LINEN FLAX

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25660, 7 October 1944, Page 2

LINEN FLAX

STILL ESSENTIAL TO WAR EFFORT

“The Department of Agriculture is concerned at the attitude of some farmers who have feigned contracts, but do not desire to go ahead with the sowing of linen flax crops in view of the recent Ministerial statements regarding the industry," said Mr J. W. Woodcock, superintendent of the fields division of the department', to a Daily Times reporter yesterday. Mr Woodcock said the position was that Britain was still counting upon receiving supplies of linen flax fibre from New Zealand, but in view of the easing of the supply position, she was not prepared to pay the increased orices which were asked for by the linen flax industry in New Zealand. It had been found possible, however, for the New Zealand Government to give some assistance to growers, and details of these concessions were announced some time ago. They took the form of a minimum price guarantee which virtually meant that the Government took over the insurance scheme. In view of this position, linen flax growers need have no fear that they were not making a contribution to the war effort.