INDUSTRIES COMMISSION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 184, 30 April 1919, Page 10

INDUSTRIES COMMISSION

VALUE OP BY-PRODUCTS FROM ' WOOD. lly Telesrapu-Press Association ' Palmerston North, April 29. At the Industries Commission to-day, Mr. J. A. Nash gave evidence as to the value of by-products to be obtained from wood. He stated that from one cord of rata Wood worth of acid, 16s. worth of oil, 15s. worth of tar, and <£10 worth of. charcoal could be obtained. He pointed out that any wood could bt; used, even sawdust. A company wws being formed to carry on the work here. lie produced samples of • petrol, oil, and potash produced from wood, and asked that plant be admitted ,duty free. Captain Preece stated that dyes could be obtained from native woods, and had been used by the Maoris for dyeing flax mats. Ho suggested that the Government should have a scientific investigation made.

Mr. j. M. Johnston suggested that the Government should have experiments made with English hemp in suitable districts. He advocated a geological survey of the Dominion to locate coal and minerals in payable quantities. ' Mr. "White urged the planting of American poplars for box manufacture. .Mr. M. A. Elliott urged that the Government should assist in producing byproducts from wool scouring. Mr. A. Seifert urged the necessity for tlie cultivation of flax, with Government assistance, in order to expand tho industry. He suggested that experiments should 1» made on State farms.

Mr. P. J. Nathan urged the necessity 'for tho foundation of, a dairy school for scientific researoh into dairy problems.