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                                                         Exhibit 23(a)

                        Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the Greif Bros. 401(k) Retirement Plan and Trust
of our reports dated December 6, 1999, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Greif Bros. Corporation included in
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 31, 1999, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Columbus, Ohio
April 12, 2000