Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1928. THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3762, 3 March 1928, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1928. THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

THE application of scientific methods in the production of hemp promises to revolutionise and revive an important national industry which gave evidence of languishing. Credit'is due to the activities of the Scientific Industrial Research Board for its experimental work and the success it has already accomplished in the application of scientific methods of bleaching and cultivation which has inspired millers with fresh hope and a spirit of co-operation. The industry in tlie past lias been dominated by individualism rather than cohesion. The man upon whose land the flax grows fixes his royalty and cutting rights, and the miller in producing the hemp is sandwiched between the royalty impositions and the industrial side and in the circumstances has felt little inclination for experimental work. The Government offered a bonus for improved methods of production, but has now gone a step further by banging the industry within the scope of the Scientific Industrial Research Board with promising and farreaching results. The work of the Seifert family in their endeavours to promote the welfare of the industry cannot be overlooked and much is due to their sustained activities. While attention is being given to the finished article, more must be done to promote the cultivation of the green blade and to place a proportionate share of financial responsibility upon the grower. This is a phase of the industry which may require further Government co-operation and legislation. In the meantime it is pleasing to note that the millers have signified their willingness ,to financially assist the' Scientific Research Board in their operations to raise the standard of the industry and so assist out national exports.