N.Z. FLAX INDUSTRY.

Shannon News, 25 January 1927, Page 3

N.Z. FLAX INDUSTRY.

MEETING OF GROWERS AND MERCHANTS GRADING &ND MODBKX METHODS OF MANUFACTURE One of the most Important conferences ever held in the history of the New Zealand flax industry took place In Wellington on Friday. Subjects of the nU most importance to the industry canie up for discussion such as modern methods of production and manufacture and the value of proper grading standards. The conference which was a very representative one was presided over by Mr. O. A, Loiiglmau in the morning, and Mr. A. Seifert. in the afternecn session. There were-also present Messrs.. E. T Frost (Tuakau), H. A - Self ert (Palmorston North), A. O. Brown (Waika- ■ nae), M. Burke (Hawko's Bay), C. H Spiers' (Shannon). N. Spiers (Waik;.nae) H. Seifert (Manawatu), T. Watson (Tnvereargill). R- Macdonald (Waikuku). S. H. Maddren (manufacturer. (Christchurch), T. S. Moir (J.-oxton), V. W. Wilson (Foxton), B. R Wood (merchant, Christchurch) F. Sharlnnd (Blenheim). H. Berry (Foxton). L. Craw (Linton). M. Pollock (Johnston and Co., Ltd.), S. A ;,onguet (Patterson and Co), R. L. Goldfinch (Levin and Co., Wellington), and W. Aickcn (Martin borough). A number of associations were represented by proxy. Tips And nowns. The president said that the meetiw: had been called by the Flaxmillers' Association, a body which did not claim to represent the whole industry but. which thought a general conference would be of universal value. Hie own view was that the time had come, however, to have an association that would represent all phases of the industry. The industry had had its ups and downs, but there was a feeling that there was a good margin for improvement in many directions. A scheme for grading would be put forward by Mr. H. A Seifert. jun. (vice president of the New Zealand Flaxmillers' Association). During the past six or seven years the standard had been hardened by 10 points, and might be again altered Millers vitally interested had no control. He moved that "The control of the phor-mium fibre and by-products grading be vested In a board, constv tutod and empowered as follows: Representation: (a) The board to con sist of six members, three of whom shall bo "looted by the flaxmillers oi the Dominion, two from the North and one from the South Island. The clec lion of millers to be conducted by 'he New Zealand Flaxmillers' Association who may. however, depute their powers to suitable kindred associa tions. Voting to be on the basis of J one vote per hundred tons •of fibre ( produced in the last twelve months. One member shall bo appointed b-y the hemp merchants, one by the Now Zealand cordage manufacturers, and one by the Department of Agriculture Tho Department of Agriculture will conduct the election of the non-mill-ers' representatives, (b) The purpose of the board is to govern the grading of all phormium hemp and by-pro-ducts fibre. To this end, the board, shall appoint all graders, define their duties, and decide their salaries. To define tho standard of grade and maintain those standards. Decide the charges for grading, (c) No alteration in standards is to be made without giving three months' notice to ah electors. Any objections that the? raise are to be heard or read before the board. Finance: (a) Tho board may levy up to Is on each ton of hemp produced. The board is to completely control the grading of all phormium ftbe and by-products in New Zealand. To acquaint producers with the needs of the market, ami aid the hemp industry by all means in" its power." The Importance Of Grading. "Manila fibre." said Mr. Seifert, in the most important in the hard fibre market. Government grading failed there. This most important fibre is now graded under the direction of just such a board as is proposed by this resolution. The cost of the board proposed would, upon present output, amount 1o only Ud to 2d per bale. This would be a small price for theadvantages to be secured. The change proposed can only bo brought about by tho united action of all interested." Continuing. Mr. A..Seifert said that it was the feeling that grading might at any time be alteted in a way that millers did not like. Millers were not desirous of producing a low standard The leaf to-day was the same as twenty-five years ago. no better nor worse, but millers wished tho present standards of grading standardised I which would result in improved work because of the security promised, millers putting out the best hemp in their grade. A proper range of standard samples could stand for man? years, and would'enable a British or American grader to appraise immediately our grades within half a point Graders did their best, and their work could not. bo judged by the complainta Mr. S. A. Longuet (Patterson and Co.) moved: "That no matter what checking system be adopted by this meeting, tho meeting now affirm the principle shat. Government supervision in the control of grading is in tho best „ interests'of tho industry,-.and that it He not disturbed."

Continuing thu discussion on Mr. Selfert'a motion, grading methods ©lso-

where wero gono into, and Mexican and Tanganyika products and methods were discussed. .Preparation Of Samples. i After further discussion, the following motion, by Mr. Goldfinch, seconded by Mr. Frost, was carried: "That the Department of Agriculture be asked to have samples of aL grades prepared and shown suitabls in the main grading stores throughout the Dominion; such samples to be selected by a committee representing the Department of Agriculture, New Zealand flaxmillers, manufacturers, and merchants; that tho range of samples bo renewed as required (once every twelvo months is suggested); that tho samples bo sealed and opened in tho presence of recognised authorities only;..and that -a. fee of £l be paid to millers disputing the grading when tho disputes involves tho unsealing oi tho samples." Messrs. Goldfinch (merchants) and A. Seifert (millers) were appointed to give effect to Mr. Goldfinch's resolution, tho manufacturers* representative to be elected later, tho committee to be empowered to add one representative in each case. An Annual Conference. Mr. R. Goldfinch (Levin and Co.). reported the committee had during the adjournment a successful interview with Mr. A. H. Cockayne, Director of the Fields Division of the Agricultural Department. Mr. Cockayne was in full accord with the proposed procuring of samples, and the Department was prepared to accord the scheme every possible assistance "Prom tho attitude he takes up," added tho speaker, "1 believe wo have found the basis of a friendly working agreement. He was pleased to kno-w that the Government system of grading was supported. Summed up, 1 think this conference to-day has been productive of really excellent results." (Applause). Mr. A. Seifert said he Avas satisfied that the Department intended to go whole-heartedly into the samples question.

It was moved by Mr. M. F. Bourke. seconded by Mr. M'Donald (Canterbury) and carried, that a meeting ba held annually by all parties interested in tho flax industry for the purpose of exchanging ideas and generally to further the interests of tho industry. Mr. Maddren (Christchurch) speaking on behalf of tho manufacturers thought that tho New Zealand Association should advise manufacturers from timo to time, about any matters of interost discussed at the Flaxmillers' Association's meetings. On tho motion of Mr. Brown (Waikanae), seconded by Mr. S. A Longuet, it was decided to ask the Agriculture Department to appoint a permanent instructor for millers, and it was generally agreed that the appointment of Mr. Ferris to this post would give satisfaction.