778 
THE TROPICAL AGRICULTUBIST. [May 2, 1904. 
The above again serves to show that shipments to 
outside markets have expanded rapidly with in- 
creased local offerings, and it is tolerably certain 
that they will continue to responcl. The following 
figures show the 
DISTEIBUTION OF ALL TEA THROUGH CALCUTTA 
AND CHITTAGONG. 
^or the past fire years. 
1903-4 1902 3 1901-2 1900 I 1899-00 
mills; mills, mills, mills, mills. 
To United King- 
dom 160 145i 153 161 149i 
To Colonies 7i 5i lOj »i 
To America lOJ 9i 2^ 4J 6 
To Other outside 
markets 2ni lii 10 10 71 
The above figures include shipments on garden 
account, but almost the entire quantity shipped to 
places other than the United Kingdom is represented 
by purchases made in Calcutta auctions; both buying 
and selling interests may be well satisfied with the 
year's work, resulting in an increase of 81 millions to 
outside markets. 
A slight, though nevertheless welcome improve- 
ment ia seen in shipments to the Colonies and 
America, but the 
EXTRAORDINARY INCREASE IN THE QUANTITY 
TAKEN BY RUSSIA, 
from Calcutta sales exclusively, ia phenomenal ; she 
has again been a steady and consistent buyer, and has 
accounted for 10| millions, or 153 per cent increase on 
her previous season's purchases, a far better result 
than the most sanguine anticipated. Many obstacles 
tending to hamper this trade have at time been dis- 
couraging to lliose engaged in it, but a persistent 
drawing of supplies from Calcutta has been too im- 
perative to allow anything more than a very temporary 
interference. Our export to Persia and kindred outlets 
continue satisfactory, and the increased import levied 
in Persia has not checked trade to any appreciable 
extent. More attention has been given to 
GREEN TEA, 
bonus has been paid on 2J million pounds which may 
be regarded as the total outturn. Supplies have come 
forward consistently from some well-known concerns 
and they have realised very fair, though somewhat 
irregular prices, which is explained by the fact 
that Green tea is practically a new commodity 
and buyers cannot be expected to operate in 
them with the same freedom as in blacks ; the 
trade is in embryo and the past season has been one of 
nitiation more or less, mainly devoted to finding 
outlets and introducing suitable types ; the market has 
consequently been erratic, but nevertheless encourag- 
ing, and much useful information has been ascertained. 
In respsct of manufacture the season has offered many 
opportunities for improving the general character of 
Green tea and considerable progress has been made, 
. but the chief drawback has been the great variation in 
style, colour and finish of the dry leaf, and buyers have 
experienced much difficulty in working on selected 
standards and following purchases. Afiuishiug Factory 
has been at workin Calcutta throughout the season and 
has been of much assistance to buyers and sellers ; the 
above drawback, and other less important details, are, 
we undtratand receiving careful attention and means 
will be found to overcome any difficulties that exist. 
The quantity of Green Tea made was not as large as 
antic'pated, owing to the advance in the value of low 
grade black tea, but further inducements in the shape 
of an increased bonus allowed by the Association and 
the prospect of a disorganised trade and short supply 
in Japan types, should influence a sensibly larger crop 
during the ensuing season. Last year, Ceylon exported 
about 8i millions of Green Tea. 
THE DUTY QUESTION 
baa again been exercising the atteatiou of the trade 
and an appeal has been made by the London Asso- 
ciation to the Home Government for a reduction, but 
the Chancellor of the Exchequer regrets his inability 
to msking any remission ; on the other hand latest 
advices seem to indicate that it may possibly be 
increased and^ it behoves all interested in the industry 
to strongly protest against such an unfair imposition. 
BOXES AND PACKING : CEYLON, THE RIVAL. 4 
The Kubjeot of boxes and packing has been brought 
prominently before the trade, and it is certainly time 
that these important details receive greater care and 
attention for a large proportion of the crop now comes 
forward in inferior packages and complaints and dis- 
putes have been numerous. Oar great competitor in 
many valuable markets is Ceylon, and it is affirmed 
in some of these centres that she is leading us by 
reason of the superior condition in which her teas 
arrive, and not by virtue of any special merit in them. 
Her packages are stronger and better made, have a 
neater and more attractive appearance and carry their 
contgens in good order in respect of both condition and 
weight. Oar connection with many far distant foreigtt 
outlets isnow the most important factor in the loo al 
market, it is rapidly developing and will continue to 
expand from year to year, but our packages must be 
at least equal to those of Ceylon ; the numerous 
rough handlings to which they are subjected between 
centre of production and ultimate destination make it 
imperative that packing should receive as much con- 
sideration as any process connected with manufacture. 
Really good and sound packing costs an infinitesimally 
extra cost per pound above that for indifferent packing, 
and the additional expense on an entire crop is soon 
recovered on a small proportion of it, as more liberal 
competition will at once be extended to teas which- 
are known to be packed in reliable boxes ; on the 
other hand, the attitude of buyers next season will 
undoubtedly be directed towards avoiding teas with 
a consistently bad reputation. Even tare nett and 
gross weights require much more attention than 
hitherto ; they are also most important details which 
have escaped notice. 
SERIOUS WANT OF LABOUR. 
We regret we are unable to report any improvement 
in the supply of labour, and the want of it is being felt 
in many of the Tea producing districts. In fact, we 
inclined to think that the labour question is assum- 
ing a" serious aspect for the industry generally. The 
foregoing remarks deal wi'h the more important fea- 
tures of the past twelve months, and in anticipation of 
THE FUTURE FROM THE PRODUCER'S POINT 
OF VIEW 
the recent movements in prices may tend to create 
adverse or conflicting impressions regarding the policy 
to pursue. The trade is undergoing many changes, 
making a forecast of market piobabilitiea impossible, 
but although supply and demand statistics are indi- 
ca tive of strength, t'ae markets are not in a position 
to successfully deal with any heavy increase in outturn, 
a prospect which however, does not seem at all proba- 
ble unless a genera,! and set tendency towards freer 
plucking is assorted to, the results of which are still 
fresh in the memories of all engaged in the industry. 
Apart from this and taking a general view of existing 
conditions and their bearing on production, a heavier 
crop than last year, even with unusually favourable 
weather is not suggested ; the plucking area will 
remain practically the same scarcity of labour and 
■ reduced cuUivation must tend to check yield and 
greater inducements will promote freer manufacture 
of green tea. These are the chief factors to be kept 
in view in forming an estimate of the crop ; with a 
moderate supply of average quality the already 
strengthened position in which the industry as a whole 
now finds itself will, doubtless, be further improved 
and the ensuing season may be anticipated with a good 
measure of confidence and prosperity. 
