FLAX INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 243, 13 October 1936, Page 8

FLAX INDUSTRY.

REPORT OF EXPERTS,

STATE HELP WARRANTED,

CONSIDERATION BY CABINET.

(By Telegraphi—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. A comprehensive investigation into tho possibilities of the flax industry beinrf reinstated as one of the Dominion's flourishing activities has been completed by tlie expert committee appointed by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. The report of the committee, which Cabinet is considering, shows that the experts are unanimous that the industry is of sufficient national importance to warrant Government assistance to reestablish it. It will be necessary to adopt a long-range plan, involving, "it j 3 reported, the licensing of flaxmills an advisory service to millers and ' the establishment of a flaxgrowing area in association with a mill conducted on commercial lines, which will be valuable for demonstration purposes. It is also expected that if the schema is adopted it will involve a guaranteed price, with State control over marketing. It is considered that the utilisatioa of flax will be greatly developed, so that both in the growing and the manufacturing there will be greatly extended opportunities for employment, especially as the industry pays large amounts of wages relative to the output.