NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Manawatu Herald, Volume VII, Issue 266, 10 May 1889, Page 2

NEW ZE ALAND FLAX.

— :ji .*- »* *. ;.; ... ' * Under date London MaMi 21, MC. Spurting;, reports on the New Zea* land Flax Market as follows : — My last advices, to whioh I beg to refer, were, of the Bth instant, since which our market for New Zealand flax has been very dull, and in- some few oases— in sympathy with the decline in Manilla henu)-— holders have accepted rather lower prices for theoommoner descriptions of Wellington ; good and well oleaned sorts although quiet, show -but '„l ittle if any decline in value, either as regards Auck»and or Wellington, The only arrival worthy of note since 21st instant is that ofthe Banklauds, with 1288 bales flax and '205 bales, tow. At present' only a small part of this cargo had been exposed at auction ; the bulk, however, being sold for arrival, and a considerable part passes into consumer's hands. It is worthy of note that several parcels imported by 'the Bankl ands show a decided falling off in quality, together with a want of proper cleaning and preparing. Many of the marks are of poor, coarse fibre, and would lead to the inference that stimulated by the high rates which have ruled here some months, shippers are sending away flax of old growth, the fibre — improperly steeped or retted — showing great hardness and want of vegetable sap and nature Having already in my circulars of 21st February and Bth March directed attention to the various points necessary fo.** the improvement of New Zealand Flax points which I must again press on shippers' and exporters' notioe— l . need ;

aot now say more than to express a hope that our market will got he overloaded with low and ordinary 3orts of flax, and thus bring into disrepute an article which is still gaining in public favour. The public-. Bales of flax during the foj&night; have been very important,' and consignments have been mostly disposed of by private cohfeact. During the? past week about 100 tons, " guaran- " teed fair average*" Wellington, havebeen sold afloat, February-May shipment, at £31 per ton, e.£i.', equal to < about £34, landed ' London terms. Our market closes today quiet for common flax, whilst good and fine are still enquired for. Quotations: — ; , Wellington : _j_ne £38 to £39 : good, £36 10s to £37 j mid.; ,£36 to £86 10s ; com. and mid. (nom.), £34 10s to £35 10s. Auckland : Fine, £38 10s to £39 10s; g-ood, £87 10s to £38; mid., ,£B'6 10s to £37; com. and mid. (nom), £85 10b to £86 10s.