5 1 o MAIZE 



CHAP, letter from a correspondent at Helouan, near Cairo, was pub- 

 x • lished in the Transvaal Agricultural Journal, Vol. VII, No. 26, 

 page 309, January, 1909: — 



Having made inquiries here as to the demands and price 

 of maize, I think the opportunity offers of doing a certain 

 amount of business if I can obtain shipments, properly bagged 

 and of uniform quality and size. I am prepared to do business 

 with the Government, that is, if they have a department which 

 is superintending the shipment of maize, or with a reliable 

 firm, but I must impress upon you that if a shipment is not of 

 uniform quality, and according to samples, it will destroy all 

 confidence with the bank that advances on grain, and also 

 local buyers, and will prevent me establishing a trade. I know 

 the Government is doing its utmost to encourage export, and 

 I leave it to them to see that I am protected. 



Methods of Dealing. — There are two ways : — 



1. Selling on commission, that is, for firms, which does 



not appeal to me. 



2. Buying direct. This would be better for both parties, 



as it might be necessary for me to split up the ship- 

 ment and sell it in different districts. 



Method of Shipment. — The sellers would ship via East 

 Coast to Suez, avoiding canal dues. The shipping company 

 might grant low rates for some time in order to start the trade. 



Prices. — Sellers' prices include insurance and everything 

 else, including landing charges by steamer at Suez. 



Duty. — Payable by me at Suez. 



Samples. — I would require 5 lb. samples of the different 

 grades, with inclusive price, sent me every six weeks. 



Method of Purchasing. — I should purchase by cable, and 

 on receipt of your advices through which bank and on whom 

 to draw. I use the expression on whom, as I may have to 

 deal with some firms here who have agencies in the provinces, 

 and the facilities for storing grain. 



Prices. — State price per 100 lbs. 



486. India. — Although India is herself a large producer 

 the possibilities of that country as a market for South African 

 maize should not be overlooked, especially in the periodically 

 recurring seasons of drought. 



487. Australia. — The direct service of steamers to Australia 



