Notes. 389 



The Control of the Union's Export Trade. 



The expanding- agricultural industry of South Africa l)ring'S 

 more and more insistently to the fore the (question of oversea markets 

 for the absorption of our surplus agricultural products. It is a 

 matter of great concern to every farmer, and it is necessary that each 

 should be ac([uainted with the manner in which the export trade 

 in produce of the land is controlled by legislation. Fre(|uent refer- 

 ences have been made in the Journal to the need of studying 

 (especially at this time when some of our products are making" their 

 first essays at securing a footing on the world's markets) the require- 

 ments and, indeed, the idiosyncrasies of the consumer oversea for 

 whom we wish to cater. And it is of surpassing value to the producer 

 that legalized machinery exists which controls to a large extent the 

 ([uality and appearance of prodiicts that leave our shoi'es. The scope 

 of this machinery is briefly outlined in an article published elsewhere 

 in this issue of the Journal. Although wool, mohair, and ostrich 

 feathers are not affected, it will be seen that the Acts (and their 

 relative regulations) concerned cover very comprehensively the 

 products of the land. One of the Acts, recently passed, contains 

 the principle of the levy on exported produce, already in operation 

 in so far as fruit and eggs are concerned, while at present cotton 

 growers also are on the eve of having' their product graded and the 

 levy applied. 



The above is a continuation of the series of principal Acts and 

 regulations administered by the Department, a resume of each of 

 which it is prop(jsed to publish in the Journal. In the two previous 

 issues the Diseases of Stock Act and the Agricultural Pests Act, with 

 their principal regulations, were outlined. 



Lucerne Meal: Oversea Trade Possibilities. 



Reference was made in last month's issue of the Journal to the 

 possibilities of an export trade in lucerne hay, and the desirability 

 of a test consignment. The export of South African lucerne in 

 the form of a meal has also been receiving attention, and it is 

 stated that the })rospects for trade in such an article are favourable, 

 the English market being a wide one, while in Denmark also the 

 demand is considerable. There is a firm in London who state that 

 they are the originators and practically tlie only suppliers in the 

 United Kingdom of lucerne meal, and that their brand is the only 

 one that is really known. Tiiis firm is willing to act as agents 

 for any South African producers who can ship a good class of meal, 

 ground to the requisite grade, and of a bright green colour. The 

 prices to be fixed are given as follows, per ton of 2240 lb., f.o.r. 

 London:— 5-ton lots, £12; 2-ton lots, £12. 10s.; 1-ton lots, £13; 

 the commission to be 20 % off these prices. All bags are to be 

 supplied free, and the meal must be packed so as to weigh 112 lb. net. 



The firm in question suggests that any one desirous of opening- 

 trade in luceine meal should send to them a small trial consignment 

 at the earliest opportunity so as to introduce the commodity on the 

 English market. Further particulars will be furnished on applica- 

 tion to the Secretary for Agriculture, Pretoria. 



