In this interview Des explains the history of and family connection to flax milling in Southland; and the various places they have milled. Des tells of his siblings' careers and his choice to work in the flax mill industry. He discusses the outside pressures on running a mill successfully and what lead to the demise of this industry e.g., competition, economic and political factors. He goes on to talk about their mill being reopened as a working museum and it’s place in local tourism.