THE PHORMIUM IN ENGLAND.

Evening Star, Issue 3116, 13 February 1873, Page 3

THE PHORMIUM IN ENGLAND.

The Christchurch papers publish some letters addressed by Mr Thorne to the local Flax Association. They arc by far present time received from its English the most interesting that has body up to the agent. They show that it is against the interests of the Dundee spinners to assist in developing the manufacture of flax, as if they did so they would only be hastening the time when the fibre would be worked BP in New Zealand, and their market in the Coloqy of articles manufactured from jute interfered with. This being so, the ageqt suggests that New Zealand cannqt expect any help from Dqndpf! in the matter, that she should help herself by at once conppepcing tlie manufacture of woolpacks and sacking in fhe Colony from the tow of scutched flax, sen hug the roping fibre home as heretofore. The letters, which appear in the Lyttelton Times of the 10th inst., contain many other valuable suggestions, and much valuable information regarding experiments that have been made, apd will well repay perusal by those interested. We make the following extracts : Mr Thome, writing from London under date Nov. 13, says -.—According to calculations I have inade, all the fabrics I have sent samples of, could be manufactured, if the fibre was prepared in tho Colony, and spinning and weaving frames erected there, at such a price as would leave a good margin for profit. The tow from the roping fibre, if softened as well ag that from which the sacking or woolpack was made, would not only compete in New Zealand with the jute pack in price, but would make a vastly superior article, both as regards strength and appearance. I had a few packs made, and have sent a woolpack, cornsack, and samples of cloth to the Royal Colonial Institute, and also to Dr Fcathcrston, so that the Colonists now in England, by calling at these offices, will be able to see for themselves whether the fibre docs make a good-looking strong article or not. Mr Forbes is assisting me to get “ tho native-dressed fibre ” freed from the curl, in its dry state, so that I may make another attempt to get “ the table-cloth ” from Ireland. If those who are (or ought to be from their connection) interested in the progress of New Zealand would show 'mlf-the desire* to assist in bringing this jbre to thA ‘front, which ’Mr Forbbs las. instead of doubting whether any good is to be done, your trade might have been well established, I hear, however, that some firms, when writing to England for rope—specially instruct their agents not to take any New Zealand fibre rope — but to get the best Manila. This certainly is not the way to assist Colonial produce, and til? C nln ™ sts must IWt Complain of the apparent prejudice of manufapDprers whop tljpy then) se|yes shoyf pot ppjy apathetic but also antagonistic dispositions to the introduction into general use of the products of their Colony, and yet all tho while arc writing that they are desirous to see progress made. One proof is worth many words. Tho Exhibition at Vienna, next spring, promises to attract much attention, and it is therefore pleasing to find the New Zealand Government have instructed their energetic Agent-General —Dr Featherston —to secure space for the various products of the New Zealand Colonies. By this means, especial attention will bo drawn to your fibre; and it is probable the Continental manufacturers will be induced to give it a trial. I sincerely Lope a -wide-spread interest is now manifesting itself, regard to the uses te which phorraium fibre is applicable, and that the Colonists themselves may shortly wake up to the necessity of using their own fibre, instead of sending to England for the products of other countries. Mr Forbes w, ies:—“l have, as yog pAipc*, h$ l tq encounter much opposition find prejudice iu getting my labors seconded by tbe manufacturers, on whom I bad to be dependent for weaving my yarns into cloth. I have not tho slightest doubt of the utility of the fibre, especially if the plan I have suggested be carried out, that tho fibre he well cleaned and softened, all the longs or line sent over here to sell for roping purposes, and the tow kept in New Zealand, and made there into packs and sacking. By-and-by. as you got on with the manufacture, finer cloths might be attempted, but the above way would be sure to pay any individual or Company starting a mill anij factory |oi» that purpose." T ani aWaro of the value of the imports of jute cloths into Now Zealand and the other Colonies, and so are the Dundee spinners of jute, hence their antipathy to anything that may eventually supersede jute and their exports to those distant Colonies. Phormiuin will never compete here with jute ; but, if manufactured iu New Zealand, Will drive it out of the field altogether. These views I should certainly advocate in New Zealand, in order to stimulate enterprise in setting about the manufacture of the fibre into cloths for home consumption.”