Flax Industry

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 288, 1 September 1931, Page 11

Flax Industry

Sir, —Like many others in the flaxmilling industry, I would Jike to know just where we stand to-day. Our overseas markets seem to be out and our only hope is that the new flax-weaving mills will be established. I have heard a rumour that the proposed weaving company is not going forward until the present depression lifts. If this is so, it may perhaps be years until something is done; surely there is sufficient inducement in such a proposal by which our woolpacks can be manufactured aud thereby save that money from being sent overseas. I understand that the process will make it possible to compete with the jute article and that the price offered for the raw material will allow the miller £4 per ton profit, so why the delay in launching the project? If the company is not prepared to move forward with the proposition, is it not time for the Government to step in and commandeer the process and set the wheels of industry in action? By the introduction of the new industry that would be created, thousands of New Zealanders might be used in profitable employment and thousands of acres of at present useless land could be cultivated for the growing of flax. In addition, the weaving mill would give work to a large number of girl operatives. At the present time this would be a godsend to the The time was never more favourable for the launching of such a big secondary industry. To-day the flax swamps are in wonderful condition, due to the rest from cutting, while the mills are rusting from disuse and cutters and mill-workers are enrolled in the big army of unemployed, doing nothing productive and receiving a few shillings support to keep them from starvation. Surely, Sir, something should and can be done to speed matters up.—l am, etc., FLAX-HOLDER. Wellington, August 20.