FLAX-CUTTING METHODS.

Shannon News, 15 May 1923, Page 2

FLAX-CUTTING METHODS.

CHIEF GRADER URGES IMPROVEMENUS. in View 01, liie experiments curried out at Miruiiui with a view jo. improving the methods of cuttinpr' bax. the following letter from the Chiel nemp uruder, Mr Petrie, lorwurded to us by Mr W. 11. Field, M.P., will he read with interest in the flax.area —“During the past six months 1 have noticed at, scvenai nulls, and also in lines submitted • lor grading, that considerable uuanlities ol green leaf have been cut too iuw. Not only does this result in the loss di grade points lor colour. Rut whd.l rs inure seriuus causes great injury to the-plums and subsequent, loss tu the industry. “There is not .the slightest doubt that ‘undercutting’ has in the past ‘been responsible lor many areas dying out, while the continuance- ol tot piacUce is prejudicially affecting other areas. For verification of this, one bus only to observe what has happen"ed, and is happening, in district i win re liax areas have not at any uine been affected with ‘yellow-leal ‘ “The industry inis already suffered several v through the ravages of ‘yel-low-leaf’ and other causes, such a, winter cutting, and I take the liberty of appealing to millers and flaxgrowers lo assist in preventing further injury arising by seeing that more care is exercised in cutting the leaf. “1 beg to point out- that this is a matter that cannot he dealt- with effectively by one special effort, hut in o>‘der to secure lasting benefit, continual supervision is absolutely necessary. “1 would respectfully ask those flaxgrowers who are not actually milling their own leaf, to give definite instructions that all flax be cut reasonably nigh as 1 feel confident that il this is done and the instructions strictly enlorced, very beneficial results will follow- , “In conclusion 1 feel sure that- unless greater general care is taken of the plants, especially in cutting, many more areas will be lost, and for this reason 1 sincerely hope that ail those engaged in flax-milling will give the .matter their best- attention.”