In view of the great deal of research and development that has taken place recently in the production of synthetic rubber, it is esti-a sufficient number of plants. could mated that within twelve months
be constructed so as to make the United States virtually independent of the rest of the world for the natural product. It is stated that the National Defence Advisory Committee, in ce-operation with the rubber manufacturers and the producers of the synthetic product, already has taken up the question of the production of synthetic rubber on a large scale.
With these groups working together, it is believed that something exceedingly helpful in solving the rubber-supply problem will be evolu ved. It is admitted that it will require time and huge sums of money. The necessary funds undoubtedly will be forthcoming the minute that it appears a crisis is imminent. At present, a small amount of synthetic rubber is being used in the country and there are some small-sized plants in operation.
At present, the cost of synthetic rubber is considerably above that of the raw product. It is contended, however, that by establishing large plants, many cost factors can be eliminated. Already, it is stated that one producer by increasing his plant capacity will be able to reduce the selling price by 25 per cent. It seems to be the broad viewpoint of some synthetic producers that, by a large volume of production in large plants, the cost of production can be brought within a reasonable distance of the present selling price of the natural product.
Only recently the Standard Oil n of New Jersey decided io enter the field of synthetic rubber production. At the annual meeting Of the stockholders of the company held early in June, W. S. Farish, president, said that in case of necessity quotations ranged from 11 points down to 6 points up.
The increased aerial attack on England brought about liquidation xd stop-loss selling, but, at the lower vols, some buying appeared. Closing quotations were listed at 3% cents down, New York Cotton Oct. (N.C.)
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.