LINEN FLAX CROPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24325, 15 June 1940, Page 2

LINEN FLAX CROPS

Some idea of the proposed linen flax crops which are to be grown as part of New Zealand’s war effort will be given next week, when Mr R. B. Tennent. dii'ector of the fields division will address a series of meetings in the south. He will give the full facts as they apply to the need for growing fibre in New Zealand. The events leading up to the Government undertaking to grow 14,000 acres of linen flax for the Imperial authorities will also be outlined. The growing of fibre which is a vital commodity for war purposes should be viewed not only as a commercial proposition, but also as a pati'iotic gesture. The centres where it is tentatively proposed to establish processing plants in Otago and Southland are Clydevale. Tapanui, Otautau, and Winton, Farmers within a 15-mile radius are being asked to grow crops under contract during the coming season, and it is imperative that offers to co-operate should be received by the Department of Agriculture as soon as possible. All farmers in the district enumerated should attend the meetings which have been arranged. Mr Tennent intends addressing farmers from the Clydevale, Popotunoa, Greenfield, and Balclutha districts on Monday afternoon at Balclutha. In the evening he will meet Tapanui, Kelso, and Heriot farmers at Tapanui. On Tuesday evening the farmers of Winton. Drummond, and Otautau districts will have the opportunity of-hearing Mr Tennent at Drummond.