FLAX INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23318, 2 May 1941, Page 10

FLAX INDUSTRY

MINISTER PREDICTS BIG EXPANSION MAKING WOOLPACKS AND SACKS (P.A.) WELLINGTON. May 1. “The growing and processing of flax will unquestionably become one of New Zealand’s major industries within the next few years,” said the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) at the opening to-day of a new welfare block at the woolpack factory, Foxton. “Its potentialities are tremendous, and with the financial assistance which the Government has given and is continuing to give, its growth and expansion will be something of which we as a nation may be proud. It must and will become a great industry, providing not only for the needs of New Zealand but also for markets overseas.” Mr Sullivan said that this was an industry for which the raw material grew luxuriantly in New Zealand. Much study and scientific care was being given to the production of the best strains of flax, and recently the Government acquired 4600 acres in the Moutoa swamp at a cost of more than £60,000. To develop this area into a modern flax growing project to supply the needs of the woolpack factory, the swamp was rapidly being cleared of willows and weeds, and draining and planting was in progress, while at the stripper mill a battery of five up-to-date strippers was being installed. Extensions to the woolpack factory, which would increase the floor space from 40,000 to 93,000 square feet, were nearly completed. The most modern machinery available from overseas was being installed in the factory, and when this was in operation at the end of the year 100 tons of green leaf daily would be needed to meet its requirements. Already more than 180 men and women were employed in the woolpack factory, and ultimately there would be at least 350. There were 100 men working at and in connexion with the stripper mill, and when the new machines were installed there would be not fewer than 150. The sum of £IOOO weekly was being paid in wages at these two works, apart altogether from many others engaged in clearing the swamp, planting and cutting flax, etc, A Long-range Plan

This was all part of a carefully considered, well conceived long-range plan for the development of the whole industry. New Zealand needed an average of 800,000 woolpacks a year, but last year’s big clip took more than 1,000,000, and before production started on New Zealand flax packs they were all imported from India at a cost of approximately £IOO,OOO (sterling) annually. “In 1936 we produced 245.000 packs. In 1941 we shall make 400,000, and with the new machinery operating in 1942 we shall make our full requirements of 800,000, or more if required. As to quality, there is no question that the New Zealand pack is the equal of anything in the world. "The production of all our woolpacks is an achievement of which we can be proud; but the possibilities do not end ftiere. Australia uses vast quantities of woolpacks, all of which she imports. We have an unfavourable trade balance with the Commonwealth. and during my recent visit to Australia I opened discussions with the Government on the possibilities of our exporting flax packs to Australia. I feel that we can develop a valuable trade in packs with Australia that would be of benefit to both countries. Then there are literally millions of sacks used in the Dominion annually. Splendid sacks can be made from flax, and New Zealand can make them. If we can fill our own requirements in sacks it is a goal worth striving for. Already further v areas are being examined by the Government with a view to acquisition for growing flax to provide an adequate supply of raw material for this rapidly expanding industry. "I look forward to the day ' when even the new plant being installed, and' the .new areas we propose to develop, will be insufficient to meet the needs of the industry, and I can visualise the output of packs being trebled in the not distant 'future. Think what this will mean to New Zealand—the employment of hundreds of men and women, the building of homes, the production ,of their food, clothing and other requirements. New Zealand can be proud of her flax industry, and I am pleased that I have had the opportunity of doing my part towards its development.”