THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 20 March 1909, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

On Tuesday, Mr D. Buick, M.P., met the Premier as he passed through Palmerston to Mr John Stevens’ banquet at Marton, and introduced Messrs Cohen and Broad, who, on behalf of the Flaxmillers’ Association, desired to meet the Premier, the Hons. A. W. Hogg and T. Mackenzie, Minister for Labour and Industries and Commerce respectively, at an early date iu regard to important and vital issues affecting the flax industry, which is approaching a crisis in its existence.

Thb Premier, after hearing the desires of Hie deputation, pointed out that, at present, he and his colleagues were particularly busy, but that he would see what arrangements could be made in a couple of weeks’ time. The deputation that it is hoped will eventually be able to see the Premier and Ministers stated, will comprise members of the Wellington and Palmerston Chambers of Commerce, members of Parliament, whose districts export flax, and members of the Flaxmillers’ Association. Mr Field, M.P., has already been in communication with the authorities for the last three weeks, with a view to arriving at some definite understanding.

The subjects which it is desired to ventilate include, inter alia, the revision of the existing, award, royalties, taxation of flax lauds, subsidising improvements to flax machinery, and the desire that the Government should endeavour to find some use for the by-products. The premier promised to give two days’ notice when the deputation could be heard.