FLAX INDUSTRY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3590, 25 January 1927, Page 3

FLAX INDUSTRY

THE GRADING QUESTION. Results of distinct benefit to the industry are expected to be derived from the conference held in Wellington on Friday under the auspices of the New Zealand Flax Millers’ Association (says a Wellington paper). The principle of Government supervision and control of grading was affirmed, and the co-operation of the Agricultural Department in connection with a system of grading samples, recommended by the conference, has been promised. The president of the association (Mr. C. A'. Loughnan) occupied the chair, and those also present included Messrs H. A. Seifert (Vicepresident of the association), F. W. Wilson, N. Spiers and A. Brown (Wjaikanae), A. Seifert (Palmerston North), B. B. Wood ('Christchurch), J. S. Moir and H. Berry (Foxton), E. T. Frost (Auckland), M. Burke (Hawke’s Bay), C. H. Speirs (Shannon), L. Craw (Linton), T. Watson (Invercargill), A. MacDonald (Waikuku), L. H. Maddren (Christchurch), F. Shardlow (Blenheim), W. Ait ken (Martinborough), R. L. Goldfinch (representing Levin and C'o., Ltd.), S. A. Longuet (A. S.-Paterson and Co., Ltd.), and M. Pollock (Johnston and Co., Ltd).

In opening the proceedings Mr. Loughnan said that, while the association did not claimi to represent all the flax-milling interests of the Dominion, it believed that the time was ripe when the millers, the mercantile houses and (the manufacturers should come together to form an organisation fully representative of the industry. The meeting would discuss the situation of the flax industry, with particular reference to the grading question. In certain directions a feeling was abroad that there was room for improvement in the present grading system to the advantage of the industry as a whole. A proposed • grading scheme drafted by Mr. H. A. Seifert was outlined in detail.

It was pointed out by Mr. A. Seifert that the general fear among millers was' that grading at any time could be altered —the standard raised or the standard lowered. He repudiated that statement that an attempt would be made at the meeting to lower the standard. As a matter of fact, he added, millers were as much opposed to having the standard lowered as to having it raised. Maistenanee of the present standard was what was required.

The opinion was expressed by Mr. Louguet (that Government grading had caused an improvement in ''the position of New Zealand hemp, and the mere fact of Government grading was a security to oversea buyers which they could obtain in any other form. To 1 shorten the discussion, he moved: “That no matter what cheek system, may be formulated at this meeting, we now affirm the that Government supervision and control of the grading is in the best interests of the industry, and (that it be not disturbed.”

The president described the motion as a wise one, and he agreed that it should be the basis of the discussion.

.In seconding 'the motion, Mr. Woo'd said it must be recognised that the certificate handed to the buyers was a powerful asset f° industry. i . v The motion was carried. y

GRADING SAMPLES. V

The question of inaugurating grading samples was raised by Mr. A. Seifert, who (explained the method of procedure at length. After a full discussion the following resolution was moved by Mr. Goldfinch: — “That the Department of Agriculture be asked to have samples of all grades prepared and shown suitably in the main grading stores throughout the Dominion, such samples to be selected by a committee representing the Department of Agriculture, New Zealand flax millers, manufacturers, and merchants; that the range of samples he renewed as required (once every 12 months is suggested!); that the samples be sealed and opened in the presence of the recognised authorities only; and! that a fete of £1 be paid by miller's disputing the grading when the dispute involves the unsealing of (samples.-’ ' The president, in supporting the resolution, recommended thaA the details of thfc proposal be left ,to a sub-comini ttue and the grading authorities.

Mr. Fro’stf, who seconded the nation, said ill would be a most, ii’u* portant step to affirm, the principle of having sample hanks in grading sheds. It was a warrant against 1 frivolous appeals and, in addition, was a protection to the graders. The resolution was carried and a sub-committee was appointed to give effect to its directions. Mr. A. Seifert wftSi appointed to represent the millers; and Mr. Goldfinch the merchants,: while the cordage manufacturers were invited to appoint their reptreisentative later. The committed was invested with authority to, .augment its numbers by the appointment of one further representative from each of the thi’ee interests mentioned.

When the “meeting resumed in the afternoon Mr. Goldfinch reported that the! committee had had during adjournment a successful interview with Mr. A. H. Cockayne, director of the fields division of the Agricultural Department. Mr. Cockayne was in full accord with the proposed procuring of samples, and. the department was prepared to accord the scheme every possible as-

sistance. “From the attitude he takes up,” added the speaker, “I believe we have found the basis of a friendly working agreement. He was pleased to know that the Government system of grading was supported. Summed up, I think this conference to-day has been productive of really excellent results.” (Applause). Mr. A. Seifert said that he was satisfied that the department intended to go whole-heartedly into the samples question.

It was decided after a discussion to request the Government to appoint instructors, as had been done in other industries, so that mistakes made by millers might be rectified. It was pointed out that such a step would be of material assistance to the industry.

The meeting recommended also that the association should convene an annual meeting, to be held in the winter-time, of all interested in the industry, and that the secretary should circularise all millers, etc., inviting them to join the association.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S CABLE,

The High Commissioner’s cable, dated the 22nd inst., reads: —Hemp, Manila market quiet and closed steady. “.J” grade, January-March shipments quoted at £4B 10/-. The Sisal market is quiet with easier tendency, though value is nominally unchanged. New Zealand afloat is steady, with high points value £3B, fair £3(l Ift/-; forward ship ments easy; high points, JanuaryMarch shipments, offered at £37, fair £35 10/-.'