FLAX.

Manawatu Herald, Volume VII, Issue 238, 29 January 1889, Page 2

FLAX.

The following circulcr has been forwarded for the information of our hemp-millers: — "The attention of the insurance Companies and Shipping Agents having* been prominently drawn to the danger arising from Flax being sent for shipment in a wet and damp condition, a meeting was held at the offices of the Underwriters' Association on the 11th instant, at which representatives of the various Shipping and Insurance interests were present, when it was decided to call the attention of owners of flax mills, and those connected with the industry, to the urgency of using greater precaution to guard against the article being sent down for shipment unless in a thoroughly dry state. Numerous instances have recently occurred of packages having been received here in a damp and wet condition; and some bales, upon being opened up, have been discovered to be heated to an alarming extent, thus engendering spontaneous combustion, and the shipment of which would have been attended with considerable peril to the lives, cargo, jaftd vessels carrying the article. The owners of flax mills are therefore earnestly requested to pay particular care to the packing of the flax, in order that none may be shipped unless thoroughly dry and safe, and also to see that while the bales are in transit they are carfully protected from rain and damp of all kinds. Should this not be done, trouble must arise in obtaining* shipment, and measures will havo to be taken, either by re-packing, or by auy other means that may be deemed necessary by Lloyd's Surveyor to protect all concerned ; but as this would entail considerable expense to the owners of the article, this circular is issued with the endeavor to obtain the cooperation of those interested in the trade, .that such expense may be avoided. _