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Historical Records of New Zealand

To His Excellency Governor Macquarie, etc., etc

To His Excellency Governor Macquarie, etc., etc.

The memorial of Robert Williams, ropemaker, most respectfully sets forth,—

That memorialist having presented to Your Excellency specimens of his manufactory from the hemp, the growth of New Zealand, such as never before has been produced by any other person, tho’ numerous have been the attempts since the establishment of this colony, and immense labour and large sums have been expended by Government and enterprizing merchants to no effect, its singular method of manufacture having disappointed the efforts of all former artists and mechanics. And this valuable plant rested in oblivion, tho’ its productions were high in demand and an object of importance to the British Government. Memorialist humbly trusts Your Excellency is page 411 well informed of his experience and ability in manufacturing the hemp of New Zealand, and his having visited that island for the express purpose of ascertaining the growth, extent, and method of collecting it; and the information acquired on that excursion and several years’ experimental practice in manufacturing has enabled memorialist to lay the following statement before Your Excellency; and humbly trusts you will consider it an object worthy the notice of the British Government.

The production of this plant has been an object of attention since the first knowledge of New Zealand, and from its silky appearance has borne the name of flax, but experienced judges will find it hemp of an excellent quality, adapted for cordage and canvas, which the sample sent herewith will testify. Mechanics in England have given their opinion that this hemp could not be manufactured, and was of no value. Memorialist feels no surprise at such report, having experienced difficulties innumerable in introducing his system of manufacturing this hemp, but he trusts the production will prove its value and vie with English manufacture. And memorialist states further his capability to perform every process of manufacturing with more speed than it is performed on such manufacture in England.

Memorialist further states that the process of watering, brakeing, and cleaning is so different to the process on hemp and flax in Europe; persons well informed in that business will be surprised to hear that this hemp may be cut from the plant in the morning and manufactured into cordage the same day, and that the average labour of ten men and five boys will produce one ton of hemp per day in equal preparation to hemp imported from Russia.

Memorialist begs leave to observe that the hemp grows spontaneously in great abundance; that he travelled thro’ tracts abounding with hemp several miles in circumference, the hemp covering the surface from two to six feet in height. There are several qualities of hemp, according to the situation of the land. Among the rocks in view from the sea it grows from six to ten feet high—this is the most productive, and best adapted for making cables.

From one stool or root I cut 84 blades, which produced ten pounds of nett hemp (nine feet long when cleaned). This production did not cover a circumference of land more than three feet diameter. This will give an idea to what extent this hemp may be collected from the natural production, exclusive of propagation by transplanting, which may be carried to any extent by the following moderate simple means and expence.

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The plant is very hardy, grows in large stools. I have divided thirty distinct roots from one stool, and one of those sections or roots have laid exposed for several days in hot sun and wind, and have been then planted; and 18 months afterwards that plant produced nine, which I transplanted, and in eight months those nine plants produced eight pounds of nett hemp; and the following year trebled that quantity. I have endeavoured to distinguish the proper season of cutting the hemp, but find little difference in that respect, and am of opinion it may be gathered every month in the year, and the hemp of equal quality if cut in succession.

From this statement it will appear upon a moderate calculation in a few years every yard of land in New Zealand will produce six pounds of hemp annually. And this may be performed by the natives, if instructed and encouraged, which may be accomplished by very moderate means.

The plant requires no cultivation except to extend and propagate it. A piece of land planted, the plants three feet from each other, would be united in one mass in three years, and thrive equally well, and need no further attention.

Should His Majesty’s Government think it wise to promote and encourage the growth and receive the hemp in British markets, these islands would in a few years render a general supply for manufacturing and naval purposes, exclusive of New Zealand. The plants may be extended to most of the islands in these seas. The plants may be stowed in bulk in small vessels, and a voyage of several weeks would not injure them. The plant produces seed in great abundance, but very different to the plant of a very tender nature, and requires great care and attention to bring it to perfection, and no dependence to be placed on it on a large scale. On the other hand, the plant is certain, and may be had to any extent.

Memorialist has cautiously calculated the expence and labour required to perfect this undertaking, as well as the distant situation from Europe, and feels confident the natural production and great abundance of the plant, and the simple means required to prepare it for the British market, must prove advantageous to the trade and manufacture of Britain, and likewise prove an article of commerce from the colony.

Memorialist has calculated the undertaking almost independent of the natives, but by proper application few Europeans will be required in preparing the hemp for manufacture, if independent of the natives. Small establishments must be formed for protection, if dependent on the natives. Nature supplies the plant, and every other means to provide the hemp for a British market.

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The natives are a hardy people, destitute of any of the comforts of life except a scanty allowance of food and clothing; they are naturally ingenious, and want little inducement to industry except the example, with their interest in view.

Memorialist’s system of cleaning the hemp are by means of machinery principally constructed of wood, and worked by water, all which means are generally found by nature on the spot. The machinery is simple, and five carpenters and one blacksmith would erect machinery in three months that would employ a thousand of the natives, and one month’s instruction to them they would be able to furnish immense quantities of hemp to such vessels as may be appointed to call for it. In this case the natives would gladly receive this information from the persons appointed, and likewise dispose of their hemp on very moderate terms in exchange for articles of British production, and custom would soon improve their barbarous habits of life.

Memorialist humbly submits to Your Excellency’s consideration his exertions to introduce the New Zealand hemp were at a time when that article was greatly in demand in the Mother Country, the original supplies being nearly cut off by the effects of war, and encouragement held out to most of the British Dominions.

Exclusive of such encouragements, he had a hope of introducing the hemp to the use of this colony, which has been in great distress for cordage. But divided parties have attempted the object without applying the proper means, and not in possession of the proper method, under which circumstances the object rests until more favourable arrangements, to be conducted under one principle and interest, otherwise nothing of importance can be effected.

Memorialist most respectfully prays Your Excellency’s patronage and support in transmitting the specimens of this manufacture to His Majesty’s Ministers, with such testimonies and recommendation as Your Excellency may think his exertions have merited.

And memorialist will ever pray.

Robert Williams.

Sydney, New South Wales, 1st April, 1817.