FLAX.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1118, 14 January 1870, Page 2

FLAX.

Now that New Zealand flax has, as it were, been forced upon the notice of English manufacturers, who have hitherto had a trade prejudice against it, aud high prices have been obtained in the London market for a considerable shipment from Auckland, it is quite likely that, there will be an increased attention given to the production of the article in this colony. It should be remembered, however, that the large de- 1 raand, and rise in value, of which we heard by last mail, were the result of a temporary scarcity of Manilla hemp ; and it would be unwise, therefore, to look for au increase, or continuance of prices quoted in last commercial returns, j But, making ample allowance for this, or even supposing the price to fall cousiderably, there is still a large margin for profit, — quite large enough greatly to stimulate production by the colonists. The danger is, that many may rush into the business without experience, and produce rubbish, the exportation of which would damage the repu- i tation of the article in the home market, and generally affect the flax interest prejudicially. One bad shipment in the early stage of a new trade, does more harm than could be counteracted by a dozen good consignments, especially if the new commodity has to struggle against other interests, and prejudices of manufacturers. Great care must be taken that no inferior stuff is sent home. The industry has a considerable obstacle in the way of its progress, from the supposed danger of carrying flax in large quantities ; and shipowners and underwriters are both fighting shy of, the article as freight. We believe there is no more danger with flax than with wool,, if, indeed, so much, if the flax is carefully and thoroughly dried before it is shipped. For many years flax has been sent home from Auckland, and we do not remember hearing of au accir dent or fire on. account of its being on board a vessel. Care ou the part of the producers in getting up the flax, aud care, also, on the part of the shippers, and receiving officer of the ships, iv seeing that it is perfectly dry before it is takeu on board, is all that is uecessary to create a large and profitable trade. , We have called the attention of our readers again to the subject, in the hope that some steps may be taken for the formation of a Company ; aud with this suggestion, we leave the matter to some of our energetic settlers, who will doubtless give the proposal their best consideration.