FLAX INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 128, 1 May 1941, Page 7

FLAX INDUSTRY

MINISTER AT FOXTON. BIG EXPANSION PLAN. Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce, paid a visit to Foxton, to-day, and dealt with a number of matters relating to the flax industry. The Minister was accompanied by Mr L. G. Lowrv, M.P. for the district and member of the War Council, and members of the Flax Committee. After inspecting the extensions to the buildings of the woolpack factory, which increased the floor space from 40,000 square feet to 93.000 square feet and the new machinery which is being installed, the Minister opened the new welfare block at the factory.

Among those present were Mr Lowry, Mr M. E. Perreau (Mayor of Foxton) and Airs Perreau, Airs W. Trueman, Dr Platts-Alills, senr.. and Dr PlattsAfills, junr.. Alossrs F. AV. Vickerman (managing-director), F. Johnson (director), J. Fawcett (chairman of the Flax Committee) and Mr D. R. Ogilvie.

In opening t*ie buildings, the Alinister introduced Aliss Hitchcock, who has been appointed welfare officer. Aliss Hitchcock has had a long and exceedingly valuable experience in Karitane nursing and welfare work, and the Minister expressed pleasure at tlie fact that her services bad been secured. The welfare block is an innovation of which-any industrial concern might well be proud, said the Atinister. The health and welfare of the employees should be the paramount consideration of employers. because without health output and production must fall. Air Sullivan said that the growing and processing of (lax would become one of New Zealand’s major industries within the next few years. “This year we will make 400.000 woolpaeks at Foxton. and next year, with the addition of the new machinery, SOO.000.” said Air Sullivan. Later in the day the Atinisier visited the stripper mill, where new machinery is being installed, and be also inspected the Aloutoa Swamp, which is being developed for flax growing.” .