Mr J. G. Wilson on Flax.

Manawatu Herald, 18 September 1894, Page 3

Mr J. G. Wilson on Flax.

On Thursday afternoon Mr J. G. Wilson took the opportunity duiing a question of the adjournment of the House to mako the following remarks on tha Flax Industry : — Mr Wilson said he wanted to say a few words on another question, which was one of great importance —that was, the flax industry, which was alluded to in question No. 7, which was on the subject of the bonus offered by the Government for improved machinery. He, however, did not wish to complain of the answer the Minister gave, as he knew that the matter was being considered by the three experts the Government had appointed to go over the different entries. He (Mr Wilson) hoped something would evolve out of the entries that would cheapen the cost of production of hemp, but he was airaid nothing would come at present ; he hoped he was mistaken. However, what he wanted to say was that, if this offer of the Government failed to

bring anything to light that would benefit the industry, then he hoped *~Jthe Minister would offer something substantial in the shape of a bonus that would attract the inventive faculties of those outside New Zealand who might be said to be experts in invention. Why should the Minister not offer £10,000 as a bonus ? The flax trade was practically at a standstill. If any process could be devised that would reduce the cost of production, say, £3 or £i, the whole trade would start into life again, and the " unemployed " question would be at an end. The whole trouble . that so much had been made of to day would be gone. On the West Coast alone a thousand men could be employed, and all the discontented constituents of the Minister of Labour could find plenty of work then. Mr Reeves. — I would not need to send any to the North of Auckland then. Mr Wilson — No. There would be room for every one in the trade, not only of the Christchurch unemployed, but they could take those that the honourable member for Marsden complained of had been sent up North. He (Mr Wilson) hoped therefore that the Minister would consider this question before the end of the session, and help the industry by an additional bonus if the present one failed. If it resulted in success it would be money well spent. If not, no money was needed.