FLAXMILLING PROSPECTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 64, 10 December 1918, Page 6

FLAXMILLING PROSPECTS

9 . THE RAVAGES OF THE BLIGHT. \ The prespects of the flaxniilling industry in the Auckland district are. still somewhat uncertain, but with the likelihood of shipping facilities to Britain being available at an early date those interested in the industry are hopeful that market conditions will improve materially in the near, future (the "Herald" states)'. There are still large quantities of hemp in store, the only recent shipment being one of 700 tons to America, for which permits had been issued some time previously. The American authorities arc still refusing to issue fresh permits for the importation of hemp, but apparently the embargo has not had the effect of improving the market. A prominent Auckland merchant stated on Friday that, even if tho American markets (were open, hemp could not be produced and shipped at the price offering for the commodity in America. Regarding the flax-blight, whicti is said to have mnde serious inroads on the flax crops of the Manawatu district, ho said ■that the blight had been known for several years. It had 1 appeared in some parts of the Auckland district, but its ravages had not been felt. The blight was due to a grub which attacked the roots of the plant. He expressed tho opinion that, in order to' preserve an industry, the annual production of which was 'approximately .£1,100,000, the Government should make proper investigation, and undertake research work with a view to combating the pest.