Tests In Dutch

N. Guinea

Rubber Plantation Being Tried

LAST July, the Dutch New Guinea Company was formed. This company proposes to open up Dutch New Guinea on a large scale; and the Dutch CiovemmenL has decided lo stari an ex tensive rubber estate of 1,000 hectares on the Ransiki River plains.

This Government plantation, to be established near the Ransiki River, is to be regarded as a pioneer enterprise and experimental garden. It will enable the Government to get a clear and practical view of the possibilities of introducing private planters. It is not intended to compete against the Dutch New Guinea Company; but it seems that the latter has not yet at its disposal the necessary experts and plantation staff. In due course, the company may take over the Government’s plantations, on which it has an option.

During the last few years, a commis sion of experts has been continually ex amining agricultural possibilities in Dutch New Guinea. Generally speaking, and in comparison with the other parts of the Netherlands East Indies, these possibilities are deemed unfavourable. At first, it was thought that some parts would be suitable for cotton-growing, but it has been proved that the idea that (for instance) the Momi plains (where the Japanese cotton estate is situated) could compete with the best cotton grounds in other parts of the world, must be abandoned.

It is because of that that the commis sion has decided to experiment with growing of plantation rubber (hevea braziliensis). On this 1,000 hectares es tate, experiments will be made with cotton, sisal, derris-root, etc. Labour

will be imported from Java

F.T.M.