A Grader.

Manawatu Herald, 9 August 1900, Page 2

A Grader.

We trust before long to be able to record the appointment of a Government grader for flax. A few weeks ago the Hempmillers Association took the matter up and prepared a pstition, a copy of which was sent to all millers, asking if they concurred, or otherwise, in the proposal. Mr Austin, the secretary, has had a large number of replies, all favourable, and these signatures will be appended to the petition which will then be presented to the Government. A grader is another long felt want, and owing to the slackness in the fibre market, a very present want. The graders in Wellington are in an unpleasant position, from being merely the representatives of the buyers, and are inclined, when flax i j not wanted to exercise a fastidiousness as to the samp c inspected which has been absent when prices ruled high. The millers are placed unfairly in the conduct of their business as what is " fine " and " general fair average " quality appears to be a fluctuating point actuated by whether there is, or is not, a demand for flax. This idea may, or may not be correct, but it is undoubtedly the one held by millers, and nothing short of the Government appomfing an officer to act between buyer and heller, will dispel the notion that things are not so satisfactory as they might be. The Government have professed their readiness to appoint a Grader if assured it is the wish of the millers, and the petition will set at rest any doubts they may have had on the matter.