THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1088, 27 August 1912, Page 4

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

JULY GRADING RKi’URNS

The total number of bales of hemp graded during the month of July was 4,621, as compared with 4,005 bales for the corresponding month of last year, an increase of 616 bales. For the twelve mouths ending 31st July, 1912, the number of bales graded was 91,972 as compared with 96,035 for the previous twelve mouths, the decrease being 4,063 bales. During the month, 1,549 bales ot tow were dealt with, as compared with 1,252 bales for the corresponding mouth of last year, an increase of 297 bales. For the twelve months ending 31st July, 1912, the number of bales graded was 25,377, as against 29,620 for the previous twelve mouths, the decrease being 4,243 boles. hemp. The total number of bales of hemp graded at the different ports was: —Wellington 2,068, Foxton 1,135, Auckland 601, Bluff 313, Dunedin 227, Napier 156, Lyttel. ton 73, Picton 48. The number of bales in each grade was as under: —

The tow graded was distributed as follows ;

STRIPPER sups. Nineteen bales at Foxtou, and in bales at Wellington, were passed for shipment, and at Wellington nine bales were condemned. During the past mouth milling operations were entirely suspended owing to the exceptional floods, even where millers were anxious to keep their plants going right through the winter. Millers independent of swamp flax were also compelled to cease operations, owing to the heavy rains making bleaching impossible. Notwithstanding this setback to the industry, the quantity coming to hand is, for the time of the year, most satisfactory. The stripping and scutching is ot a good standard, and the colour is exceptional—in fact, (here is none of the discoloured hemp, common at one time owing to weak paddockiug, coming forward for export in the winter. Millers have provided more drying-wires in order to facilitate the bleaching operation. Of course, the hemp being handled at the present time is from well equipped and properly managed mills. With a return of fine weaiher, great activity is expected in milling operations. It is satisfactory in this connection to know that milling plants are now generally of an up-to date character, and, with the improved tone of the market, millers will have more confidence in extending operations than has been the case for many years. If present prices are maintained, many ol the mills will be working with night and day shifts. Altogether, a busy time seems probable. The ruling values are better than they have been for three or four years. If they are maintained, they will be the means of encouraging a resuscitation of the industry in districts —particularly Auckland and Southland —where milling for some time has been unprofitable. It is to be hoped the improved prices will not induce millers to turn out inieiior grades, but that the good standard of fibre they have been aiming at will be maintained and, where possible, advanced, —W. H. Ferris in the Journal ot the Department of Agriculture. MAN It, A HUMP. According to the Philippine Agricultural Review, the abaca (hemp) growing districts were ‘being affected in the first quarter of this year by the drought, which.it is reported, is responsible for the shortage ot the Manila output. In the Albay district the abaca was reported to be diying up, hut small crops were planted in parts where irrigation was available. In Ambos Camarines the growing plants were suffering from extreme heat and lack of moisture. In I,eyte and Misanus the industry was reported to be reviving owing to the improved values. In the northern and north-eastern sections of Samar the planting of rice and the gathering of copra had been interfering with the hemp business.

Port. Fine. Good Fair. Fair. Com. Auckland — 129 409 63 Napier — 156 — — Foxtou — 339 790 6 Wellington — 1,250 774 44 Pictou — 38 10 — Lyttelton — — 15 58 Dunedin 210 16 1 — Bluff — 4i 272 — TOW.

Port. First Grade. Sec’nd Grade. Third Grade. Cond. Total. Auckland — 99 271 5i 421 Napier — 60 — — 60 Foxtou 7i 258 25 — 354 Wellingt’n 272 287 53 626 Picton 16 — 18 — 34 Dunedin — 10 — — 10 Bluff — 26 18 — 44