THE INTERIM REPORT OF THE FLAX COMMISSIONERS.

Southland Times, Issue 1262, 7 June 1870, Page 2

THE INTERIM REPORT OF THE FLAX COMMISSIONERS.

(to the editor or th> tixbs.) In the infancy of a manufacture like that of the manufacture of New Zealand flax fibre, an authoritative document such as the report just issued, must have considerable weight with those of our own community who, while unable to investigate for themselves into the real cost^ of production, are still desirous of investing their capital in the industry. One can easily conceive the impatience with which the majority of such readers of the report have waded through the various suggestions on cultivation, and description of most suitable varieties to plant (which by the way is the common variety prevalent in Otago and Southland?), and the relief they felt on arriving at fact* and figures. Any practical manufacturer will be able to see that the report as to sinn-totals is pretty correct, but as to details, conveys no true idea of the items of expense in production of the fibre. Let it be allowed that in their estimate of the cost per ton as £16 at the mills, the Commissioners are not far astray ; but try to adapt the details to Southland, and see how the totals are altered ? One statement seems plainly open to correction. The &srf *esults from machines in Otago and Southland show a turn out of 25 cwt. per week for. each machine, but one ton per week for each machine, is a full average. Again, no allowance is made for interest on- capital, though according to the Commissioners* own statement, at least 300 acres of flax land would be required for three machines, which would bring the outlay up to at least £800. Keeping these two points in view, and substituting the current rate of labor here, we have the following table:-— _.

It has only been sought here to show that, adopting in the main the Commissioners' estimates, the alterations necessary (in respect of price of labor and rate of production) to adapt the calculations to this province, would make, a very different sum total. ■ If only 3 tons per week were produced, there would be a loss of £4 13s per week. If the green flax be supposed to cost 25s per ton delivered (as m the report), flax land being put out of the question, and the item (£1 10s) for interest struck out, we have (at 3 tons) a weekly expenditure of £68 13s, leaving a loss of £8 13s per week. If 3f tons be produced, the expenses just equal value of fibre turned out. . But the Commissioners' statement of weekly expenses has surely never been drawn up by a manufacturer. Looking at the details, I may remark— 1. An eight-horse engine could not drive three machines and scutch at same time. 2. Four machines would be required to allow of repairs without stoppage. 3. The cost of greeu flax is. excessive Many mills might ba named in Otago and Southland where 12s to 13s is paid for it, delivered from owner's ground— often from considerable distances. 4. The number of hands employed is excessive — much overrated. 5. No allowance is made for interest or for fencing flax laud (if any.) 6. With the number of hands here granted, there should be; no charge for packing and baling — only the cost of rope for binding— say 10s per ton. \ And, finally, let the intending mannfae* turer remember that for seven months at least he will have no actual returns -if the fibre be sent to Britain on own account — so that he must calculate on the cost to himself of the advance required for that time to meet weekly expenditure. On the Commissioners' calculation, he would require £80 per week, or £2,240 for seven months. Tours, Ac., A.

Cost of machieery and build* ings, as per report... .... ... £516.0 0.. Cost of flax land* ... ... ... 300 0 0 £916 0 0 3| tons of flax sold at £75 0 0 Depreciation of machinery £1 15 ,0 , 8 men's wages, at £2 ... 16 0 0 1 man at engine ... ... 28 0 14 lads at £1 each ... 14 0 0 23 tons green flax, at 16s pertonf ... 20 14 0 ' Packing, baling, Ac (at 25sperton) 4 14 0 3 tons coals, at 25s ... 3 15.0 Freight or cartage, say (at 30s per ton) ... 512 6 £68 18 9 Interest on £800 ... ... lIQ ...0 ; . ; • 70 8 9 £4 11 6