THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1023, 26 March 1912, Page 4

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

With good bleaching weather in February the quality ot the hemp reaching the grading stores was of a decidedly improved character, colour —that important market consideration being generally very satisfactory. Colour, of course, does not entirely depend on good bleaching conditions. Unless the fibre is carefully extracted by a proper management of the stripper it is impossible to ensure the desirable colour. Ineffective stripping failure to remove all ihe vegetable matter —and bruising—owing to the stripper being improperly set or not maintained in a good dressing condition —are factors which quite preclude the securing ot a sound colour in the finished fibre. Fortunately poor stripping is becoming less common, except in one or two districts where the most approved machinery has not been installed. Mauawatu hemp especially is exhibiting on allround improvement. The majority of the brands turned out last mouth were ot high-pointed “good fair, 5 ’ and in several instances “fine” grade was reached.

AUCKLAND AND SOUTHLAND. In both the Auckland and Southland districts the industry is uot making much progress. Better values have not induced millers in either district to extend operations. The cost and difficulty ot securing ihe raw material, generally growing in scattered and often inaccessible locations, means that prices would have to be much better than they are to warrant increased production. The quality of the fibre being milled in Auckland shows some improvement in the general standard of work. GOOD SOUTHERN QUALITY. In some Canterbury aud Southland mills the quality ot the fibre beiug turned out is of a high standard. This has been encouraged by the good prices given for the better qualities by local cordagemanuiacturers. That these southern millers are able to produce fine hemp with the disadvantages they labour under—short and poor-quality leal, difficult to

secure, and generally working with out-of-date machinery —is distinctly creditable. STRIPPER SLIPS. Little advantage is being taken of the market for this residual product. A good proportion of that being turned out continues to arrive in a very unsatisfactory condition —wet and matted. Such lines have been condemned for export. TOW. There is a keen demand for tow, and millers are improving the market position of this by-product by shipping an excellent article. The great majority of lines are of good quality and quite free from dust and rubbish. Since the grading.of tow was initialed, and the standard of quality thereby raised, the trade has extended its use in many directions, and the gratifying position has now been attained that it is a scarce commodity on the Home markets. It millers continue to turn out this article with the same care they are now taking with it there need be

no fear as to future prospects. —Mr W. H. Ferris is the Journal of the Department of Agriculture.