THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3930, 13 April 1929, Page 2

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

REVIEW OF CONDITIONS. Although the general conditions have been less favourable this year, according to the estimate of a local grower, a “Standard” reporter was informed that the flax industry is expected to return a yield of about £420,000 for the season now drawing to a close, based on a production of about 15,000 tons of hemp. This indicates the expanding value of the industry to New Zealand, and the development which it promises now that systematic plantation methods on approved lines have been adopted. Within a few r weeks, operations in the southern Manawatu will, it is stated, be suspended for the ■winter months, and some fifteen mills .will he affected, practically all fceing expected to close dowm for a short period. This will render 450 men at present engaged in the work idle, hut it is anticipated that their employment will only be terminated for about eight weeks until the 'milling is resumed agaiu. In the interim, many will probably secure work in drain-laying and other avenues of employment. DECLINE IN OUTPUT.

The output of hemp has, the “Standard” representative was informed, dropped lately, due to the prevailing conditions last year; 8,704 bales were graded in March, but the total for the corresponding period of this year was 6,869 bales. This is accounted for by unfavourable prices inducing less cutting. The position of tjie market for hemp is attributed to the effects of a bad typhoon in Manila. The flax from the plantations which suffered had to be dealt .with promptly and dressed for export before it betaine unfit for use. Consequently the heavy production which followed caused a glut in the market, reducing the demand for the Dominion’s hemp. An improvement in prices Was, it was stated, expected next season, and, in the event of the market showing an upward tendency, the position would be reflected in the employment figures, owing to increased cutting. Although last year some 89,000 bales were graded, at the end of the present season the figures in that respect were hot expected to exceed 70,000, indicating a fair decline. In the previous year, prices were better, and m'ore cutting was done.

INCREASE IN PLANTATIONS. It was stated that another factor to be taken into consideration was the fact that most of the New Zealand leaf was taken from natural s wamps, and, when the milling of this class of leaf ceased, the output declined substantially. As flax was grown in only about 5,000 acres of plantations, the complaint had frequently been made by buyers that the production was gradually being remedied with the expansion of the plantations and in two or three years a big increase in the output could be anticipated. There was an improved outlook for the whole industry and the iuportant research work of rather an exhaustive nature at present ihenig .undertaken should give valuable results.