COMMERCE IN MAIZE GRAIN 



Tablb LXXIX. 



DESTINATION OF MAIZE EXPORTED, ign. 



56s 



CHAP. 

 XII. 



519. South African Ports of Export. — Durban is the prin- 

 cipal maize-exporting port of South Africa, for her geographical 

 position with regard to the Maize-belt gives her an advantage, 

 of which her enterprising merchants and energetic Harbour 

 Board have made good use. The tonnage sent through this 

 port in 1907, 1908, and 1909 is given by Downie (2) as 

 follows : — 



In 1909 the amount was approximately two-thirds of the 

 total amount of maize exported from British South Africa, 

 the remaining third was shipped through East London, Fort 

 Elizabeth, and Cape Town. Practically none was sent through 

 Delagoa Bay. 



Durban merchants claim the following advantages for their 

 port : — ■ 



(1) It is the nearest port to almost all the best maize 

 districts. 



(2) The grain, therefore, has the shortest time on rail, with 

 less risk of loss in weight and damage through heating, weevil, 

 etc. 



(3) Speedier realization and quicker returns. 



