THE New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1890.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8967, 18 April 1890, Page 4

THE New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY).

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1890.

With which are incorporated the Welling,, Independent, ettablithf.d 1815, and the iV«i. Zealander,

Yesterday was a field day for hemp in the city. The Premier received a deputation upon the all-im-portant subject—the hemp industry—and so did the Chamber of Commerce. The question never received a more thorough thrashing put, and we believe to most; excellent purpose. The spirit in which it was entertained, in both quarters, was just as it should have been. The importance of the subject was fully recognised. The Premier lent a most attentive ear to the propositions laid before him, and his ready and sympathetic response wasin thehighest degree gratify ing. We have often spoken upon the hemp industry question, and have touched upon most of the points urged by the deputation, notably that of a substantial bonus for the invention of a an effective hemp-dressing machine. As we have contended more than once, it would pay the country handsomely to spend liberally in that direction. The potency of the flax industry is as pronounced as that of any other staple the Colony produces. What is demanded is the development of its latent force. Like wool and mutton, flax grows, and can be made to grow to some purpose if, first of all, a fairly permanent market is assured ; and, secondly, if proper cultivation is brought to bear upon it. Hemp iV really very little understood as'' yet. It i? known only as a fibre, existing in abundance in certain localities, and to be found almost everywhere. Clumsy hands have been laid upon it, it has been abominably:, treated by subjection to an utterly . barbarous process of percussion, perfunctorily washed and dried, hastily scutched and baled, and then hurried away to market. What could be expected but that the fibre would fall into evil repute ? As the Chairman of the Chamber oP’Commerce sagely remarked to the deputation yesterday, he thought it probable that the ups and downs of the market indicated the standard of the fibre’s quality. Although it is not all that, there is a great deal of shrewd suggestion in Mr Duncan’s observation. For it must be confessed that the patience and forbearance of the English and American markets have been sorely tried by the astounding fluctuations in tbs quality of New Zealand hemp. We never knew a deputation so heartily and generously entertained by the Premier as the one of yesterday. He was complacency personified, as well be might have been, for the splendid budget he is presenting to the Colony was assisted by the hemp industry to the tune of nearly half a million sterling. Such is the estimate of Mr Gardner, a leading authority on hemp, as to the value of the last year’s exports. Such hard;

HEKP.

and unassailable facts had their effect on the Premier, although, no doubt, he long since recognised the position, and was prepared to take action when the hour came. A comparison between the flax industry and gold mining was drawn by one of the deputation, inasmuch that as rewards for successful mining prospecting were offered, a bonus in the interests of the hemp industry would be equally in place. We unhesitatinglysay that it would be much more in place, for hemp is inexhaustible; it will be always with us, and once the meanufacture of it is established on a sound basis of quality, the markets will be just as reliable as those for wool and mutton. There will be the usual trade fluctuations,;' with more or less paying prices. Some years will be poor, some rich,, with a reasonably good average. Hemp will be always available in the raw state, because it is of quick growth, and by skilful cultivation and treatment can be made to grow much quicker still. And although we are not prepared at present to go so far as some people who place New Zealand hemp and Manila on equal footing, yet we believe that—nathless that ultimate fibre argument so unctuously dwelt upon by those who think they know all about it—the quality of the fibre can be enormously improved by proper cultivation. Aye, we believe that its ultimate condition can be materially changed for the better. At any rate to accomplisb so much is worth a trial, and if the Go vernment and the people engaged in the flax industry will only pull together we believe a very great deal more than is scarcely hoped for now will be accomplished for the welfare of the Colony. The present depression in the hemp industry was forcibly demonstrated to the Premier by the number of machines that had suspended operations quite recently. A disastrous falling away, indeed, but still with a probable recovery at no distant date. Both the Premier and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce spoke of assuring market advices from London, which are quite in keeping with the past history of hemp as a marketable commodity. Prices will certainly go up again, and flagging interest at this end will again be revived. But the desideratum is to govern such fluctuations ; to bring them under a control that will avert anything like stagnation in the industry. If a thousand mills are at work they must be kept in work year in and year out, just as the squatter keeps his sheepshears going. And to the accomplishment of this every nerve must be strained, every economical stratagem brought into play. The Government is in a thoroughly helpful mood to judge by the Premier’s suggestiveness. The Government may materially assist in the revival of the trade by carrying flax by rail at minimum rates,,, for if the Government seriously recommended such a concession to the Railway Commissioners it would surely be granted by them. There have been special grain rates by rail before today, and why not special for hempcarrying in such a crisis as the present one. It may be argued that if hemp is so treated, every other commodity may claim like treatment. But to this we say no. Other commodities are firmly established on sound market line, while hemp is undergoing transition, and may claim a little indulgence during its period of differentialism to a higher and, we hope, permanent level among the Colony’s products. Every little help will be of service, and so with over-sea freights. It is much to the interest of ocean carriers to encourage every kind of production in this Colony, for the greater the demands for transit the better will it be for every branch of the carrying trade. And we believe we are on the eve of very remarkable changes in our ocean traffic—motive power will be infinitely less expensive than at present. Huge hulls, of enormous carrying capacity, will be driven through the water at a fraction of the expense now involved. And there is present as well as prospective inducement to encourage production everywhere, for means of transit are increasing all the time and must find employment. The most important of the propositions considered yesterday was that of the grading of hemp for market, and to that end we are quite sure Government inspection is of the utmost consequence.-’ It is not necessary that evtfry hank of hemp should be examined, as was asserted by one of the deputation. There would be ample cheek on preparation for export if an inspector were established at each of the chief shipping ports to sample the bales sent down. Not every bale, but a bale or two taken promiscuously from the consignments of the several hemp stations. The latter would be known by their brands, and if it were the rule to subject their products to an examination of the kind, very little indifferently dressed flax would find its way into marker. We cordially concur with the recommendations made yesterday for the advancement of the trade, and we are sure Parliament will respond liberally to any calls made upon it for the purpose of giving to the Colony another extensive and profitable occupation.