THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20098, 29 November 1930, Page 17

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

HIGH WAGES BLAMED FOR DISTRESS. MILLERS' SPECIAL MEETING. (rSESS ASSOCIATION TET.rnp.in-.) FOXTON, Norember 38. The chaotic conditions obtaining in the flax industry were fully discussed, at a special meeting of the New Zealand Flaxmillers' Association, held to-day. The point was stressed that the widespread distress which existed among unemployed flax workers was due entirely to the existing rates of wages fixed by the Arbitration. Court, which, under the present market conditions, undoubtedly was the main factor in. keeping the milla closed for such a long period.. The vast flax crop within the Dominion was ready to harvest, and in many localities tha flax was deteriorating for want of cutting. Another direct and serious effect of the stoppage. of this important industry was that hundreds of thousands of pounds, representing the exportable value of the product, were being prevented from, coming into the country at a time when the Dominion was so badly in need of finance. . After all aspects- of the industry had been fully and carefully discussed, and. in view of the apparent position of both millers and employees, the meeting unanimously passed the following resolution: "That urgent application be made to the Arbitration Court for an amendment of the wagea clause of the Award by cutting rates sufficiently to enable th®_ millers to operate their mills, or, failing that, for a suspension of the Award."