THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17230, 5 August 1919, Page 9

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

MARKET CONTINUES DULL.

EFFECT OF HIGH FREIGHTS.

NEXT SEASON'S OPERATIONS.

Conditions governing the flax industry ,: P said to have Teinaincd unaltered since iho partial stoppage of ■work for the •■, inter. The representative of a firm prominently associated with the industry stated yesterday that both the British and American markets were dull, and that present prices for hemp only allowed what might be termed a " bread and butter" margin for millers iu New Zealand. He «as of opinion that little improvement in I rices was to be looked for in the immediate future, as there were large quantities .>{ competitive fibres on (the market. Exporters were hoping for a reduction in freight charges ior hemp and tow to pro\ide the millers with a fair working a; a r gin. Referring to starting of work for the coming season in the Auckland district, the authority stated that one or two of the local milk had not ceased working during the winter, and tha& the others were already making preparations to resume operations. There was every indication that the mills this season would start earlier than usual, providing the wea&her continued favourable, but there would not he much flax in the field till next month. He added thai, it was not likely any of the mills would remain closed owing to the dull marked, but on© or two of them. might change hands.