THE HEMP INDUSTRY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3589, 20 January 1927, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY

“Being interested in the fiax industry, writes “Progress” in Tuesday’s Evening Post, I read with great interest an article on the subject in your issue, dated the Bth instant, Is this conference to be held on 21st January the outcome of a resolution passed by the Manawatu Flaxmillers’ Association, Palmerston North, of 25th November? Having taken a great deal of interest in the industry, and having also endeavoured to study the Government grading system, I feel that there are several points that those millers who control the above association might clear up at the forthcoming conference. “It would be interesting to learn how many of our good millers were present at the meeting which caused the resolution to be passed and broadcasted through the press. Is it in the best interests of the industry to make statements derogatory to our grading system without first bringing the proof? Before rushing into print, so quickly I would counsel the New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association to make certain what they really want; up to November last the general assumption has been that the grade in recent years has been hardened to the extent of ten points, which is contrary to fact, as I shall prove to you. “This alleged _ raising of the standard has been voiced through the Press, and at the general meeting held in November. Something extraordinary must have intervened between November and now to cause the association to change their point of view regarding grading, for in the latest article appearing in “The Evening Post” on Bth January, 1927, they state: “For some months past the Flaxmillers’ Association has been urging a. reform in the present grading system, as it has realised that for New Zealand to retain its reputation for fibre on the world’s markets a higher class of product will have to be exported. Observe this last phrase: A highei class of product will have to be exported. “If a higher class of product is required, then the ordinary laws of logic compel me to conclude that the present system, of grading must be stiffened. Unfortunately, a

large quantity of a poor quality has left the Dominion. This is the latest complaint of the association (vide articles Bth January, 1927). Raise the standard by 10 points, seeing that the standard must be stiffened no\v, and this will remedy the complaint. V “At this juncture let me test the information contained in this latest article, and let me quote verbatim: “Much excellent fibre is being sent out from the Phillipine Islands, where the grading system has been placed on a more satisfactory basis.” A recent fibre 'report of that well-known fibre house, Landaner and Co., states that the new grading regulations of Manila are very drastic; but I would urge New Zealand millers not to lose sight of the fact that these revised regulations are still in the embryo state. The fact should be strongly borne ■in mind that the reason for the revised regulations in Manila is an effort on the part of Manila to regain the market. New Zealand has the market, whereas Manila is striving to secure the market. “Is it true that our hemp is giving general satisfaction to consumers? It so, why interfere with it? It is futile to write that New Zealand will have to do something of a similar nature unless the Dominion wishes to lose its grip upon the Home markets. It is very refreshing to my mind to see that our millers realise that the Home consumers is one of the strong determining factors regarding quality, etc., of our hemp.

“A few extracts taken from the “Cordage Trade Journal” relative to New Zealand hemp may not he out of plae,e:— “3rd September, 1925.- —A movement to popularise the fibre can only succeed if actively backed up by the producers themselves, “August, 1926. —If the Dominion would make offers more regularly and in greater quantities a large amount of business would result.

“May, 1926.—Business is on a restricted scale owing to shippers' not pressing sales. “September, 1926. —The volume is curtailed owing to lack of offers from origin.

“After making a study of our exportable products, I am agreeably surprised to find that our hemp is the only article that has not suffered during the recent slump. In view of this fact, why this insistent demand for reform of the grading system. It seems to me in this respect that the one trouble rests with the millers in producing so much low quality. Let the miller first put his own house in order and go for quality before quantity, as many seem to do.

“New Zealand is not producing sufficient, to meet the needs of the consumer, and it wil be interesting to watch the latest move to cultivate our flax on scientific lines, which must make a marked improvement upon the old method now existing. It is extremely interesting to note that we have a concrete example or precedent to go by, where it is proven conclusively the folly of tampering with the grading system. This article appearing in the “Dominion,” 14th December, 1926, covers most of the points in question, and I would ask the association to commit it to heart. It is written by a Mr. Greedy, who, I understand, is one of our best millers, and who has had some experience of Government grading: “During the war period of high prices

there was art incentive on the part of most millers to rash production, and to some extent quality for quantity. This had a very bad effect, indeed,Jas when conditions were again reduced to somewhat near normal, it affected the Home market, as was (filly Ito be expected, and besides falling values there were numerous complaints coming from overseas manufacturers so much so that at one time it looked as though we were going to lose our market. Surely we do not want a recurrence of the causes that brought on the. slump during the war period. “An eminent fibre authority, in his address to consumers in the Old Country, states: “The New Zealand grading system is excellent, but one cannot expect the grader to give to flax points which that flax does not deserve, whereby the consumers of New Zealand flax would he led to place as much or as little faith in New Zealand grading certificates as they do to-day in the Manila hemp markef, where the absence of official grading is the cause of constant unpleasantness among producers, broker, and consumer.”

“It is to the interest of all and everyone of the New Zealand flaxmillers to strive for quality first, and to maintain it. The quantity will then, with the, conscientious training and improved methods of working'the flax, come naturally of itself. “Our flax industry is a most important one from an exporting point of view, and is open to vast improvements :in this forward move,ment that is now taking place the Agricultural Department should cooperate to a much greater extent than it has in the past. Experimental stations for the planting and milling of flax should he established where a thorough training •in all branches of the industry should also he obtainable.

“In conclusion, it is to be hoped a full representation of all New Zealand flaxmillers will be present at the conference to see that justice is meted out to all concerned. “Remember the Latin saying: “Suppressio veri suggestio falsi.”