FLAXMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1429, 27 July 1915, Page 4

FLAXMILLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

The Chairman stated at Friday’s mealing of the Flaxtnillers’ Association that the freights during the year, owing to the war, went up to an excessive price, in fact they had never been so high before. The low price for hemp caused some millers to cease operations, Other millers went on working, but made practically no profit. A committee was set up to interv j e w the Shipping Companies, but he was sorry to say they did not accomplish anything. The companies replied that the freights were so low already that if they took a whole shipment of hemp Home they would do so at a loss. A committee was also set up to go into the Government bonus of /12,000 for improvements to flax machinery, but unfortunately nothing came of it. Two or three got some small concessions. There was an improved dry scutcher and washer that might develop in the future. Dining the year they had a visit from the Japanese Trade Commissioners, who were met at Shannon by the millers and shown over Mr Greig’s mill. It was hoped that something would develop in the future in regard to trade with Japan. The sura of was contributed by the millers towards the Belgian Relief Fund. The executive report showed that taking everything into an count the past season was one of the most unprofitable for many years. The outlook, however, for the present season is much brighter. Two conferences were held with the representatives of the Employees’ Union on the question of framing a new award, The case was heard also on two occasions before the Conciliation Commissioner, but no agreement was arrived at. The Arbitration Court would sit at Palmerston on August sth to hear a dispute. Thirteen millers contributed bales of hemp and tow for the Panama Exhibition. Superior, fine, fair, and common hemp ware sent, and four bales of low. It was hoped that the exhibits would make New Zealand produce better known.