THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Shannon News, 30 October 1923, Page 3

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

THINGS ABOUT NORM*,,,

LARGER YIELD ANTICIPATED

Since the introduction of the sideleaf method of cutting flax-the overhead charges, in the. fibre • producing industry have increased to a great extent, according to a statement made to a Palmerston "Times'-' reporter by Mr A. Seifert, on Saturday . However, it is hoped that the extra yield ensured by this method will compensate the growers for The extra expenditure Involved. As Mr Seifert pointed" out, the pioneer in every venture invariably has a struggle at first. Generally, things in the industry are about normal, and the mills in the Manawatu have been working through the winter, though those in the Auckland district closed down for a wihile. It is the side-leaf process that has ensured the continuous rurir ning. The Association is at present busily. engaged preparing the exhibits for the British Empire Exhibition, and these will be 'forwarded through the Department of Agriculture. The market price now (being ohtain■ed for fibre is not good; according to the opinion of Mr Seifert, considering the excessive cost ol r manufacturing, although there, is a good demand for the product, and no difficult is experienced in disposing of the output. Last year the production of Manila hemp was large, though the output of sisal was not up to the usual. Both these products came into- active/ com'petition with the New Zealand flax. The output of New Zealand liemp is at present much lower than prior to the scourge of the yellow leaf disease, which affected large areas. Some time ago complaints were received from Home of the quality of the Dominion product, hut of late the standard had improved and iattained the old high degree, and has left.no room for fur-, ther. complaint'. " /, . "The mills are running about normal)," concluded Mr Seifert, "but 1 cannot say yet how the side-leaf cutting will affect us."