NEW ZEALAND HEMP AT HOME.

Evening Star, Issue 3143, 17 March 1873, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND HEMP AT HOME.

New Zealand hemp, despite the general depression of the fibre market, and the consequent dulness of prices, still maintains its hold on the' market, The article is now better understood by the trade, and is every day coming into closer competition with the fibres that have so long taken first place in the market. As a proof of this it may be mentioned that recently no less than three companies have been or are being formed here, for the especial purpose of developing this industry. First of all, there is the Colonial Fibre Company, of which Messrs Nichols, of Bishopsgate street, are the managers, with a capital of LIOO,OOO (one-haif subscribed), whose operations on a very extensive scale will shortly be commenced in the Colony. This company proposes to clean the phormium fibre by a new mechanical process, for which they have secured a patent in the Colony, and the prospectus states that the cost of production by this means will be scarcely more than two-thirds of that quoted by the existing mills. Next, we have a company just formed at Liverpool with a capital of LoO.OOO, under the auspices of Mr Tiune, who recently came from the Colony for that purpose, and whose scene of operations will be the Kahru valley (Kaipara), in the Province of Auckland. Thirdly, we may refer in general terms to another company now in course of formation, having for its object not merely the production of the fibre from the raw material, but its conversion on the spot into textile fabrics, &c,, and the utilisation of the so-called “ refuse-tow ”

for manufacturing purposes. Of this company we may have more to say on a future occasion, 'i here is no reason why the Colony should not manufacture all its sacking and woolpacks, to say nothing of finer fabrics; and the importance to the country itself of developing native industry of this kind cannot well be overrated. Mr C. Thorne has proved, beyond all question, that the New Zealand phormium is adapted to even the finer kinds of fabric, such as towelling and sheeting ; and the value of the fibre for ropiug purposes enables it to compete favorably with hemp, Russian and Manilla. We look forward with much interest aud very confident hope to the revival aud permanent establishment of this trade in New Zealand hemp, of which the imports into England for the year have been less than usual.