THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1061, 25 June 1912, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

The quality of the hemp coming forward for shipment is being fairly well maintained, especially in regard to strength and colour. The scutching, however, has not been, in many cases, as carefully carried out as it shouid have been. Complaints have been made, chiefly by foreign manufacturers, as to this weakness in our hemp. There is justification for this, as the tails of some lines aie quite towy. This, of course, is more pronounced where the tails of the hanks are not clipped in the field. It is gratifying to know that such good work is being done in some mills—ihat good-fair fibre is being obtained although the leaf is not sorted prior to stripping. Careful stripping and generally careful work throughlout the whole process of milling are responsible for the good results beiug obtained. The high grade is in this case being obtained at actually a lower cost of production, owing to the labour formerly required lor the work of sorting not being necessary.

The quantity of hemp milled during the past month has been fairly well maintained, the Foxton mills having been particularly active. No doubt the high pressure at which some mills are working is due to the owners having entered into contracts which will carry them well on into next month.

Recently it was announced that a considerable improvement had been effected in the' marketable quality of the hemp, by reason of the tails of the hanks being clipped off in the bleachmg-fields by means of a lawn-trimmer. This necessary work has been lurther improved by the use ol a machine, working automatically, which takes off the tails, immediately after the washing, process, as the hemp is suspended from the con-veying-chain. This improvement means a further reduction in the cost of production, while a considerable improvement in the marketing quality of the hemp is effected.

Messrs Suttie and Wyuyard have bet n fu i > ' experimenting with the uojeex m improving their automatic scutcher aud washer. The new idea is to provide a third drum, which will treat the butt of the hank while the other two drums treat the tail. This improvement is much needed. It should make the automatic scutcher a really effective apparatus, making for both improvement and economy in production.

Several mills are closing for the winter. In some cases this is absolutely necessary, owing to the effect ol the cold weather on the leaf. Several mills, however, will have no off season.

It is satisfactory to know that considerable care is being exercised in the management of the swamps. The drams are being kept clean, and the ruobish is being grubbed up. This means that the flax, will have a good opportunity to develop well, and that the leaf available in subsequent seasons will be of good milling quality. Stripper-slips are coming forward in verjr much belter condition. One miller is experimenting in the hope that he will be able to improve the condition of ibis hitherto waste material to such an extent that it may be classed as tow. Generally, more attention is being paid to the slips, which are coming lorward in a satislactory state. .Both colour and condition are showing a big improvement on that ot the slips first sent in ior shipment. Prices are being maintained at a fairly steady basis, and at the ruling rates are shewing millers a decent return. There is a fairly good inquiry for ‘ ‘good fair. ’ ’ Tow is still iu keen demand, in tact, the demand caunot be supplied. —Mr W. H. Ferris iu the Journal ot the Department of Agriculture.