The herald., 1897-12-26
HANDLING THE GRAIN
THE REQUIREMENTS OF BOTH
PRODUCER AND CONSUMER
The Immense Industry of G. W. Nc
Near at Port observation-disclosures
With 100000 Tons Capacity

The impending deficiency Of bread
stuffs has aroused the greatest interest
in the wheat t-producing centers of the
world. The United States is realizing
the fact of the great value of her wheat
area and the increasing world require
ments. In California the grain indus
try. with the manufacture of flour, has
been steadily on the increase since 1852,
when, after the gold fever began to sub
side, the people discovered the great ag-
ricultural possibilities of the state. and
the farms in the wheat belt began to
show their commercial value.
| The problems confronting the man to-
day who is entering upon the extensive
production of grain foods are not differ
ent from those which confront him in
any business enterprise, yet the cost of a
seasons production can never be esti-
mated, as the weather Is an element of
expense which finds the most important
place on the ledger. A rain or a drouth
may cut off the crop within a fortnight
of the harvest.
This year has been a most eventful one
to the farmers of the United States, the
failure in the harvests abroad giving an
impetus to the grain industry which has
been felt across the entire continent.
While we on the Pacific coast cannot fail
to deplore the grewsome prospect across
the water and the deficiency in bread
stuffs this season, yet at the same time
we cannot but rejoice at our own sue
cessful yields.
Never before have we shipped so much
grain to foreign ports. With the advance
of time the state has become celebrated
for it's immense wheat fields. Before
the advent Of the railroad all supplies
came by vessel, and when it became
known that we had something to offer
in return and could give ships outward
cargoes, the fact gave an impetus to
foreign trade in all our grain produc-
tions. The growth of the industry has
steadily continued until it is now not
uncommon to see, in the bay of San
Francisco, a fleet Of ships from all ma
tions awaiting the harvesting of our
crops.
The handling of such quantities of
grain calls for men of ability and ener-
gy. able to meet the requirements of both
producer and consumer. Such man is
found in G. w. McNear, who has for
thirty years been closely identified with
the grain trade, building up an immense
business at Port Costa, from which
point there is now shipped more grain
than from any other port in the world.
The warehouses at this locality have a
capacity Of over 100000 tons. To the
shipping interests has been added the
manufacture of flour. The mills at Port
Costa and South Vallejo have a daily
capacity of $500 barrels. Here the choic-
est flour is made by the most skillful
millers and the latest improved machin-
cry. Mr.. McNear is more favorably.sit-
uated in many respects than any other
manufacturer, handling as he does more
than one half the grain crop of the state,
thus having an opportunity to select the
choicest milling wheat for this purpose.
He has had the greatest success In an in
creasing trade, both at home and abroad
His foreign trade in flour extends to
China, Australia, Mexico, Central and
South America.
The principal brands of high-grade
flour are the "Orange," Port Costa Fam
ily," and STAIRS Choice Extra" The
"Orange" brand is put up especially for
the trade in Southern California and
| has found thousands Of friends among