THE FLAX INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 7

THE FLAX INDUSTRY

BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SEASON.

Cutting in the Manawatu-Foxton flax ' swamps is now drawing to its close for the season. The outlet for the fibre has been fairly steady throughout the season, although returns to millers have riot been much more than barely remunerative over the whole period. The great extensive Makerua and Moutoa swamps are noticed to be much improved in respect to the yellow leaf disease, the flax being reported by those knowing the swamps to be looking very healthy, and areas that were worse affected with disease are now picking up. But this time of the year is not the best for obtaining a trustworthy opinion of the condition, as with plenty of rain the flax plants are naturally looking at their best. The new method of cutting flax, experimentally adopted at the Seifert Miranui sections of swamp is believed to be having good results. This is a method of cutting round the plant, and cutting higher than usual above the butt, taking.off the mature leaves, and so helping forward the younger growth. This is a slower method of flax-cutting, and consequently more costly, but compensation is looked for in better crops m the future. It is quite likely that other millers will adopt the Seifert method, now that it is, so far, successful. The cost of cutting flax by the new method is practically double that of the old. ■ So far as the export trade is concerned, British manufacturers have not shown very much interest in the New Zealand hemp market, the quantities that this source of supply had to offer being so small in comparison with suitable fibres from other sources. America and Australia have lent their usual support. Gradings for export for the twelve months ended 30th April last and 30th April, 1922, were as follow:— Bales. Bales. 1923. . 1922. Hemp 58,163 58,594 Tow 15,382 _ 12,857 73,545 71,451 The High Commissioner, cabling sth May, reports the London market as follows :— "Manila market quiet, but'firmer early this week. 'J' grade May-July shipments sold up to £34, easing later to J333 ss. 'G' grade May-July ' shipments quoted at £35 10s. New Zealand hemp, | without interest, and quotations nominal. Highpoiuts, spot, £32 10s, March-Miiy shipment*, £32 Ss. Fail- grade n'lot, £30 15s, March-May shipments £30 10s."