1.^12d

2

KEPOBT.

The Committee has the honour to report that communications were sent by authority to all the Chambers of Commerce, Flax-millers' Associations, and individuals known to be interested in the flax industry in the colony, inviting witnesses to appear and give evidence on every phase of the said industry. In response to this invitation twenty witnesses appeared before the Committee, which sat eight days taking evidence. The Committee is of opinion that the evidence given is most valuable, and must be of great utility in guiding the Department of Agriculture in framing amended regulations to meet the requirements of the industry, which is essentially national. The Committee strongly recommends that the Department be authorised to take immediate steps to promote by all available means the cultivation of flax, the evidence having conclusively shown the necessity of such a course. The Committee does not feel justified in recommending that the export of inferior fibre should be prohibited. The Committee specially approves of the statement made by the Chief Grader—viz., that the Department intended by amended regulations to reduce the difference between the various grades of quality of dressed flax from fifteen points to seven. ; Saturday, 28th October, 1905. F. Lawry, Chairman.