Using primary sources, this study documents the changing economic circumstances of rubber producers in Malaysia, the world's principal source of this commodity. It also explains government intervention in the shape of schemes restricting rubber exports.
Part 1 The industry in review: the formative period to 1922; the first period of restriction 1922-8; depression returns 1929-33; the re-imposition of restriction 1934-41. Part 2 The estates and efficiency: capitalization and rates of return; the formative period 1912-22; the Stevenson scheme 1922-8; the Great Depression 1929-33; the IRRA 1934-41. Part 3 The smallholdings and survival: the stereotype smallholding; empirical data on smallholdings; official policy and land tenure; the economic circumstances of smallholders. Part 4 The industry, government and decision-making: the growth of institutions; revisions of restriction 1924-6; the ending of restriction 1927-8; the Anglo-Dutch negotiations 1930-4; the IRRA renewal negotiations 1937-8; the organization of research. Part 5 Output assessment under restriction - the Stevenson scheme: smallholdings; medium holdings; estates; some comparisons. Part 6 The search for stability in the market: the "threat" from wild rubber 1912-15; the American "threat" 1916-26; the emergence of the "threat" from smallholdings 1925-8; the smallholder "threat" reaches its peak 1929-34; the containment of smallholdings under the IRRA 1934-41. Appendices: rubber 1910-41; Malaya - planted area of rubber, 1922-41 (selected years); Malaya - exports of rubber 1919-41 (tons); Malaya - exports of rubber by value 1923-41.
