The Hop Industry

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 104, 1 March 1892, Page 2

The Hop Industry

Ifc is probable that there are very few people in this district who haye not at some time or other read about the annual migration of tho London city arabs and wkolo families of the poorer classes to the hop gardens of Kent, and who there proeuro a new lease of life by breathing the pure country air and earn a little hard cash which enables them to face the severe winter a little more cheerfully. There a special train drawn by two enormous engines conveys them to and fro. Perhaps it will interest our readers to know that a similar proceeding — only on a much smaller scale, is reproduced at Awahun. On visiting the farm of Mr Boness yesterday, we found hop-picking operations m full swing. Mr Hopkins was in charge and kindly gave all the necessary information. The picking here is done by Maoris, who live in tents erected on the ground until the close of the season which lasts about six weeks. There are nine acres altogether under cultivation, Mr Boness 5 acres, Mr Dermer 2 acres, and Mr Hopkins 2 acres. The crop this season is only fair owing to the appearance— for the first time— of a red sjrider which destroys the plants. Thoro are four kinds of hops grown ; the Grape, Cogate, Bumphert, and Stacey's Golden, the latter being considered the best. The mode of treatment is as follows :— ln August the ground is dug, and planting begins in October, the hills are six feet apart and three plants go to each hill ; the poles are then fixed and tying is done in November. The vines require frequent attention until the hops are ripe. The vines generally grow to a height of 15 to 18 feet. In February the picking commences, and work is begun by the pickers about seven a.m., who work on until six p.m., having no uniform time for lunch, but each party will retire lor refreshment when prompted by the feelings of hunger. Men, women, and children all take part in the labor, and each party has a bin, into which the bops are thrown as they are picked : this [ consists of a kind of stretcher with a long piece of coarse ticking hanging down and closed up at the ends, when full the hops are measured out by bushels, and a tally kept by both worker and proprietor. The rate of pay is 3d per bushel ; the Home rate is Id to lid per bushel. Every night the hops are taken to the " host house," where they are put through the kiln and dried. This process takes from 10 to 12 hours, and consists of the hops being spread out on a horse-hair mat, the tire below being made of charcoal, they are then drawn out on to another flour, and then packed in bales like wool. These bales will hold 2| cwt. of bops, the average price obtained is Is per Ib. All I the arrangements in connection with this industry are carried out in a neat and business-like manner, and reflect credit on the enterprise shown by thes6 settlers. We hope they will merit the success which they so well deserve in carrying on this local iuuaatry.