The Flax Industry.

Manawatu Herald, 23 September 1899, Page 2

The Flax Industry.

The possibility of making the flax industry one of greater importance rhan it is at present was gone into by members of the House? last night (Tuesday) aod there appeared to bo a considerable difference of opinion on the question. After several had expressed grave doubts, Mr J. Hutoheson stated his opinion that the flax industry was anything but a t a diminishing one. The exports fell r-gularly from 1889 to 1895, but the value of the flax shinned from Wellington rose from £10,706 in 1892, to £15,240 in 18&7, and J645-----862 in 1898. No doubt this was in a very large measure due to the cause which had been mentioned by MrDuthie— tho Philippine War. But there had been an increase demand both in the United States and in Great Britain. Mr Pirani spoke in a similar strain. He suggested that an expert should be employed to act at the port of shipmeat as a grader. Even -■. were the flax-millers charged a percentage of the cost of employing a grader, it would be willingly paid, and such an appointment would be of as much I benefit to the flax r iria*tf3try. Mr ' Field regarded the industry as one of the moat valuable 4beool#py had, It employed more unskilful labour in proportion to its products than any o.heri Where it permanently established the country %fbuld be more than re-paid for what assistance it now gave as encouragement. He contradicted a statement previously made that flax grawj| only on very good land. Mr Hogg agreed with suggestion for the appointment of ft grader, and thought the colony ghould do more to encourage its twine and similar industries. The greater proportion cf our ropes

and twitie waj imported not made from our own^flax — while we sent away the raw material from our shores. Mr Massey was doubtful if the induetry could be made v lastitkg one. The Acting-Colonial 8-uieW.y did no& agree wuh those who said flax dressing Wa.s a perishing industry. It was true there were certain drawbacks, but Ktw Zealand flax was a maikable commodity, and if the cost of pro duction could be reduced, the valut of the flax would be enhanced, and the people would ba encouraged to go in for its cultivation. There was a large area of land not fitted for general agricultural purposes which could be used for flax-growing, and it was possidle for the industry to assume much larger dimensions.— Post.