GOVERNMENT ASSISTS FLAX INDUSTRY.

Shannon News, 4 September 1923, Page 3

GOVERNMENT ASSISTS FLAX INDUSTRY.

EQUAL TO £BOO PER ANNUM. FOR EXPERIMENTAL WORK. ■ Mr J. Linklater, M.P., for Mamawatu, advises us that he -on Friday received the following telegram from Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister for Agriculture : “Cabinet has to-day decided to pay a subsidy of £SOO to the N.Z. Flaxmillers’ Association for the purpose of continuing experimental work in flax investigation; also that the amount collected as a result of the extra charge of 6d per ton on liemp graded, be also paid to the Association.” On being interviewed by a Chronicle. representative, Mr A.'Seifert, presi. dent of the.N.Z. Flaxmillers’ Association, expressed pleasure at the decision of the Government. He pointed out that the subsidy was larger than it looked, because the paying over of the -6d per ton on hemp graded would bring in least £3OO extra this year, the output having been over 12,000 tons. Thus the Association would expect £BOO, as against the £290 previously offered by the Government. There were indications also of a revival in the industry, with a subsequent increase in the output, which would, of course, increase the amount' returned to the Association. Asked as to whether the subsidy would be sufficient to justify the Association in resuming its important research work, which was abandoned for lack of funds, Mr Seifert said it was a matter for the Association to de. cide. He mentioned, however, that so far no great harm had resulted from the cessation of the work at Miranui, and if taken in hand at once there was no reason why the valuable information gained should not be conserved and the work continued with increased efficiency. The Association would be called together immediately, when a definite policy would no doubt be decided on. Mr Seifert said the Association would like to express its gratitude to Messrs Nash, Link la ter, and Field, M.’sP., for Palmerston, Manawatu and Otaki for the splendid fight they put up on behalf of this important industry.