INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1919, Page 1

INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE.

THE FLAX TRADE

INVERCARGILL, Feb. 25,

At the Industries Committee to-day Mr J. T. Carswell gave evidence with regard to the flax industry. He urged the utilisation of swamp waters for flax and advocated the use of tow for the manufacture of cornsacks. Ho suggested that the Government offer a bonus on the first thousand sacks so made and put a small duty on imported sacks.

Mr (!. IV. Edwards said that strippings from flax made good feed for cattle and hemp waste could provide alcohol.

Mr A. E. Lath protested against the decrease in the protection of the motor body building industry. By alterations in the tariff Mr Albert Hall suggested, the appointment ■>f an invention board wtili tbc State acting as patent agent. Mr William Halliday urged the establishment of a fleet of ships and Government lime kilns. Mr. T D. A. Moffat advocated a Government Board of Research and Dr. D. A. Hensen suggested that the Universities should take over research work to aid industries. Dr Henson also read a paper on the production of beet, sugar. Mr A. D. Rodger and Mr. L. MncIndoe, urged the value of the Ohai coal fields and tbc need of more oncouragemcnt. Mr. W. Henchy advanced claims for the restoration of shipping to the Bluff pointing out the industrial activity of the province lias been retarded by the suspension of direct boats to the Bluff. He advocated the appointment of a Government harbour engineer to advise all harbour boards in the Dominion.

Hr. A. TT. Hovlos, for New Zealand milk products, asked a protective tariff on condensed milk and the prohibition of foreign companies from starting in the Dominion. In ten years, Nestles reduced the price in Australia from 32s a case to 14s and knocked out some competitors, The price now was 32s per ease. Australian condensed milk paid 2 0 per cent, duty on entering the Dominion, hut New Zealand product on entering Australia paid 40 to 44 per per cent.