THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 843, 24 May 1910, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

MEETING OF FEAXMILEERS ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the New Zealand Flaxmillers Association was held at Palmerston North on Thursday last to discuss the matters dealt with by Mr Akers in the address given by him to an impromptu meeting of flaxmillers some little time back in reference to the possibilities of the hemp industry and the result of his investigations during his recent trip to the Philippines and England. There were present:— Messrs J. Liggins (chairman), E. N. Broad, F. Seifert, G. Seifert, W. Ross. W. Akers, A. Saunders, A. J. Gibbs. M. Cohen, L. Seifert and R. S. Abraham. The Chairman explained that while in Eondon Mr Akers bad met a German Professor, Dr. Naumann, of Leipszig, who said he understood that the New Zealand Government offered a bonus to anyone, who by machinery invention or otherwise, would improve the treatment of flax or lessen the cost of production. This bonus had been allowed to lapse, and the meeting was called to discuss Mr Akers’ report and to consider the question of approaching the Government with a view of getting that bonus reinstated. There was only 22cwt of fibre and tow taken from eight tons of green flax. All the rest was waste, and millers in New Zealand might for all they knew be throwing away most valuable products of the plant. If scientists like Dr. Naumann were offered sufficient inducement they would devote themselves to the work. Mr Wtn. Akers said he bad great faith in the flax prospects of New Zealand. A new method for flaxdressing was required. He had promised the Professor to endeavour to persuade the New Zealand Government to reinstate the bonus for machinery improvements and new methods of flaxdressing. This would offer inducement to rising engineers. A small bonus would be no good. He was leturniug to lyngland shortly to go into the flax question more fully. He had already sent a quantity of material to be experimented with. The Chairman then asked for discussion, and incidentally called upon Mr Cohen to speak. Mr Cohen said he felt sure that the meeting felt as he did that they were considerably indebted to Mr Akers for the trouble he had taken, and the enthusiasm he had displayed. The deputation which had at short notice waited on the Minister for Agriculture, was received very cordially, and the Minister had stated that he would be pleased if the Association would get closely in touch with him as to its aims and requirements for the betterment of the industry. They should now take advantage of the invitation, and Mr Cohen said he would move later that a deputation be formed to carry out the conclusions arrived at by the meeting. As to the bonus, this was almost a national concern and an adequate amount ought to be reinstated on the estimates for the purpose of encouraging those best able to give their attention to new methods of flax-dressing, for which there was unlimited scope. This could not be done for a sum too small to attract the best scientists and inventors. It must be made worth their while and in placing the matter before the Government the Association would have the opportunity of acting on the old adage, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” If the bonus achieved its object the industry in New Zealand need no longer fear the competition of outside countries, as it was expected that any new method would prove a considerable saving in the cost of production, and that was their chief aim at present. It would, therefore, mean not only a tremendous impetus to the industry but incidentally greatly increase the wealth of the Dominion and better the lot of the workers. It would mean that vast areas of country suitable for growing flax would be planted, and the fear that the supply of flax was diminishing from areas that had beeu cut improperly would no y longer trouble them. The export could be so increased as to make our flax an entity in the fibres of the world. To this end flaxmillers were prepared to bear the burden themselves if the project was speedily put in hand. A tonnage tax upon all hemp exported might be imposed so that in the course of a few years the Government would be reimbursed. The Government should be made to understand that it was not a question of .£3OOO to ,£SOOO but from ,£IO,OOO to ,£20,000, and with the suggested tonnage tax it could be treated merely as an advance for the benefit of the industry, and be repaid by those most directly benefiued. He felt sure a strong representative deputation would receive a patient and satisfactory hearing. As to the loss of valuable products, he felt sure this was so. The gum which gave them so much trouble to eradicate was one of the most valuable vegetable gums in existence. The green dye, which was at present the bane of flaxmilling, was of immense value as a substitute for the aniline dye, of which there was insufficient in existence to supply the commercial demand. It might mean that it would some day be found necessary to carry on flaxmilling irrespective of the value of the fibie so as to secure the by-products. With regard to the suggested appointment of a representative by the Association, this was a another

matter and should be the subject of another resolution. Whilst they acknowledged Mr Akers’ generosity in agreeing to act as accredited agent of the Association, they could not ascribe to this the position of the representative of the whole flaxmilling industry in the Dominion. If the High Commissioner’s office justified its existence it should be equipped so that the conditions of the bonus could be diseminated not only in England but by being in touch with the agricultural bureaux throughout Europe, America and elsewhere. It was therefore not a question for an accredited individual of auy single association, and it should be invested with a very much more important standing. Mr Cohen, in conclusion, said it was the duty of every flaxmiller to give his voice and time for the benefit of each other and the industry generally, and he felt gratified to hear Mr Akers say that irrespective of who was appointed to represent the matter in Europe, as he would be on the spot he would cheerfully give his time and attention to the furtherance of the idea. The Government should be reimbursed for any bonus, and this would be the best investment ever made by millers of New Zealand. Mr F. B. Seifert said he was in accord with most of the proposals but he did not think everything should be done in the one direction. It should be stipulated that the bonus should extend to all milling machinery and be placed on the estimates lor several successive years. If the bonus assisted the millers, the Government should be reimbursed by funds derived from export duty.

Mr Cohen moved, and Mr Ross seconded :—“That a deputation be set up to interview the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, with the object of strongly representing the necessity of placing upon the Estimates an adequate sum as a bonus for (a) au improved process in flaxdressiug; (b) improved machinery for same, and that any sum so allowed be reimbursed to the Government by a tonnage (tax placed upon the hemp exported in such manner as the Department may devise.” Doubt was expressed by the chairman as to the advisability of allowing a tonnage tax to be imposed. If the tax was once imposed it might never be taken off. A tax ou sheep for scab had only been removed 25 years,) alter the disease had been eradicated.

Mr Cohen explained that the tax would only be paid until the bonus had been paid off.

Mr F. Seifert warned the meeting that the Government might accept an invention which really did not greatly benefit the industry. It remained for the Association to see that such inventions were not accepted. The following were appointed a deputation :—■ Messrs Eiggins, Cohen, Bell, Akers, F". Seifert, R. S. Abraham and others interested. It was decided to communicate with Messrs Buick, Newman and Field M’s.P., with a view to arranging an interview with the Minister.

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Akers for the interest he had taken in the flax industry.