FLAX INDUSTRY PROPOSED FOR RUNANGA

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1950, Page 4

FLAX INDUSTRY PROPOSED FOR RUNANGA

Subject to the approval of the Bureau of Industry, which possibly involves the revocation of certain flax-cutting licences on the West Coast, Runanga is to have a new industry. Mr A. J. Watson, of Karamea, proposes to establish a modern flax mill at Runanga, drawing principally upon large quantities of flax between Greymouth and the Eight Mile, on the coastal road to Westport. In a telephone interview with the Evening Star this morning, Mr Watson said that he was ready to go ahead with his plans for the establishment of the flax mill at Runanga as soon as his application to the Bureau of Industry for a licence was granted. He considered that there were very big supplies of flax to be drawn- on in the area between the Grey River and the Eight Mile and also between Greymouth and Hokitika. Selection Of Site

In addition, he had selected Runanga as the site for the mill as it was on the railway system and the mill could draw supplies of flax from cutters operating independently in various parts of the district. There is a complication, however, according to Mr Watson. Licences for the cutting of flax between the Grey River and Eight mile and between the Grey River and Hokitika, were granted to z two men a considerable time ago, but Mr Watson claims that they have not operated their licences. Mr Watson is an experienced flaxmiller, having operated.; - a mill at Karamea up to about 12 months ago, when he sold out to other interests. He has since sought another proposition in the same industry and has finally selected Runanga as the site. Annual Production The mill which he has planned for Runanga would have a capacity of 200 tons of fibre a year, in the initial stages, but Mr Watson points out that it would be capable of considerable expansion, as he would be a buyer of raw flax from “all comers',” provided the difficulties of existing licences can be overcome. He estimates that he will require a staff of eight to produce 200 tons of fibre a year. The present price of flax fibre is £4O a ton and there is a strong demand, Mr Watson states. The Bureau of Industry has invited all persons considering themselves materially affected by Mr Watson’s application to submit their representations by June 1 next, so that an early decision on the Runanga proposal can be expected.