Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DEC. 19, 1893. A Commissioner for Flax.

Manawatu Herald, 19 December 1893, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DEC. 19, 1893. A Commissioner for Flax.

In our last issue we published a letter from our member, Mr J. G. Wilson, on the above subject. He expressed himself as being desirous of receiving suggestions from the Flax-millers and ourselves. We have no doubt but that the millers will have something to say, and what they think best is what we should concur in, they having more practical experience. However looking at the proposal in a general way we agree with the desirability of some person, having a knowledge of the flax trade, being commissioned by the Government to travel and acquire the information so much needed. Where he should go we may refer to later on. As to making such an appointment we do not think there could posdibly be any objection raised. We have had experts imported to show the dnirymen how to make butter ; ore hit relists, to show the young and old how to grow fruits ; and only lately, two veterinary-surgeons have been engaged to discover the ills the flesh of cattle and sheep have become heir to. And again has not Mr Ward been made a full-blown Minister for Trade and Commerce ? A large industry, like the flax trade, carried on principally by poor men, and employing much unskilled labour seems entitled to as much attention as any of the above we have mentioned. The Government c-oulrt fairly therefore go to this, proportionally, small expense. As to where the Commissioners should be sent is quite another question and one better determined by the millers, but we want to know more about the buying markets than the producing ones. As to sisal we unfortunately know that it is produced under a Government capable of appreciating the import ance of the industry, they having determined upon a great liberality which is bound to keep the competition with our dressed material keen for some years, as every ton exported brings the exporter £4 as a bonus over the value he receives for the fibre. Our millers have not opened their mouths to such an extent, the requests made have been particularly reasonable, and have been refused. We should say that the Commissioner should be a miller and a business man, and that his inquiries should be made in the American markets first, where he would learn the quantities used, and from whence obtained, and also the sums paid per ton. If necessary he could proceed afterwards to the producing centres and learn all paiv ticulars as to output, cost of growing and dressing, and the difference between sales and cost. Whatever direction the Commissioner might go first, is but a small matter, as it is the appointment which is needed. We feel certain that if the Government would only devote a tithe of the interest they give to the other colonial industries, to tha flax industry, very muoh good would result, and a very large numbers of colonists would be directly benefit ted, whilst all would be, indirectly. We sincerely trust the Government will rise superior to party feeling in this matter, and do this which is asked by an Opposition Member, remembering that the majority | employed by the millers have been ■ too much of enthusiasts in support ing the present Government. We hardly need to dwell upon (his ai

we feel sure eVietty Member of the G-oVerblftettt; appreciates Mr Wilson's most courteous treatment of them, and a request made by him will always secure tho Government's careful and considerate attention.