FLAX MILLERS' PROTEST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 56, 24 July 1912, Page 5

FLAX MILLERS' PROTEST.

RIVER POLLUTION", By Telegraph—Press Association. Palinerston X„ Tuesday. Th,! river pollution crisis. as atl'ec'ting dairy and flaxmilling factories, was brought to a head this morning hv a large deputation to the Prime Minister. Mr. Buiek, M.P., introduced the deputation.

Mr. Broad, acting-president of the New Zealand Flaxmiller.s' Association, drew the Prime Minister's attention to the recent decision of Sir Robert Stout, and its effect. Millers asked for legislation. Somewhat similar regulations could be applied to flaxmilling as applied to mining, or else legislation could be passed to enable them to continue milling with the use of rivers under strict Government supervision. There were 23,000 acres of flax in the district, which would be almost useless if flaxmilling were to cea.se. Of the New Zealand total output the Manawatu district provided 85 per cent. The question was a national one and not in any sense a local one. Mr. F. J. Nathan stated the case for the dairy factories, and read letters from Cheltenham, Ballance, and other factories.

The Prime Minister, in reply, said he would consult the Attorney-General to see if it wa.s possible to do justice both to owners of river bank property and the millers. The deputation eoulll rely on the Government doing its duty.