LINEN FLAX AND HEMP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 179, 1 August 1940, Page 5

LINEN FLAX AND HEMP

RETURNS OF STOCKS REQUIRED

I. Per Press Association. J WELLINGTON, July 31

A notice under the Supply Control Emergency Regulations calling for returns of stocks end goods on order by all persons who, in the normal course of business stoic and sei- cordage, twines or thre-icis which are manufactured from linen flax or bump, was signed to-day tv the Minuter of Supply. The notice also provides that no sales of these materials ma\ be made till the prospective purchaser has declared on an application form which will be provided by the seller, the exact purpose for which he requires the use of the materials. “This action.” said Mr. Sullivan this evening, “has been taken to enable us to co-operate fully with the supply authorities in the United Kingdom, where very strict control has been instituted to conservefstocks of linen flax and hemp. Linen and hemp goods are essential for a large number of wartime purposes. Supplies from the Continent to Britain have virtually ceased.

“The jute adviser to the Ministry of Supply in London is formulating a scheme for the substitution of alternative materials. In New Zealand the supply controllers concerned are already experimenting with a view to introducing cordage twines and threads made from materials other than linen flax or hemp. “I would like to emphasise that the notice issued to-day applies only to cordage twine and thread manufactured wholly or in part from linen flax or hemp. It does not interfere in any way with cordage twines or threads manufactured from cotton, jute, sisal, manila or New Zealand flax and the notice does not apply to

manufacturers holding stocks of controlled materials for the purpose of their own manufacture providing they have not in the past in the normal course sold these materials to other persons. “As soon as the survey is completed a decision will be made as to the degree of control necessary in the immediate future. There may be some personal inconvenience during the next few days, but with the co-opera-tion of all concerned I am satisfied that the whole matter can be put on an efficient and speedily-controlled basis.”