On the Tea Estates in Ceylon
By HARRY ARMSTRONG
It may not be at all necessary to preface this descriptive article on the tea industry of Ceylon with a warning, but it will be, at least, opportune to do so. Doubtless all who read the pages of the REVIEW AND HERALD have learned to shun the tea cups, and, like Daniel, have purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves. Those who have made a special study of tea will tell you that it is in no way a food, but, rather, a stimulant and poison. And because of this, it is just as deceptive as any of the many alcoholic beverages which are daily consumed by the unthinking masses. While it produces a feeling of “cheer,” it also inebriates. And frequently the intoxication results in complete nervous prostration. Whatever may be said in favor of tea drinking may also be said in favor of any other intoxicant, the only difference being one of degree. Thousands of tired mothers who cherish the tea cup as a very dear friend in need, fail to realize that, though it relieves the feelings of depression temporarily, yet it causes a reaction that is most dangerous to the nervous system. We are justified in saying that it never really gives relief from any malady, except by paralyzing the tired and worn-out nerves. The tea industry is one of the chief industries of Ceylon, and the Ceylon teas are now becoming famous throughout the world. As an advertisement it appeals very strongly to the public taste, and few are the passengers who do not, while at this port, make a small purchase of Ceylon tea. The rapid development of the tea cultivation is causing much interest and attention. From good authority, we learn that in the year 1875 there were only 1,000 acres planted with tea. During the next ten years the acreage increased to 102,000, and ten years later to 305,000, while now it is about 385,000. We will also give figures showing the development in the export business: “The island imported its tea in the early days of tea-planting, but in 1883 the export exceeded 1,600,000 pounds; in 1887 it was 13,813,872 pounds; in 1896, 108,141,412 pounds; and in 1903 no less than 151,120,009 pounds.” Tea gardens are called “estates,” and15these are largely owned and controlled by European planters, who reside on their estates. The average size of an estate is between two hundred and fifty and three hundred acres, but often companies are formed in this, as in other lines, and then several estates are combined and worked together. The laboring force of an estate consists of men, women, and children, and these are largely recruited from the Tamil coolie class who live in southern India. They work together in gangs, under overseers, and receive about thirty-six Ceylon cents a day, equaling twelve cents United States currency. They are well cared for in most cases, being housed and medically attended at the expense of the estate. And as their living costs them but a small fraction of their income, they are, after a few years, able to retire into private life. There are several varieties of the tea-plant. The plants are not allowed to grow very tall, usually about three feet; and being severely pruned at regular intervals, they are caused to spread, forming a flat top, from which the young and tender leaves are easily plucked by the coolies. “Plucking is designated as ‘fine’ when the bud at the tip of the shoot, and two young leaves just below it, are taken, ‘medium’ when the bud and three, ‘coarse’ when the bud and four leaves are taken. The coarser the plucking, the poorer the average quality of the tea produced, though the greater the quantity.” During our stay in the Himalayas, we visited the “Happy Valley Tea Estate,” and went through the factory where tea was being made. The “aroma,” or “fragrance” (neither of these words expresses the thought), was most sickening, and reminded the writer of a visit once paid to the great tobacco factory of Wills and Company, Bristol. They both produced the same sickening feeling, and we wondered how any one could work in such a poisonous atmosphere and live. The tea-leaves, when brought in from the field, are carried to the upper floor of the factory, and spread out in thin layers on open shelves of canvas. This is called the withering stage. It takes about eighteen hours to make it “limp,” after which it is allowed to pass through chutes into rolling-machines on the ground floor. When it leaves the rolling-machines, it is piled in drawers, to ferment, or oxidize. The leaf then assumes a coppery color, and gives out a peculiar odor. A current of hot, dry air is then passed through the damp, fermented leaf, until it is dry and brittle, after which it is sifted and made into different grades, and packed in lead-lined boxes for consumption. Since we came to the island, we have met two of these planters, and they have become much interested in our work. One of them told me only this week that he owes all he is to the blessings he has received at our meetings. He left his estate, paralyzed, and after being brought into one of our meetings, he claimed the full salvation of Jesus Christ, and since that day has been able to walk, and has continued to progress rapidly in the restoration of his health. We hope this man and his family may see the whole truth for this time. Last Sabbath another planter called upon us, and we found him rejoicing in the many truths we teach, with the exception of the Sabbath and the truth of the cleansing of the sanctuary in heaven. We had a good time with him, and gave him plenty of our good, solid literature, and he went away feeling that God, who had opened his eyes thus far, had more truth in store for him. He invited me to conduct meetings on his estate. There is a great field for work here, and it is open to us to enter with all the truth that God has taught us. Our need at this time is more laborers and more means. We are greatly limited and restricted in our operations, because of our lack of men and means. Will you who read this give God an opportunity of making a response to our great need through you? He will honor all you can invest in this needy foreign land, and will give you interest in precious souls which shall be gathered to you in the harvest-time of the earth. May the Lord lead you to renew your covenant with him by sacrifice, and may he give you grace to yield your best for his cause in needy fields of the East.