FLAXMILLING INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1839, 13 June 1918, Page 2

FLAXMILLING INDUSTRY.

PRODUCTION AND EXPORT,

The matter of the production and export of flax was discussed at some length before The Military Service at Auckland on Monday during (he hearing of'an appeal, the appellant in which was engaged in work connected with the (laxmilling industry. Mr McCallum, a member of the Efficiency Board, maintained that the industry would in no Aviso suffer if appellant went to camp, as more flax was already held in store than could be exported. Every store im Auckland was full at the present time. Even the old Albert Street baths had been requisitioned, and had received 1,300 bales during the last six Aveeks. He had further been informed that the. flaxmills in the Auckland Province, were going to (dose doAvn shortly' for two months, owing to over-production and Aveatber conditions. Meat and, avool Avould take precedence of flax in the allotment of shipping space, and it Aims not anticipated that the stores of flax Avould be, cleared in less than 18 months.

Counsel, in combating I Ills statement,’ said the industry had boon considered such an important one that the Government had offered a, bonus of £20,000 for the discovery of methods that would lead to increased output and improved methods of treatment. Another witness, a partner in the tirm employing appellant, said that (he closing of the mills would he a very good thing, as this was not the proper season for cutting flax. Shipping difficulties were well known, but had been overcome to a considerable extent in the past. Very large shipments had gone forward; a large quantity of flax had been sent away quite recently, and more would be taken by a vessel due to leave shortly. Flax was required by the authorities. Since the war, only Manila and New Zealand flax was available; the Hungarian and other mills had closeed down. Stores were certainly congested, but he was surprised to hear Mr MeCallura’s opinion that it would take so long to get the flax: away, and the news would also be received with keen interest by largo flaxmill owners. Personally, he did not think it would take so long. Mr MeCallura explained that hia opinion was merely based on the present rate of export and shortage of shipping space.