THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2883, 23 June 1909, Page 21

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

POSITION SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

PALMERSTON N., June 15."

I The Manawatu Daily Times states that at a meeting of directors'- of the A. and L, Seifert Flax-dressing Company (Limited), owners of the world's biggest flaxmilling .plant; bf-Makerua, it was, after considering the' whole situation, decided tb' send Mr Alfred Seifert, managing director, to the Philippine Islands to investigate, the conditions of the Manila hemp industry, also to Mexico and Yucatan to investigate the sisal i^ % dustry, which within the last few years has assumed immense proportions. The company has decided to adopt this course on' account of the very unsatisfactory state of the flax-milling industry. Tha price is low, yet the quantity produced of sisal and Manila seems to be on the increase. Last week, ' according to th« Agent-general's cables, the shipment of Manila wae. 39,900 bales,- wlri&i is a_ re- : cord. • The result of Mr ■Seifert's invest:1 gation will decide whether it is worth,' i while persevering in this industry. The positioir, as .' far as the millers' -are con- ! cernsd, is !quite clear. The cost of. proI- duction is : regulated ■by the Arbitration Court, and* -the 'and, and , industry. ar9 '-subject to 1 taxation, which the inUlere re- ! gard as' a^*" unjust' '■■handicap. /.So," if Manila and sisal can be p'rodticed at a j profit at the "present prices or lower, ifc will be necessary to consider whether it is "worth while continuing- in the flax indiistiy.