes the insect. ‘ 
General Cultivation.— From the tenor of the foregoing 
remarks it will be noted that the natives throughout the State 
generally are giving more care and attention to their plantations, 
and that the interest take in their kampongs is gradually 
increasing. I have not been so successful as I should have desired 
in getting owners to plant up the vacant places and the inter- 
planting of young trees among the coconuts that are beginning to 
fall off in yield of fruit on account of age, but sufficient progress 
has been made to give distinct encouragement, and I hope to do 
more year by year in this direction bv continual persuasion and 
the efforts of my Sub-Inspectors. 
Prosecutions. — -As regards this I believe that instead of the 
small lines which are levied (and in many instances with little 
good) it would be more effective and better results would be 
attained, an 1 this without actually necessitating any ultimate 
loss to the' offender, if on the second time he was charged the 
heaviest penalty of $25 he inflicted, and that, if at the of end six 
months, or sooner, his kam pong has been put in good order and 
is being properly maintained to the satisfaction of the Federal 
Inspector of Coconuts or District Officer, the fine of $25 be 
refunded to him. 
