Turning now to planting matters I will deal with those of Cheng Estate first. Tapping was resumed on this estate in October so that it was in tapping for only 9 months. The trees ere reported to have benefitted very largely from the rest and the extremely mild tapping system that was in vogue for several years prior to resting, and, as the Bark Reserves are now ample, a change to a more severe system is justifiable.
The replanted area was surveyed in April and the area was found to be 3% acres smaller than it was thought to be. No further replanting was done during the year. The young plants in the areas already replanted are reported to be making excellent progress which is a good augury for any further replantings that may be undertaken.
The standard production assessment remained at 165,000 lbs. but it is hoped that an increase may be obtained in 1941.
The supply of labour was ample for all requirements and the health of the force was satisfactory. Wages averaged 4 cents per day more than they did last year.
The estate is clean and quite free from lallang and other undesirable growths. Beneficent jungle growths are encouraged as they help to aerate the soil and improve its texture.
As is usual with all old estates, a certain amount of Root disease is met with but otherwise neither pests nor diseases gave any trouble.
All Buildings were given the necessary upkeep and are in good serviceable order. The smoke house, however, will have to be replaced in the near future. Speaking generally the property is in good condition and the buildings are sufficient for requirements.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.