280 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



That the present system of weighing is to weigh each package in 

 he gross, then to turn out the contents, weigh the empty case, and 

 thus arrive at the nett weight of the contents. 



That the only exception to this rule is when the package, i.e., the 

 empty cases, in a Break closely approximate in weight. 



That by the said system of weighing, two serious injuries are 

 inflicted on the grower and importer of Indian Tea, viz. : 



In the first place, a loss of weight is sustained by the fractions 

 over the even pound in both gross and tare being given 

 against the seller, and in favour of the buyer, amounting, it 

 may be, to i Ib. 15 oz., or an average of about i Ib. in every 

 package weighing over 28 Ibs. gross, in addition to the usual 

 trade allowance of i Ib. per package. 



Secondly, and by far the more serious grievance, very great 

 injury is caused to the Teas by the process of turning them 

 out of the packages, in which they arrive hermetically 

 sealed, for the purpose of weighing the empty packages. 

 The Teas are thus exposed to the atmosphere, the humidity 

 of which they readily absorb, and sustain further serious 

 injury and depreciation by breakage from rough handling in 

 the process of repacking : the lead linings also are so torn 

 in the process as to be rendered comparatively useless for 

 the purpose for which they were intended, eliciting loud 

 complaints from the trade of the rapid loss of condition of 

 the Teas. 



That the concession of this Petition, by rendering it unnecessary 

 to turn out more than a small percentage of the chests to test the 

 correct weight of contents, would admit of the Teas being bulked in 

 India ; and while it would free the industry from an injurious and 

 vexatious restriction, and admit of the Teas reaching the consumer in 

 a purer and sounder condition, it would also greatly simplify and 

 reduce the work of the Customs. 



That the foregoing statistics significantly demonstrate the import- 

 ance of the Indian Tea industry to both England and India, and 

 constitute a claim to the favourable consideration of both Govern- 

 ments, especially that of India, on the ground of the benefit accruing 

 to the districts in which it is conducted, and the increment of State 

 revenue to which it has directly and indirectly conduced. 



