HEMP MILLING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7029, 18 January 1910, Page 3

HEMP MILLING

REGRETTABLE DECLINE IN QUALITY.

LABOUR CONDITIONS

There is a regrettable tendency among some hemp millers in the Alanawatu to favour the milling of a falr j.-fAl'lp instead of maintaining the “good fair" quality. Doubtless this is owing to the small margin in value between the two grades, current prices now showing a difference of only •£! a ton. It is obvious that this is a penny wise and pound foolish policy. The immediate small profit (by reason of the heavier weight in turning out the cheaper grade) is only a temporary advantage, for it is gained at the expense of the reputation of the brand. This means that even when "good fair” is again milled it will not be of equal value probably to a brand which has been consistently cr "good fair" quality. ~ Manawatu, millers _are keenly _ mscussing the forthcoming dispute m regard to labour conditions. The men are asking for an increase in wages, ana the millers are asking lor abolition ot the existing award. Kotwithstanclin o the high wages now paid in connection with the industry great difficulty is being experienced, in securing men ot tne necessary ability. The fiaxmiU hand av the present time is the highest paid unskilled workman in existence, and at the present price of hemp demand for any increase in remuneration is quite unwarranted, even if the services ot the men were worth more, which they arei not.