THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 247, 17 September 1932, Page 6

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Although, of late, little has been heard of the steps taken by the Government to promote investigations into flax culture, the work is steadily going on, and with the application of science in its very latest methods there is hope that this highly important industry will regain in large measure the place it once had as a contributor to the Dominion’s export trade. The condition of the New Zealand hemp industry has been receiving the attention for some time of the Imperial Economic Committee, which recommended, among other things, that the Dominion should consider the appointment of an engineer to deal with the machinery used in the industry. It considered that the possibility of further mechanising the industry should be explored, and a station established to conduct cultural experiments and demonstrate the results to mill owners. The latter phase of the recommendation has been given attention, and for a time at Alassey College important tests were carried out. As to the mechanising side, however, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research points out that there are many difficulties to be overcome. The desire is that flax shall be handled as an ordinary crop, as far as reaping and treatment for extraction of the fibre is concerned, and the chief _ difficulty lies in the fact that it is extremely hard to grow plants of even quality. Unquestionably, the present methods of handling the flax are too costly. In a time of depressed markets it is essential that every avenue be explored towards a reduction in production costs, especially so when it is realised that in some other countries exporting fibre there is cheaper labour. There is no doubt about the suitability of New Zealand fibre; its qualities have been well tested. The goal now is reduced costs and any step the Government may take to this end should find support. It is already, through the Lneinployinent Board, giving a subsidy on exports of flax, a factor the benefit of which is seen in the re-opening of some of the mills, particularly in the Manawatu. This has resulted in increased production, a total of 1669 bales of hemp being graded for export last month, an increase of 962 bales on the amount for the corresponding period last year. This increase is largely due to the operations of the Alanawatu mills. AYhen it is realised that, at the peak, in 1926-27, there were just on 70,000 acres under flax, and that in the palmy days of the industry the exports were valued at no less than £1,400,000 in one year, it will be understood how important is the production of hemp and tow to New Zealand. and how desirable it is that it be assisted to regain its former place.