THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21196, 29 November 1930, Page 11

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

CHAOTIC CONDITIONS. REDUCTION IN WAGES URGED. (Peb United Pbesb Association.) FOXTON, November 28. _ The chaotic conditions obtaining in the flax industry were fully discussed at a special meeting of the New Zealand Faxmillers Association to-day. The point was stressed that the widespread distress which existed among the unemployed flax workers, due entirely to the existing rates of wages fixed by the Arbitration Court, under present market conditions undoubtedly, was the main factor in keeping the mills closed for such a long period. The vast flax crop within the Dominion was ready to harvest, and in many localities the flax was deteriorating for want of cutting. Another direct .and serious effect ot the stoppage of this important industry was that hundreds of thousands of pounds, representing the exportable value of the produce, was being prevented from coming into the country af a time when the Dominion was so badly in need of nuance. i, aspects of the industry had been fully and carefully discussed, H in .y. lew of the apparent position of both.millers and employees, the meeting lutlon™ OUS,y assed following reso- “ That urgent application be. made to the Arbitration Court for an amendment to the wages clause of the award by way °f reducing the rates sufficiently to enable millers to operate their mills, or failing that a suspension of the award.