THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2011, 5 August 1919, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

The total number of bales of hemp graded at the ports of the Dominion during July was 2,574, as compared with 9,742 for the corresponding period of last year, a decrease of 7,163 bales. For the twelve months ended July 31st, 1919, the number of bales graded was 106,475, as compared with 171,085 for the previous twelve months, a decrease of 64,610 bales. The total number of bales of tow graded was 411, as compared with 2,181 for the corresponding month last year, a decrease of 1,770 bales. For the twelve months ended July 31st, 1919, the number of bales graded was 15,665, as compared with 35,181 for the previous twelve months, a decrease of 19,485 bales. Auckland, Aug. 4.

The conditions governing the flax industry are said to have remained unaltered since the partial stoppage of work for the winter. A representative of the firm prominently associated with the industry stated that both the British and American markets were dull, and that the present prices for hemp only allowed ior what might be termed a “breadand butter” margin for millers in New Zealand. He was of opinion that little improvement in prices was to be looked for in the immediate future, as there were large quantities of competitive fibres on the market. Exporters were hoping for a reduction in freight charges for hemp and tow to provide millers with a fair working margin. Referring to the starting of work for the coming season in the Auckland district, the authority stated ..that one or two of the local mills had not ceased working during the winter, and that others were already making preparations to resume operations. There was every indication that the mills this season would start earlier than usual, providing the weather continued favourable, but there would not be much flax in the field till next month. It was not likely that the mills would remain closed owing to the dull markets, but one or two of them might change hands.