The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 13, 1909. NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 458, 13 May 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 13, 1909. NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

The competition of Manila has so forced down the price of New Zealand hemp that it is quite astonishing the latter has been able to live in the same market. If it had not firmly established itself for quality, the competition would have been fatal. A Mr I. W. Raymond, of Invercargill, who has taken a keen interest in the subject, is convinced that something must be done early if the industry is to be saved. Some time ago he advocated a reduction in railway and steamer freights, or royalties, and less exactitude in grading. The vicissitudes of the grading shed, he says, can be endured when prices are good, but not under the conditions of the last two years. It is no use for those in whose power it is to meet millers, to temporarise. Anything that is to be done must be reasonably substantial and worthy of the perilous existing. To delay is to minimise any good that may be accomplished, for millers will not prepare for operations next season unless they can see daylight ahead. Personally, he is convinced that for some time at least, there will be no material advance in prices.