RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2781, 10 May 1890, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Meeting of Flax-Millers.— A well attended meeting of flax-millers was held at the County Council Chambers, on Saturday last. There were present: Messrs W, H. Wallis, Hall, E. Wallis, Bregmen, La Trobe, Orminston, Burton, and others. Mr E. Langley was voted to the chair. He explained that the meeting had been called with the object of starting a Flax-millers' Association. Before he sketched out the lines on which he thought this Association should be formed, he would ask the meeting to consider the present condition of the flax-trade, in what way their flax, was being sold, and what competition it met with in the markets here and abroad. He referred to the unsteadiness of the market, its harrassing fluctuations—the same class of fibre in a few months ranging from £25 to £16 or £17 a ton. There was no well defined line between best Auckland and good medium, yet one was quoted at £22 to £23, and the other £16 or £16 10s; an inflated market often made good medium rank as best Auckland, while in a low market best Auckland would be classified as good medium. He pointed out four ways in which millers usually sold their flax, and showed that in none of these ways could the millers' interests be said to be properly protected. He then referred at some length to manila, and sisal fibres and said large syndicates and capitalists had the trade well worked and looked after, that they put these fibres in the market in the best possible way, even in quality, condition, and colour, so that manufacturers could almost buy them with their eyes shut. How would a manufacturer fare who bought flax in that way? He would ask them to consider how other staple products were being put on the market. In America wheat was graded, so that a miller was able to buy just what he wanted to suit his trade, and could therefore give tho best price for it. Wool they knew was carefully classified or low prices would result. He showed how the kauri gum trade had been benefited in consequence of classification of the gum. Flax, he thought, was harder to classify strictly than either wheat, or wool, or gum ; it should not be left to individual millers to do, they could not do it except in a loose way. He then showed the great necessity for strict classification. In preparing for this meeting he had accumulated a large amount of information bearing on this subject. Mr Lawry,

manager of the Loan and Mercantile, in the kindest way had allowed him to see his American correspondence or so much of it at least as referred to this particular matter—classification. The letters came from all parts of the States—from New York to San Francisco, Chicago to New Orleans—yet although they came from cities so far apart, ono might be excused for thinking that they were written by the same hand. One statement was constantly reiterated, they all said in effect, that the parcels of flax as it reached them were irregular in quality, cleanliness and colour some good, some bad, tho great majority bad, and showed careless or unskilful manipulation. One writer referred to a parcel as opening up like a bale of cowtails—the whole of which tended to one point, that if New Zealand millers wanted to compete with manila or sisal, or even get a footing on the American market, all that must be altered, the parcels must be properly graded, and the flax better manipulated. Several writers express themselves as willing to do business if this were done. Morrison and Co,, fibre brokers, of London, had retired entirely from the flax trade, and turned their attention to other fibres. They give as their reason the unsatisfactory way parcels reached them A Mr Wood, well-known in the trade in London, lately visiting here, said that English manufacturers do not give from £5 to £6 per ton of what they could and would willingly give if the flax reached them with a guarantee of quality upon it. They should remember that there was a legitimate demand for large quantities of low quality flax at a price as well as for best, but, from the unfortunate way that flax was now sent to the market—good and bad all mixed indiscriminately—the low price rules for all, the whole trade languishes, buyer and seller being alike disheartened. He thought if the Auckland millers associated themselves together they might change this They should, however, invite the Wellington millers to join them—or rather form another similar association. The association should be careful to obtain a good capable business man to manage and conduct its business; and also that the expert engaged in classifying the flax should be thoroughly up to their work. A board of directors, composed of flax-millers, should be appointed to work and advise with the manager. The business of the association would be to act as agents or brokers ; to receive all flax, classify it, and either sell it locally or abroad, or export for sale on account of the millers, to introduce the association's flax to all markets, and try to find fresh ones, and generally advertise themselves and push the trade. There were other ways an association like this could help millers, but he would only refer now to its acting as agents or brokers. If one miller sent five tons, and another five tons and so on, it would be classified, and the consignee would be credited with five tons of a certain grade ; private brands would be taken away, and it would be branded with the association brand, and the grade and particulars of quality clearly shown upon it. The brokerage on flax was 2½ per cent, on the gross amount realised. If all flax sold and shipped through Auckland passed through this association it would mean an income of three or four thousand pounds a year. They must not expect that just yet. He believed however, if only a few millers could agree together to sell their flax in this way, they would, as they became known, get pounds more per ton than individuals outside the association. The association could through the banks, arrange for any reasonable advances on flax held by them for sale, so that remittances could be made, if desired, almost immediately on receipt of a consignment. This association appeared no doubt to many of them a large undertaking, but if the millers were united they would find no insuperable difficulties In forming this association they naturally must look for some opposition, but he was confident it was a step in the right direction. He had discussed the matter with some of the best business men in Auckland and they also were of that opinion. He believed something like this must be done and done quickly, if they did not want to close their mills. Flax properly put on the market would yet command a good price and he confidently looked to this association, if started, to make the trade a payable and permanent one. It was a matter of great importance, and he asked them to give it careful consideration. Not only were the millers affected, but hundreds and thousands of people were directly interested in the trade and receiving benefit from it. It was moved by Mr Hall, seconded by Mr Bregmen, that in the opinion of this meeting, an association similar to the one referred to by Mr Langley, was very desirable, and that a deputation from this meeting attend a meeting to be called at Ngaruawahia, and there confer with the Waikato millers with a view of taking united action. Mr Wallis and Mr Langley were asked to act as a deputation, and consented. Mr W. H Wallis, in speaking on the subject, stated that he quite agreed with the desirability of forming this association, and with the views expressed by their chairman. But in looking back upon the disastrous example of other associations fresh in our memory, it was most needful to prevent the management of the proposed association falling into the hands of interested parties. Mr Hall also concurred in Mr Langley's views, and thought the formation of the association was a step in the right direction. From information received from a friend who had recently paid a visit to England, that the users of New Zealand flax had stated to him that there was not much fear of the fibre keeping at a low figure, if only a reliable article was constantly placed upon the market, and that the only reason why they at all preferred small bales, was that perhaps it was easier to detect bad workmanship in them ; otherwise it made no difference between large and small bales when placed upon the market. Messrs Bregman and La Trobe also spoke. Very great interest was shown during the meeting, and especially in listening to the very able remarks of the chairman of the meeting, Mr A. E. Langley, who received a hearty vote of thanks for so ably presiding on the occasion. The result of the meeting to be held of flax millers in Waikato is to be placed before a future meeting of the Raglan flax millers to be held here.

School Examination. — On Friday, April 25th, the Raglan school underwent the annual examination for standards, Mr Airey being the examining inspector, and the result of the examination was most satisfactory, for of all the children examined only one failed, and that no doubt through irregular attendance, thus shewing the very high percentage of 94 per cent, out of the number presented. The committee of the school and the parents of the children are to be congratulated on having secured the services of so able a teacher as Mr La Trobe.

Gales.—On Saturday and Sunday night strong south-east and east gales were blowing with some violence, and the wind still continues from the same quarter, with every appearance of heavy rain as soon as the wind veers more to northward. Rain will be most acceptable to many settlers who have only recently got their paddocks into grass. The small birds are busy in thousands picking up grass and clover seeds upon land just sown.