FLAX COMMISSIONERS.

15

G.—No. 17,

Appendix I. 6, Mincing Lane, E.C., London, Dear Sir,— 27th April, 1872. As promised, we append some memoranda respecting New Zealand hemp, which may be useful to you. The consumption of New Zealand hemp in all last year in this country and the quantity exported to Europe and the United States, Canada, (fee, amounted together to 3,213 tons. There are no statistics to show separately the quantity consumed and the quantity exported. We received during the same period from New Zealand 2,950 tons. This year we have received during the three months, January to March, 486 tons, and the consumption and export was 830 tons. Previous to Ist January, 1871, no statistics were taken. Notwithstanding the progressive rise in value from an average price of about £23 to an average price of £36, the consumption has not only not fallen off, but has slightly increased. The trade now are well acquainted with and accustomed to the use of New Zealand hemp, and as the cleaning of it has greatly improved, and is improving, the objections to its use which were frequent when it was imported in a very strawn and unclean state have almost disappeared ; and we think the New Zealand shippers may rely upon a consumption of 3,000 to 4,000 tons per annum without any material variation or depreciation in value. The demand for hemp and fibres of all descriptions has of late years been greatly on the increase, and it is well worthy of notice that notwithstanding the introduction and large consumption of New Zealand, Sisal, Bombay, and other fibres, the consumption of Manilla, &c, does not fall off, and that their value has been greatly enhanced, as the supply does not materially increase. The price of New Zealand hemp must always depend greatly on the price of Manilla hemp ; and now that the value of New Zealand hemp has risen to its proper level, we may expect it to be affected from time to time by the variation which may occur in the price of Manilla hemp. The value of good roping Manilla is to-day £51 per ton ; of Quilot Manilla, £66 ;of Sisal, £51 per ton. So far as we can judge, the increasing consumptive power will effectually prevent any material fall in the price of Manilla. Many years ago, when an attempt was made to introduce New Zealand hemp into the market, the value of Manilla good roping was about £23 per ton, but of late years it has varied between £46 to £56 per ton, and the old price is now out of the question. We do not wish to be over sangine as to the prospects of New Zealand hemp, but if the shippers will clean it carefully, and send it to us in good condition, we do not anticipate any difficulty in obtaining £35 per ton for a supply of 300 tons per month. W. L. Buller, Esq., We are, (fee, 7, Westminster Chambers. White, Binnie, & Co.

Appendix 11. 141, Fenchurch Street, E.C., London, Sir,— 29th April, 1872. In reference to your inquiry as to the prospects of New Zealand hemp in this market, we have a very confident opinion that the consumption of this material will continue to increase for cordage purposes. The prejudice so long existing against it has all but disappeared, while by some consumers it is preferred to Manilla hemp, when properly prepared, the durability of the rope being very great. For textile purposes, there is also strong reason to expect a large demand, and should the result of recent experiments be confirmed by working on a large scale—of wliich we have no doubt—it is scarcely possible to estimate the quantity that may ultimately be required. It is of the first importance, both for cordage and textile purposes, that the fibre should be suitably prepared, and the lower the price at which this can be done the greater will be the ultimate consumption. Prices have now risen to a rather high point, but they are still about £10 per ton lower than the corresponding qualities of Manilla hemp. We can hardly expect present prices to be maintained should any important supplies arrive, but we think a minimum price of say £30 to £35 per ten for well-cleaned hemp may be depended upon for cordage purposes. W. Buller, Esq., We are, &c, 7, Westminstej Chambers. Manning, Collyer, & Co.

Appendix 111. 37, Mincing Lane, London. 27th April, 1872. New Zealand, Hemp. —At present the market is very strong, as there is a short supply and good trade demand. We have little fear as to its future prospects should shippers be careful in sending home regular supplies of good quality. For such we have little doubt of present prices being maintained ; and 400 tons per month we think might be easily moved off. We should like to call attention to the packing of the bales. These should be pressed—weighing from 3cwt. to 4cwt., and the hemp done up in heads. Care on this point sometimes considerably enhances the value. Hoping these remarks may be found useful, W. L. Buller, Esq., We are, &c, 7, Westminster Chambers. Devitt & Hett.