THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1911, Page 8

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

QUALITY AND QUANTITY IMPROVING.

WELLINGTON, Dec. i

While the hemp reaching the ports of Wellington and Foxton is showing an increase on the quantity handled at this time last year, says Mr. W. 11. Ferris, Government hemp grader, the quality .is also showing an improv-e----ment. In several cases millers are being compelled with unsatisfactory loaf suffering considerably, from the effects of disease, and "fair" is the best grade they can reach. However, the extent of diseased leaf is not so g. e.it as it was last season. Some fibre was damaged to some extent by the wot weather. The general improvement noticeable is in the stripping and colour. The chief weakness—and it is as pronounced as it was lat season—is in scutching. Very few millers pre adopting the excellent idea of cutting off the tail ends in the paddock, thus leaving the objectionable tow-balls. MILL IMPROVEMENTS.

On the recent visit of inspection to the mills of the Manatawu, Mr. J crris was greatly struck by the indications of progress taking place in the work cJf milling. Plants are being brought more up-to-date, while the capacity of a number has been increased. The patent Suttie catcher and washer is generally being installed; while a feature of the extension being mode on the plants is the conversion of single-stripper mills into mills operating two and three strippers, thus doubling and trebling the capacity. The swamps are being more carefully nonaged, the- necessity of clearing rubbish as the cutting proceeds being now more generally recognised. Unfortunately, in some of the swamps the leaf is being cut too far into the butt, with the result that the trade is heing supplied with badly strained hemp. It may be well to remind millers that staining from the butt is especially prejudical to high grade quality. Manufacturers demand an absolutely clean and even colour in the best quality fibre.