THE HEMP INDUSTRY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8339, 28 January 1913, Page 2

THE HEMP INDUSTRY

Although a considerable increase has taken place in the amount of phormium tnillod throughout the Dominion, the average quality is unsatisfactory, states Mr W. H. Ferris in his monthly report. This is not entirely due to had milling, but is more the result, particularly in the Manawatu, of the high percentage of diseased leaf in the swamps. This quite prevents tho miller, even where every care is taken in the milling prooees, turning out anything but a high-point fair grade. A heavy loss is thus occasioned to some millers not only by reason of thoir having to be content with a lower grade, but owing to tho fact that are thus unable to fulfil good-fair contracts entered into when market values wore at their maximum.

Generally there is little to complain about in regard to the way the homp is being milled, except in the case of mills which have been recommissioned this season in tho Auckland district. Heroin is to .be seen the drawback to high market values. It will pay millers with present prices to turn out a fairgrade article, whereas with a market like that of last season the milling of good-fair alone was profitable. Westland and Marlborough millers are turning out an excellent-quality hemp. They have a good healthy leaf to work with; and are milling it to advantage. High-pointed good-fair and fine is being turned out by the majority of millers. Southland millers have also a good-conditioned loaf to work with, but are aiming at high-pointed fair to meet contracts. Tho Southland leaf is of a short, stiff nature, the fibre being strong but on tho short side, and this want of length is the chief weakness in the fibre coming forward for shipment from that quarter. Altogether sixty mills arc in operation in Otago this year, against about fifteen which operated last season.

The big increase apparent in tire output of hemj> from the different districts of the Dominion does not represent the maximum production of this season,_ as a considerable development in milling operations is expected to take place this month, a number of new mills being now ready to commence operations. Tow is coming to hand in only a fair condition. Although there is a good demand for it at a very payable price, many millers are not taking the care in the preparation of this by-product they should, while in other cases the [XKjrer quality coming; forward is duo to the inferior leaf with which millers, particularly in the Manawatn, have to work.