COMMERCE IN MAIZE GRAIN 573 



ated, different methods of handling and storing grain were CHAP, 

 in vogue at the several ports, as they were not then adminis- 

 tered by one central authority. Uniform methods and charges 

 for handling and storing grain in the wharf sheds at the dif- 

 ferent ports have now been instituted. 



530. Bag Handling of Grain.— The South African grain 

 crop is entirely handled in bags, so also is the Australian 

 wheat crop and that from the Pacific States of North America 

 (California, Oregon and Washington), as well as part of the 

 wheat and maize crops of Argentina. 



The principal objections to bag handling are: (1) the cost 

 of the bags ; (2) the loss of time in handling the crop both at 

 port of export and port of import ; (3) greater storage space 

 required. On the other hand, small parcels of bagged grain 

 of different grades can be carried in any sort of railway truck 

 and any type of vessel, whereas bulk handling limits the type 

 of truck. 



Much dissatisfaction exists with regard to the bag grain 

 trade of Argentina, and shipment in bulk seems to be on the 

 increase. 



In the case of "Choice" (No. 1) flat white maize, the 

 European trade appears to think that as it is a special quality, 

 commanding a special price, it would be well to continue to 

 ship it in bags ; as it comprises only about 5 per cent of the 

 export, this might be done without difficulty. 



531. Quality of Grain Bags. — It has been found necessary 

 to regulate the size, weight, and quality of bags used for export. 

 The Annual Maize Committee (191 1) confirmed the decision 

 previously arrived at, that maize intended for export oversea 

 shall be contained in new bags, of 2\ lbs. weight, "A" quality 

 twill, 8 porter, 8 shot ; bags when filled must weigh 203 lbs. 

 gross, and the mouths must be double sewn, i.e. with double 

 thread, first one way across and then in the reverse direction. 

 " Ears " on the bags are objected to ; it is better to sew right 

 across the bag from side to side. 



The grain bags at present in use are made of jute and are 

 obtained from India. Their manufacture is said to be largely 

 in the hands of small makers, and the trade is "cut so fine," 

 that it leaves but a small margin of profit to be divided 

 between manufacturer and dealer. Cases have been reported 



