THE CRISIS IN THE FLAX TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 459, 18 March 1909, Page 2

THE CRISIS IN THE FLAX TRADE.

SIR JOSEPH WARD INTERVIEWED. (BT TSI.EURAI'II.—SPECIAL COKKKSPQKDKNT.I Palmerston, March 17. Yesterday Mr. D,. fluick, M.P., mot tho Premier, as lie passct] through Palmcrston to Air. J. SteveWs .banquet at Marion, and introduced Jlessrs.' 'Cohen and 'Broad, 'who, on behalf of the Flaxmillers' Association, do-, sired to meet the Premier, the Hons. A. W. Hogg and T. Mackenzie, Ministers for Labour and Industries and Commerce respectively, at an early date in regard to important and vital issues affecting the flax industry, which is approaching a crisis in its existence. Tho Premier, after hearing' the desires of the deputation, pointed out that, at present,, he and his colleagues were particularly busy, but that he 1 would Bee what arrangements could be made in a couplo of weeks' time. 1 The deputation that it is hoped will eventually be able to spo the Premier and Ministers stated will comprise members of tho Wellington and Palmerstpn Chamber of Commerce, members of Parliament whose districts export flax, and members of the Flaxmillers' Association. Mr. Field, M.P., has already been in communication with tho authorities for the past three weeks, with a view to arriving at some definite understanding. _ ' "• Tho subjects which it is desired to venrtjlatc include, inter alia, the revision of the existing award,_ royalties, taxation of flax landsj subsidising improvements'-to flax machinery, and tho desire that"t]io Government should endeavour to tjnd some use for tlie by-products: ' . . Tho Premier promised tq give two days' notice when the deputation could bo heard.