THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6830, 18 April 1890, Page 4

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

DEPUTATIONS OP PRODUCERS. [Pee Pbess Association.] "WELLINGTON, Apbii. 17. The Premier informed the deputation representing flaxmillera who waited on him to-day, that he would communicate with the Agent-General the fact that a reward was in contemplation for an improved process of dressing flax, so that it might be made public in the Old Country. I The Premier added that he did not' think I the Railway Commissioners would require i to receive strong 1 representations as to a reduction of freight on flax, and stated that the 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 the name, but he could assure the deputation that what he had just told them was correct. The deputation mentioned that a large number of flaxmili hands were out of work, but if freights were reduced the millers might be able to carry on at present prices. At present it cost from £8 to £8 153 per ton to send Home fibre. All the Wairarapa flax mills, except one, have ceased operations owing to the reduced price obtained for fibre. A deputation, representing the flaxmillers of the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts, interviewed the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon, asking the co-operation of the Chamber in carrying on the flax industry. Mr Gardener explained that the Association which they represented wa3 doing its best to maintain the trade by improving the quality of the output and lessening the charges. They had received a promise from the Premier to-day to grant their request that Parliament should be asked to place the sum of .£IO,OOO on the Estimates for au improved process of producing fibre; and the question of obtaining a reduction in the charges had now to be faced. He mentioned that freight from Wellington to London waa 90s per ton, while only 45s was charged from Melbourne to London. Thus, by taking that route, flax could be shipped from here to London for about 70s. He urt;ed the Chamber to assist in having the freight reduced. In his district only twenty-nine machines were working, whereas not long since a hundred and nine were in full swing. If the freight were reduced ,£1 per ton there was a better chance of continuing. As showing the magnitude of the flax industry, he mentioned that a sum of from .£120,000 to .£130,000 was invested in it, and about 10,000 men were recently employed. The Chairman (Mr Duncan) and other members of the Chamber said they were desirous of assisting the industry, but as the charges were cut down very low now they saw no immediate prospect of further reduction. The Chairman thought the depression in the fibre trade generally was due to the formation of American "corners," whereby they were able to reduce prices. Only to-day he had received a telegram stating that there was an improvement in the general tone of the Homo market, and thiß was especially gratifying as several vessels from New Zealand had arrived at England and America during the past few days. This, he said, was one of the most hopeful signs he had heard of for months. He quoted figures to Bhow that in sending flax in chartered vessels, as they had had to do, the Shipping Companies only made Is per ton for carrying, without taking into account agency charges, and probably storage. Therefore the rates charged were not unreasonable. He explained that the difficulty experienced in getting filling cargoes North when the wool season closed, accounted for the extraordinary figures quoted by Mr Gardener as being charged, in Melbourne. He pointed out that freight by sailing vessels from Wellington had for some time been 703 per ton, which meant n. dead los 3 to the carrying companies. What waa needed was a method of testing the quality of the flax when it arrived in London, and to the absence of this he attributed the ups and downs of the market. Merchants would not in future care to undertake the risks they had in the past. There was no doubt that much of the Wellington flax was not sent forward in a marketable condition. • When in Auckland he wa9 Btruck with the excellence of the fibre turned out in that district, and probably enquiries made there would be beneficial. The deputation will interview the Harbour Board and the agents of the Shipping Companies, urging a reduction of the rates.

London is better off for treeß than any other city in Europe.