49 
changes to which we have alluded have materially diminished the 
value of exhibiting as a means of obtaining direct orders for their 
goods. 
Note — There will be no “faker” stands or side-shows as above- 
mentioned at the Rubber Exhibition, and every effort will be made to 
attract the class of visitors who will benefit the Exhibitors. 
* * * * * 
To a large extent it would appear the amount of direct benefit 
which may be derived from exhibiting by any particular firm is 
dependent on whether that firm is represented at the Exhibition by 
an efficient agent. In many cases, it is said, the attendants in charge 
of a stall at an exhibition are unable to describe the goods exhibited 
in a correct and intelligible manner. 
***** 
A number of firms who, from the nature of their exhibits, can 
expect little or no direct return to compensate them for their outlay , 
still continue to exhibit at fairly frequent intervals. In doing this 
many have no doubt been influenced by the fear that they might lose 
their place in the trade if they failed to be represented at exhibitions 
when their competitors were showing; but there are, on the other 
hand, not a few who regard their expenditure on exhibitions in the 
light of a necessary item in their general scheme of advertisement. 
* * * * * 
To a large extent the question which we have to decide is not 
whether it pays to exhibit, but whether, under modern conditions, we 
can afford not to exhibit. We think that the evidence which we have 
obtained affords convincing proof that the answer to this question is 
in the negative. 
* * * * * 
It is difficult to find important arguments against exhibitions 
whose utility as a whole is admitted. Some criticisms in the case of 
special commodities based on expense and distance, and doubts 
whether the benefits equal the outlay, seem to be the principal, but 
for the most part opinions are in favour of exhibitions. 
Synthetic Rubber. 
As judging bv the correspondence and personal enquiries at the 
Botanic Gardens," as to synthetic rubber, it seems that there are still 
a large number of people scared at this phantom, the following little 
article from the India-Rubber World may perhaps relieve their minds 
and cause them to understand what synthetic rubber is. 
Concerning Synthetic Rubber. 
Just why so many people think that they achieve synthetic rubber, 
and why so many more — rubber planters, importers, and manufacturers 
are fearful that it will come and in some way upset their business, it is 
hard to imagine. Reviewing the year’s progress in this line the pro- 
