A COMMISSIONER FOR FLAX.

Manawatu Herald, 16 December 1893, Page 2

A COMMISSIONER FOR FLAX.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MAXAWATU HERALD. Sir, — The continued low price of t flax at this time of yeav when usually prices have risen and the mills received orders, is a very serious thing for the district which your paper represents and the Colony as well. A remark I saw in a quotation from a home paper seemed to show that the price of our New -Zealand Hemp was regulated by the" pace of sisal more especially than anything else. I determined to ask the Govern, ment to appoint a Commissioner to go over to the Bermudas and else* whure whore Ihe sisal is grown to make enquiries into growth, manufacture and sale of this rival commodity to ours. To follow it up into the countries where it- i 9 used and make an exhaustive enquiry into the whole matter. To report to Government and to offer any suggestion that he might think would be for the benefit of the Flax industry as to the growth or .manufactures of Flax into hemp. I believe myself that much could be done iv this way, it could not cost very much and yet might ';bti :the means of again starting the trade into life. ■ Other countries frequently send Commissioners to the Colonies;Wby should we not send one to make full enquiry intp ..such an important subject as the Flax industry and its kindred trades. I thought with your permission, Sir, I would bring up the matter} in your columns so that those might consider :it : suggestion and alsptHejrlJSllll^ to mill -ha^^;pM|^^H be asking that BQ^UBhbMl4y>^^^ 1 re suggestions either KbmV^ajrt»!f- or those interested in the trM^>ftnd shall with them be happj^ $f^the suggestion is considered worthy of prosecuting) to put the matter before the Government in any way which is considered best. I am, &c, James G. Wilson.