FLAX INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15717, 18 September 1914, Page 7

FLAX INDUSTRY.

WAR CAUSES DEPRESSION.

MILLS CLOSING DOWN

PRICES NOT PROFITABLE

Although the flax season has opened with returns showing but a slight decrease in production as compared with the same period of last year, there is reason to anticipate a considerable depression from now onwards, on account of the war. Taking the period September 1 to 15 of this year, the hemp to hand from the Auckland district mills totals about 170 tons, as compared with about 210 tons for the same fortnight of September, 1913, a decrease of some 40 tons.

Inquiries amongst local flax merchants yesterday resulted in statements being made to the effect that the comparatively small shortage referred to does not indicate normal conditions, hut is due to the fact that several mills have "scutched up," preparatory to closing. One merchant asserted that not more than eight mills in the Auckland district were working at present, those that were being mills working under contracts, or under specially favourable conditions. In the majority of cases it would not now be profitable to work the mills.

In the first place, it was pointed out, the nominal prices were only £19 per ton for good fair hemp, and £17 per ton for fair quality. These prices were not profitable. Furthermore, it was stated, it was almost impossible to obtain freight space until the middle of October at the earliest. Unlike some other commodities, flax could not be bought for storage. Fire risks were heavy, in addition to widen interest and storage rates would have to be paid. Merchants therefore were not likely to buy flax unless they could sell it -*n<l ship it. In any case the stores in Auckland would shortly be required for the wool crop.

Conditions in Wellington were stated by one merchant to be virtually the same as in Auckland. There the present prices were not profitable. Practically the only mills working were in the Manawatu, most of the mills elsewhere having closed down.

The fact that New Zealand flax is largely used for binding-twine, rather than for cordage, was emphasised by another merchant. This, he said, gave rif-e to the position that should there be larger sowings of wheat and oats in consequence of the war there would be a bigger demand for New Zealand hemp, and the market would revive. On the other hand, if less wheat were planted in Europe matters would become worse still. Should the output of flax in German East Africa be interfered with by the war, there was a chance for a better demand for the Dominion flax, as the former was one of its most serious rivals, being also more suitable for twine than for cordage. The main buyers of New Zealand hemp are Great Britain, Australia, and America' that going to France and Germany being mainly token through London. Mannheim, in Germany, was a fairly large consumer of New Zealand flax, and that trade now, of course, ceases. Generally speaking, the opinion is held that the industry will necessarily experience a slackness until the conditions caused by the wax have improved. APPEAL FOR FUNDS. DISTRESS IN BELGIUM. ASSISTANCE FOR BRITISH POOR. The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Dr. A. W. Averill, has made the following reference to an appeal for funds which "will be made in the churches early next ! month —

" I have asked that on Sunday, October 4, all the Anglican clergy in the diocese of Auckland to give their congregations an opportunity of contributing to the fund for assisting the deserving and suffering poor of Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium. I am quite sure that there will be a. noble and generous response to the appeal, in spite of, the fact that the Patriotic Fund has been generously supported. No words can express our admiration for the splendid and" gallant defence of their historic and beautiful country by the Belgians—and certainly no words can express our abhorrence at the infamous way in which non-combatant men and women have been treated by the merciless invaders of neutral territory and the wanton destruction of some of the most historic and interesting buildings and towns in the world.

" Had not the Belgians made such a splendid stand against overwhelming numbers and 60 delayed the rapid advance of the German Army upon Paris, the story of the war might have been very different from what it is. thank God, to-day. But, alas! Much of that beautiful country is devastated and in ruins, and the cry of many widows and orphans ascends up to Heaven. Our money can. help but little, but it will surely be conferring a favour upon us if we are allowed to show our sympathy with the brave, suffering Belgian people in some practical way. " And what about our own kith and kin in Great Britain and Ireland? We are proud of our soldiers, we are more than thankful to have such overwhelming evidence of the fact that the defenders of the Empire to-day are worthy to be the successors of the men who made the Empire. But the war will mean many a vacant place in the poorer, as well as the richer, homes in the Old Land, and the coming winter and the dislocation of trade will add considerably to the hard lot of the sufferers.

" Remember that those brave soldiers are fighting for us in New Zealand as well as for the British Isles, for the Empire is one. Remember that those dead soldiers of the King have given their lives to secure our safety and happiness in this far-flung outpost of the Empire. Remember that those poor bereaved widows and mothers have given infinitely more than we have for the sake of the Empire. Shall we forget them ? It is an honour, surely, to be allowed to do something to relievo the suffering poor of Great Britain and Ireland.

" Since making the arrangements for receiving contributions on October 4 for the purposes above mentioned, we have felt something of the meaning of death and bereavement nearer home in the sad and disastrous colliery accident at Huntly. It is another and a clear call for our practical sympathy and help. 1 therefore suggest that one-quarter of the contributions given in our churches on October 4 should bo devoted to the fund for helping the Huntly widows and orphans. '"Bear ye one another's burdens.' "

CIPHERS IN CABLES.

CENSOR'S RESTRICTIONS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Thursday. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Hon. J. Dutme asked the Minister tor Internal Affairs whether, while the use ol English words in the body of cables open to the censor may still lie desirable, .the use of registered cipher addresses by established mercantile firms and companies might not now be permitted. He further asked if the Government would make representations thereon to the British authorities.

The Hon. H. D. Bell said the Government would make representations to the Imperial Government.