NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 463, 16 April 1890, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Our London correspondent, writing under dateFebruary22nd,says: “In myinterviews with Mr C. Spurling on the 17th and 21st insts., ho expressed great pleasure at the interest taken by Mr H. Brett, while in England, in the matter of New Zealand hemp, etc., and also at the publicity given in the Star to the subject. He (Mr Spurling) has had the article and report of the interview with Mr Brett reprinted for circulation amongst city men. He says it is considered by competent men here improbable that Bahama sisal can ever be produced in sufficient quantities at £lO to £l2 per ton, as spoken of in various circulars, to compete with New Zealand hemp, notwithstanding the ten per cent, bounty so freely talked of ; although undoubtedly the prices ruling for the past two or three years for Manilla have given a great impetus to our fibre markets generally. Fears are, however, entertained that in face of the large shipments of New Zealand hemp already made the productive power of the colony will not be equal to the continual strain in the future. I am told that in several parcels of New Zealand lately sold (‘guaranteed fair average’) allowances have been made, under arbitration, of from 4Gs to 60s per ton, and in one case—let us trust the only case—as much as £7 per ton was allowed in consequence of inferior quality or ‘under standard.’ Surely this ought to convince growers and shippers of the absolute necessity of greater care being exercised in the preparation and baling of New Zealand hemp for the London market. If this be done I am told that- New Zealand is bound to hold its own in the production of hemp. I append a circular issued by Mr Spurling, in November, on the subject of baling, etc., also that gentleman’s Market Report for yesterday. The dosing prices were, however, firmer at an advance to £26 10s.'