THE FLAX INDUSTRY. METHODS OF GRADING AND BRANDING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2744, 17 October 1906, Page 20

THE FLAX INDUSTRY. METHODS OF GRADING AND BRANDING.

PROPOSED NEW REGULATIONS. (Fnou Our Own Cokkmpoydsht.) WELLINGTON, October IS. The Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. R. M'Nab) is consulting millers, merchant!*, and others concerned in the flax industry with a view to introducing amended regulations regarding phormium fibre for export. The department proposes to convene* a similar meeting to that held in Auckland in July Jast to discuss these matter?, or any others affecting the welfare of the industry. The department. however, generally favours tho resolutions arrived afc by the Auckland Conference. Grading. — The following shows tho points allotted to each grade at present, the points .suggested by the conference, and the points proposed by the department : — Old system : superior, 95 — 100 points; suggested by tho conference, 90 — 100 points ; proposed by tho department, 91—100 points. Fine: 85—9*, 80—89, 81-90. Good fair: 75—84, 70—79, 71—80. Fair: 60—74, 60—^9, 61—70. Common: 50—59, 50—59, 51—60. Allocation of Points. — It is suggested that tho five points at present allowed for " finish " be dono away with, and points awarded a3 under:— -Stripping, 20 points; washing, 20; scutching, 20; colour, 20; strength, 20. The " stripping " and " washing " would thus bo dealt with separately instead of jointly, as at present. Branding. — Tho present system of branding ha; been found unsuitable, and it is now proposed to adopt the following; method, which commended itself to the Auckland Conference: — A piece of wire about 2ft long, with a tin tae on one end and a leather tag on the other, is to be packed in the bale at the mill, the end with the tin being in the centre and the » leather tag hanging out at the end of tho bale. Upon the tjn and leather tajis will ho registered the brand of the owner, and t-hc number of the bale will b-o stamped by the miller. Space will be left on tho leather tag for the erade mark. It is alsr» intended to insert a printed slip in some of tho bales giving particulars of tho system of grading and points allotted to the parcel of which the bale forms a part. -Shippers' marks, to bo affixed if so desired to bale<j in the grading store, will be registered by tho department on application, but in no case must the miller's mark be removed. Certificates. — It is proposed that tho graders should, on request, issuo one cer1 u'ficate for each consignment. Blank forma for this purpose will be supplied on application, and rau't be filled in as required and submitted to the grader for li:= fcigna-