FLAXMILLING

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 32, 6 August 1936, Page 7

FLAXMILLING

STRUGGLING INDUSTRY

SHORT WEEK OPPOSED

The unprofitable condition of ■ the flaxmilling industry was given as the principal reason for an application by mill owners to the Arbitration Court yesterday for an extension of hours to 44 per week. The only flaxmill workers' union in New Zealand—the' Wellington union—-applied for an amendment of the award in force to provide for a 40-hour week.

The millers were represented by "Mr. T. O. Bishop, secretary of the New Zealand Employers' Federation, and Messrs. F. D. Cornwell (Wellington) and P. T..Robinson (Palrnerston North) appeared for. the workers.

Mr. Bishop said that, the industry, which was the oldest in New Zealand, had- suffered during recent years because of the low prices ruling both in New Zealand and overseas. The establishment of the Fpxton factory for the manufacture of woolpacks ' and sacks had opened another market for flax fibre, but the total requirements of New Zealand for binder-twine, cordage, and packs and sacks was not capable of maintaining the industry. The state of; the industry had forced the mill owner sto apply to the Court in 1930 for a reduction .of wages and piece rates by one-third,/and this reduction had been ■ granted. At that time wages had been 15s a day, and had been reduced to 10s as from January 1, 1931. That rate was still ruling, as it was fixed before March 31, 1931; but actually 12s a day was paid. Even with this reduction in wages the industry had been able to continue only with^ the aid .of a Government subsidy, and.the only reason why the mills continued to operate was that they could meet .outgoings, and were preventing deterioration of machinery and flax-producing land. Of the 21 parties to the Wellington award only nine : remained in. business.

During the' period of the depression, said Mr.-Bishop, much research work had been done, and valuable information gained. A superior kind of flax had been discovered "< and cultivated, and if the industry was "able .'to continue the source :of supply in the future would be [.cultivated flax. . A higher quality of fibres would be obtained, and the prospects of successful competition against Manila hemp and sisal fibre would be enhanced.

The application for an extension of hours.to 44 per week was based on the grounds that the processes connected with the milling of flax required the attendance of workers for more than 40 hours per week-—work was necessary, on six days—and on the fact'that the companies ■ were not carrying on their industry successfully or profitably. It would therefore be quite impracticable ior them to carry on efficiently if a reduction of ' working hours was imposed.

Evidence regarding the state of the industry was 'given by Messrs. B. B. Wood, H. T. Greedy, and E. W. Sutton.

Mr. Cornwell called Mr.-'Robinson to give evidence regarding the workers' conditions.

Decision was reserved.