FLAX ASSOCIATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3863, 12 June 1873, Page 3

FLAX ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the sub-committee was held at the Association’s rooms yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs Hassal (chairman), Jenkins, Sheath, Jameson, Bird (hon. sec.), and BeBburbel.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The secretary reported that in accordance with the instructions of last meeting, he had written to the Colonial and Provincial Governments respecting grants in aid of the proposed competitive exhibition of flax-dressing machinery. He had not yet received a reply from either, but he observed that a sum of £l5O for the exhibition object had been placed upon the Provincial Council estimates. He stated that he had no special business to bring forward except the subject of continuing the society. It had now been in existence three years, and it was a question whether it should be continued any longer or not. The Chairman said he apprehended it was not so much a question as to whether the Association should be continued as that more meetings should be held with a view to increasing the interest in its work. (Hear, hear.) Certainly the Association could not well cease to exist while the matter of the exhibition of flax machinery remained on hand. Mr Bird pointed out that there had been twelve meetings of the committee during the year, therefore interest could not be said to have been wanting in this respect. Mr Be Bourbel said the future continuance of the Association could only be considered at a general meeting of members. He would like to know from the secretary what was the financial position of the Association. Mr Bird said there was about £lO to the credit of the Association, but several accounts remained outstanding which would amount to more than this sum.

In reply to the Chairman, Mr Bird said the annual general meeting of the Association should be held next month. Mr De Bourbel considered that all claims should be got in and a report prepared for the annual general meeting of members. He was of opinion that the Association should not be allowed to lapse, more especially now that a weaving company, which they might very materially assist, was in existence. Mr Jameson said he certainly considered the Association should be continued. After a short conversation, Mr De Bourbel moved —“ That the Secretary be requested to take steps to collect all outstanding subscriptions ; that a balance sheet be made out, a report prepared, and a general meeting called before the end of the month.” Mr Jameson seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr De Bourbel stated the substance of a private conversation he had had with the Hon E. Richardson on the question of the exhibition of flax-dressing machinery, and strongly recommended that the committee should invite Mr Richardson to a conference on the subject. . Mr Jameson thought this was a most desirable course to adopt, and moved “ That a sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs Deßourbel, and Jenkins, be appointed to wait upon the Hon. E, Richardson to explain the position of the matter of the competitive exhibition of flax machinery, and to solicit the assistance of the General Government to the extent of £SOO towards the expenses of the exhibition.” The motion was seconded and unanimously agreed to. Mr Bird said he desired that the committee would relieve him of his duties as secretary of the association. He had been secretary for upwards of three years, and as the committee were aware, his duties had beep of an exceedingly onerous and responsible nature. Yet he thought he had been taken rather severely to task at last meeting for not calling the committee together oftener. Mr Jameson said he did not think there was any dissatisfaction on the part of the committee, and he should be very sorry indeed for them to lose the services of Mr Bird as secretary. Mr Sheath expressed similar opinions. Mr Deßourbel said the association and the Sublio generally were very much indebted ineed to Mr Bird for his services which had been very onerous and well-performed, therefore he would be sorry to see that gentleman resign. The Chairman said personally he had felt very much indebted to Mr Bird for the manner in which he had supported him in association matters. He had been most indefati?able in the discharge of his duties, and if his the chairman’s) influence would have any effect upon Mr Bird, he hoped that he would withdraw his resignation. Mr Jenkins expressed a similar hope, stating as his opinion that if Mr Bird were to resign, much of the labours of the association during the past two years would be lost. After some further conversation, Mr Bird said that he would defer to the wishes of the committee, and withdraw his resignation. Mr De Bourbel asked Mr Jenkins whether the association could assist the new Weaving Company in any way.

MeJenkins said byremaining in existence the association could certainly do so. Mr Deßourbel said that his reason for ashing this was, that if the company were oped to suggestion from the association, he purposed to bring certain matters forward. He pointed out that the question of obtaining tow should be taken in hand by the company at once. The province during the past twelve months imported no less than 700 tons of cornsacks alone, and as he did not think more than 360 tons of tow could be obtained annually from the whole of the mills in New Zealand, it was an important matter to consider how to supplement this supply. Mr Jameson said the question of supply had already been before the directors, and they were now ready to purchase any quantity of tow. Ho also believed it probable that the company would make some of their own tow, and it was not improbable that, at the next exhibition of the Agricultural Society, a prize would be offered for a machine for this purpose. Personally, he thought the company ought to do something of the kind. He might say the company had sent home for fifteen looms with all the appliances and a sufficiency of men to work them. The association would certainly be of assistance to the company, and he might state that a resolution had already been passed by the directors, asking for the co-operation of the association in flax matters, and doubtless it would come to hand in due course. After some further conversation of a general character, the meeting adjourned.