HOW RUBBER IS GROWN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3294, 12 August 1911, Page 10

HOW RUBBER IS GROWN.

OBJECT LESSON FOR LONDONERS. In view of the great rubber boom of two years ago, and the immense strides in the industry, the International Rubber Exhibition opened at the Agricultural Hall by the Earl of Solborne, says the “Daily Mail,” is full of things to interest the average man. Sir Henry Blake, the president, stated that the value of rubber produced last year was about £85,000,000. Of this over £26,000,000 worth of raw rubber was imported into this country; about half was worked up here, and the rest re-exported. The Dutch' Government has an exhibit which by means of photographs l and specimens shows all the processes connected with the extraction of rubber from the trees and the placing of it on the market in its various manufactured forms. South America, through the Brazilian and’ other Governments, shows tons of crude rubber. Rubber trees are shown growing, with the “latex” exuding from them, and being caught in the little tin cups. A feature of the show is the machinery, chiefly British designed, for the working and refining of the raw material. It is proposed that during the exhibition some efforts shall be made to aid the sufferers from the ravages of sleeping sickness, which spreads unchecked in so many rubber-producing districts. The Queen of the Belgians has for many years celebrated her birthday by the sale of the edelweiss, the proceeds of whioh she forwards to some charity. Adopting this course, the organisers of the Rubber Exhibition propose that one day be set aside for the sale of the flower, at a penny only, and tne proceeds will be forwarded to aid the sufferers from sleeping sickness.