H—44b

1948 NEW ZEALAND

LINEN FLAX CORPORATION OF NEW ZEALAND (SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Act

Your Excellency,— Wellington, 13th July, 1948. I have the honour to submit for your Excellency's information the second report of the Linen Flax Corporation of New Zealand for the period ended 31st December, 1947. I have, &c, A. H. Nordmeyer, Minister of Industries and Commerce. His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand.

Sir,— Wellington, 13th July, 1948. I have the honour to submit the second annual report of the Linen Flax Corporation. This report deals with the principal operations of the Corporation for the period ended 31st December, 1947. I have, &c, F. Johnson, Chairman of Directors, Linen Flax Corporation. The Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, Minister of Industries and Commerce.

REPORT

INTRODUCTION The 1947-48 season, which opened most favourably, proved ultimately to be one of the most disappointing experienced by the industry. This was due to an attack of flax-rust (Melampsora lini) of greater severity than ever before experienced or considered possible. Only in the Winton district of Southland did the crop escape, and here the yields were slightly above the average. In Canterbury, however, yields were reduced from a previous average of 2 tons per acre to one of 1-2 tons per acre, accompanied by a serious depreciation in fibre-quality. The only redeeming feature lay in