Hemp industry struggling

The present unfavourable state of the hemp industry in Otago and Southland, as compared with its position last year, is exemplified by the quoting of a few figures.

In the month of August last year there were 45 mills at work in Otago and Southland, and the output amounted to 1057 bales.

In the month of August of the present year there were only 10 mills in operation, with a paltry output of 147 bales.

In September of last year there were 39 mills working, and the output went up to 1146 bales.

During September of this year there were only 12 mills in running throughout Otago and Southland, with an output of 256 bales.

Since September, however, there has been a slight improvement, and at the present time about 21 mills are operating throughout the province.

The whole question of making the industry pay really hangs on the importation of price of Manila hemp, which can be procured here at the same price that New Zealand good fair grade commands - namely, about 23 per ton, - and so long as that continues there is not much hope for the local producer, and no change is likely to come about so long as the conditions governing the importation of Manila hemp remain as at present.

• Hallowe'en was fittingly celebrated at the Burns Hall last night by an excellent concert given under the auspices of the Dunedin Burns Club.

The concert commenced with a selection by the Dunedin Pipe Band, followed by a part song, "Lass o' Ballochmyle," sung with capital effect by the choir.

Mr J. Jago's contributions to the evening's successes were "O' a' the airts" and "Green grow the rashes, O."

"There grows a bonnie briar bush" was sympathetically sung by Mrs F. Wakefield Holmes, who, however, did herself greater justice in the song "I lo'od nae a laddie but ane."

Mr W. H. Mckenzie's rendering of "My love is like a red, red, rose" was creditable alike to himself and his subject, and his singing of "Afton water" was better still.

The Highland Reel was the joy of all beholders, and the choir concluded a powerful programme with the part song "Gloomy winter's noo awa'."

- ODT, 31.10.1908.