Hemp.

Manawatu Herald, 13 June 1903, Page 2

Hemp.

The Horae reports published on Tuesday showed that the Stocks at Home were 608 tons as against 884 tons at the same date last year. This raigbt lead some to the opinion that the delivery of hemp was overtaking the demand, which it, has, evidently, temporarily, but the months ahead that buyers will arrange for point to a heavy demand being expected at the coming harvests. The latest report from Manila, dated 15tb April, quotes that fibre at £Bl 6s Id an advance from £3O 8s 8d mentioned on the 81st march. The brokers say, “ For the larger part of past fortnight market’ruled quiet, but at the close the tone has been decidedly firmer and business has been done at advanced prices.” It is interesting to note that to the 15th April, 1901, Great Britain imported 210,598 bales Manila ; in 1901, she imported only 132,688 bales; and to the same date this year she bas only imported 180,956 bales, but we know she has imported more of N.Z. hemp. On the other hand to the 15th April, 1901, the United States and Canada only imported 81,442 bales; in 1902 it amounted to 73,672 bales, and up to the 15th April this year they have imported 102,843 bales, a great increase. Looking through the reports it is surprising to see how the United -States and Canada have been increasing their imports and points distinctly to a steady demand for both Manila and N.Z- hemp, and the great need that exists in preserving and cultivating the supply of the phormium tenax.