THE FLAX INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA. 
acres would justify the establishment of spinning mills for the production of 
‘linen fabrics. 
And, finally, the importance of this industry from an Imperial stand-point 
must not be lost sight of. 
In a report issued in December, 1918, by the Empire Flax-growing Committee, 
a body appointed by the Imperial Government to investigate in all its bearings 
the question of increasing the supply of flax within the British Empire, the 
opinion is expressed, “That the great efforts made to increase the Empire’s 
resources should not be relaxed now that civil rather than military considera- 
tions have weight, and any withdrawal of Government control which might 
lead to the diminution of flax-growing within the Empire, would not only be a 
waste of the money and effort already expended, but would be very much to be 
regretted in the interests of the linen trade.” 
As it has been demonstrated beyond doubt that many parts of the Common- 
wealth possess all the essentials in both soil and climatic conditions for the 
successful cultivation of this crop, neglect to take full advantage of the present 
opportunity would be a serious reflection on Australian initiative and enterprise. 
When our local Department of Agriculture was 
established 27 years ago with a small scientific staff 
consisting of a vegetable pathologist, botanist, entomologist, 
and chemist, there was just the same shaking of wise 
heads as one anticipates now. Certainly the farmers, who 
were. to benefit the most from the future operations of the 
young Department, were amongst its most scornful critics. 
The idea that the scientific man could be of any assistance - 
to the so called “practical” farmer was considered 
ridiculous. Surely the old cow knew better what kind of 
food was good for her than did the chemist with his 
“balanced rations,’ and so the old’ cow went on “blowing” 
herself on clover or ate immature sorghum and poisoned 
herself with Prussic acid. 
—F. B. GUTHRIE. 
