HEMP.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5678, 28 August 1905, Page 3

HEMP.

THE LONDON MARKET. Tho New Zealand Produce Commissioner, Mr H. C. Camei-on, reporting to the High Commissioner on tho 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 fluctuation, 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 bas 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 arc 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. 1 Whereas, if 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 hemp are bright. Tho fact that quotations ruling for shipments to bo delivered six months ahead are frequently equal to thoso paid for parcels on spot, gives a good indication, I consider, of tho 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 tho navy at colonial stations. The result of these tests is being anxiously awaited, for, should it bo satisfactory, a new and good outlet for the fibre will be obtained.