The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1928. FLAY POSSIBILITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1928. FLAY POSSIBILITIES.

The possibilities in regard t« fl«xgrowing in the Dominion are likely to come into their own at no distant date. When that time arrives Westland must participate in the general prosperity, which will arise from the development of a local industry of ■large (possibilities. Westland is endowed with a. class of swamp land which will produce good llax under the influence of cultivation. Mr Seddon lias been instrumental in inducing the Government to undertake some experiments at La Fontaine Swamp in the Inter-Wanganui district. There are many such areas up and down Westland. and some excellent areas adjacent to Hokitika. The promise of a progressive development in ilax-grow-iug and the establishment- of the industry on a considerable scale is by no means remote. The question is likely to receive a fillip from Government action prompted by recent reports to hand from England in regard to experiments at Home with New Zealand llax. Dr E. Mnrsden, the Director of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has intimated to a Wellingtn paper that the "Department has received advice from England stating that experiments in that country had opened nip startling possibilities for New Zealand llax. Dr Mansden explained that ■some time ago, Sir Amos Nelson, a large spinner and manufacturer, of Nelson. Lancashire. had visited New Zealand, and had become interested in (lax. Tie had waited upon Dr .Mnrsden and Professor Basterfield. and they Intel referred him to Mr Petrie, the Government llax grader. The result bad been that Sir Amos Nelson bad taken Home wtli him samples of New Zealand flax with the idea of utilising it in 1110 manufacture of artificial silk. He had found, however, that J inch was too small for spinning purposes. News had now been received from Sir Amos Nelson. however, that Ids chemists bad been successful in producing from flax a fibre two inches in length, with an excellent- lustre, which be considered would make a valuable admixt”

cotton and woollen goods. Tf able to spin this successfully, £>ir Amos Nelson stated that he would be able to absorb the whole of the output of NewZealand flax for the next five years. Experiments had not. yet been completed, but he did not see why they should not bo successful This is in itself an indication of greater possibilities as the research extends. From time to time there has Icon a movement in "Westland to do more with ; .he flax grown here, but the scientific side has really not been t m-TiecT. T' o news above intimated seems good wirrantry for Mr Seddon going on with his representations to the Government, and asking that the Scientific and Industrial Research Department might, go further into the matter, and indicate the better classes of phoriuni tenax to grow, suitable for industrial treatment. Here appears an opening for a primary product to he utilised for secondary industry purposes, at the same time creating the need for labour in bringing about better cultivation of the native flax.