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STRAW AND PAPER.
The making of pulp (as contrasted with paper or straw'. board) from straw requires no very heavy outlay ; and everyone will grant that, if the industry could be established, the advantages would be very great indeed. A new source of occupation—especially for winter months—would be found. A farm product of low value would be in demand at a fixed price, and wheat production would be stimulated. Companion industries, such as those flourishing in Holland, might result at a later date. The Rural Industries Bureau (which is a sensibly, simply and effectively run organization) is, I imagine, not itself in a position to try out such an experi- ment as this. Its function is to suggest, not to capitalize. If some of those who desire rural reconstruction would make definite experiments, on the lines of such a suggestion as this, they might do a great social service. An ounce of constructive effort is worth a ton of criticism and many tons of lamentation.
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