FLAX INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23954, 2 May 1941, Page 9

FLAX INDUSTRY

MAKING WOOLPACKS AN OPTIMISTIC MINISTER GREAT EXPANSION OF OUTPUT [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Thursday "The growing and processing of flax will unquestionably become one of New Zealand's major industries within the next few years," said the Minister ol Industries and Commerce, the Hon. 1). G. Sullivan, at the opening to-day ol the new Welfare Block woolpack lac i toiv at Foxton. "Its potentialities are tremendous." the Minister continued, "and with the financial assistance which the Government !ia.-; given and is continuing to give its growth and expansion will be something of which we as a nation niav | be proud. It must and will become a great industry, pnniding not only for | the needs of New Zealand, but also for J markets overseas." Much study and scientific care were I'oiug given to the production of 11 u■ best strains of (lax, said Mr. Sullivan, and recently the Government acquired . 4600 acres in the Moutoa swamp at a cost of over £60,000 to develop into a modern flaxgrowing area to supply the needs of the woolpack factory. The I swamp was rapidly being cleared of willows and weeds, and draining and planting were in progress. At the strip per mill a battery of five up-to-date strippers was being installed. Extensions to Factory Extensions to the factory were nearly completed which would increase the floor space from 40.000 to 93.000 square feet. The most modern machinery available from overseas was being installed, and when it was in operation at the end ot the year 100 tons of green leaf daily would be needed to meet its requirements. "New Zealand needs an average of 800,000 woolpacks yearly." the Minister said, "but last year's big clip took over 1,000.000. Before production started on New Zealand flax packs they were all imported from India at a cost of approximately £IOO.OOO sterling annually. In 1936 we produced 215,000 • packs, in 1041 we shall make 400.000, and with the new machinery operating in 1942 we shall make our f'ull requirements of 800,000, or more if required As to quality, there is no question that the New Zealand oack is equal to anything in the world Possible Trade With Australia

"Australia uses v.Vst quantities o' ; wool packs, all of which slip imports I foci we can develop a valuable trade in packs with Australia that will be of benefit to both countries. "Then there are literally millions of sacks used in the Dominion annually. Splendid sacks can be made from flax and New Zealand can make them," the Minister added. "If we can fill our own requirements in sacks, that will be .1 goal worth striving for. Alreadv further areas are being examined by the Government, with a view to acquisition for growing flax to provide an adequate supply of raw material for this rapidly expanding industry."