Freight.

£15

£10

Rs. 225

£40 to £82

£36 to £68

£64 to £86

£51 to £70

Rs. 1,800 and Rs. 1,350

During the war, freight was frequently difficult to obtain and the rates ruled high, but, by 1921, ample tonnage was again available at lower rates. The following are some of the figures: tea for the United Kingdom, pre-war average rate about 35 shillings per ton; at the end of 1916, 245 shillings; 1917 maximum, 300; early 1919, 130 rising to 175 at the close of 1919; in the middle of 1920, 175; at the end of that year, 135; in the middle of 1921, 65 (all rates subject to 10 per cent. Conference rebate); in the middle of 1922, 50. The pre-war rates for rubber were about 60 shillings, rising to 160 in June, 1920, and falling to 125 in January, 1921; 65 in June, 1921; and 50 in June, 1922. Freight to New York was 180 shillings in June, 1920; 35 in June, 1921; and 30 in June, 1922; to South Africa, 153 to 169 in June, 1920; 87 to 103 in June, 1921; and 62 and 781 in June, 1922; to Australia, 75 to 87 in June, 1920; 65 to 75 in June, 1921; and 50 to 82 in June, 1922.

Baggage Allowances.

Accommo

dation.

The usual baggage allowance is 3 cwt. in case of first class, and 1 cwt. in the case of second class passengers.

COLOMBO HARBOUR.

The port of Colombo is popularly known as the Clapham Junction of the East. Ocean liners, passenger and cargo steamers trading to India, Australia, Burma, the Straits Settlements, and the Far East, as well as the European and East African ports, call at Colombo, frequently, if not regularly, for passengers, freight, or fuel. The special feature of the port is the rapid discharge and loading of cargo, and it is also noted for its excellent facilities for docking, speed of bunkering, and supply of fresh water.

There is direct railway communication between Colombo and Southern India vid Talaimannar. Most of the principal towns in Ceylon are easily reached from Colombo by rail.

Special facilities are given for transhipment of cargo.

This may be

carried out direct from vessel to vessel under Customs Transhipment. supervision, or the cargo may be brought ashore and deposited in a transhipment warehouse until an opportunity occurs for forwarding it to the required destination. Transhipment cargo pays no duty. It is liable to harbour dues and rent if landed for more than 5 days.