397 
Mr. Zacharias suggests the use of the words Tamil labourers 
instead of “ Tamils.” . 
These two amendments, having been accepted, are incorporated 
in the original motion, which now stands as follows : 
“ That Government be requested to prohibit the sale to Tamil labour- 
ers by spirit licensees of liquors other than unadulterated toddy and 
beer ; and that no alcoholic liquor of any description be sold to Tamil 
labourers on credit. ” 
This proposal is then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. 
White Ants. 
V. The Secretary reads out the following 
” Extracts of Minutes of the M. P. A. Association’s General Meet- 
ing held on 12th May, 1908 : — 
The Chairman proposes that the following motion be forwarded to 
the Secretary, Planters’ Association of Malaya, asking that same may 
be discussed at their next general meeting : 
1 That the Planters’ Association of Malaya approach Government 
requesting that a reward be offered to such person as shall satisfy the 
Government of an approved method of exterminating white ants.’ 
The Chairman suggests that the different Planting Companies 
should give voluntary contributions, and that Government be asked to 
subscribe the balance of whatever amount it was decided to offer. 
Discussion ensues, the Chairman suggesting that for a really reli- 
able remedy the sum of £5,000 would not be too much. 
In the absence of the Hon. J. Turner, Mr. Boyd formally propos- 
es this motion. 
Mr. Darby, in seconding the motion, thinks it would be advisable 
to find out first whether the Government would join in such a 
scheme. 
Mr. C. L. Gibson remarks that the remedy must not only be 
effectual but also cheap. 
The Secretary reads out two offers already received ; one from 
Mr. West of Peradeniya, and one from Mr. Cox of Alor Pongsu. 
Mr. Harrison thinks that this reward is only one way, but that 
there is also another one of getting at this problem, viz., by asking 
Government to second one of their Scientific Officers for one year to 
do nothing else but study the life history of Termes Gestroi. 
Mr. Parkinson would like to specify Mr. Pratt on account of his 
valuable services in the past, and he was also not in favour of limiting 
the time at the disposal of such officer to one year only. 
After some general discussion, the following resolution is then 
agreed to : — 
“ That, seeing the vital importance to the Agricultural Industry 
of the Malay Peninsula of discovering effective means of eradicating 
the white ant pest, this Association submits to Government : 
" a. That a reward be offered jointly by the Governments of the 
S. S. and F. M. S. and by the Planting Community to such 
person as shall satisfy the Government of a cheap and 
effective method of exterminating white ants. 
m 
