FLAX INDUSTRY IN JEOPARDY

Evening Star, Issue 25950, 15 November 1946, Page 10

FLAX INDUSTRY IN JEOPARDY

SERIOUS DECLINE IN PRODUCTION REHABILITATION PLAN URGED (P.A.) INVERCARGILL, No. 14.' Alarm at the serious decline in the production of flax in New Zealand was expressed in a statement issued by the Southland Flaxmillers’ Association, it is considered that unless practical steps are taken immediately the flax industry will disappear in the near future. Since 1919 there has been a serious decline in the quantities of flax exported. “ This season’s production of 4,000 tons, the product of 19 strippers,” says the statement. “ Ten years ago there were 42 strippers operating, and the average output of a stripper was 210 tons. This reduction of 23 strippers means the loss of 4,830 tons of fibre each year. It is obvioim that the present output of 4,000 tons is only half the requirement of the country, and the shortage will have to be made up by importing other hard fibres, which will qpst in New Zealand over twice as much a ton as the New Zealand miller receives for his hemp. The Research Department has declared that more flax can be grown an acre than any other fibrous plant. Flax fibre retains its qualities for years. All the plant necessary .is already installed in the country, and all New Zealand’s requirements of woolpacks, rope, twine, matting, and fibrous plaster can be made in the country. At present, however, there are but 800 men employed in the industry, and if it is developed to meet the requirements the employees would have to be increased to 1,500. “ The Southland Association therefore recommends:—(l) A rehabilitation plan of 10 years, this being the time needed in which to establish an area sufficient to carry one mill; 10 years would also allow the natural areas to thicken. (2) A commission consisting of millers, growers, merchants, and the Government should be set up to report on the industry from all. angles and to make recommendations for future security. ”