A FOXTON RESIDENT ABROAD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 31 July 1909, Page 3

A FOXTON RESIDENT ABROAD.

NOTES FROM MR P. J, HENNESSY.

TOUCHING THE HEMP MARKET.

We received a further letter from Mr P. Hennessy, who is making a four of the world, accompanied by his eldest daughter, on Thursday, dated Toronto, June Bth. Mr Hennessy sends us a time-table of the Niagara-Toronto route travelled since last writing and the stopping places are marked with a cross. Mr Hennessy says the country passed through is some of the finest farm lands possible to be seen ; as far as the eye can see the country is level and for hundreds of miles there is not a sign of a hill —“in fact we saw no bills since we left Calgery, between 2000 and 3000 miles to the west of us now.” Mr Hennessy also sends us a descriptive plan of the route followed across Lake Ontario to Toronto.

We spent three weeks in Chicago and what G. G. Stead said about Christ coming to Chicago is very nearly correct. On all sides one see people working at all kinds of labour on Sunday, as on the other days of the week ; business places are open all day and the saloons (liquor houses) are open night and day. I must say this, however, that in Chicago one also sees some of the most sincere religious people in the world. I think I am safe in saying that it is the city of the most numerous and grandest churches in the world. I am now speaking allround.

Speaking of Chicago commercially, it even exceeds the reputation it has. I had a splendid opportunity of seeing things while there and could have put in months where I spent daj's and then I believe I should come away without having seen the lot. I started this letter at Toronto and had not time to finish it there, so I do so in New York, four days later, and in doing so I will give you my experience amongst several rope and cordage firms. I introduced myself to the Massey-Harris firm at Toronto by means of a letter that I hold from the Hon. A. W. Hogg, Minister for Trade and Customs, and was well received. We had a long chat about New Zealand and other hemps. I had the same experience here as in Chicago, viz., none being used, the reason is that it is too high compared with other fibres. This firm is not spinning on its own account but I think they have an indirect interest in one or more mills.

Deft Toronto on the 9th and arrived in New York at 8 a.m. on the 10th. On the nth I introduced myself to the American Manufacturing Coy., 63 Wall Street. This firm is not using hard fibres. They have used tow and and expect to use more of it. They are pleased to know that the grad- | ing of tow has commenced, and be- | lieve it will have a good influence ; L they aiS'o-'.stated that hemp did not come down in file market ni- .jtjuson with other fibres.

My next visit was to the Whitlock Cordage Coy. I had a long chat with Mr Ivy in respect to rope and twine. Mr Ivy stated that while fibres were high they used New Zealand as a mixture with Manila for a second-class rope. Now that Manila is lower than New Zealand hemp, they are not using it and consumers do not take kindly to any mixture. I was also informed that they prefer to do their business through the brokers.

Paid a visit to the Wall Rope Works, and saw Mr Wall, junr., who did not take New Zealand hemp kindly, on account of the price. I have one or two more to see on Monday, but I regret to say that I do not expect ’any encouragement. I intended to go to Boston, but on account of the reception our hemp is getting here it would only be waste of time, expense and trouble. It can be all summed up thus. So far as I have gone, New Zealand hemp is too stiff in price to suit the manufacturers of the United States. Manila and sisal have the hold, and while quantities of both of these fibres are coming to hand New Zealand, at its present price, will have to take a back seat. One thing that must not be overlooked is, that holders of sisal are looking for better prices. Perhaps by the time this reaches you all that is dismal now may be bright sunshine from a hemp point of view, and I hope it will be. We are having splendid weather, the only drawback is, we are seeing too much to take it all in. The papers I am sending ydu from New York will give you an idea of what a holy city it is. Kind regards to all readers of the Herax.d.