NEW ZEALAND HEMPMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 951, 23 May 1890, Page 28

NEW ZEALAND HEMPMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Our allusions to this Association the other day have been challenged as unfair, and the Chairman points out that it has been anything hut passive since it

“ came to the birth.” He says it has effected many economies and reforms that must; benefit the trade. Over-sea. freights have been reduced through its influence, and a more uniform rate of wages has been established, and the Government have been induced to promise a

bonus for improved dressing machinery. The Society is now engaged in arranging for hemp grading, so as to assure uniform quality. The Chairman further informs us that there is every probability of opening up a profitable trade with Japan. Some little time ago he sent a sample bale of hemp to Yokohama, and the result was an order, which was duly executed, and then came another by cable doubling the first one. But how the hemp industry has declined was shown at; a meeting of the Association last Monday week. There are now 21 machines at work in the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts, producing at the rate of 3776 tons per year. In December last there were 110 machines at work, producing at the rate of 18,160 tons per year ! But if quantity has declined, quality is advancing, much greater attention and care being now bestowed on the preparation of the fibre. We hope to soon hear of united action on the part of all the hemp millers of the North Island for the purpose of ensuring good quality in all fibre exported. The indications of a revival in the trade are fairly well pronounced, and we think the industry will certainly he permanentlj’ established within certain limits. Signs of this now are not wanting.