SILK FROM FLAX

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1927, Page 1

SILK FROM FLAX

BRITISH ENTERPRISE LX XEAV ZEALAND. Considerable attention has been given during the past: twelve months to the extension if the flax growing industry in the Rominiin. The lower returns obtainable for the main premier products have been a strong factor in this connection. Early in the year Sir Amos Nelson a leading Lancashire cotton spinner, visited Australia and Xew Zealand. Having arranged for the immediate erection in Austral, ia of two cotton mills and the commencement of an undertaking that will involve a capital outlay of nearly half a million sterling. Sir Amos came on to Xew Zealand to examine the pros- j pects in this Dominion. He expressed opinion as that the future of the flax | growing industry fwould bo laigelv solved in the research laboratories, and samples of the leaf were accoidinglv sent Home. Following upon Sir Amos visit, the Auckland Provincial IHaxgroueis and Alillers’ Association, on behalf of which experiments are being conducted. has secured for the purpose of co oilenitive effort an area exceeding 2000 acres of exceedingly rich swamp land in the Alangatahiri Valley. >itua:e'l about eighteen miles from Papakura. where experimental research in ls:c cultivation and milling of different varieties of fibre will be undertaken, in; I :d. iug certain species ot flax used in Lae manufacture of the finest Irish linen. The* men Acquired is nt present l0 ‘" ored with a vast growth of green leal, and cutting and milling operations "ill commence in August. Aery ext onsite works having for their object the efficient draining of the area and in other ways improving its productiveness are proposed. The* adoption of this comprehensive scheme is expected to involve an outlay of £100.009. The promoters are confident that reseat ch - studies will result in the fibre being used for the manufacture of artificial silk-