NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14975, 22 April 1909, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

[Per Press Association.]

"WELLINGTON, April 21. The cabled announcement that America is taking determined steps to close the Philippine market to other nations by establishing free trade between its possession and American ports seemed to give a ray of hope to the New Zealand flax produoer that in the lessened trade with Europe in Manila hemp which might be expected to follow the restrictions, New Zealand flax would enter more prominently into the calculations of the Home manufacturer. Several authorities on the subject interviewed by a “New Zealand Times” representative explained. the position, but were not very optimistic. America, it seems, has during the last twelve months' been steadily ousting London from its old place or pride as centre of the hemp markets of the world. Manila hemp is the best in the world and Americans with control over the only place where it is produced have an unequalled opportunity of turning the stream of trade from the Philippines towards the land of the stars and stripes. How Litis has been done is strikingly illustrated by the weekly market reports from London showing the destinations of Manila. So recently as July, 1908, the shipments to the United Kingdom were greater than those to America, but the imposition of an export duty on hemp and the declaration of free trade with America rapidly altered the balance of business as tho following table shows:—

It can thus bo scan, how rapidly the Americans have scored. The important question to New Zealand is: Will preferential treatment to American consumers of Manila cause an improved demand for New Zealand fibre?" Indications are unfortunately against the dominion. Even in face of restrictions there was an increased English consumption of Manila. Apparently Manila must be secured and must form the main material, New Zealand’s product coming in as an adulterant. New Zealand flax formerly enjoyed a fair market in America for use as binding twine, but immense quantities of sisal, another vegetable fibre from Mexico aro taking its place. English manufacturers liko New Zealand hemp for use with Manila, as it improves the flexibility of the rope and is easier to machine than any other adulterant, including inferior Manila, but free trade between’ America and the Philippines, and an export duty on fibre sent to Europe is not going tj turn the manufacturer from Manila hemp to New Zealand, because the New Zealand product, though highly useful, has its limitations.

BALES SHIPPED IN 1908. To To United United Kingdom. States. To end of July . 241,000 187,000 To end of August 267,000 253,000 To end of September 281,000 289,000 To end of October . 318,000 336,000 To end of November 363,000 381,000 To end of Decembor 437,000 469,000