Flax-dressing Machines.

Otago Witness, Issue 2152, 23 May 1895, Page 17

Flax-dressing Machines.

TO THR EDITOR. g tRi — with reference to Mr Easton's letter of the 14th inst. re flax industry, I am afraid his plan of bringing the flax to Dunedin to be dressed would be very impracticable. If Mr Baston has invented a machine "capable of dressing flax to perfection," as he says, why not get 6ome of the flax dressers who have mills now in working order to take his machine and give it a fair trial ? I am sure there are some of them who would be glad to test it on the terms he mentioned. I see the Government are offering a large bonus for the best flaxdressing machine. In my humble opinion I think it is bo much public money thrown away, as flix is a most unmarketable commodity. There is no demand for flax in this colony, unless for rape-making purposes, and the market is overstocked at present. It doesn't pay labour expenses, much lees leave any profit for the manufacturers who have invested their capital, in the business. If our Government had offered the bonus for any person who would start a factory to weare the fibre for sacking purposes or canvas, I think this would have been a better way of giving the fltx industry an impetus, as then Jihe flaxmiller* would naturally make it a study to drees their flax to perfection. Another •benefit would be derived from it by giving employment to numbers of young lads who are now going about the street* unemployed. I understand these new machines that are now Icing tested for the bonus are labour Mving.

That is a pity for the hundreds of lads that are now employed in the business. If this is how our Labour candidates fulfil their promises of assisting the workers, I for one will protest against voting for our so-called working men's friends. — I am, &c. # May 20. Fibre.