The Evening Star THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1870.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2308, 29 September 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1870.

Although out flax manufacture does not at present appear to be prosperous, no one can suppose that it is destined to fall into neglect. It as yet in its infancy, and, as may be naturally supposed, there is much to be learnt. The Commissioners’ report, which has been v so freely circulated through the Colony, 1 gives a complete statement of what is at present known concerning the plant, its treatment, cultivation, and manufacture. To it therefore we refer enquirers for information concerning its L

botanical classification and chemical properties, and the best means of preparing, the fibre and dressing it. But there is one point which has often struck ns as somewhat singular in the arrangements of the Waste Land Board concerning fiax, and that is a point that deserves more consideration than has yet been given to it. In the short minutes in which the decisions of the Board arc recorded, we frequently find it stated that, say, A. B. has applied for permission to cut fiax in a certain llax swamp in a particular locality, and that the applica- | tiou is granted, “ but without exclusive I “ right.” It is presumed that this application is made for the supply of a certain fiax mill established near the spot. Now a flax mill is not a light undertaking. The machinery, if good, is an expensive affair —and, if bad, is ruinous to the owner, and unprofitable to the country. A much greater out- j lay is in fact required to the successful working of a fiax mill than is necessary to work a small farm, or, as a rule, than is required for a sluicing party. To make flax industry piofitable, a constant and unfailing supply is necessary, and it depends much upon the power employed, whether the consumption will or will not be equal to the produce of the aiea on which permission to cut is granted. But it is evident, from the terms of the permission, that there is no security to the millowner, excepting the discretion of the Board, that that swamp on which he has depended for keeping his machinery employed, may not be invaded by flax-cutters to supply another mill perhaps some miles distant. We suppose that this application for permission to cut does not invariably come from the millowners, but very frequently from men who contract to supply them with raw material at a given price per ton. Now it is plain that it is the interest of those so engaged to supply the greatest quantity at the least cost, and that the cutting will be indiscriminate, without reference to age, condition, or the future growth of the flax plants. Their interest, in fact, is . merely a present and immediate one. They want so many tons a week to make their labor profitable, and whether the flax is cut after such a fashion as to perpetuate the plant, or whether its vitality is wholly destroyed by their mode of harvesting is of no moment to them. But the millowner is situated . differently. Half-a-dozen men cutting over the same ground may bring his machinery to a standstill, and thus, instead of a profitable industry being raised up, this free and easy system tends to ruin it. (Singularly, no other industry is treated so carelessly. If a site for a flour mill is applied for, groat care is shewn in prescribing the area to be occupied, the conditions of the lease, and the rent to he paid. If an agricultural lease is asked, even more care is manifested than for a flour mill. If a coal mine is to be worked, even the price per ton is a condition. Mining and agricultural leases are deemed so important as to engage the special attention of Parliament. The same with pastoral leases. Every one, in fact, engaged in these industries has his rights and privileges defined and protected ; but the flax manufacturer is left to the mercy of chance and ignorance, Neither millowner nor flaxcutter have such security as to give them an interest in the flax field or swamp on which they depend for their profit. They are exposed to a scramble for priority; and if, under guidance of the knowledge already possessed, they were inclined to lake steps to improve the quality of the plant, or to increase its productiveness, they would not lay out one sixpence in doing so, for they do not know who may reap the benefit of their knowledge and labor. We submit for the consideration of the Government that this is not the way to encourage the flax manufacture, and that the matter is worthy of a thorough investigation.