Directory_and_Chronicle_1905 — Page 680

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declared to have been superior to the 1902 crop, while Teas from all other provinces, Black or Green, were markedly inferior. Notwithstanding the generally inferior quality, prices ranged higher, by Tls. 5 to Tls. 10 a picul, than in 1902; and yet shipments increased by 9 per cent. for Black Tea, 19 per cent. for Green Tea, and 8 per cent. for Brick Tea. In 1903 figures are included Teas (378,789) shipped to Dalny and Port Arthur-the ultimate destination of which may have been Russian Siberia, though the fact cannot be certified. Of the total export, 126,903 piculs are statistically lost by shipment to Hongkong for re-shipment thence. Of the Black Tea remaining, shipments to Great Britain were more by nearly 32,000 piculs; to Russian destinations, by nearly 72,000 piculs; and to the Con- tinent of Europe, by 3,400 piculs; while it was less to the United States by 67,000 piculs, the American demand being, however, about the normal average. Green Tea shipments to the United States increased by 17,700 piculs, and by smaller amounts to other destinations. Incidentally it may be noted that deliveries of Black Tea for consumption in Great Britain were, approximately (in million lb.), 10 in 1901, 14 in 1902, and 173 in 1903. But one explanation can be given for this general increase, in the face of the high silver cost prevailing in 1903, and that is to be found in the reduced taxation on Tea in China. Though the Indian export increased at the same time by 15 million lb., it was found impossible to reduce the cost of the lowest grades below 6d. per lb., while, with the reduction in Duty, China Congous could be laid down at 4 d. to 5d. Further reduction in the cost of Indian Leaf would deprive China of her temporary advantage; and with the tangible proof of the benefit already derived from lowering the Export Duty, it is obvious that the next step to be taken is to reduce, or entirely abolish, the heavy inland taxation now imposed on the Leaf before it reaches the Foreign exporter; this, however, will not be done until the Chinese Revenue can recoup itself by the imposition of higher Import Duties. Even with this help much more reinains to be done to re-establish the China Tea trade on a firm basis. With the extreme subdivision of plantations and consequent multiplicity of interests, and with the short rush of the China Tea season compressing the work of a year into two or three months, it is improbable that much good will be accomplished by the wholesale introduction of the methods which have worked such a success in British India, though some simple hand appliances-for rolling, as one instance-might be introduced to advantage. There are two directions, however, in which concerted action by the Tea Guilds would accomplish much, and they are the education of the grower and advertising. The Indian growers, having taken possession of the Black Tea trade, are reaching out to supply the markets for Green Tea, and are making every effort to have Brick Tea factories established. The Ceylon planters, by a system of bounties varying from 7 cents a lb. in 1901 to 3 cents in 1903, have encouraged the growth of shipments of Green Tea from 1,600,000 lb. in 1901 to 4 million Ib. in 1902 and over 11 million lb. in 1903. In nine years they have assessed themselves, and have spent in advertising, a sum of 2 million rupees. The Chinese traders do not yet realise the necessity of advertising, and in this they must accept the experience of others. Foreign Tea buyers can buy in India or in China, as they may find the most advantage; but the Chinese must trade in China, and, if they wish to preserve the remains of their dwindling trade, they must tax themselves as the Indian planters have done. On the one hand, they must teach the grower how, with little or no expenditure of money, but merely by greater care and improved methods, he may produce a better tea at the same cost, or the same tea at a less cost; on the other hand, they must consult and work in co-operation with the Foreign buyers, and advertise. The Chinese Tea traders can save the Chinese Tea trade and no one else can. Exported products other than Silk and Tea are increasing in importance year by year, and now amount to over 50 per cent. of China's Export trade. On fluctuations in the separate items there is not much to note. Bristles increased slightly, as did Sheep's Wool; in these two commodities it is reported from several ports that the trade was done under better conditions where the exporters had their own cleaning and sorting establishments. Straw Braid declined a fifth, and in this trade the constantly recurring complaint is heard of careless and even fraudulent preparation and packing: this is a matter to which the Chinese guilds should pay attention. Raw Cotton fell off slightly in the quantity shipped, due to higher prices and a much reduced import of Indian Cotton. Matting increased by 20 per cent., owing to increased demand from America; in this trade there were complaints of hasty manufacture, but the matter was promptly dealt with by the Canton guilds. Oils, Expressed and Essential, fell off in quantity, as did Sesamum Seed. It is to be noted that Rape Seed, to the amount of 223,031 piculs in 1902 and 143,144 piculs in 1903, is

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