H. —29.

The Hemp Industry. In my annual report for 1930-31, I made reference to the fact that the hemp industry of the Dominion had fallen on very bad times. As time progressed conditions became worse, until a point was reached during the year where very little hemp and its by-products were coming forward for grading. For 1930-31 the quantity of hemp graded showed a decrease of approximately 66 per cent, on the figures for the previous year. The amount graded for the year 1931-32 showed a further decrease. For the past three years the quantity of hemp graded has been : 1929-30, 65,813 bales ; 1930-31, 23,478 bales; 1931-32, 13,561 bales. Naturally, with the fall in the quantity of hemp coming forward for grading, a similar fall has taken place in the by-products of hemp —tow, stripper slips, and stripper tow. This considerable drop in the output of hemp and its by-products has aggravated to a considerable extent the unemployment position in the Dominion. It is evident that to mill fibre at the present price obtainable for the finished product is not a paying proposition. The one bright point so far as this industry is concerned is the proposed establishment of a factory or factories for the making of wool-packs, sacks, and so forth. Departmental Photography. The departmental photographer attached to the Fields Division has performed excellent work not only for this Division and officers of the Plant Research Station, but also for other Divisions of the Department. Every endeavour has been made to keep expenditure relative to photography down as much as possible without impairing efficiency ; but it must be recognized that, so far as investigation and research work is concerned particularly, photographic work is quite an essential adjunct. Staff. The staff of the Division, one and all, have rendered excellent service during a most difficult and trying year.

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