FLAX AND TOW.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1918, Page 7

FLAX AND TOW.

M ifiRCHAXTS "]?ACED WITH BIG LOSS. By Telegraph.—Pfress Association. Auckland, Jan. 3. Auckland merchants interested in the export of flax and tow are making representations to the Prime Minister, with a view to having the immediate imposition of increased freights reconsidered by the Imperial authorities.* A deputation, waited on the Hon. Myers to-day, anil stated that early last September, at the request of the Government, a conference of representatives of the flax industry was held in Wellington, at which the Prime Minister presided. After taking .into consideration the cost of production, freight and other charges, it was decided to agree to a maximumprice for "good fair hemp" in London, which meant a reduction of about £l3 per ton on the prices then ruling. It was further stated that the sudden imposition of the extra charges would mean a loss to Auckland merchants alone of about £25,000 on flax now awaiting ship-' ment. A suggestion was made that the Prime Minister should represent the ])nsition to the Imperial authorities, and,' if possible, arrange that all contracts proved to have been entered into before the advance of freight, should be carried at the old rates of freight, and that flax and tow for Great Britain, in store when the increase transpired, should be carried at the old rate. ,

The Hon. Myers promised to support the request.