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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 76

36, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., 4th April, 1898

36, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.,

Dear Sir,—

We have received your letter of the 1st instant regarding New Zealand hemp, and have pleasure in giving you the following replies:—
(1.)It would certainly be advantageous to have a general system of grading in New Zealand. Of course, the hemp would still continue to be distinguished by the place of its production, as, for example, Auckland and Wellington, which we have generally found to be hemp of two distinct characters.page 7
(2.)We would recommend the following classes: Fine, good, good fair, and fair. These, we think, should be sufficient for all practical purposes.
(3.)The advantages of a uniform size for bales would be that buyers and sellers could deal for the hemp in bales instead of tons, a system which is found very convenient in hemp business with Manila, Mexico, Bombay, &c. Moreover, if the bales were all of one uniform weight, or nearly so, expenses might be spared in landing and weighing at the port of discharge, as is the case with manila hemp, where only 10 per cent, of the parcel is weighed for average, and the invoice based upon the result. This saves the cost of landing and weighing, and enables 90 per cent, of the hemp to be put overside into a lighter and transhipped at a cost of only 2s. 6d. a ton.
(4.)We have no very well defined opinion regarding the size of hanks and the number of these in each bale. We would only say that on the whole we prefer hanks to be of only medium size, and certainly dislike large hanks.
(5.)There would be no objection to bales of cwt. each.; in fact, we think that would be a very good size. If this size is adopted it would be desirable that the bales should be all of one form and the same length and breadth, so that freight from London to continental ports and elsewhere could be easily arranged with the ship-brokers, just as is the case with manila hemp, jute, &c., which are favourite articles with steamer people here, because they know exactly how they would stow.
(6.)The advantage to the New Zealand shipper in selling on the London arbitration clause would probably be that he would get a better price. No one can sell New Zealand hemp on the market here without giving a guarantee with London arbitration. If a corresponding guarantee is not obtainable from the New Zealand shipper the seller here has naturally to add something to the price to compensate him for his risk.

We hope you will find the above sufficient for your purposes. If there are any other points upon which you wish our opinion we shall be very glad to furnish the same on hearing from you.

We note from a remark outside of your envelope that our market report of the 1st November is missing. We have the pleasure to enclose another copy.

Yours, &c.,

John Holmes

, Esq.

W. F. Malcolm and Co.