SHORT ESSAYS ON TEA.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 50, 10 March 1894, Page 9

SHORT ESSAYS ON TEA.

R. L. Begg and Sons’ Prize

The first prize—willow pattern tea set of 39 pieces—has been awarded to Mr W. H. Mathieson. Invercargill, for the following :

“At the Chicago Exposition there were four Kiosks where Ceylon Tea could he purchased. They did an immense trade. In fact it was one of the special features of the great “ World’s Fair. Besides the Kiosks they- had a beautiful Ceylon Court situated in the pleasure gardens, surrounded by trees, so welcome in that hot climate. All kinds of products indigenous to Ceylon were on exhibition. Included were teas from the various tea plantations, from the strong heavy leaf to the delicate Grolden Tip, which brought the enormous price of £l6 per lb weight in the English market. This was a most interesting feature, and the Ceylon pavilion was crowded from morn till night, millions of the “ Cute Yankees” never having tasted Ceylon tea before. After one trial they were loud in their praises of it, and no wonder, as the tea brewed by these Cingalese in spotless white dresses with circular combs on their hair (many will remember them at the K.Z. and South Seas Exhibition) served, as it was in dainty cups for which you paid the modest sum of 5 cents (2|d), was decidedly refreshing. Many pei’sons who try to make the tea, through imperfect knowledge of the brewing, get dissatisfied. The delicate amber - coloui’ed beverage should be drawn from the leaves at from 3to 5 minutes. After that time it is positively injux'ious to drink it. This is the sole reason that it has not completely supplanted the Chinese tea which xt is fast driving out of the max'ket. The higher the flavour the greater should be the care in the brewing. It only requires to be known to be appreciated, and if you want to get the real article go to the only house in Invercargill that makes a speciality of importing it—Begg and Co., Tay Street. Second in order, by Miss B. Mitchell, (Kennington) —“ As a refreshing beverage, as a stimulant to the system, or as a social cup, what could take the place of a cup of tea? Anything in such common use which affects the system as tea does, should be pure and unadulterated. Each kind of tea has a property of its own and very frequently the blending of teas produces a neutralising effect upon any good qualities the individual tea may have had. Like fruit, for jam making, surely tea for makinga beverage is better when of one kindand of the one crop. No one can deny the wholesomeness, deliciousness, and stimulating effect of a really good cup of tea,” which can always be had from R. L. Begg & Sons, Tay street Invercargill. Third in ORDBK,by Miss JessieE.Thomson, (Newfield, Wir.ton.) —“Tea is the dried leaf of a plant which grows in China, India and Ceylon. It is imported from these countries to all places. R. L. Begg and Sons were the first importers of Indian and Ceylon tea to New Zealand. This tea is cheaper and stronger than China tea. It has ho dust or impurities because it is manufactured by steam power. R. L. Begg and Sons are the largest and most important firms of Indian tea. They only sell the pure Indian and Ceylon tea. It is not mixed with China tea. Anyone wanting a good box of tea should try R. L. Begg & Sons.