THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 4 February 1909, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Royal Commission Asked for.

The Hon. A. W. Hogg, Minister for Labour, received yesterday afternoon, at Wellington, a visit from Mr Percy T. Robinson, of Foxton, secretary of the Manawatu Flaxmills’ Employees’ Union. Mr Robinson stated that in view of the present depressed condition of the flax industry, bis union desird that a Royal Commission should be set up to enquire into the true state of affairs. He pointed out that this was to be done in regard to sawmilling, and he urged that flaxmilling should receive the same consideration. Mr Robinson attributed the present depression in flaxmilling largely to high royalties, and said that flaxmillers and their hands seemed to think that the profits that should be derived by the manufacturers were being absorbed by the owners of the flax to the extent of absolutely crushing the industry. The union was quite satisfied with the wages stated in the award, and they had the expressed opinion of two of the largest flaxmillers, Messrs Seifert and John Stansell, that the wages were no more than fair. The Minister promised to bring the matter before the Government on an early opportunity with a view to seeing whether an inquiry could be held or legislation provided to bring about an alteration in the present state of affairs. He admitted the importance of the industry, and regretted that its present conditions had caused so many men to be out of employment. If any remedy could be applied it should be done as promptly as possible.