THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 128, 2 June 1927, Page 4

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

INCREASED GRADINGS. A large increase in the flax grading figures for the Port of Auckland was recorded during May, as compared with the corresponding month last year. Following are the returns for last month, the 1926 figures being given in parentheses:— Hemp.—Good fair, 7 bales (nil); high fair, 428 bales (334) bales; low fair, 1229 bales (908 bales); common, 478 bales (304 bales); rejected, 55 bales (66 bales); condemned, nil (2 bales); total, 2197 bales (1614 bales). Tow.—First grade, 88 bjjles (9 bales*; second grade, 164 bales (218 bales); third grade, 281 bales (237 bales); condemned. 9 bales (40 bales)); total, o!2 balea (504 bales). Stripper Tow. —First grade, nil (nil); second grade, nil (11 bales)); third grade. 3 bales (nil); passed for export, nil '4 bales); condemned, 35 bales (2 bales); total, 38 bales (17 bales). The weather conditions have been favourable and there is every indication that fibre should be received for grading for some weeks yet. Several new companies are now sending small quantities of fibre for export. Concerning the hemp market the Wellington "Evening Poet" says: — Dullness characterises the New Zealand hemp market at the moment, the recent heavy sales of Mexican sisal being responsible. However, New Zealand millers are now inactive for the winter months, as usual, and as many of them sold under contract they have been able to make a good clearance. Very little fibre remaining on hand, the new season should open with no stocks in store, and probably with a greatly improved market. Nominal quotations for f.o.b. business are:—Good fair £29 10/ per ton, high fair £28. low £26 10/, Xo. 1 tow £17, No. 2 £16.