THE HEMP MARKET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3782, 16 January 1908, Page 3

THE HEMP MARKET.

A feature of the hemp market at the present time is the small difference in the price for “good fair ” and “ fair,” there being only a difference of from 15s to £l. This is less, so it is stated, than has ever been known, the usual difference being about £2, and sometimes it has been as high as £4. Some millers consider this to be due to the fact that there is only a certain quality wanted at Home, and “fair” suits the purpose of the manufacturer. Others, again explain it in the statement that millers have been trying to turn out ’‘good fair” and have missed it by a few points. This has reached Home, and has been equally as suitable as that which was graded “ good fair.” It is stated that millers are _ greatly tempted to turn out “fair,” as it can be got ready for the market at about £2 less per ton than the ‘ ‘ goed fair. ’ ’ Whether, if they go in more for “fair,” it will eventually react on the market remains to be seen, says the Standard.

A meeting of the Flaxmillers’ Association will shortly be held for the purpose of appointing a deputation to approach the Minister for Labour with regard to the injury that is being done to millers by the arbitration award fixing the rate of wages in an industry that deals only with an export trade. In the majority of trades the vendor is in a position to raise the price of his goods according to the market prices. This the flaxmillers cannot do, as the prices for hemp are ruled by the macila and sisil fibre, both of which are produced where the labour is cheap. According to the N. Z. Times a flaxmiller found his hemp on inspection in Wellington the other day, in such a disappointing state, owing to careless work by his mill staff, that he at once wired back to the manager to close down the mill. He expects when he starts the mill again to get better work done.