WORLD’S RUBBER TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 10

WORLD’S RUBBER TRADE

PRICES ARE TOO LOW A PLANTERS OPINION WELLINGTON, Jan. 3. Restrictions placed on the planting of trees in rubber-producing areas ar ■ expected to have an effect next year when growers expect better prices, according to Mr. G. Jeppe, a Dutch rubber planter who has lived in the Dutch East Indies for 29 years. Mr. Jeppe arrived at Wellington by the Awatea yesterday in the course of a tour of Australia, New Zealand, and North America before returning io Holland to spend his retirement. Mr. Jeppe said he had been managing a large rubber plantation on tlie east coast of Sumatra until recently but conditions had been difficult fi.r rubber planters during recent years. Better prices were expected next year, however, as a result of the restricted production. Rubber prices had increased considerably since the depression years but the producers wouin not be in a sound economic position until the price was 9d or l()d a pouna. The restrictions imposed on planting were rigidly enforced, he said. A grower could only plant young trees under Government licence and then only at the rate of a 5 per cent, increase on his plantation in two years. Production costs were higher n: Sumatra than in Java because ail plantation labour had to be imported from Java. The Javanese made gooa plantation workers, but the natives oi Sumatra, who were Malays, would not take field work. The well-educated Malays were good office workers and were much sought after as book-keep-ers. The majority of the Malays live:.! off the land, however, and did not do much work. Dutch Interests Holland had no difficulties with her native subjects, Mr. Jeppe said in answer to a question. There were about 60,0(10 native in the Dutch East Indies and only about 300,000 or 400.000 Europeans. The Javanese were a particularly good type and supplied excellent sailors for the Dutch East India Navy. Dutch interests in the East were the same as those of Britain, as they were in Europe and the Mediterranean, ana the people of Holland were very friendly towards Britain, Mr. Jeppe declared. They all considered Holla.ffi and Britain were lucky to have ruling Houses and the Dutch in the East indies had been delighted at the nil til of Princess Juliana's daughter. "We hope to rejoice in the birth of another Royal child this year," ho said.