N.Z. FLAXMILLERS' ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3858, 16 October 1928, Page 3

N.Z. FLAXMILLERS' ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the New Zealand Flaxmillers’ Association was held in the Racing Club offices on Saturday, presided over by Mr. C. H. Speirs (President). Also present were Messrs) J. S. Moir, W. H. Wilson, 11. A. Seifert, Herman Seifert, H. Berry, Wl Nye, E. Sutton. RESIGNATION. Mr. R. H. Spencer 1 , who had been secretary of the Association since 1908, wrote tendering his resignation owing to his inability to attend meetings. The President said that it was with regret that they accepted the resignation after Mr. Spencer’s long period of service. He had seen many ups and downs in the industry during his service and had shown outstanding ability in connection with the secretarial duties. Mr. H. A. Seifert said that during his term of office as President, he had always found Mi*. Spencer courteous and willing to undertake his duties. It was to be regretted that the Association was to lose his services. Mr. Berry endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks, and it was decided to forward Mr. Spencer a letter of appreciation of his services. The question of appointing a solicitor for the Association was left in the hands of Messrs C. H. Speirs and H. Berry. automatic SCUTCHING CONFERENCE. 'The President reported on the conference between Union and Association delegates in reference to automatic scutching wages. No agreement was reached. It was decided to apply to the Arbitration Court for a settlement in the matter. RAILWAY FREIGHT REDUCTION. The President reported that at a conference held in Wellington the previous day with the Prime Minister, to discuss the sliding scale of wages, the Prime Minister stated that the Railway Department had been unable to make any recommendation for a decrease in freight charges but the Department was willing to consider any proposals the millers cared to make. With regard to a reduction in the charge for electricity to flax millers, the Government had been unable to do anything in this connection, as the matter was so complicated. The Government sold the power in bulk to the Boards who distributed it.