Rubber Control?
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
A Report From London
PAPUAN rubber planters will be inter ested in a report from London at the end of March which stated that, owing to severe fluctuations in the price of rubber, there was a possibility of the Government bringing the commodity under official control.
Papua produces about 1,500 tons of No. 1 Plantation Smoked sheet-rubber a year. This is sold in Australia at the Australian equivalent of the London spot price, which m turn is based upon prices realised at the rubber sales in Singapore.
At the time of going to press no fur ther details, either confirming or deny ing the report, had been received by Sydney agents.
“Official control” might at least put an end to the arguments which have been going on between Papuan rubber growers and Australian manufacturers, in recent months. The growers are alert to note any change in their favour in the ever-fluctuating market; while the manufacturers, naturally, play for their hand when prices change in their fav our, Such a condition does not make for a good relationship.