THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1899, 5 November 1918, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

THE AMERICAN EMBARGO. DEPUTATION TO PREMIER. In connection with the cancellation of import licenses for New Zealand hemp hy the United States Government,_a deputation of llaxmillers and merchants was arranged to wait on the Prime Minister on Friday morning, with the request (hat representations should he made (o the United States Government asking for the removal of the embargo. The deputation was representative of all interested in the industry in the Wellington district. Owing, however, to the important news in connection with the surrender of Turkey, the Prime Minister was unable to spare time to receive the deputation, 'and it was arranged to postnone same until the following morning. A meeting was subsequently held, and Messrs Robert Burns, of Auckland, and A. A\. Pearson, of Eoxton, were appointed lo represent the merchants and millers and place the position before the Prime Minister. In order to save time, Messrs Burns and Pearson prepared the following . letter, Avliich was handed to Mi' Massey on Saturday morning:— “Dear Sir. —As you could not meet the Deputation this morning that wailed on yon in regard to the embargo on hemp which has recently been fixed by the U.S. Authorities, we have deeided to put our desires bi'ielly in writing to you; — “(1.) The American authorities have cancelled all penults for the importation of hemp into the Stales, with the exception of 1,700 tons. “(2.) Several vessels have been chartered for the conveyance of hemp to the States. “(3.) Numerous contracts are running between merchants and millers, made for the purpose of; filling these ships. “( I.) A quantity of hemp has been sold to the States. “(5.) Grave complications are likely to arise over these contracts. “(6.) Owing to the small allotments of space made for flax for the United Kingdom, the United States has been, our main outlet for the last three years. “The closing of the U.S. market really means the absolute stoppage of the hemp industry. '“We therefore'desire : —That you make the strongest representations to the United States authorities to remove all resrictions and allow the trade to proceed on the basis of supply and demand, and we suggest that if it meets with your approval, yon send the following cable:- “ ‘New Zealand hemp producers represent that (he action of. the U.S. Government in restricting the importation of N.Z. hemp will seriously alTcct this important industry, and I roque.-M yon to use your in(iuence, lirstly: that permits should be issued for all sales made, and for sufficient to fill all charters made, and in future that permits should bo granted for all future sales that may tie made as the demand arises.’ “P.S. —May we ask you at the same time to move in the direction of obtaining allotments for hemp in (lie direct steamers to London, so as to provide some other outlet ’ Mr Massey replied that he was already in communication with the British Ambassador at V ashington, urgently suggesting that for the sake of the production of the Dominion the restrictions should be withdrawn. He did not expect an immediate reply, as in war time all public matters had to be considered in the order of importance, but if a reply was not forthcoming soon he would cable again.