RUBBER IN FIJI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11731, 22 June 1916, Page 4

RUBBER IN FIJI.

_ Laiest reports from Fiji show that the \\ aicloi rubber estate on Namuka close to Suva, is making groat headway. Alien ay 3Lr Powell is tannine 20,000 out of 60.000 para trees, and the plantation is looking very promising. Although the price of rubber has fallen from the region of 5s a lb to .'!s 5d a Jb it is reported in Suva that Mr Powell expects this year to pay 6 per cent on the capital expenditure. Even when the present war-inflated prices return to normal the plantation will be ablo to give a very handsome return. Many of the planters on the Rewa, having inspected Mr Powell's plantation, are now purchasing young plants from him, and gradually the area of para rubber is increasing. Nearly all the land in Fiji is suitable for rubber production, and, provided the supply of labour is in any way assured, there will be a greater tendency to grow rubber than cocoanuts. This industry is dependent on cheap labour t6 a greater extent than almost any other. The quality of the rubber is the finest in the world. It has brought the highest price in the world's market. The editor of tho Fiji u Times " has written to Hongkong to secure official confirmation of his statements that a regular and permanent supply of Chinese (Plnkka) lnI bour is obtainable, and tho information | will be made available a* soon as ii i comes to ham!.