99 
being so much nearer the coolie’s home than we were. If we reduced 
to 30 cents that advantage would be lost. 
Mr. C. V. Stephens then proposed that the following be 
embodied in a circular and sent round to planters for consideration : — 
“ That, subject to Government falling into line generally, the rate of 
wages of Tamilmen be fixed at 35 cents per day of eight working 
hours where normal conditions prevail, and at a maximum of 40 
cents for exceptional and approved estates, and that of women at 
25 cents and 30 cents respectively.” Mr. B. C. Knight seconded 
and the motion was carried. 
Further discussion of the subject was postponed to the next 
meeting, which, as previously announced, will be held in Taiping. 
The usual vote of thanks to the Chair terminated proceedings. 
£ ‘ Times of Malaya,” 19 th February, 1908. 
ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE INDIA-RUBBER 
MARKET, 1907. 
By S. Figgis and Co. 
As regards plantation rubber grown in Ceylon and British 
Malaya (Federated States, Perak, Malacca, Johore, Straits), 
Sumatra, Java, etc., the supply has increased more rapidly and 
planting has gone on to a greater extent than was anticipated. We 
estimate from Ceylon 230 tons against 160 tons in 1906 and 
70 tons in 1905 ; and from Malaya 780 tons against 350 tons in 1906 
and 75 tons in 1905. The rubber as a whole has been well 
prepared, but the imports of late show a larger proportion of 
common than previously. The average price per pound shows a 
great reduction, owing to the very serious decline since October, 
caused by the great crisis in America. Manufacturers have shown 
a decided preference for sheet, biscuit and crepe. The latter 
should not be drawn out too thin or have visible air or steam 
bubbles in it, and some lots of thick crepe, nice strong rubber about 
1th inch thick, were much appreciated and sold well. We think it 
has been profitable to planters to wash and clean the rubber 
thoroughly, and to prepare as large a proportion as possible of 
good colour— -also not to send many qualities or very small lots. 
Block has not been in favour generally, and unless clean resilient 
lard quality can be sent, it may be better to ship as crepe. 
We repeat our recommendations of a year ago : Pack it in good 
dry condition (extess of resin- much objected to). Into strong 
cases of 1 cvvt. to 2 cwt. each. No paper, fuller’s-earth, etc., to be 
used. Keeping different qualities and colours separate, and not to 
mix immature rubber with older ; to send separately dirty barky 
pieces, and to wash out all the bark in crepe, block and sheet. All 
fine qualities should be loose crepe, sheet or biscuit — not run to a 
mass. To smoke the rubber when convenient, because “ smoking” 
appears to increase its resiliency, but keep it as dear and yellow 
as possible. 
