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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 758, 3 February 1870, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND FLAX. [Australasian.J The history ot the recent movement for utilising the New Zealand flax, furnishes another notable illustration of the great truth that industry will at the proper time take care of itself without any interference on the{tart of the state. It is now placed beyond dispute that flax-dressing is a profitable industry inNew Zealand. New inventions for preparing the fibre are constantly being made, and there is little doubt that the best mode of treatment will soon be ascertained. New uses, too, for different parts of the plant are being gradually discovered. The gum for example, the separation of which has caused so much trouble, is now ap plied in England for the manufacture of safety en -elopes. Its tenacity is such that, when properly prepared, it will not give way to the most skilful and most fraudulent letter openers. The whole industry exhibits every mark of health and growth. Yet this result has been produced, solely by natural causes, and not by the stimulants which the Government sought to apply. The Government had for some time offered a considerable bonus to this industry, but without success. The reason was that the Govern memwanted to force a rope or paper manufactory, while the circumstances of the country required improved methods of dealing with the raw material. For the flax as for wool, and possibly for other raw material, there is a ready and eager market in the United Kingdom. Hereafter, perhaps, as the population and the wealth of the country increases, ropewalks and paper-mills will be established in New Zealand, and when that time comes we may be certain that they will not require any bonus or other tiumpery help from the Treasury. There is, indeed, one way in which the Government may legitimately help the movement. It can collect and publish all that is known upon the matter, and so save individuals much trouble and expense. We are glad to observe, that this course has been adopted, and that a commission of enquiry is now at work. The matter well deserves all the aid that the state can give to it, but beyond the supply of authentic information, this aid consists in rigorously leaving it alone.