FLAX-GROWING IN H.B.

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 45, 9 March 1937, Page 4

FLAX-GROWING IN H.B.

Proposal For Poukawa Lake District WORK FOR MA0RIS A movement is afoot to establish the flax-growing industry in Hawke's Bay, the partieular area in view being the Poukawa Lake district. The attention of the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, is to be drawn to the project and it is hoped that some assistance from the Government will be forthcoming. "There are about 12,000 aeres that could well be utilised for *the- growing of flax in this district," said Mr E. L. Cullen, M.P., to a HeraldTribune representative this morning when discussing the project. If the Government could be interested to the extent of granting a subsidy or some ether measure of assistance, the ©stablishment of tho flax-growing industry in this provinee would give a wonderfui fillip to the employnient of the Maoris. " He said that with th" area in question under cultivation' ior flax, permanent work would be available for the Maoris at Poukawa and the surrounding distriets," and properly developed, he believed that the industry could become a very valuable asset to the provinee. Mr Cullen said that he had already visited the area in question, and the proposition appealed greatly. He intended to make a further inspection today and then approach the Minister of Lands this evening on the matter of Government assistance. "I am hopeful of persuading the Minister to agree to inspect the area upon his return from Wairoa," said Mr Cullen, who added that he thought this would be about March 21 next?