NEW ZEALAND FLAXMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8866, 17 July 1907, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FLAXMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

The general meeting of the above Association was held yesterday morning, and fairly attended. Mr A. Seifert presided. : Correspondence with regard to sending exhibits of the colony’s products to Philadelphia Museum was read. It was resolved to comply with the request, and that all grades of flax be sent together with a report and certificates, and photographs of the industry in all its branches. The Minister of Agriculture wrote for-

warding a copy of proposed amendments in the regulations regarding the grading and exporting of fibre. These regulations dealt with the definition of weights of bales and provided that the fibre in fastening bands must bo of a quality similar to the fibre in the bale. Provision will be made in cases where owing to difficulty in transit of fibre to the grading stoves of fibres in bales of the prescribed dimensions pockets may be substituted, these pockets to bo made at the stores and branded there. A stipulation will be made that when any parcel of fibre submitted for grading contains fibre of a higher or lower - grade than, the average quality of the parcel, the bales containing such fibre must bear a distinctive mark and the grader’s attention be drawn to them. The method of allotting points for strength, colour, etc., will be amended, but the total points will remain the same. The minimum points for the different grades will bo slightly reduced. The exportation of rejected fibre will be permitted, but power will be reserved for the graders to totally condemn any fibre which they consider useless for manufacture. A slight altera, tion will also bo made in the method of charging for gradingi The term “ Now Zealand hemp” to be substituted by “ Phormium fibre.” A discussion took place upon several points raised by the Minister in his lotto? to the Association. The Chairman thought the voply was very satisfactory to the Association. In connection with tho appointment of ah expert, the members were of opinion that he should ho t person with a thorough knowledge of the details of tho industry, also the scientific aspect of tho possibilities of the I fibre. - ‘ „

It was decided on the motion of Mr Greig, seconded by Mr Biggins, that the Association regretted the Department could not seo its way to grant tha request for the uso of tow ropes instead of fibre, providing tho weight did not exceed tha present deduction for taro. It was further decided, on the motion of Mr Abraham, that the executive bo asked to bring before tho Minister] of Agriculture the desirability of appointing as chief grader a man of scientific attainments and also well acquainted with tho requirements of manufacturers of fibre. Tho Chairman remarked that he thought there wore men on tho present staff qualified for the position, and if ono was appointed ho could bo sent Homo to got a full knowledge of what was wanted at tho other end.

A general discussion took placo on points, Mr Koss considering that thb Association should try to bo pfrid ‘off points,- the opinion being'‘expressed that manufacturers would prefer buying iU that way. The Chairman agreed with Mr Rosa. Mr Cohen said that it was not practicable. Ho considered the system desirable, but did not think it could be brought into actual operation. It was eventually decided,'ba, the uwtiohof Mr’Groig; Seconded by the Chairman, that this Association is strongly 6? opinion that if the Department for the present finds it impossible ’to have the maximum number of graders’ points shown, on thb loose tags and the present grades should be divided itifej two oy three* sections,' so' that ‘the’ miller may receive bettor value for the highbfi pointed fibre in each grade. Several proposals dealt with by the Executive were read by Mr Cohen and adopted. - _ Messrs Hennossy and Greig were ask'pq to obtain the'books, etc., of the Association from Mr Austin. Foxtpn.

TAXATION OP FLAX LAND. The Chaitqian informed the meeting that they were in communication witfe the other flax associations of the colony with the idea o£ taking action as a body in regard to the taxation of flax lands. Mr Hpmkiiis supported by other menh hers, objected to the growth of flax on the land being taxed. He suggested that Mr geifort’s latter fee reprinted and sent fq other associations. ' Mr Cohen thought from correspondence in the Association’s possession that thero was a chance of the Aot being amended in the direction, desired. He considered that if representation .were made in the right quarter they would get relief. Mr Koss moved that every step be taken to obtain relief, and that if necessary a deputation fee seat to Wellington to'Jurth'er their objefcts,! . ,i I Mr Hennessy seconded, The full resolution was as follows: “That this Assooiation view's with great apprehension, the position of flax lands under the present land tax regulations,* and that a strong deputation proceed at once to Wellington to interview the Minister and heads pf departments' witfi a view : ol‘ obtaining- relief and to. fafeg aueh steps as* may appear necessary-to obtain that end.’’--It was decided to register the Association under si§ IJnclassifiod Societies Apt, Mr Hankins offering to do the fornfy work without charge, His offer was accepted with thanks. It was decided to visit the Levin Statq Farm bn Friday week. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated thg 'meeting-