Colony of North Borneo annual report.

  • British North Borneo
Date:
[1959]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Colony of North Borneo annual report. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    65/274 page 47
    1958 figure. This is probably the first indication of the effect of the Rubber Replanting Scheme. Exports of copra, including re¬ exports, declined by 8,200 tons as compared with the previous years, though on account of favourable world market prices the value increased by $2.9 million. The remarkable increase in the total value of exports amount¬ ing to thirty-six per cent was due mainly to the strong demand and favourable prices for timber of which the industry took full advantage, the very good price of rubber which prevailed during the second half of the year and the steady price of copra. The drop in the quantity of copra exported was due to the restrictions imposed by the Philippines Government in January, 1959, on the traditional trade between the Southern Philippines and North Borneo and to piracy on the high seas off the East Coast of the Colony affecting the re-export trade. For the previous three years the firewood trade which is traditional on the East Coast had been in the doldrums. 1959 saw a very welcome revival with increases in both the quantity and value exported and the prices obtained. Favourable conditions prevailed for hemp which had a good year all round. Although tobacco exports rose considerably the average price obtained fell. It is the Government’s policy to diversify the country’s economy and ensure that the right crop is planted on the right soil type. Thus encouragement is being given to the planting of cocoa in the fertile volcanic soils of the Tawau Residency and of oil palms and tobacco in other soils. Indications are that these crops should do well in North Borneo and become important export commodities of the future. In fact the first exportation of cocoa, some nine tons, took place during the year. It was well received on the London market and obtained a favourable price. Considerable new areas of coconuts have been planted in the Kudat, Kuala Penyu and Semporna districts and encouragement is being given to planting rubber in all areas. The economy of the West Coast in particular is still largely based on rubber the cultivation of which expanded more than any other agricultural crop in 1959. During the year 10,094 acres were newly planted whilst 2,315 acres were re-planted using high yielding stock. The exportation of Manila hemp improved during the year owing to increased plantings and new areas coming into bearing. The “bunchy top” virus disease which had previously severely affected the hemp crop remained under control and further in¬ creases in exports are confidently expected in future.
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