scrip tions were encliauced. They might defer consider- 
ation of the matter, until they had time to further discuss 
the whole matter amongst themselves. 
The Hon. J. Turner fully supports Mr. Pears’ motion 
and suggests the appointment of a Standing Committee, to 
carry out the scheme. 
Mr. Skinner then proposes, Mr. Parkinson seconds, 
and it is carried unanimously, that further discussion be 
deferred until the next Meeting. 
VIII. Research Chemist. The Secretary reads out 
the following letter from the R. G. A.: 
London, June 1909 , 
Sir, — I am instructed by the Malaya Committee of this 
Association to inform you that rubber producing companies 
and proprietors in this country possessing Estates in the 
Federated Malay States have been invited to co-operate in 
the expense of employing a Research Chemist to conduct 
experiments with regard to the curing of rubber, for the 
guidance of those subscribing to the scheme. After care- 
ful consideration the Committee have come to the conclusion 
that this appointment be entirely unconnected with the 
Government, so that the Chemist’s services may be solely 
engaged for those employing him, and for a special pur- 
pose. 
The annual cost of the experiment is estimated not to 
exceed £1,000 per annum, except at the outset, i.e., the first 
year, when the cost of the establishment including labor- 
atory must be met. 
It is suggested that Estate proprietors (Companies 
and/or individuals) should guarantee to the expenses in 
equal proportions up to a maximum of £50 per annum. A 
smaller sum will, in all probability, be required, as soon as 
it is known how many Estates will join. 
It is proposed that the guarantee should be entered 
into for a period of three years from June 30th, 1909. It 
is not, however, expected that even approximate finality 
will be obtained in that period, but the results obtained will 
probably enable guarantors to judge whether a continuance 
of their contribution is desirable. 
The undernoted have already signed the guarantee 
form : 
