KENTISH HOP CROP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14133, 7 August 1909, Page 5

KENTISH HOP CROP.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

London, August 5. The bad summer experienced in England this year has seriously affected the hop crop, and the position in Kent : is critical. £

A Sclecfc Committee on the Hop Industry reported some months ago that the consumption of hops in Great Britain was declining, owing partly- to the reduced consumption of beer, and partly to the use of a smaller proportion of hops employed in browing than , was formerly the case. British hops form rather more than 70 per cent, and foreign hops less than 30 per cent, of the total quantity used, and " the conclusion is irresistible that there is no material falling off in the Home production of hops," though tho land under hops - has been reduced in the last 20 years by nearly one-third. The explanation is the increased yield per acre in the last 15 years. The foreign imports have shown no tendency to increase during the last 30 years; though there was an exceptional importation in 1903, which it was alleged was due to the hope of securing the advantages which would accrue if a duty were imposed. Many witnesses urged tho imposition of a duty of 40s per cent, on imported hops; but the committee were not satisfied that any special measures directed against importation of foreign hops were called for.