THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9426, 23 April 1909, Page 8

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

'A POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR HOPE. / Press Association. Wellington, April 81. ■ 1 . The cabled announcement that 'America is taking determined steps to close the Philippines market to other nations by establishing free trade between its possession and “ American ports seems to g*ve a ray of ' hope to New Zealand flax pro- . duoers, that in lessened trade with * Europe in Manila hemp ■ be expected to follow the restrictions New Zealand flax would enter more prominently into the calculations of Home manufacturers. Several authorities on the subject, mterviewed by a New Zealand Times res -presentative, explained tlm position, .‘but were not very optimistic. America, it seems, has during the last twelve months osen steadily ■ ousting London from its old place lot pride as the centre of the hemp mar- • kefc of the world. Manila hemp is the best in the world, and the .Americana, with the control of the ■ only place where it is produced, have an unequalled opportunity of turning the stream of trade from the Philippines towards of the stars >' and stripes. '