Meeting on Saturday.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 27 October 1891, Page 2

Meeting on Saturday.

The difficulty that has arisen in passing the fibre, has at least resulted in one party refusing to act in a dual capacity. Mr G. H. Scales has during the past three years been the principle expert employed by buyers in passing the hemp, but lately he has found his position anything but a " bed of roses " and has, by a circular Messrs McMillan Rhodes & Co have been good enough to hand us, refused to do more than act on behalf of the buyers. The following is the circular : — Wellington, 22nd October, 180 1. Dear Sir,— In view of the dissatisfaction I hear is universally expressed by Flaxmillers in the Manawata at the freqnency of Rejections, and the oomplaints as to quality of homp by buyers in WeUiagtoa, t Biv« tilMlhl It rivlMblc > to

with the idea that they will then take concerted action. , I beg to snggest that all thrillers, at; any rate all those who are iw working contract, combine, and appoint a man chosen from among themselves— someone who does not at present reside in Wellington, for choice a man who is actually a ! practical miller— who shall come to Weilington and devote his whole time in watching the examination of the flax by the buyers here, and to report to Millers on the rejections made ; and, in fact, he should also have power to contest any that he considered unjust. So far as I am personally concerned, I shall be most happy to meet any suah representative as though he was the Miller, and seek his approval on any rejection I may make. The cost of doing what I suggest would be trivial. I should say that a call of 3s a week from each mill would more than cover it. Another proposition I would make is, that at the commencement of any contract, a bale be chosen by the buyer and either the Miller himself or his representative, aB a sample of what the quality is to be ; such bale to be stored by itself in the Harbour Board Shed. This might, I think, save a great deal of unpleasantness. Trusting that my remarks will meet your's and other Millers' consideration. I remain, Yours truly, Geo. IT. Scales,. We believe that Mr Scales has acted rightly, it is impossible for any man to serve two masters, and if the millers are correct in their statements, no doubt flax has been rejected lately, since prices have been quoted low in the London market, which previously was accepted without comment.

Mr Gardner convenes a meeting of millers tor Saturday next to consider the suggestions made in this circular, and it appears plain that the millers must, for their own protection act in the manner proposed. The choice of a representative is important, and we sincerely trust that there will be a good attendance of those engaged in the trade. Hempmillers must grasp the fact that their calling is a most important one, to themselves and others, and that ordinary business principles and cooperation must be adopted, if it is not to die wholly out.