NEW ZEALAND HEMP

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1747, 30 August 1905, Page 43

NEW ZEALAND HEMP

THE LONDON MARKET. Th© New Zealand Produce Commissioner, Mr H. C. Cameron, reporting to the’ High Commissioner on the hemp market, says:— „ Throughout the greater part of the past year the market for New Zealand hemp has continued in a very steady, satisfactory, condition. Prices showed little having kept on a £3O basis., while the demand was good. During the last few months, however, complaints have been more general of the quality of the hemp coming from the colony. Several parcels have come under my notice, the dressing of which

has not been nearly, so satisfactory as could be desired. Some of it has been “strawy ’ and unfinished. The result of this has been that at the close of the twelvemonth prices have shown a decline, and business has been more difficult to effect than previously. I am particularly anxious to impress upon those engaged in the flax-milling industry the very great necessity there is for being careful that the quality of the hemp sent Home should be firstclass. There is undoubtedly a very great temptation, when prices are ruling high for any class of produce, to pay more attention to quantity than to quality. I consider, however, that when prices are high it is then especially important to pay attention to quality, so that by giving satisfaction to purchasers a reputation for New Zealand hemp may be gained which may be permanent. This would help to increase the demand for it, and so keep prices at a steady, high level. "Whereas, it the dressing is carelessly done, and the quality is not satisfactory, purchasers will only use it so long as they are compelled by circumstances, and immediately that, stocks from other sources increase New Zealand hemp will become neglected owing to tad reputation. The prospects for obtaining a good market for New Zealand liemp are bright. Tie fact that quotations ruling for shipments to be delivered months ahead are frequently equal to those paid for parcels on spot, gives a good indication, I consider, of the future of the hemp trade. The British Government has recently been making tests of New Zealand hemp,with a view to ascertaining its suitability for use in the navy at colonial stations. The result of these fests is being anxiously awaited, for, should it he satisfactory, a new and good outlet for the-fibre will be obtained.