DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8825, 17 March 1909, Page 4

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER.

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Yesterday Mr D. Buick, M.P., met the Premier as he passed through Palmerston to Mr J. Stevens' banquet at Marton, and introduced Messrs Cohen and Broad, who, on behalf of the Flaxmillers' Association, desired to meet the Premier, the Hons A. W. Hogg and T. Mackenzie, Ministers for Labour and Industries and Commerce respectively, at an early day in regard to important and vital issues affecting the flax industry which, as everyone knows, is approaching a crisis in its existence. The Premier, after hearing the desires of the deputation, pointed out that at present he and his colleagues were particularly busy, but that ho would see what arrangements could be made in acouple of weeks' time. ! The deputation that it is hoped will, eventually, be able to see the Premier and Ministers stated, will comprise members of the Wellington and Palmerston Chambers of Commerce, members of Parliament whose districts export flax, and members of the New Zealand Flaxmillers' Association. Mr Field, M.P., has already been in communication with the authorities for the,past '.hree weeks on the subject without being able to arrive at any definite understanding on the subject. The subjects it is desired to ventilate include, inter alia, the revision of the existing award, royalties, taxation of flax lands, subsidising improvements to flax machinery, and the desire that the Government should endeavour to find some use for the by-products.

The Premier promised to give two days' notice when the deputation could be heard

THE WATERWORKS LOAN. Yesterday, as Sir Joseph Ward was passing through Palmerston, the Mavor waited upon him in reference to tho waterworks loan of £10,000, with which it is proposed to replace the present 7in mains with n 15-inch. His Worship asked if the Government would grant the loan, and failing that would : they, in thoternis of the Aci\ guarantee it if floated elsewhere. Sir Joseph promised to give the matter every consideration and forward a reply as scon as possible.