INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5814, 6 March 1897, Page 8

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association of Canterbury was held last evening; present— Messrs J. R. Trifgs (president), N, Jowett, H. B. Kirk, A G. Howland, R. C. Bishop, W. Congreve, J. A. Prostiek, R. Buchanan and R. Allan. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. Waller, W. W. Tanner and T N. Horsley. Mr W. Devenish-Meares •was "elected a member of the Associa-. tion The revised rules were read over, and' Mr Frostick moved and Mr Bishop seconded the addition of the following new rule:— "For the purpose of assisting and advising the Association to deal •with matters connected with the distribution and consumption of goods made -in this colony and other matters, the Association may establish a ladies' or other section of the Association, who shall foe the amount of the annual subscription and membership thereto. All rules made .by any section , to be consistent with the general rules of the Association tinless otherwise provided for." After some discussion this rule was agreed to, and the rules were passed with this addition and with an alteration reducing the number to f orm a quorum at a general meeting irom "TJSSimm ot the committee followed, at wiioli the rules were confirmed.

A general meeting of the Association Tvas then held. The rules which had En confirmed by the committee were adopted, and a vote of thanks was passed to the Eevising Sub-committee. . Mrß. Allan said there was a vast industry dormant in New Zealand. He referred to the growing of beet for sugar, and thought that there was no reason why • the colony should not produce its own sugar He moved that the Government s ould be asked to forward to the Association all information in its possession with , regard to the manufacture of sugar from t6 Mr Kirk seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr W. W. Tanner and car--11 The President introduced to the meeting Mr John Holmes, flax expert, who was proceeding to Europe to try to open up a Lrket ffr New Zealand flax, and who asked for practical assistance from this and similar Associations. _ Mr Holmes, who was received with applause, referred briefly to the history ot the flax industry, the fluctuations and drooping of the market, and the various Commissions which had been appointed to inquire into tho state of the industry. There had been a very great decline in the quantity and value of the flax exported from New Zealand, but the flax-nullers believed that there was a market, and within their reach. In 18S0 the value of the flax was .£381,789, and in 1890 it had fallen to £21,000. New Zealand hemp was specially suitable for use in binder twine, and in Canada alone over 20,000 tons of twine were used annually. He advocated a compulsory grading system, which would insure a uniform quality in the production. The revival of the flax industry would Tbe of priceless benefit to the whole of the trades of the colony. The trade made use of a waste product, which was indigenous to the soil, and would give employment to some thousands of hands. It had been decided to send a representative to see whether a portion of the tradaof the world could not be secured for New Zealand hemp, and he had been chosen. The Government had offered .£250 towards the expenses, on condition that could be raised outside. He had taken up the -work and had ; met with a cordial reception in every town which he had visited. Mr E. Allan asked what the particular obiects of Mr Holmes's visit were. Mr Holmes said the flax-millers thoiight they might, by a personal examination of the markets of the world, find out the style of dressing, packing, size o£ hank, size of bale, &c, suitable for the different markets. Messrs A. G. Howland and J. Maddren spoke on the subject, and Mr Holmes replied. Mr R. C. Bishop said he thought it came well within the objects of the Association to assist in such an undertaking. He moved—" In view of the great importance the revival of the flax industry will have ' on the trade and commerce of the colony, this Association heartily approves the endeavours now being made to re-establish the trade, and wiil use its best efforts to assist so desirable an object. This Asso- . ciation would also urge the Government ! to increase the grant already made so as to enable the scope of the proposed inquiry to be as comprehensive as possible, and that the sum of .£lO be voted as a contribution from this Association/ Messrs Allan and Howland supported the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Chairman moved, and Mr Prostiek

Beconded, a vote of thanks to Mr Holmes for his inrormation, and that gentleman replied. A second meeting followed, and 'the adoption of the rules was confirmed. The condition of the scholarships which it had been decided to establish were referred to ' the committee. The meeting then closed.