THE HEMP MARKET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2978, 22 December 1925, Page 2

THE HEMP MARKET.

HIGH COMM ISSIONER’S REPORT.

. The High Commissioner’s cable, dated 19th inst., reads: — Manila easier early this week, but later hardened, and good business lias been done at “J” grade, December-February and JanuaryMarch shipments, £4-1. Sisal remains quiet ; sellers quote for shipments number one Tanganyika £45, e.i.f. New Zealand market quiet, and prices nominally unchanged.

The first batch of twelve girls, sisters of the boys who went to New Zealand under the Sheep Farmers’ scheme, is sailing shortly. They will be taught domestic economy and the lighter branches of land work, says a London cable.

One of Wellington’s pioneer settlers is Mrs CornforcHof Karori, iind mother of Mrs Chas. Hunt, of Moutoa. The old lady is 93 years of age and often takes a tram ride into the city. Mrs Cornford arrived in the early forties in the ship “Gertrude” and except for a journey as far north as Taihape and to the Wairarapa the old lady has resided in and watched the growth of the Empire city from a straggling settlement to its present development. She enjoys comparatively good health and her memory enables her to converse upon present day topics as well its interesting incidents connected with the early history of “Port Nick.”

A Thames telegram says that a unique position was disclosed when the Rank of New Zealand presented debentures for payment by the Thames Borough Treasurer on a loan issued twenty years ago. The. latter noticed that the debenture signatures were lithographed and not written as required by the Act, and he refused payment. He referred the matter to the Public Trustin', who hail the money in the Sinking Fund ready to pay over. The Trustee says he never heard of a similar position and referred it to Wellington for advice. The Act provides that the coupons may hear lithographed signatures, but this was not extended to the debentures, though the officials evidently assumed it did when they were prepared. The Council has asked the Attorney-General for an opinion.

A week-end visitor to Foxton was Mr. A. D. Ulonietl, J.P., of M'angonui. For many years prior to .19.13 Mr. domett was local postmaster and one of. Foxlon's most prominent and public-spirited citizens and bis transfer to Cambridge at. that time was a matter of public regret. During his residence in Foxton, he was chairman and member of Ihe school committee, president of the tennis club, one of Ihe foundation' members and first W.M. of the local Masonic Lodge and in conjunction with Messrs Witchell and Ilornblow founded the local Bowling Club. In social affairs ho was always a willing helper and asset. Since retiring on superannuation from the postal department, he entered business as a land and commission

agent, in Mangonui —ia the far north —and where lie also engages in farming pursuits when not otherwise engaged in public duties. Mr. Clemell has been cordially welcomed by old friends and informs us that Foxton shows marked signs of progress since his departure. Their many friends will be pleased to know that Air. and Mrs Clemctt are enjoying good health. An interesting example of the watchfulness necessary t° make el-ectric-power supplying commercial v sucessful was mentioned at last week’s meeting of the ITorowhenua rower Board. Mr. T. R. Overton said that, as a result of flaxmills, the Board’s peak load now came on at 8.30, instead of 11.30 as formerly. He considered that it would lie possible to get a better diversity of load and to that end was getting the half-hourly loads from the Public Works Department, which would be analysed and a recommendation made. The Board paid for its current on the half-hourly peaks, and he suggested that it might be possible to arrange with the flaxmills to start up in the morning in different half-hours so as to cut down the peak. Messrs Ross and Barber thought the milking machine load might have more to do with the high peak in the mornings, but the Engineer said lie did not think these affected the position. It was a matter for enquiry after they had the detailed figures. Messrs Overton and Smith were, therefore, instructed to go into the cause of the recent excessive peak load with a view to finding some means 01. reducing or spreading it.