FLAXMILLERS ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 253, 20 September 1930, Page 2

FLAXMILLERS ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. (From Our Own Correspondent). FOXTON, Sept. 19. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Floxmiller’s Association was held /here yesterday, Mr H. A. Seifert presiding. Also present were Messrs A. L. and H. Seifert, E. Sutton, C. and W. Speirs, A. Frhser, D. R. Ogilvy, G. Rough, J. S. Moir and the secretary (Mr G. V. Fraser). An apology for absence was received from Mr Greig. The reports and balance-sheet (previously published in the “Standard”) were read. Mr C. Speirs referred to the average prices for flax products quoted in the annual report which, he said, were somewhat misleading. High fair had been quoted as having, averaged £27 10s per ton and low fair £25 per ton. In his opinion the actual figures were much below those quoted. The president said the figures embodied in the report had been supplied by the merchants and were for the year ending March 31, 1930. The association’s report ■was for the year ending June 30th, 1930, and during the three months which elapsed betwen March 31 and June 30 a big drop was experienced. Mr Ogilvy quote'd the figures for each month during the year, which showed that the average was far below that quoted. Mr A. Seifert said that averaging the prices right throughout the year the figures showed flax products down to prewar prices. The average would be about £l7 per ton. The president said it was rather astonishing to find the output up a little in the circumstances. The reports and balance-sheet were adopted without further discussion. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr Ogilvy; vice-presid-ent, Mr Moir; treasurer, Mr Fraser; committee, Messrs Rough, A. .Seifert, C. Speirs, 11. Seifert, Sutton, W. F. Wilson, H. Berry, W. Speirs and H. A. Seifert; auditor, Mr E. B. Jennings; representatives on the Scientific Research Committee, Messrs A. and 11. A. Seifert and B. B. Wood. Mr A. A. Brown, of Waikanae, wrote tendering his resignation from the association as he had gone out of the industry. Mr A. Seifert referred to 30 years’ association with Mr Brown on hemp matters. He very much regretted that Mr Brown had given up milling. BONUS FOR IMPROVEMENTS.

Mr H. A. Seifert referred to the bonus offered by the Government for any improvements to flax-dressing machinery and said that the conditions laid down in that connection appeared to be hopeless. A German manufacturing company had been interested ,in the matter, until the conditions had become known to them. Mr Seifert also commented that the association had not been consulted on the matter when the conditions were being drawn up. Further discussion ensued, but it was finally decidod that the association express its disappointment at the terms on which the bonus is payable and tho association therefore asks the department to meet the committee set up by the association and other interested parties to discuss the matter with them. The matter of arranging details in the event of the request being acceded to was left in the hands of the president. HEMP CONTROL BOARD.

The Northern Millers’ Association wrote suggesting that a Hemp Control Board be set up in connection with the industry. The matter was well discussed, but the association decided to take no action and the letter was “received.” INSURANCE PREMIUMS. A letter was received from the Employers - Federation in reference to the proposed Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill which contains a clause for increasing insurance premiums by 50 per cent. The chairman said the flax industry could not stand such an increase. The matter of formulating a protest was left A the hands of the president and secretary. PROTECTIVE DUTY. : The Northern Flexmillers’ Association sought the co-operation of the association in a protest to the Government against the importation of competitive fibres into New Zealand and in a request for a protective duty on the same. The northern body pointed out that sisal and manilla wore serious competitors to the New Zealand products and it would be very beneficial to the New Zealand articles if the duty on the foreign products were increased. The chairman pointed out that although Java had sent a considerable amount- of fibre into New Zealand it had also imported more from the Dominion in the way of dairy produce, etc. The. trade wasreciprocal and really to the benefit of New Zealand. Tho letter was received. ' SUBSIDISING THE INDUSTRY.

The chairman detailed steps taken t>y committee recently set up to approach the Government for a subsidy in connection with the industry. Together with Mr Greig and Mr B. B. Wood he said he had prepared the necessary evidence and waited on the various departments and Ministers relative to the matter. The deputation had received a sympathetic hearing, but he did not think much headway could be made until the committee set up by Parliament to go into the matter was able to meet. That would not be until the end of the session and even then not until after that committee hod deliberated on the matter. In his opinion it would bo at least two months before they could hope for any action. Those before whom the deputation had placed their views had expressed the opinion that their request was reasonable and fair, but the Government had refused to allow the Department of Industries and Commerce to act in the matter pending the sitting of the committee. A general discussion ensued, after which the thanks of the association was accorded the committee for its activities. GENERAL. Accounts amounting to £2l Is 5d were passed for payment. TRIBUTE TO MASSEY COLLEGE. A fine tribute was paid to the work of Dr. J. S. Yeates and Mr Meadows in connection with flax research by Mr A. Seifert, who said that he had possibly been in closer touch with the research work carried out at Massey College than any other member of the association and he considered that in Dr. Yeates and Mr Meadows the Research Committee - had two men who were talented, energetic and conscientious in their work. Mr C. Spiers referred to a process at present being experimented with by Mr Stevens, of Shannon, whereby ho claimed to be able to extract the gum from the leaf which was detrimental to the successful dyeing of the New Zealand article.