THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1978, 21 November 1921, Page 5

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

EFFECTS OF YELLOW-11EAF DISEASE. SEVERAL MILLS CLOSE DOWN. It is not so long ago that ManawatU could boast the possession of a flourishing flax-industry; to-day it is regretting the grave possibility of losing It altogether. Much against their desire, several of the millers are being forced to convert the 'flax areas into pastoral lands. The yellow-leaf disease is the principal cause in “stumping" the flax industry. This disease had established a firm hold and, at present, does not show signs of improvement. Consequently, the output of the mills has diminished to an alarming extent, and the millers do not feel inclined to persevere with an industry that is showing big losses when they can turn these areas to more lucrative use. , In conversation with Mr Alfred Seifert, a "Times” reporter was informed that, with but one exception, all the mills in the Tokoma**" l . and Linton districts had closed down, because of the destruction of the flax by the yellowleaf disease. Mr Seifert said that part of the plant of Messrs A. and L. Seifert, Ltd., owners -of the Miranul and Woka mills, would also have to be closed down shortly. The trouble was that no one could say how much further the disease was likely to progress.' Luckily for the Foxton district millers,, the disease was not troubling their areas at all, and the mills were operating as usual. HEAVY LOSSES. Questioned as to the tone of the hemp market, Mr Seifert replied it was very poor, and prices had further declined lately. To-day the millers were, receiving £27 per ton for high-grade quality hemp. In pre-war days this was considered a very good price. The cost of milling, freights and other charges had increased so much that the above-mentioned figure was now below' the cost of production. CHANGE TO DAIRYING? Of the 10,000 acres of flax swamp in the Makerua. only 3000 acres were now carrying good flax. The loss to the millers was tremendous. Besides, the loss of hemp, they would have to consider the scrapping of much good machinery. But, could the owners allow the land to remain idle and unproductive? It seemed to Mr Seifert the change to dairying and grazing pursuits would have to be made. Incidentally, there would, at first, beva loss entailed in a change—the land would be entirely unproductive of revenue between the time of ceasing flax operations until the land was grassed and made At for dairying purposes. How r ever, this was only to be expiated. Some of the land had already been, grassed. SAVE THE INDUSTRY. Mr Seifert was asked if anythin* had come of the deputation which waited on the Hon. Nosworthy at the last Winter Show In connection with the combating of the yellow-leaf disease. The proposal of the millers was that the Government should col< lect 1/6 per ton on hemp exported, the money to be expended in establishing experimental stations. Mr Seifert said that the Agricultural Department had an officer employed on a scheme, but so far nothing definite had been arrived at. This was a pity, as valuable time had been lost. Many people, he said, held the opinion that the only tray to revive the Industry would be to select disease-resistant plants, and re-plant them on suitable areas. This would, possibly, mean that the industry would be more profitable, said Mr Seifert, because it would take a few years before such a scheme as that suggested could bear fruit. It was to be regretted that the Government had, so far, taken no action. The flax industry had been a great asset to this country, and it was worth spending a few pounds on to try to bring it back.