The labour position has improved, and may be considered generally satisfactory, a sufficient force being available for the execution of the programme of work. The scheme to induce our contract labour to settle permanently on the Estate as free labour after the expiration of their contracts has proved quite effective. Forty families have now taken up plots, and built their own houses with material supplied by the Company. This obviates the necessity for the Company to repatriate them. The area covered by the settlement, is approximately 10 acres, which we can well afford to provide.
Before concluding, I would like take this opportunity of thanking our Sumatra Agents, our Visiting Agent and Estate Manager and Staff their good services during the y when, in addition to routine upkeep, all the problems in connection with replanting have had to be attended to, necessitating a great deal of additional work.
There being no questions the following resolutions were passed unanimously:—
'That the Directors' Report and statement of accounts for tne year onaed October 3l, 1933 as presented, be adopted and passed. Proposed by Mr. W. R. MacBain and seconded by Mr. A.
Welch.
That the balance of $64,050.47 at credit of Profit and Loss Account be dealt with as follows:
To pay a Dividend of $0.20 per Write off Buildings Write off Plant, and Water Supply Write off Live St Vehicles—see Donate to British Forces Recreation Centres Fund Place to General Reserv Proposed by Mr. W. R. McBain and seconded by Mr. A. J. Welch. quat Mr A. J. Welch be re-elected a r of the Company. Proposed by Mr. E. B. McBain and seconded by Mr.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.