June 2, 1902.J 
THE TROPICAL AGEICULTURIST. 
84t 
feeds and fosters lier new outlets carefully and in 
doing so affords relief to London, providing for 
a reasonable supply and a healthy tone to that 
market. She is a long way ahead of us. In 
1900 her offerings were 2 millions less than 
Calcutta, while iu 190] they were nearly 5 
millions more. 
The distribution of the crop from Calcutta com- 
pares with recent years as follows ; — 
1901 1902. 1900-1901, 
millions. millions. 
To United Kingdom 1^^3 161 
To Colonies 84 IQi 
To America 2J 4| 
To other outside markets 10 10 
1899-1900. 1898-1899. 
millions. millions. 
To United Kingdom 149i 1S3| 
To Colonies 8i 6^ 
To America 6 3i 
To other outside markets 7| 8J 
The disappointing figures have been explained. 
Russia lias now made Calcutta a regular market 
for obtaining its supplies. It is capable of draw- 
ing large and increasing quantities and is one 
of the best fields for an extending trade. 
The quantity taken by outside markets from 
Calcutta sales lias amounted to 20| millions 
which is equal to 44f per cent of the total offerings. 
Las* year the proportion was 50 per cent., 
and the year before 44 per cent. Cora- 
Total quantity 
sold in Calcutta 
Percentage of 
abote exported 
to Colonies 
Percentage of 
above exported 
to America 
Percentage of 
above exported 
to ether outside 
markets . . 
1901- 
1902. 
mills. 
1900- 
1900. 
mills. 
1899- 
1900. 
mills 
46i 
491 
50 
m% 
21±% 
16i% 
41% 
9% 
12% 
211% 
20% 
15i% 
1898- 
1899. 
mills. 
49 
17% 
The Port Commissioners have now before them 
a scheme for improving the present facilities for 
handling tea in Calcutta, whereby the work can 
not only be considerably accelerated, but a ma- 
trial reduction in charges is also expected, and 
a better preservation of the condition of packages. 
Such improvements are needetl more especially in 
respect of arrangements for ensuring greater ex- 
pedition in the simultaneous handlnig of in- 
coming and outgoing teas ; the present system 
necessitates numerous handlings, and at times an 
exceptional strain is placed on the existing 
available resources of the warehouse. 
The transfer of warehousing accommodation 
from the centre to the outskirts of the city, how- 
ever, may interfere with the expeditious working 
of Calcutta sale teas unless reliable provision is 
made for continued and easj access to the ware- 
house, and it is to be hoped this important matter 
will receive careful consideration for otherwise 
the working will not be successful. 
The following is an extract from a circular having 
reference to this matter : 
" The Port Commis-ioners have now under con- 
sideration a comprehensive scheme for the provision 
of suitable berths at the docks, to which the inland 
vessels would proceed direct on their arrival in Cal- 
cutta and discharge their cargoes by means of 
special appliances into a warehouse, where the tea 
might be stored whether for sale in Calcutta or 
London. Consignments when ready would be passed 
on from this warehouse direct to the bei thsof ocean 
steamers. The object of the Bclienie is to give des- 
patcli and at the same time reduce the handlings, 
thus cheapening the cost and avoiding the damage 
and waste, wliich must be sustained when such 
articles as chests of tea are subjected to repeated 
removals. The new tea warehouse would be equally 
accessible to the railways. The handling of tea 
from the time it left the Inland vessel or railway 
wagon, until it was in the Ocean steamer's hold 
would be reduced to a minimum, whether it was 
tea for sale in Calcutta or London. As the hand 
li -g of Calcutta and London teas, under the pro- 
posed scheme, would practically be the same, there 
would always be the option of selling the tea with- 
out extra expense, in whichever market suited best 
for the time being. The present tea warehouse 
would be used tor other purposes. Slioiild tlie 
scheme go through, irrangenieiits would be made 
for conveying by train once or twice a day the 
representatives of the Tea lirokers and Agents to 
the Docks." 
Tiie duty question has once more engagei the 
attention of the trade, but^ although it has been 
responsible for disappointing markets, it has 
fortunately not been productive of such serious 
disorganisation as attended the scares of the last 
two years. Strong representations have been 
made to the Governments, and it is fervently 
hoped they have been successful in convincing 
the -powers that be that tea has reached the 
utmost limit of taxation. Even as it now stands, 
the impost of 6d per lb is comparatively unfair, 
and a further increase would invoke a strong 
feeling of iniquitous legislation, while so many 
other producis remain unburdened. A further 
increase in duty could not be borne, it would 
come as a fatal blow to the industry, and at a 
time when, through its own eiulcavours, it was 
overcoming difficulties and a more hopeful future 
might reasonably be anticipated. 
The past year has seen a definite start made 
in endeavouring to increase the consumption of 
tea in India. Messrs. Andrew Yule and Company 
have been appointed Gommi«sioners, and consider- 
able assistance has beeu given in contributions 
of cash and tea by the Indian Tea Association 
and the producing community. The object of the 
scheme is to put supplies of sound honest tea 
within easy reach of all classes, and at the same 
time to relieve the markets of an appreciable 
portion of the yearly supply. It is unusually 
comprehensive and every possible outlet in the 
Empire is being energetically tapped. The 
Advisory Committee and Commissioners are to be 
congratulated upon the excellent results already 
shown. The movement has been in existence but 
a few months and up to the present about 6^ 
lakhs of pice packets of dry leaf and l| lakhs of cups 
of brewed leaf have been turned over. The total 
quantity distributed in various ways is abouli 
2,500 chests. This progress is doubtless beyond 
expectation, and as the scheme is being thoroughly 
worked through the pro|)er channels its 
sucsess seems assured and the offtake through 
this source, will soon afford material relief to the 
markets. It is to be hoped the Ooinmision will 
be loyally supported by producers, as they 
undoubtedly should, so that the good start made 
may be carried through to a successful 
issue. A memorial, praying for the sane 
tion of an export duty on all Indian tea, ha§ 
