FLAX INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 79, 30 September 1930, Page 7

FLAX INDUSTRY

BIG POSSIBILITIES

CONFERENCE URGED

The second interim report of the Unemployment Committee of the House of Representatives, presented yesterday afternoon, devotes special attention to the flax industry, and the suggestion is made that a conference should be called by the Government for the purpose of considering ways and moans'of improving both the quantity and quality of the fibre produced. The opinion is expressed that the industry can be so restored as to almost permanently employ 1500 men. The report states that since the presentation of the last interim report the Committee has held four meetings, and has inquired into the ques_tion of promoting or assisting certain secondary industries from tho poiiifc of. view of assisting immediately in the relief of unemployment. "The Committee," states the report, "is of opinion that, both from the point of view of unemployment and from the national standpoint, the flax industry should receive the immediate consideration of the Government. The Committee has received valuable information in relation to this industry, and has passed the following resolution: —'That tho Committee recommend the Government to compel an improvement in the quality of flax grown and manufactured in New Zealand, and to encourage an increase in tho quantity produced, as it is apparent that there 'is a world market for good quality fibre. The Committee is of the opinion that the Government should consider the advisability of granting a subsidy on the production, of best quality fibre for a limited period, as a means of securing the end in view. The Committee' recommends that a conference of Governiment representatives, mill owners, flax land owners, and employees in the industry be called by tho Government for tho purpose of considering the whole •position in regard to the flax industry <with special regard to (a) reduction in costs by increased efficiency; ■(b) the vital necessity for improvement in quality and grade of the fibre produced; and. (c) the establishment of a State flax mill for training purposes, or, alternatively, the appointment of additional instructors for the purpose of educating those engaged in the industry in the best methods to be employed.' ■■"■. ■ "In the opinion of the Committee it is quite probable that this industry can •be so restored as to almost permanently jemploy 1500 men. .. : USING NEW ZEALAND GOODS. ' "The Committee has also inquired ■into the extent to which New Zealand -, products have-been and can bemused by State Departments in preference to 'goods-of foreign manufacture] and has ■passed the following resolution:—That 'in view of the fact that the. Stores ;Control Board is the largest purchaser in New Zealand, the Committee recom"luend that Ministers in charge of all Departments instruct their respective Departments when supplying specifica* tions." of,; goods required to. stipulate /that the articles shall "be New Zealandinade ; conditionally on their being of /sufficiently good quality and reasonable .price. ■ The term "reasonable priced : 'should :be interpreted as' a fair and'reasonable .; price,.' having regard to the ■cost of'production in New Zealand by : -established and efficiently administered Jocal industries.' ~-. ■ -.

■-.-.. "Further information and reports on "coal carbonisation- have; been .received v,and information is being sought on the possibilities of the shale oil industry. . "From the point of view of relieving the Committee is also .calling expert evidence/on the question ■."of financial assistance to farmers."