THE SLUMP IN FLAX.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 80, 2 April 1908, Page 6

THE SLUMP IN FLAX.

PROPOSED REVALUATION OF PROPERTIES. (By selegraDli.—Press Association.) PALMERSTON NORTH, Wednesday. The New Zealand Flax Millers' Association executive met here to-night, Mr. Seifert (president) in the chair. Mr. Pryor was also present. The President stated that he had telegraphed to the Valuer-General, asking for a . revaluation of flax properties in view of the fall in prices, and had received a reply stating that it would be necessary to make applicat-ijn in individual cases. It was decided to circularise members on the subject. It was resolved to make representations to shipping companies in regard to freight charges in view of the present situation, but it was considered unreasonable to ask any reduction in railway charges. Mr. Toogood explained the position in connection with a patent flax-dressing machine, and, after discussion on its merits, it was resolved to communicate with the Patent Office and with various flax-milling associations with a view to giving the machine a trial. THE FLAX OUTPUT. During the month of March the quantity of llax sent into Auckland was 3461 bales (or 585 tons) of the approximate value o£ £11,000. Had it not been for "he absurdly narrow margin at the present time in the market price between " fair" and " good fair," there would have been a larger proportion of better quality fibre sent in. Millers, however, came to the conclusion that under exist l ing circumstances it would pay them better to send in the lower grade. More flax was sent in than was expected in the face of the very low prices ottering,'and it is stated, as there appears to be indications of an improvement setting in in the London markets, that some of the millers who had decided to close down have now come to the conclusion that Hiey will still continue milling operations.