HEMP, TOW, AND STRIPPER SLIPS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2972, 9 January 1917, Page 8

HEMP, TOW, AND STRIPPER SLIPS

Tho Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce publishos the following return, showing the quantities of homp, tow, and stripper slips graded at tho ports of tho Dominion during December, 1916:—

Hemp.—Tho total number of bales graded was 15,343, as compared with 1-1,129 for tho corresponding period of last year, an increase of 1214 bales. For the twelve months ended December 31, 1916, the number of bales graded was 150,841, as compa-red with X 21,215 for tho previous twelve months, an increase of U9,626 bales.

Tow.—During the month 3528 bales were dealt with, as compared with 4440 for < the corresponding month of last year, a decreaso of 912 bales. For tho twelve months ended December 31, 1916, the number of bales graded was 40,346 ; as compared with 32,961 for the previous twelve mouth's, an' increase of 7385 bales.

Stripper Slips.—During the nionth the number of bales graded was 461, as compared with 756 for the corresponding month of last year,' a decrease of 295 bales. For tho twelve months ended December 31, 1916, tho number of bales graded was 6183,. as compared with 4047 for the previous twelve months, an increase of 2136 bales.

The country between New Plymouth and Waitara is looking drier now than it has done at this time of the year for a decade or more. Tho high winds, of the past few days, combined with tho sweltering heat, has browned the whole of the . landscape in. North Taranaki, and rain would be of great benefit. . >.

The dairying industry is in a flourishing condition in tho Wairarapa. Everywhere the factories are working early and lato to deal with tho largo quantities of milk coming forward. The dairy farmers are reluctant to admit, however, that they are doing well. "The butter-fat prices are good. I'll admit," said one dairyman, "but look at the rise in everything that a farmer wants on the farm. Tako • fencingwire. We can't do without wire, and it has doubled itself over and over again in prico; and that is only one thing." "How much wire have you bought since the war started?" the visitor inquired. "Oh, I've bought none mj'self. I'm making the old stuff do."

Up-to-date Cheese Factory Managers are unanimous in their praises concerning the famous Victor Vat. Tho newsloping bottom and middle drainage make for a complete elimination of whey, and this efficiency is, reflected in bigger company dividends. Orders can only be delivered in rotation, so place your order NOW and be certain. Always pleased to supply details. A. J. PARTON, Sheet Metal and Plumbing Works, Pembroke Street. Carterton.—Advt.