CHAPTER XII 



FINE TEA SOLD AT MINCING LANE 



WE have taken one absolute proof quite at a hazard, 

 namely, the bonded prices fetched at the Indian public 

 sales. As everyone who attends the auctions knows, 

 there are constant sales of fine parcels at 2s., 2s. 6d., or 

 even 3s. 6d. per pound in bond, and in the particulars 

 below it will be seen that as much as 4s. 4d. was fetched. 

 However, the following is the record of the bonded 

 prices brought at the Indian sales for the week ending 

 the 5th September, 1908: 



15,201 chests of about 100 Ibs. each 



sold at 7Jd. and under. 



6,187 sold from 7Jd. to 8d. 



4,174 8Jd. 9d. 



2,819 ,, 9Jd. lOd. 



3,841 

 1,798 



943 



680 



174 



216 



To these prices the duty of 5d. per pound, wholesale 

 and all profits and expenses have to be added. Of the 

 sale of 36,000 chests about 42 per cent, was sold at 7d. 

 and under, while 58 per cent, represents the good to 



112 



