THE HEMP INDUSTRY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2231, 27 January 1921, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY

There are about 14,000 acres in the Makerua Swamp, on the Mnnawatu line, and reaching towards Fox Bui. It is, or was, the largest single flax-producing area in New Zealand; but more than hall, of the acreage is now affected by the Ilnx blight, and the bushes thereon arc rather less than half their usual height. No definitely agreed-upon cause for the blight is given (says the Post), hut there are any number „f theories. The fact that concerns owners of the flax lands and milleis is that the production is being seriously curtailed by the blight. Ihe total bales of hemp and low and stripper slips graded for the 12 months ended 31st December- last was 108,808 bales, as compared with 120,007 bales for last year. The actual production of hemp alone for the 12 months was 88,220 bales, a decrease of 11,427 bales. Not all of this decrease is due to blight, but it was a factor. Hie market for flax to-day is dull, and production is accordingly restricted. No orders are coming to hand from London. Export prices here would be approximately £33 10s per ton for good fair, £32 for high fair, and £3O for low.