THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9367, 9 February 1909, Page 5

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

A SERIOUS FALLING OFF. The monthly report of the Chief Fibre Expert (Mr. 0. J, Fulton) shows a serious decline in the quantity of hemp produced. The iiemp graded for January was 6833 bales only, as compared with 13,086 bales for corresponding period of 1908, a decxeass of 5763 bales. For the twelve months ending 31st January, 1909, the grading amounted to 83,606 bales, a decrease lor the twelve months of 55,414 bales. The Chief Fibre Expert states that “millers are very despondent at the present outlook, and a good many will close down if a further fail in price occurs. Advices from Manila indicate that the enormous output for 1908 will be equalled, if not exceeded, by this year’s production and, in the face of such competition, the New Zealand hemp industry must remain almost lifeless. The only hope lies in reducing the cost of production, or in devising improved milling.”