MANUFACTURING SILK.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1380, 5 March 1912, Page 9

MANUFACTURING SILK.

XEW EXPERIMENT. An interesting nnd novel, experiment to promote the culture of silk in Queensland was inaugurated by Airs. South, wife of Captain South, about three years ago.

Mrs. South, who, with her husband, is at present on a visit to Auckland, stated to a "Herald" representative that some years ago site visited Canada, and was much impressed with ths silk manufacture industry there, nnd conceived the idea that the culture of silk could be carried on successfully in Queensland, and ultimately lead to a big industry there. Accordingly she formed a. Silk Culture Society, the membership of which now numbers over 400. The members are supplied with the eggs of the silkworm by the society, and the society guarantees to buy the cocoons from the members.. Tho number of cococms received by the society is annually increasing. These cocoons are treated by n machine, bought by tho Government, with the result that silk is being produced equal to that obtainable anywhere in the world. The Government of Queensland has been so impressed with the quality of the silk that it is now giving the society every assistance to foster the industry, and it is anticipated that before many years enough silk will be produced to warrant the establishment of a permanent industry. Sydney has followed the example of Queensland by forming a silk culture society, which is also meeting with success. Mrs. South is of opinion that Auckland would be an ideal nlncn for the culture of silk. The white mulberry tree, which is the best for the feeding of silkworms, thrives well here. She sees no renson why a society should not be started here, which might later lead to a valuable industry. Soveral skeins of silk produced in Queensland were shown to the renorter by Mrs. South. These were of tlie finest quality, and ranged from pure white to cream. The skeins are now on exhibition at the shop of Hutchinson Brothers, in Queen Street. It is the intention of Mrs. South to make a large exhibit of the silk at the forthcoming Auckland Exhibition. A machine spinning silk will also be shown.