THE LCW PRICE OF FLAX.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8756, 18 April 1890, Page 3

THE LCW PRICE OF FLAX.

DEPUTATION OF FLAXMILL OWNERS TO PREMIER. IMPROVEMENT IN FLAX MACHINERY. JI'ER PRESS ASSOCIATION. | Wellington, April 18. — A deputation of ihixmillcrs from the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts waited on Sir 11. A. Atkinson on Thursday with reference to the flaxmilling industry. Lie promised to give his favorable consideration on the subject, and said he would advise Parliament next session to place £10,000 on the Estimates as a bonus to the inventor of any improved process for manufacturing fibre, lie said he would communicate to the AgentGeneral the fact that a reward was in contemplation for an improved process of dressing flax, so that it may be made public in the Old Country. The Premier added that he did not think the Railway Commissioners would require to receive strong representations as to the reduction of tho freight on flax, and stated that tho Government were only too willing to assist the millers. Sir Harry mentioned that he had just been told by a gentleman interested in the trade that he had received a cablegram from London, to the effect that it was believed that bottom prices had been reached. He was not at liberty to mention names, but he could assure the deputation that what he had just told them was correct. The deputation mentioned that a large number of flaxmill hands were out of work, but if freight were reduced the millers might be able to carry on at the present prices. At present it cost from £8 to £8 15s per ton to send Home the fibre. All tho Wairarapa fiaxmills except one have ceased operations owing to the reduced prices obtained for fibre.