THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3770, 3 September 1907, Page 3

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

' Method of Marketing. Sound Advice. In his annual report the London Produce Commissioner, Mr Cameron, refers to a very important market consideration in connection with the flax industry. This is the style in which flax and tow is lauded on the British markets. “I am of opinion,” reports Mr Cameron, ” that insufficient care is taken to insure hemp and tow being placed on the markets of the world in an attractive condition. Remarking on the liability ot tow to lake fire whilst in transit to oversea markets, the Commissioners appointed to inquire into fires on woolships write as follows ; —“ The question of covering tow for shipment has been prominent throughout the investigation, and the evidence as to the utility of the practice is somewhat conflicting. . would be an advantage if bales of flax or tow were covered, and we are of opinion that tow should be inspected.” I have for some time been of the opinion that all tow and flax exported should be covered with jute, hessian, or some such material, not so much as a protection against fire risks as to preserve the bright, clean appearance of the produce from being destroyed, as is now largely the case. I am convinced that the dirty, stained, and crushed appearance that the hemp exhibits in a large number of cases operates in no small degree against its favourable reception by British and continental merchants. I consider it would pay the millers well to coyer their hemp and tow, and thus insure these products being placed on the markets in a presentable condition. Dumping the bales of flax is also largely reponsible for their dilapidated appearance when put on foreign markets. When in Liverpool 1 saw New 7 Zealand flax which had been dumped lying in the dock sheds ; thete was absolutely no semblance of bales, merely an aggregation of crushed and dirty hanks, which from their general appearance one would not have picked up from a rubbishheap. As flax is carried at weightrates, shippers should, I consider, insist on their consignments being conveyed undumped. Even at a higher rate of freight, I consider that this course would prove of decided commercial advantage.”