Estates, Ltd, is in a very much more satisfactory position now than at the end of 1035, it was reported at the '24th annual' general meeting of the company, held on Mar, 16 at 93 Canton, Road, Mr. C, F. Shackleton presided, and the other directors present were Messrs. H. Kadoorie and Canning, the shares represented by the attendance being $21,000, In his speech, the chairman said:
The result of the working for the year was a profit of $42,218.56 as compared with a loss of $2,329.02 last year.
This prof is partly due to the fact that the output of rubber was 39,000 Ybs, larger, but the higher price realized "algo contributed to a great extent, Of the estate expenditure most items showed a decrease, but! the completion of the cleaning up caused the upkeep of the gardens to show an increase of St.$2,504.03, This work being now Anished, a considerable decrease in expenditure will be possible in the current year, The expenditure on superintendence was SUS98445 higher caused by the change in management, which has proved to be very satisfactory.. The tapping expenses were S1.$700.12 higher on account of the larger crop, but a saving of S1$190.01 was effected fon manufacture whilst duty was Financially the company is in a very much more satisfactory position than on December 31, 1935, the cash assets exceeding the liquid' liabilities by $49,09246 and the position is steadily improving with rubber at its present price, Turning to estate matters, no alteration took place inthe planted area but the 22 acres of immature rubber fs now tappable. It is intended to replant 57 acres of old rubber during the current year and the cost, estlmated at St.$0,000.00, will be met out revenue, There is no more than the normal amount of disease but considerable expense was incurred in cleaning up damage caused by a severe storm in June, The health of the coolies showed an improvement uring the year and the anti-malarial measures undertaken continue to re duce the incidence of malaria. Build ings received the necessary upkeep fud are in fair condition. Tt will be necessary to replace the coolls lines uring the next two years and a start {being made in 1097.
Mr, J. Davidson continues to mar age the estate In an eflelent manner has succeeded in establishing a Fesident Tamil labour force, a feat that has hitherto been deemed im-Possible im thi diet now restored to a formal condition king generally, the estate is
find for the current year the cost upkeep wil show a very substantial eduction, The trees have responded {othe cleaning. up_and have now much improved foliage.
"Your directors have made a forward contract for the delivery of 60 tons of rubber in equal monty quantities throughout the whole of 1097 at 24% cents per Ib. La.
Tu conclusion, gentlemen, 1 would Like to express our best thanks to the manager, the. visiting agent and the Penang agents for the efficient manner in which they have administered the affairs of the estate.
There being no questions, the following resolutions were passed: ant for "Secon forthe:
That the directors? report a state. ended ral la." presented.be oe BSnachiean and Seconded bY
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.