TEA BRANDS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1458, 5 June 1912, Page 8

TEA BRANDS

.—« PKOTEST TEOM CEYLON. The following letter from tho Coylon Chamber of Commerce, dated May 9, was read at yesterday's meeting of the council of the Chamber of Commerce:— "I am desired by the committee of this Chamber to bring to your notice that it has come to their knowledge that it is becoming customary for merchants in New Zealand to register as brands for their own locally made up teas the names of Ceylon gardens or estates, and to invite your co-operation in trying to put a stop to such practices. It is felt you will readily appreciate the feet that this custom may result in widespread trouble, and in addition to being actually illegitimate and an infringement of the rights of the estates in so far as very inferior teas might bo sold under estate marks it is likely to prejudice the demand for the genuine tea?, and prevent buyers locally from shipping such teas to the New Zealand market under their estate, names. It may, of course, happen that the name registered in New Zealand , is a recognised Ceylou estate name, and at the same, time a fancv name .... and in this connection I enclose a list of recognised Ceylon estates names for your information.

"My committee consider, however, that Hie matter should be taken up with the Registrar of Trade Marks, ami trust you will be ready to assist them in this direction. I am lo add that if you consider the object it io desired to arrive at would bo furthered by this Chamber requesting the Ceylon Government to move in the matter with the New Zealand Government authorities, my committee aro quito prepared to do t-o." A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Man ton and J3n«"son, was set. up to make inquiries into the matter and report.