THE HEMP MARKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 August 1919, Page 7

THE HEMP MARKET.

THIS OUTLOOK IN NEW ZEALAND. Auckland, Aug. 4. Conditions governing the flax industry are said to have remained unaltered since the partial stoppage of work for the winter. A representative of a firm prominently associated with the industry stated that both the British and American markets were dull, and that the present prices for hemp only allowed what might bo termed a "bread and butter" margin for millers in New Zealand. He was of opinion that little inj. movement in prices was to be looked for in the immediate future, as there were large, quantities of competitive fibres on the market. Exporters were hoping for a. reduction of freight charges for lif>mp and tow to provide millers with a fair working margin, Referring to the starting of work for the coming season in the Auckland di9> trict, the authority stated that one or two of the local mills had not ceased working during the winter and that others were already making preparations to resume operation*. There was every indication that tho mills this season would start earlier than usual, providing tho weather continuod favorable, but there would not be much flax in the field till next month. It was not likely that mills would remain closed owing to dull markets, but one or two of them might change hands.