SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
As far as can be ascertained, little mechanical progress has been made in 
European flax mills for the past 50 years, and there appears to be a wide field for 
investigation into the more economical methods of treating flax, more partieu- 
larly with regard to mechanical appliances. 
AUSTRALIA’S PRESENT OPPORTUNITY. 
With regard to future prices for flax fibre, the opinion is held in British 
linen trade circles that, despite the cessation of hostilities, the depletion of the 
world’s stocks of fibre during the war must inevitably result in the supply 
for many years being unequal to the demand, and that high values will rule in 
consequence. 
Even assuming that in a few years Russia will be in a position to resume 
flax cultivation on her pre-war scale, far-reaching changes in her economic. posi- 
tion seem inevitable, and it is more than doubtful if fibre values will ever decline 
to their former level. 
HARVESTING FLAX WITH REAPER AND BINDER, GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA. 
The Trish and Scotch Linen and Jute Trade Journal, the recognised organ 
of the flax trade, in its issue dated December, 1918, makes the following com- 
~ ment :—“ Tt may be accepted as pretty certain that remunerative prices will 
rule for ten years. Since the outbreak of war, the stocks of linen throughout 
the world have been depleted, and supplies of household linen have reached 
vanishing point. These stocks will have to be replenished, a task that will 
take years, and in addition there will be a big demand for aeroplane sheetings 
for commercial and other purposes.” ; 
The following official statement was issued in April of this year by the United 
States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce:—* The war has created a 
situation where the American flax and linen industry has an opportunity never 
before offered, and which it may never have again.” This argument applies 
with equal force to Australia. ' 
From a national stand-point, the successful establishment of this industry 
may be considered very desirable for a number of reasons. Not only would it 
prove a profitable venture to the farmer, but it would assist in’ the much 
needed diversification of Australian agriculture. Moreover, the returns of 
linseed _would make a valuable contribution to the increasing demand within 
the Commonwealth for linseed oil and meal. 
Again, it is not unreasonable to assume that the placing of the industry on 
a sound basis would result in the creation of a new manufacturing industry, 
as it has heen estimated that the annual cultivation of approximately 12,000 
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