Rubber Bounces About
p. 111 · Read in the full issue
TWO factors have been affecting the world rubber market.
United States has been stock piling, as a precaution against World War ill, and this strong buying influence has now declined.
But persistent banditry in Malaya is restricting Malayan production.
The demand may be down; but so is the supply. Not knowing what to do, the market has been jumpy.
Prices which have been away up towards 5/- Aus.. were down to 3/and under, at the end of February, The only Pacific Territory affected is Papua; and Papua producers re main optimistic. The Koitaki Co. has just paid 121; per cent—a good dividend for the second year in suc cession—and others are similarly profitable. Papuan rubber will be valuable while war threatens—and especially while the Reds remain busy in Malaya.