NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 172, 24 August 1909, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

VIEWS OF AMERICAN CONSUMED. PRICES TOO UWH. _ Writing to the Maimwntu Herald ironi New York, Mr. P. Hennessv, of i'oxton, „-ho is making a tour of the world, says:—l introduced myself to the ■ Massey-ilarris firm at Toronto bv means of a letter that I hold from the lion A. 'AY. Hogg, .Minister for Trade ami Customs, and 'was well received. We had a long chat about New Zealand and other hemps. I had the same experience here as in Chicago, viz., none bcui" used; the reason is that it is too h>li compared with other'fibres. This firm I '6 not spinning on its o\v n account, but I think thc,y have an indirect interest I in one or more mills. !

! I visited the American Manufacturing Company, 03, Wall-street, New York This ifirm is not using hard fibres. They Lave used tow and expect to use more of it. They are pleased to know that the grading of tow has commenced, and believe it will have a good inlluencc: they also stated that hemp did not come down in the market in unison with other fibres.

My next visit 'was to the Whitiock Cordage Company. J had a long chat with Mr. Ivy in respect to rope and twine. .Mr. Ivy -stated that while fibres were high they used Xew Zealand as a mixture with Manila for a second-class rope. Now that Manila is lower than ;«'ow Zealand hemp they arc not usin™ it, and consumers do not take kindly to any mixture. I was also informed that they prefer to do their business through the brokers.

Paid a visit to the Wall Hope Works and saw. Mr. Wall, jun., who did not lake Aew Zealand hemp kindly,'on account of the price. I have one or two more to see, but I regret to say that I do not expect any encouragement. 'I intended to go co Boston, but on account of the reception our hemp is getting here it would only be waste of time, expense, and trouble. It ea,i be all summed up thus: So far as I have gone, New Zealand hemp is 100 stiff in price to suit the manufacturers of the United States. Manila and sisal have the hold, and while quantities nt Doth these fibres are coining to hand •New Zealand at-its present price will have to take a back seat. One thill" that must not be overlooked is th.it holders of sisal are looking for better prices.