Linen flax shift

Press, 29 July 1977, Page 3

Linen flax shift

Linen-flax grotvers round Geraldine decided on Wednesday evening — by secret ballot — that they would not put up a case to the Government for them to buy or lease the Linen Flax Corporation’s factory and assets at Geraldine. The decision yvas taken in the light of information that someone seems virtually certain to carry on the industry. The growers’ action committee submitted detailed information about what yvould be needed if the growers purchased or leased the factory. It was emphasised that a fair amount of capital would need to be injected into the industry’, together with an investigation into

marketing both in New Zealand and overseas. The new chairman of the Geraldine Linen Flax Growers (Mr M. J. McKeown) said he was disappointed at the result of the ballot, but felt that it might be for the best. Growers, he said, were good at what they knew best — growing the linen flax. He hoped the new owners would be • vertgood at their function . — processing and marketing the end product. The growers made it clear that they were keen on putting their point of view to any new owners. The growers thanked Mr G. Sanderson, of the D.5.1.R., for the time and effort he had given on their behalf.