THE HEMP INDUSTRY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2751, 28 June 1924, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY

EXPERIMENTAL WORK AND IMPROVED OUTLOOK.

“Il is reported that the Government intends employing a plant breeder at the Wevaron experimental farm, and probably one of bis dudes will be to improve the flax nlant,” stated Mr A. Seifert, president of the New Zealand Flnxrnillers Association, when asked by a “Standard” reporter about the progress of the experimental work in connection with the flax industry.

“As regards the experimental work which -we were earning out, the association is doing nothing officially at present, hut millers are carrying on in a private way,” he added. “We are working, naturally. under some difficulty. The Government is. T think, alive to the importance of the flax industry, but in my opinion it is now too late for it to work in with (he assoeiation in regard to the experimental work. When the millers had done a lot in carrying on the experimental work and everything was in train, the Government offered assistance hnt it was so little that, although .the work was of national importance, the private individuals interested could not stand the expense.” Mr Seifert expressed the opinion that it was not likely that there would he further advances made to ILc Government, on the question. Asked about the prospects for the industry Mr Seifert said: <r We have had a remarkably good season, and prices at the present time are hotter than they were at this period last year. There lias been a groat improvement in-the health of flax plants.” Mr Seifert said that, considering the cost of production, prices were still on the low side.