The Hemp ludustry.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 May 1911, Page 4

The Hemp ludustry.

In the- current numlier of tlve Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Mr W. H. Ferris, Chief Hemp Grader, ba.s some interesting notes for millers. Ho reports:—"Recognising that uniformity_ in tiro work of grading is imperative, the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. T. Mackenzie, approved of a (temporary transfer of the grading officers. The graders, in consequence, are being affordted full opportunity to study the 'hemp being produced in different parts of the Dominion and to compare their conception of the grades with that of t'hoir fellow-graders. Before the traders return to their own parts a conference will bo iheld in Wellington in order to bring about a thoroughly uniform conception on the part of all the officers in regard to hemp quality—the features to be encouraged and the weaknesses to be chocked. The graders will j>lso be afforded an opportunity of visiting the most up-to-date mills in J be Wellington Province, so tihat they ■may become acquainted ivitih _ the several developments in milling maohinery whitfh have taken place during the past few years. Tt is expected by this means to circulate in the various hemp-milling districts sound ideas in regard to the best and most economical methods of hemp production. "During the month of April _ n considerable decline in production of bomp. especially in the Manawatu district, took place, owing principally to overtime work being relinquished (due to the winter weather interfering with the bleaching process, and, in a smaller degree^to temporary cessation of work owing j to the Easter holidays. "While the improved strippers have eliminated one of tire chief drawbacks to the preparation of [ phormiiim liemp in the past—t!he bruising and breaking of tilie fibre there is a tendency under the new method to go to the other <oxtreine. and 1 produce a fibre of too coarse 1 and wiry a character. Not only is the body of t!ie fibre too stmng, but it is very difficult, owing to ihe improper elimination of fho vegetable matter, to secure a good colour tinder the circumstances. There are quite enough coarse fibres on foreign markets, and manufacturers look -to the better grades of New Zealand hemp to give them a soft free thread. T!he new strippers have worked'.a revolution, owing to their having obviated tiho rigidity which caused the bruising of ■" e fibre, but care must be taken that too much play is not allowed, so that while fibre is secured free of bruise it may be thoroughly shipped. It is gratifying to know mat experiments are still being condaicted with ■■the object of further i • - proving fbo process. "Tn regard to the work of tilie past month the weaknesses complained! of in the April issue of the journal are still manifest, especially" the failure to properly scrntch the tails, which is a general defect. This is particularly noticeable wiliere millers do not clip the tails of the ihanks before the scrutcbing process."