THE FLAX INDUSTRY.
Auckland, September 27
Mr Lonquet, the Auckland manager for A. S. Paterson and Co., speaking to a Herald representative to-day, in regard to the flax industry, stated that his firm was advised that this year’s total production of Manila hemp would be 1,300,000 bales, which would be 15 per cent, more than the quantity produced in any previous year. He thought the prices for New Zealand hemp would probably fall somewhat below the rates now ruling, and remain in the region of £2O for “ lair.”
RECENT PRODUCTION. The Secretary for Agriculture reporting on the hemp and tow industry of the Dominion for the month of August stales that the total number ol bales of hemp and tow graded during the mouth was 2400, being a decrease of bales, as compared with the figures for July and a decrease of 128 bales as compared with the figures for August, 1908. For the five months of the year ending August 1 there is, however, an increase over the corresponding period of last year ol 1801 bales. The decrease for August as compared with July is* not an unusual thing, as August is the wettest and the most unfavourable month for milling. Heavy rains accompanied by floods in the Manawatu district, and exceptionally bad weathe r in the Southland district, hampered and delayed milling operations, and tended to considerably reduce the output. The quality ot the hemp submitted for grading was very good, the improvement in the higher grades attained in the preceding months continuing. • The percentage of “fine” grade was 12.42, and ‘‘good fair” 46.83 of the , total quantity graded. The firstnamed percentage is, the report states, the highest reached for the grade during the last seventeen months.
The Secretary notes with satisfaction that millers generally are recognising the advantage of making the higher grade article. This is attributed to the demands of Australian and American buyers, the latter having turned their attention to high-grade New Zealand hemp. There have been enquiries recently in Wellington for some very large parcels (in one instance 400 tons) for “spot” shipments. Unfortunately the supply is inadequate to meet the demand, as prices have hardened considerably during the last few week s: ,£24 to .£24 xos per ton f.o.b. for “ good fair ” grade is now offering locally for forward shipments. “ Fine ” grade is quoted at about per ton. The improved state of the market is inducing some millers to instal patent washing machines for the purpose of improving the colour of the fibre. During the month several new mills have commenced operat ions, and a number of others intend to commence this month. Generally, adds the report, the prospects for the coming season are good, and an increased output is looked forward to.
Regarding tow, the report states that the grading figures for August show a falling off of 554 bales as compared with the preceding month. There is, however, it is stated, a noticeable improvement in the quality of the tow submitted for grading, a good percentage ot bales reaching the first grade. The effect of the grading of tow. it is stated, is already seen on the Home market, a difference in price of about 20s to 30s per ton between first and second grades now obtaining. For third grade tow there is only a poor demand. The hemp grading returns for the month were as follow : Auckland 657 bales, Foxton 560 bales, Wellington 848 bales, Blenheim 47 bales, Picton 117 bales, Dunedin 108 bales, Bluff 33 bales: total, 2400,, including “fine” 298, “good fair” 1124, “fair’’ 881, and “ common ” 97. The figures for tow were: — Auckland 240, Foxton, 62, Wellington 254, Picton 43, Blenheim 7, Dunedin 46: total 653, including first grade 248, second grade 241, third grade 148, refused x 6.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 487, 30 September 1909, Page 3
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632THE FLAX INDUSTRY. Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 487, 30 September 1909, Page 3
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