THE RUBBER INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22355, 31 August 1934, Page 6

THE RUBBER INDUSTRY

AN ENCOURAGING FORECAST A bright prospect for the rubber industry was promised recently by Mr D. J. Minahan, manager for India, Burma, and Ceylon of the Dunlop Rubber Company. His assertion was based on the important new uses for rubber, particularly in the manufacture of upholstery for trains, steamers, hospitals, and general household uses, such as mati’esses, pillows, cushions, etc. editorially on the effect of such a new industry on the consumption of rubber, the Times of Ceylon stated recently: “At last the good work which has been carried on for years in promoting new uses for rubber is bearing a substantial crop of fruit. The low prices have, of course, helped a great deal, but steady propaganda has been clearing the way for each new advance. Manufacturers have eo-Pperated in a manner which is in every way a credit to their enterprise. The new pses have now reached a figure exceeding the total r rubber production at the time of the great rubber boom. For unholstery alone orders have been placed up to May this year amounting to 66,000 tons, whereas the total annual production of rubber in 1910 was 70,500 tons. Compared with the modern production of about 1,000,000 tons, the figures may not seem very impressive, but it must be remembered that this progress has been achieved during the worst depression in the modern history of the world, and there is every hope that the next few years will see a rapid and progressive increase in the uses of rubber other than for automobiles.” In the course of the interview referred to Mr Minahan stated that on orders which his company had in hand up. to the end of May 51,000 tons of raw rubber was required for work on railways in England alone during 1934. Rubber upholstery was also being standardised by certain makes of cars, and it was hoped that within a,short time all makes of cars would adopt this type of upholstery. Another interesting new use was the making of dress fabrics from the latex compound. These fabrics, which were creaseless, contained small portions of imperishable latex cord, which permanently retained its Rubber flooring rvag also becoming increasingly popular all the world over, and the initial difficulties which had been experienced in regard to laying and permanence had been overcome. The colours were permanent, and the material rubberised paper, containing 25 per cent, of rubber, was another innovation. This paper could be used for calendars and for decorative purposes. An imitation suede, for which rubber was largely used, made good table covers, golf bags, etc. It was produced in a range of 46 colours, was waterproof, and already commanded a large sale.