WEAVING NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Evening Star, Issue 2939, 20 July 1872, Page 3

WEAVING NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Mr C. Thorne, manufacturer, Dundee, has addressed the Canterbury Flax Association on the above subject as follows :~ It has been stated to me by outside manufacturers that New Zealand flax canvas would shrink more than that made from Russian or European flax. My friends who made the yarn and eanvas did not agree with this Statement. I, however, put it to the practical test by having the three bolts placed on the grass and there thoroughly wetted; while Tying on the grass a heavy rain foil, and they became completely soaked. Whilst wet they did not shrink more than ordinary canvas, and when dry and calendered resumed their original condition, as follows

Since I addressed you on the 22nd March I have heard that some sheeting has been made from New Zealand fibre yam, and that a different kind of sheeting and also some sacking are in hand for me ; but Mr Forbes finds great trouble in getting the manufacturers to weave for him; and but for his continued exertions, my own endeavors Would have not been so speedily successful, Mr Forbes is taking an deal of trouble in this matter, and \ypll deserves the thanks of the cojnniata, inasmuch as ho has gtyie thoroughly into this business, so as practically to test the value of the fibre for textile fabrics, and from the quantity ho has now worked up for me, has come to the conclusion it would at first be better to use it as a mixture, and states “ if it cm bo brought in at a fair price, it would be a great boon.” He has had my shooting made, and states—“ I have got a web of your sheeting cropped, and now at the bleach field to be bleached white. I thought of trying this, as it would add very Vftuch to the appearance of the cloth as well as clean it of a greftt dpal ftf dirt. I think you will like ft. li will make ago id-looking cloth, fit for a sheeting or plain table-cloth. It is difficult to make people believe New Zealand fibre can bo spun, more especially as some of the reports on this fibre have given details of analytical and microscopical examination, wherein it has been shown the formation of the fibre will prevent its being taken for fabrics similar to those which arc now made from Russian flax and hemp, and Italian hemp, etc, A few days back 1 was showing a manufacturer my canvas, and on my tolling him it was made from New Zealand fibre, he laughed, and coolly told mo J was wrong, as the canvas was mt.de from Italian hemp.” However, after showing him the raw fibre, the yarn undressed and dressed, he admitted he was wrong, and expressed great aUtoniahim nt, as ho did not believe previously that New Zealand fibre could be spun. “ I have some fibre now with au eminent firm in Belfast. They have made some of the yarn from it, which they call coarse ; it is, however, liner than any 1 have yet seen from New Zealand flax. They are trying further experiments, and it will be some time before they are completed.

length Wfym When redried* damp. and ty me, yds. yds. ft. in. calendered yds. 1 Bolt 38i 36 1 6 38 i 1 » 41 39 0 3 4U 1 „ 40 38 0 9 40