THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2018, 21 August 1919, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

The Post’s Auckland correspondent states that the serious effects on the flaxmilling industry brought about by the maintenance of high steamer freights to-day were discussed by the secretary of the Northern FJaxmillers’ Association (Mr J. A., Duncan). He said that about six months ago the position became serious, and ilaxmillers were forced to unite in the hope of arriving at.a satisfactory settlement with .the steamship companies. Early in March an extraordinary situation confronted the millers on account of- the increase in outward shipping rates. In October, 1918, freight was increased to £2O per ton for hemp-and £32 per ton for tow, as against pre-war rate of £3 ss, and millers, found export an unprofitable proposiliou. About ten days ■ago the manager of a flaxmilling company in the Waikato slated that the industry was in danger of dying out owing to the increased freights, high land values, and the greater cost of labour. In his district 170 acres of (lax country were being converted into dairying land. At that time over 400 tons of uninsured hemp were lying at Morrinsville. Mr P. Henry, president of the Northern Association, considered the industry is (ottering to a fall, unless the Government realises the gravity of the position..