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labour force employed. This resulted in very great opposition 
from estates situated in healthy situations where the percentage of 
sickness rarely exceeds 2 % of the labour force, and probably as a 
result of representations that were made in December, 1907, the Prin- 
cipal Medical Officer was asked by the High Commissioner to make an 
extended tour through the districts that were chiefly interested. This 
was done, and though no copy of the report has been received hitherto, 
your Association has reason to believe that their representations were 
favourably considered. 
Immigration Fund. — The Bill as formulated by the Immigration 
Committee was fully discussed by your Association after it had been 
read a second time in the Legislative Council, and while recognising 
the general utility and wide scope of the scheme, it was generally felt 
that old-established estates were unfairly treated as compared with 
their younger rivals, and an amendment was passed asking Govern- 
ment to consider the Bill as framed to be subject to revision after it 
had been in operation one year. 
It is to be regretted that your Association is not afforded more 
opportunity for the discussion of important matters affecting the 
planting community before they become law. 
Sunday Names. — At a meeting held on January 19th, 1908, it was 
unanimously resolved that all Sunday names should be stopped from 
July 1st, 1908. This is one direct result of the Immigration Bill, and 
it is to be hoped that the fixing of a maximum rate of wages, which 
has already been discussed, will shortly become an accomplished fact. 
•Opponents to the Labour Cess hardly realise how far-reaching the 
present scheme is. 
Quit-rent— The absurdly high rates charged by the F. M. S. 
Government for the alienation of land were once more made the 
subject of strong representations. As a result, these charges have 
been since reduced by one-half in the case of land intended for the 
cultivation of products other than rubber. However much this may 
be welcomed as a step in the right direction, this Association ought in 
no way to relax its endeavours to get these rates further reduced to a 
figure which would induce capitalists to invest largely in coconuts and 
similar agricultural produce, the margin of profits on which is very 
small. 
Loans. — The limit of $1,000,000 laid down by H. E. the High 
Commissioner in instituting this liberal and enlightened policy was 
reached early in the year ; but I am glad to be able to report that our 
prayer for an extension has since been granted to the extent of another 
half million. 
General. — This Association has to deplore a serious loss through 
the death of Mr. A. W. Hodson. 
The Association at the end of the year was constituted as 
follows : — 
1. Malay Peninsula Agricultural Association , with 84 Members 
and the following 8 Representatives : — Hon. John Turner (Chairman ) , 
Alex Crawford, Esq., T. N. Symons, Esq., R. G. Palmer, Esq., Geo. 
Stothard, Esq., D. Douglas, Esq., D. Ritchie, Esq., and Messrs. Ken- 
nedy & Co, ( Secretaries ). 
