YELLOW LEAF DISEASE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2554, 13 March 1923, Page 3

YELLOW LEAF DISEASE.

INSPECTION OF EXPERIMENTAL WORK.

The yellow leaf disease in the flax is threatening 'the hemp industry and an inspection of the experimental work to combat the disease now being made at the Miranui mill, at Shannon, is being arranged for Thursday next, by the N.Z. Flaxmillers Association. The Minister of Agriculture and Members of Parliament have accepted invitations to be 'present. ' The inspection has been arranged to show the work that is being done with a view:— (1) To growing flax with immunity to the yellow leaf disease; (2) that will a good quality fibre; (3) that will yield a high percentage of fibre; (4) also any other improvements in the plant found to he necessary.*. The flax plant, so far, has been entirely neglected by plant breeders, therefore it offers a wide field for improvement. The industry which is now threatened with extinction through the ravages of the disease, has, in the past, been of great service to the district, by employing a large number of men. The wages paid represents a large amount of money annually. The industry has also contributed largely to the Dominion’s revenue by the payment of land and income tax, as well as indirect taxes. This revenue will be lost, completely, unless research white to find means of combating the disease and improving the plant is persevered with. It is the Association’s desire to show the public what has been done up to the present. At last night’s Council meeting Crs. Bryant, Ross and Smith were appointed to represent the Council at the inspection.