The Flax Industry.

Manawatu Herald, 10 November 1896, Page 2

The Flax Industry.

« The attempts made to stir the Government to take some interest in the flax industry is an old, old tale, and has arrived at a pitch when the feeble response of a subsidy of £250 is promised, provided the millers and settlers find an equal amount. It is not now neoessary to reiterate the reasons we have given for viewing this action as most unfair. Still an expert commissioner to the Home market must be appointed, and therefore a special effort is now baing made. It has transpired from a letter received by Mr David Robertson from the Secretary of the Department of Agricultnre, the Cabinet will probably further consider making an increase towards defraying the expenses. To encourage the Government, or to in any way prevent their having a chance of backing out of their promise, subscription lists are now abroad and are being rapidly filled up. The Wellington poople are responding well, and the flaxmillers should appreciate the interest they are showing. In Blenheim lists are also being signed. The local list was introduced personally by Mr Holmes, who, like Cfesar of old, "came, saw, and conquered," the list proving the statement. For those who have not bad an opportunity of showing their faith in the movement other lists are to be found in town. So far the Foxton subscription stands as follows : — G. IN ye, £1 Is ; Austin Bros., £1 Is ; T. Weßtwood, £1 Is ; W. B. Bhodes, £1 Is ; Alf Fraser, 10a 6d ; Edmund Osborne, £1 Is; Bichard Walden, 10a 6d ; Walsh & Howan, 10j 6d ; A. S. Easton, 10s 6d ; Joe Tos, £1 la ; A. H. Arbon. 10* 6d ; J. R. Stansell, £1 Is ; King, Baker & Co., £1 Is ; 8. Howan, £1 Is ; F. Eure. £1 Is ; E. S. Thynna, £1 Is ; W. Hamer, 103 6d ; A. R. Osborne, 10a 6d; C. T. Callis, £1 Is; H. H. Barber, 53 ; J. Spelman, 10s 6d ; G. Chuck, ss; Rev. Barnett. Other donations will be acknowledged The idea of offering these lists is to show the Government, not bow rich we ate, but how anxious we are this step should be taken, and therefore any sum, no matter how small, will be acceptable, as being an instance of the good faith of the subscriber.