THE FLAX INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 185, 1 May 1919, Page 6

THE FLAX INDUSTRY

CULTIVATION OF THE PLANT RECOMMENDED. 'By Tolegraph-Special Correspondent.) Palmerston N., April 30. Several interesting phases of the flax industry were- dealt with by Mr. A. Seifert in his evidence before the Parliamentary Industries Commission at Palmesston North. He pointed out that under tho old method of growing flax a further advance could not take place in the industry. This was because practically all tho flax areas had been allowed to grow flax by draining'swamp land to an extent suitablo to the' crop, while destroying other plants that would hinder tho growth of flax. He strongly recommended the cultivation 01 the plant, for the expansion of the industry, pointing out that somo of the flax was being destroyed to make dairy land, and that the yellow leaf disease was destroying the plant. The disease had already done considerable damage to flax in this district, and up to tho present no remedy had been found to check it. It was important for the Government to do what was possible in order to induce farmers to plant flax. • In hie. opinion flax planting would pay well providing it was systematically carried out on the right lines. He Eiipgcsted the use of flnx by farmers in making shelters, showing that flax could be cut each yoar and tjie.loaf eold Hβ was certain the flaxgrowers would co-operate with the GoverninenHn carrying out experiments. Touching on by-products, Mr. Siefort mentioned that his company had been experimenting for two years and a half with a view to finding a profitable way of utilising tho waste from' tho' flaxmills. Experiments had been encouraging and his company was making inquiries in England and America for an apparatus suitable for utilising the wnete.