NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3186, 11 May 1909, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

The competition of Ma.iila has so forced down the price of New Zealand hemp that it is quite astonishing the latter has been able to live in the same market. If it had not firmly established itself for quality, the competition would have been fatal. A Mr I. W. Raymond, of Invercargill, who has taken a k< : en interest in the subject, is convinced that something must be done early if the industry is to be saved Some time ago he advocated a redaction in railway and steamer freights, or royalties, and h 3 ss exactituda in grading. The vicissitudes of the grading shed, he says, can be endured when prices are goo'l, but not under the conditions of the lait two years. It is no u;e for tnose in whose power it is to meet millers, to temporarise. Anything that is to be done must be reasonably substantial and worthy of the perilous conditions existing. To delay is to minimise any good that may be accomplished, for millers will not prepare for operations next season unless they can see daylight ahead. Personally, he is convinced that for some time at least, there will be no material advance in prices.