The Southland Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1870.

Southland Times, Issue 1224, 18 March 1870, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1870.

The importance of collating all the information which could possibly be obtained relative to the cultivation and manufacture of native flax, has been alluded to in our columns more than once, and the little that has yet been ascertained on these most interesting subjects is, indeed, matter for surprise. Most of our readers are no doubt aware that, some six or eight months ago, a Commission, with members in the various provinces, was appointed by the legislature for this very purpose, but hitherto very little practical good has resulted. We cannot suppose that the gentlemen honored by being selected to make the inquiries have been indifferent to the duties devolving upon them, and must conclude that they have found obstacles in the way of their researches, in the carelessness of those in a position to give the information. People engrossed with their own concerns, in this instance per- ! haps more than ordinarily occupied and 1 anxious in watching the development of ! a young industry, can ill afford time for the performance of duties apparently laid upon them through mere inquisitiveness, and from which no immediate | benefit is likely flow; but they should remember that a comparison of observations and experiences will ultimately be conducive to their own personal advantage, and that in grudging a little time for the public good, they are certainly retarding their own success. Moreover, it is well they should know that the Commissioners have power to compel their attention to their requests, and that default lays them open to heavy penalties. By an Act passed in 1867, every Board or Commission appointed by the G-overnor, or every individual member thereof, is empowered to summon any person whose evidence may be thought necessary in the matter under inquiry, to attend at such time and place as he or they may think fit, and also to order the production of any such books, papers, writings, or other documents bearing upon the question in hand, as might be ordered to be produced in any court of law. The flax manufacture has been enthusiastically entered upon here, and the subject of its cultivation has also attracted considerable attention amongst our farmers, and it is to the advantage of all that each should communicate what knowledge he can regarding either branch of the industry. It is to be hoped therefore that the "efforts of the Southland Commissioner to collect the fullest particulars on the subject obtainable, may be cheerfully seconded by those now engaged in the trade in the province. Lest there should be any who think the matter one which they may attend to orneglect at pleasure, we reprint a clause or two of the Act to which reference has been made. When it is observed that the penalties embrace fines to the extent of £20, and imprisonment with hard labor, probably any categorical circulars which may have found their way round to the different mills will be thought worthy of prompt attention. The following are the clauses mentioned, one of which, it will be noticed, provides for the payment of expenses incurred in the public service : — If any person on whom any such summons shall have been served by the delivery thereof to him, or by the leaving thereof at his usual place of abode, shall neglect or fail to appear according to the exigency of the summons requiring his attendance, or, being present, Bhall refuse to be sworn or to give evidence or to make answer to such questions as shall be put to him by any member of such board or commission touching the subject matter of the inquiry, or if any person having the custody or contrpl of such

books, papers, documents, and writings, shall, upou being Bum<aoned a* aforesaid, rail or neglect to produce them at the time and place named in such summons, such person so offending shall forfeit - and pay for every such default any sum not exceeding twenty pounds, to be recovered in a summary way before a resident magistrate or any two justices of tb.e peace by any person authorized by the board or commission so to do. .:•<■ .

All witnesses attending in pursuance' 1 of the summons of any such commissioner,, other than any party prosecuting aay claim before such board or commissi >n, shall be entitled to expenses for travelling and maintenance during bis absence fro n his usual place of residence, accordiag to the scale allowed by tne rules of t\& Supreme Court in civil cases to witnesses, and such expenses shall be paid by the Colonial Treasurer cut of the ordinary revenue, if certified by thechairman of such board or commission.

, Every person wilfully and corruptly giving false evidence upon oath before any such board or commission, shall be deemed guilty of perjury, and may on conviction be sentenced to penal servitude for any term not exceeding fouryears,or imprisonment with or without hard labor for any term nqtexceeding two years.