The Flax Expert.

Manawatu Herald, 24 September 1896, Page 2

The Flax Expert.

There appears every chance of the Government yielding to the pressure brought upon them to appoint an Expert for the flax trade. It is a cheering sign to find the Government at last open to conviction, but we trußt they will not spoil their good work by making an appointment not in keeping with the interests of the trade. Foxton commands the greatest consideration from beiDg the centre of the flax milling industry, and at the last meeting here a no uncertain recommendation was made. We know little of Mr John Holmes, but the millers apparently know him, and with one accord they voluntarily requested the Government to appoint him to the position of expert. Possibly they knew him of old, in his capacity of miller and merchant, but if not then they knew him as the grader of the Association they fot mad. It would seem peculiar, in the face of this selection, if anyone else was appointed, for whatever end Mr Holmes may have been working for, he undoubtedly has proved hia interest in the business and in the appointment of an expert. The labourer, we have been told foryeaw and years, is worthy of his hire, and so is stands to reason that Mr Holmes is deserving of the appointment if one is, which should be, made. He has materially assisted the trade in showing in what mennar an Expert would be of service, and has helped them exceedingly in bringing the matter well before the Government, and for this he deserves • tUauks and more— the appointment.