THE HEMP EXPORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 458, 13 May 1909, Page 3

THE HEMP EXPORT.

APRIL, FIGURES. The monthly statement of the Chief Fibre Expert shows that there was a decline of 2707 bales graded in the Dominion during April against the figures for the previous month, the total bales dealt with being 6562. The shrinkage, it is stated, was largely due to the closing down of mills for the Easter holidays, and to freshes in the Manawatu river. The quality of the hemp graded also showed a falling off, to the extent of ten per cent on the “Good Fair” grade, the chiel causes being bad fielding and washing. There has been a decrease in the output of tow. Of this byeproduct 1948 bales were graded, against 2918 bales in March. The quality, however, was well maintained.

The Expert regrets to report that, owing to the discouraging state of the market, and to the fact that the cost of production is greater in winter than in summer, several millers have ceased operations. Had the price been £ 1 a ton higher he considers these men would have probably been able to continue to the end of June. Wellington well maintains its position as the chief exporting centre, and as the leading source of the best fibre. It is credited with 2722 bales out of the total of 6562, and with 1716 “ Good Fair ” bales out of 3062 of this quality. In the higher grades, however, the Marlborough mills are in the lead, but the figures for these are insignificant, there being only 159 bales of “ Fine ” turned out. Marlborough was responsible for 122 and Wellington 28 bales, Foxton turning out 9- Auckland still enjoys the unenviable reputation of turning out the bulk of the inferior fibre. It is the second largest exporting centre, having shipped 1498 bales, but these are made up of 397 “ Good Fair” (against Wellington’s 1716), 812 “Fair” (Wellington 949), 219 “ Common ” (Wellington 29), and 70 “ Rejected ” (the only port in the Dominion to have this quality). The most interesting feature from the quality viewpoint is the splendid advance made by Wellington, as the following figures will show: —

April Good Fair Fair Com. Tl. 1908 1032 2042 183 3257 1909 1716 949 29 2922 It is only fair to state that the other ports have shown some advance, but nothing like that made by Wellington.