RUBBER IN FIJI

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 282, 17 August 1918, Page 6

RUBBER IN FIJI

AJCEW ZEALAND ENTERPRISE. The development, of rubber production in Fiji by New Zealand enterprise was mentioned by Mr. R. \V. Dalton, Ilia Majesty's Trade Commissioner, in conversation with a'Dominion reporter yesterday. Mr. Dalton lias just returned from the Islands, and during his stay there ho had an opportunity of seeing what is being' done, in the establishment of a new and important industry. The development of the rubber industry in Fiji is the work of eome prominent New Zealand farmers, who have used capital aiid energy in the establishment of large plantations. These plantations arc now reaching the productive stage, and the quality of their rubber is reported to be very high. The market has absorbed -it readily. It happens that the price of rubber at the present time is low,- owing apparently to the restriction: of markets by the war, and Wetter prices are confidently . expected when normal conditions have been restored. ■ The plantations that have b«n established by the New Zealando-s cover some thousands of acres, and the opinion in Fiji is that the industry is going to assume very large dimensions and solve some of 'the economic' problems that trouble the Islands at ths present time. 'Von-'large areas of land in the mam islands are reported to be suitable foe. rubber cultivation. •