Manawatu Herald [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1904. New Zealand Hemp.

Manawatu Herald, 21 April 1904, Page 2

Manawatu Herald [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1904. New Zealand Hemp.

It has been suggested that advantage should be taken of the Colony’s representation at the St. Louis Exposition to demonstrate our present method of preparing New Zealand hemp, with a two-fold object—firstly, to invite the attention of the eminent practical engineers who will be present at the Exposition to our existing mechanical appliances, and secondly to enable consumers of our fibre in America to acquire a more intimate knowledge of the character and possibilities of our flax plant. It is suggested that as plenty of power is available in the buildings devoted tq the Exposition the cost of sending a competent flaxmiller and plant, who would be able to give a practical illustration of our system of treatment (say for one hour every afternoon and evening), would not be prohibitive, in view of the advantages that the industry is bound to receive from such an exhibit. That America is a large, consumer of our hemp is already known, and official returns from New York alone shew that the importations to that port have increased from 13,242 bales in 1901, to 23,482 bales in 1902, and to 32,762 bales in 1903, whilst the importations in the month of January last totalled 2454 bales. That the Government has done much in the interests of the flax industry is recognised by all who are in any way associated with it —and not only locally, but even in New York. Evidence of the value of Government grading is given by a prominent New York firm, who writing under date of February 16th, say:— “The grades mostly sold in this market are good fair Wellington, “ and fair Wellington, also fair “ Auckland, and as correctly “ stated they are graded by the “ New Zealand Government, so “ that samples are quite unne- “ cessary in this business. Superior Wellington, or good “ and superior Auckland are “seldom sold here." This is a striking testimony to the good work done by the Government graders, and it is to be hoped that a Government whose actions have so

successfully obtained the confidence of the foreign consumers should push its advantages still further, and give every facility to a more intimate knowledge on the part of manufacturers of the possibilities of the industry. That such knowledge is necessary is borne out by the statement made by the same correspondent previously quoted, who says;— “ Much, however, depends upon the “ prevailing prices of sisal from “ Mexico.” We want the best appliances that the world can produce to successfully compete with other fibres which are brought into competition with our hemp, and we want manufacturers of New Zealand hemp to have a thorough knowledge of the character of the plant from which this fibre is produced, and the approaching Exposition in St. Louis affords an opportunity for the Colony to impart this knowledge in a practical manner. Our experience for the past few years shews that manufacturers recognise the value of our fibre, and this tact alone should encourage the Government in its efforts to support the position that New Zealand hemp has secured among the fibres of the world.