NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2581, 16 August 1909, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND HEMP.

VIEWS OF AMERlOv,.\i CONSUMERS PRICES TOO HIGH. Writing to the Manawatu I ‘Herald’" from New York, Mr P. Hennessy, of Foxton, who is making a tour of the world, says: —I introduced myself to the Massey-Harris firm at Toronto by means of a letter that I hold from tlie Hon. A. W. Hogg, Minister for Trade and Customs, and was well - received. We had a long chat about New Zealand and other hemps. I liad the same experience here as in Chicago, viz.,, none being used, the reason is that it is too high compared with other fibres. This firm is not spinning on its own account-, but I think they have an indirect interest in one or more mills. I visited the American Manufacturing Coy., 63 Wall street, New York. Tins firm is not using hard fibres. They have used tow and expect to use more of it. They are pleased to know that the grading of tow has commenced, and believe it will have a good influence; they also stated that hemp did not come down in tlie market in unison with other fibres. , My next visit- was to the Whitlock Cordage Coy. I had a long chat with Mr Ivv in respect to rope and twine. Mr Ivy stated that while fibres were high thev used New Zealand as a mixture with Manila for a second-class rope. Now that Manila is lower than New Zealand hemp, they are not- using it, and consumers do not take kindly to any mixture. I was also informed that they prefer to do their business through the brokers. __ , Paid a visit to the Mall Rope Works, and saw Mr Wall, jun., who did not take New Zealand 'heuip kindly, 011 account of the price. I have one or two more to see. but I regret to say that I do not- expect an v encouragement. I intended to go to Boston, but- 011 account of the reception our hemp is getting here it would only bo waste of tune, expense and trouble. It can he all summed up thus. So far as I have gone, New Zealand hemp is too stiff in "rice to suit* the manufacturers of the United States. Manila and sisal have the hold, and while quantities of both of these fibres are coming to hand New Zealand, v at its present price, will have te take a back seat. One thing that must not be overlooked' is that holubrs of sisal are looking for better prices.