THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11210, 6 March 1897, Page 4

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

The Industrial Association displayed, at its meeting last night, a very proper appreciation of the attempt that is being made to revive the flax trade by voting a substantial sum towards the fund that is being raised to defray the expenses of .a travelling expert. It is by practical testimony of this kind that the business men of the community can show their sympathy with the movement. We all entertain a vague sort of wish that a once prosperous industry may he restored to its former position, and that employment may he found for the idle hands in the colony, hut unless we are prepared to do something towards • the achievement of these ends, we cannot reasonably expect to see them, realised. There is a gopd deal in the Industrial Association’s suggestion that the Government might enlarge its contribution to the fund ; but it must be remembered that the surest way to satisfy Mr Seddon of Ihe - propriety of such a course is to prove to him that- the people who will be benefited by the revival of the

Ifcrade are prepared to tear a share of the cost. Mr John Holmes has shown that there are very good grounds for believing that the time is opportune for directing the attention of English iand American manufacturers to the value of New Zealand flax, and that the opening of a remunerative market would he of the greatest advantage to the colony. He has managed by persistent effort to interest a number of city gentlemen in his mission, and, if he* should meet with similar success in the country districts, Canterbury will have no reason to be ashamed of her contribution to the enterprise. It may be worth reminding the public that the expert will not cdmfine his efforts to the discovery of new markets and the revival of old ones. He will also bring under the notice of engineers and others the handsome bonus offered by the Government for the production of an effective machine for preparing the fibre for export. If he should be fortunate enough to stimulate the inventive faculty of our American friends to a successful effort in this direction he would render an incalculable service to the colony.