FLAX RESEARCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 238, 5 September 1928, Page 8

FLAX RESEARCH

AN IMPORTANT MOVE.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE.

With the establishment of the Flax Research Committee by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, a movement of great importance to the industry has been made. The formation ot the committee was the result of negotiations between department and the New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association. The first meeting of the committee was held in Palmerston North yesterday, the following being present : Professor Easterfield, Dr. Maclaurin and Mr Hugh Vickerman (representing the department), Professor Peren (representing Massey Agricultural College), Dr. i’eates (Massey College), Mr Aitken, M. Sc. (flax research officer), Mr A. H. Cockayne (Department of Agriculture), Mr E. T. Frost (Northern Flaxmillers’ Association), Messrs H. Greig, Alfred and 11. A. Seifert (New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association). Mr Alfred Seifert was appointed chairman of the committee, and Mr Callaghan (acting-secretary of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department) was appointed secretary. It was decided that the botanical work in connection with flax research should be carried out under Dr. Yeates at the Massey Agricultural College, and the chemical research work is to continue under Mr P. Aitken. The question of speeial studies in flnx planting was considered and a subcommittee was set up to formulato a policy. With a levy of 2d per bale on hemp and Id per bale on tow, a of £7OO per annum is anticipated. This, with a £1 for £1 subsidy from the department, will provide £I4OO annually for research work.