INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11210, 6 March 1897, Page 2

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association of Canterbury was hold last evening; present—Messrs J. E. Triggs- (president), N. Jowett, H. B. Kirk, A. G. Howland, E. C. Bishop, W. Congreve, J. A. Prostick, E. Buchanan and El Allan. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. Waller, W. W. Tanner and • T. N. Horsley. Mr W. Devenish-Meares was elected a member of the Association. Tho revised rules were read over, and Mr'Prostick moved and Mr Bishop seconded the addition of the following new rule:—“For the purpose of assisting and advising the Association to deal with matters connected with the distribution aud consumption of goods made in this colony and other matters, the Association may establish a ladies’ or other section of the Association, who shall fix the ’ amount of the annual subscription and membership thereto. All rules made by any section to be consistent with the general rules of the Association unless otherwise provided for.” After some dis- * cussion this rule was agreed to, and the rules were passed with this addition, and with an alteration reducing the number to form a quorum at a general meeting from fifteen to ten. A second meeting of the committee followed, at which the rules were confirmed. A general meeting of the Association was then hold. The rules which had been confirmed by the committee were adopted, and a vote of thanks was passed to the Eevising Sub-committee. Mr E. Allan said there was a vast industry dormant in New ’ Zealand. He referred to, the growing of beet for sugar, and thought that there was no reason why the colony should not, produce its own sugar. He moved that the Government should he asked to forward to the Association all information in its possession with regard to the manufacture of sugar from beet. ■ . . —i- - . >-■ , Mr Kirk seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr W. W. Tanner and carried. The President introduced to the meeting Mr John Holmes, flax expert, who was ’ proceeding to Europe to try to open up a market for New Zealand flax, and who asked for practical assistance from this and similar Associations. Mr Holmes, who was received with ap- . plause, referred briefly to the history of the flax industry, the fluctuations and, drooping of the market, and the various Commissions which had been appointed to inquire into the state of the industry.. There had been a very great decline in the quantity and value of the flax exported from New Zealand, but the flax-millers ■ believed that there was a market, and within their reach. In 1890 the value of the flax was >8381,789, and in 1895 it had fallen to .£21,000. New Zealand hemp was specially suitable for use in binder twine, and in Canada alone over 20,000 tons of twine were used annually. He advocated a. compulsory grading system, which would ensure a uniform quality in the production. The revival of the flax industry would be of priceless benefit to the whole of the trades of the colony. The trade made use of a waste product, which was indigenous to the soil, and would give eriiployment to some thousands of hands. It had been decided to send a representative to see whether a portion of the trade of the world could not be secured for New Zealand hemp, and he had been chosen. The Government had offered £250 towards the expenses, on condition that .£250 could be raised outside. He had taken up the work and had met with a cordial reception in every town' which he had visited. •" : Mr E, Allan asked what the particular objects of Mr Holmes’s visit were. Mr Holmes said the flax-millers thought they might, by a personal exaiaination of the markets of the world, find out the style' of dressing, packing, size of hank, size of bale, &0., suitable for the different, markets. Messrs A. G. Howland and J. Maddren spoke on the subject, and Mr Holmes replied. Mr E. C, Bishop said he thought it came well within the objects of the Association to assist in such an undertaking. He moved —" In view of the great importance, the revival of the flax industry will have on the trade and commerce of the colony, this Association heartily approves the endeavours now being made to re-establish the trade, and will use its best efforts to assist so desirable an object, i This Association would also urge the Government to increase the grant already made so as to enable the scope of the proposed inquiry to be as comprehensive .as possible* and that the sum of .£lO he voted ,as a contribution from this Association. Messrs Allan and Howland supported the motion, which was carried • unanim Tho y bhairman moved, and Mr Frostick seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr Holmes for his inromation, and that gentleman replied. A second meeting followed, and the adoption of the rules was confirmed. The condition of the, scholarships which it had been decided to establish were referred to the committee. The meeting theo closed.