NEW LINEN FLAX CROP

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23361, 21 June 1941, Page 3

NEW LINEN FLAX CROP

♦ RELEASE OF CONTRACT URGED

The delay by the Government in releasing the linen flax contract for the new season was one of several complaints made by a deputation of linen flax growers who waited. 'upon the South Canterbury executive of the Farmers’ Union at its monthly meeting at Timaru’ yesterday. After a long discussion the executive decided to urge the earliest possible release of the contract, and to appoint a committee to watch the interests of the linen flax growers. The executive also agreed to ask that representatives of the growers be consulted in the drawing up of future contracts. There were several features of the industry which were unsatisfactory, said Mr R. L. Beattie, of Geraldine, who headed the deputation. As far as the late payment to the growers was concerned, the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) had forestalled them by making a promise of payment recently. What they did seek, however, was that this delay should not occur again. There had been flaws in the last contract* and the growers desired that the union should ‘ assist in urging that the terms of the new contract be reveled as soon as possible. Mr A. B. Struthers, secretary of the union, said that at a previous meeting of the executive the question of the late payment had been raised. The, matter was later mentioned to Mr T. D. Burnett, D .P., and it was through his efforts that the Minister made his recent statement.

Several aspects of the past and present linen flax seasons were reviewed by Mr W. C. Stafford, who with Mr C, C. Leitch, represented the Department of Agriculture at the discussion. After Mr Stafford and Mr Leitch had answered several questions relating to the new season’s crop Mr Beattie said he considered that the growers should’ have a voice in the drawing up of the contract.

Mr Struthers: There is no doubt that once it is drawn up there will be little chance of the growers having it altered. •Mr L. V. Talbot said the executive should appoint ■ two accredited flax growers as representatives and- ask that they be consulted in the drawing up of the contract' for the new season. “I will move in this direction and suggest that other branches of the union follow this example,” he said. Disapproval of this suggestion was expressed by Mr C. W. Lynn, who said it would mean the delaying of the contract for a month or two. He was fully in accord with the proposal to have growers represented, he said, but for the present he thought they should urge the release of the contract as early as possible, without asking for representation. That could be sought later. “It might be better if this executive authorised me to communicate with Mr Mulholland, asking him to peruse the new contract if possible,” said Mr Struthers. “He may then be able to suggest amendments which would be in the interests of South Canterbury growers. I think that is the best ws can do just now.” On the motion of Mr C. B, Verity, who endorsed this view, it was decided that the executive should press for the earliest possible release of the new contract and that Mr Mulholland be asked to seek an opportunity to peruse it on behalf of the South Canterbury growers. It was also decided that a committee of linen flax representatives should be set up, .and Messrs W. Scott, A. W. Robinson, R. Crombie, and R. L. Beattie were subsequently appointed. The executive also decided to recommend: that the department consult ] epresentatives of Jinen flax growers in drawing up future contracts; that farmers be urged to make immediate preparations for growing linen flax as part of the war effort; that delegates, to the meeting of transport interests to be held at Christchurch next Tuesday be asked to bring up the question of transport of linen .flax.