"Phormium Tenax."

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 17 February 1891, Page 2

" Phormium Tenax."

We are indebted to a correspondent for the following interesting extract from " Spons " Encyclopedia of 1882. It is useful, as showing that the capabilities of oitr flflrt are known -* at Home, and that when oiled, rope made from it is equal to Manila for even salt-water work. " It seems pretty certain that the principal uses of this fibre will be for rope making and very coarse textile. The tips and buts could be locally used for paper making. As compared with Manila hemp for rope making, phormium white rope kept dry, lasts longer and wears 34 per cent better than manila rope : but when wetted with salt water, the durability of the phormium rope in reduced 34 per cent, while that of manila is much increased. When phormium rope is well oiled in the laying, however, it does not seem to be At all inferior to Manila even when exposed to salt WftteT. The former when wet, is much harder and stiffer than the latter, yh^o, dry looser in texture. It ~sh£>ws greater difference of length wht?n wet and dry, especially after being in salt , water. The fibre is rendered hard | and otherwise injured by treatment , with a kaline solutions, owing to the destruction of its natural oil. Conj trary to the opinions of many, the i fibre has proved to be well suited to . the manufacture of coarse textile. j The " long tow "or " toppets obtained in preparing fibre for cordage purposes, is easy to spin, and is nsetul for making wool packs, corn sacks etc., requiring no alteration in existing jute machinery. It claims the attention of the Colonist, who should ■ ship the long fibre to this country for ropemaking. j The fibre has been prepared by Mr A. K. Forbes of Hatton Mill, Abrouth, into coarse sheeting, and towelling and canvas, and he deserves credit for his efforts to utilize the fibre. " < Native dressed fibre has been manu- ' factured into fine damask towelling, fairly good linen and strong Scotch sheeting. It is evident, however, that the fibre cannot compete with flax alone for fine textiles and that its only use in this country will be for mixing with flax, to impart additional strength. The refuse fibre butts, etc eminently fitted for paper making, its tenacity makiug it suitable for bank-note pfcper." ■.