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Westport Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1968, 20 January 1882, Page 3

The large quantity of flax growing in this district lends particular interest to the news that a revival in the industry is noticeable. A writer in the Wellington Post says :—" Flax can be produced at from £lO to £l2 per ton. All Marlborough mills are busy, and have sold their produce for the next six months at £ls to £l6, and even higher prices, to Wellington merchants. To my knowledge, one firm alone has contracted for 220 tons, to be delivered in five months, from seven different mills." Writing of the matter the Wanganui Herald marks :—" This important and at one time rising industry was ruined by the artificial standard set up by the expenditure on public works, but for which the flax industry would have maintained its ground. In thia dia-

trict much dearly bought experience was gained, and this experience might} at the present time be turned to account. There is a steady market in England for dressed flax, and the price can be relied on. In another column ii will be seen that Marlborough is taking the lead in the renewal of the industry, and we hope in this district we shall not lag behind. If the article can be produced at a certain price the demand is certain at remunerative rates. Reliable information on these heads is easily accessible." Particular enquiry into the matter by the owners of flax land might be beneficient.