Photograph from Paul Thompson 



GRADING HEMP : NEW ZEALAND 



The manufacture of hemp from the fiber of the native flax can hardly be called a new 

 industry in New Zealand, for her people have been trying it for at least thirty years. Their 

 product has had an uncertain place in the world's market, however, for it is used as a substi- 

 tute for manila, and when the price of that commodity was low New Zealand hemp was 

 almost unsalable. In late years a great deal has been done to improve its quality and a 

 market has been created for it. Much of it is sold to be spun into binder-twine, and the 

 Japanese are said to be able to imitate silk with it. 



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