FLAXMILLS CLOSE FOR THREE MONTHS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3773, 29 March 1928, Page 2

FLAXMILLS CLOSE FOR THREE MONTHS.

RESULTS OF SEASON’S OPERATIONS REVIEWED.

The annual closing down of the Manawatu flaxmills, which takes place almost immediately, and continues until June or July, is likely to accentuate the unemployment problem in this district

Speaking to a “Times” representative, Mr. H. A. Seifert, president of the New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association, pointed out that about 500 men were affected, with an aggregate weekly wage bill of about £2500, representing a loss in wages /for the closing down period of about £30,000. The 1927-28 season, said Mr. Seifert, had been a good one for milling operations. Prices, though not high, had been fairly satisfactory. The Dominion production of flax was about 10 per cent, higher than last year, being approximately 19,000 tons, of a total value of about £500,000. A movement of very great importance to the industry, said 'Mr, Seifert, is the formation of the Flax Research Association now being proceeded with by the Department of Scientific Research, the t Flaxmillers’ Association and flaxmillers. The Massey Agricultural College authorities will establish a flax experimental station wherein to study the flax plant in relation to commercial planting.

Another feature of scientific research will be the conducting of further experiments in chemical research chiefly relative to bleach- 1 ing, from' which great results are hoped for in the near future.