32 
Though there are differences of opinion as to the quality of Plan- 
tation rubber, the increasing quantities continue to be freely taken in 
all markets, and we are again able to refer to a satisfactory feature 
which has been much in evidence, viz., the disposition amongst manu- 
facturers to contract for the crops of Plantations in advance, strong 
■enquiry having been observable even when “ spot ” markets were quite. 
Preparation. — For the past 18 months the result of experience 
with the rubber has induced many manufacturers to give a decided 
preference to that cured with smoke, it being noticeable that a pre- 
mium is generally given for this preparation when properly carried out. 
Thorough smoking has a preserving effect, with the result that 
the rubber is better able to stand the handling necessitated in manu- 
facture and subsequent use. 
The process is, therefore, strongly to be recommended, but if the 
premium at present offered is to be maintained, it is of course 
essential that the quality must be kept up. 
A very important fact which cannot be too strongly brought be- 
fore the notice of Planters is that, on the estate the less handling 
Rubber undergoes the better, all that is required is to wash out the 
impurities and reduce the coagulated Rubber into the most suitable 
form for economical drying. There has lately been a marked tendency 
to roll out Crepe very thin to hasten drying, but it is desirable that 
crepe in the finished form should be thick and even in texture, say 
i^-inch thick. Smoking carefully applied during drying is oenehcial 
either to sheet or any other kinds prepared. 
Generally speaking, the preparation of Plantation Rubber now 
arriving shows improvement in various directions, more attention 
being given to factories and machinery than formerly, and the sending 
out of Chemists to Ceylon and the Malay States to study the question 
on the spot has been a valuable move in the right direction which 
should have beneficial results. 
Standard Quality.— In view of the proportions which the 
Plantation industry is now assuming, the need of establishing and 
maintaining an efficient standard of quality cannot be exaggerates . 
Especially in the case of what is known as “ First Latex Crepe/' 
there have been complaints on account of the streaky and discoloure 
nature of many arrivals. These, if continued, might a ect toe pros 
pects of Plantation rubber successfully competing with other grades, 
and Estates Managers must take every possible precaution to insure 
that their first quality rubber is in fact first quality and free from any 
such defects as those refered to. 
Para. — As with Plantation so with Para, the last complete crop 
has been the largest, exceeding that of 1909 by nearly 1,000 tons the 
sole cause being no doubt the satisfactory prices ruling. The receipt 
at Para during the last eleven complete seasons and the tfrst six 
months of the last six years are given below. 
