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Evening Star, Issue 15188, 20 May 1913, Page 3

A TRADE LECTURE, 'PRACTICAL LESSONS ON TEA.’ ■ A large attendance was in evidence at the meeting of the Otago Grocers’ Assistants’ Uniorf last night, when Mr Kenneth S. Begg delivered an address on ‘ Practical ■Lessons on Tea.’ The lecturer, who has spent six years on Indian plantations, provided most interesting information. First of all, he referred to the plant and its growth, pruning, and the picking of the leaf. The processes of withering, rolling, fermentation, firing, and sifting were clearly described. He explained the terms “ broken Orange Pekoe,” “ Orange Pekoe,” and “Pekoe Souchong,” and demonstrated by means of sieves how tea was graded for the market. Tea was brought into England in 1700, and until recent years came from China. The bulk of tea is obtained from India and Ceylon nowadays, although good China teas were also in favor. He stated that Belfast demanded the best of Indian teas as regards quality, whilst Russia gave the highest prices. Mr Begg was especially informative when he showed how to liquor teas for quality, the salient points being aroma, color, and taste. The lecturer gave an exhibition of tea fanning, and answered many questions perplexing to grocers’ assistants. Mr W. J. Rennick (president) conveyed the very hearty vote of thanks accorded by the meeting.