FLAX INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1927, Page 4

FLAX INDUSTRY

CONFER ENCE 0 F MILLERS. AA'ELLIXGTOX, Jan. 21. One of flic most important conferences ever held in the history of the flax industry of the Dominion opened to-day. ft is the first since 1922. Growers and merchants are represented. The subjects which will probably assume importance are modern methods of manufacture, and grading and, in view of tho growing mature of the industry, recognition of its importance in several directions is aimed at.

'.Mr Seifert said that the grading might at any time he altered in a way tho millers did not like. Millers were not desirous of producing low standard leaf. To-day it was the same as twentyfive y cell's ago, no better and no worse, but the millers wished the present standard of grading to lie standardised. This would result in improved work, because of the security promised millers, who would put out the best hemp in their grade. A proper range of standard samples would stand many years and would enable British or American graders to appraise immediately our guides within half a point. .Air Longuet moved : “That no matter what checking system he adopted by this meeting, the meeting now affirm the principle that Government super- | vision in control of grading is in the j best interests of ftio industry and that j it he not disturbed.” The motion was carried.

It was suggested that the danger of a gradual change through a too frequent establishment of samples might bo obviated by the retention of sealed or glassed in samples for a long period of vt}ars as flax was known to show littlo deterioration over twenty years.

Tho following motion proposed by Air Goldfinch and seconded by Air Frost was carried: “That the Department of Agriculture be asked to have samples of kail grades prepared and shown suitably in the main grading stores throughout th Dominion, such samples to lie selected bv a committee representing tho Department of Agriculture, tho Xew Zealand flaxmillers, manufacturers and merchants; that the range of samples he renewed as required once every twelve months.” It is suggested tlfat the samples he sealed and opened in the presence of recognised authorities only, and that a fee of £1 bo paid by millers disputing the grading when the dispuTe involves the unsealing of samples.