The Flax Industry.

Manawatu Herald, 17 October 1895, Page 2

The Flax Industry.

When the flax industry was at ifca height, it was regarded as one of the mainstays of the oolony and represented an export value of half a million of money. At that time, the quantity of dressed flax exported was from 15,000 to 20,000 tons. The prosperity of the flax industry extended to all parts of the colony, for it employed a large body of consumers. The stores found new and profitable customers, the farmers were provided with a considerably increased consuming power at their doors. The question is, can this industry be revived ? We believe it can. How is it to be done? We

suggest that it be done by the State subsidising the industry. Is such a cuui-cje justified? We believe the Static would not lose a penny by such a course, but would rather be the

Saintr. At tho pwient ttan th« itatt is spending an enormous lum onoharto&teaieL Tha taxpayw hai thus to boat an expenditure which he can ill afford in the face of dull times and low prices. What i§ worse, is that the State gets little or no return for that expenditure. An industry like the flax business is the very thing we want. It san pick unskilled and unemployed labour and make profitable use of it. It would probably relieve the people of 60 to 75 per cent, of their charitable aid burden. It would create a large additional consumption of dutiable goods, which would, therefore, re. turn a considerably increased revenue to the State. It could utilise a national production lying waste but capable of being converted into immense value. We believe that (the demand for State aid to this industry stands on impregnable ground, and that the matter should be represented to the Government with a view to inducing them to give this industry such support as will restore its properi ty. There are few industries from which the colony would derive more substantial benefit.

(Condensed from the People.)