Cabbage Tree Fibre.

Manawatu Herald, 5 January 1897, Page 2

Cabbage Tree Fibre.

Some excellent specimen t of the fibre of the cabbage tree, a palm which grows well in certain parts of the colony, have been shown to the Wellingrou Pott by Mr Freberg, the Government timber expert, who ia taking a keen interest in the utilisa- 4 tion of many of the colony's natural products. The fibre has been converted into a marketable article by a proceg3 so simple that it can be taught to anyone in a few minutes. Tho strength and softness of the strands are remarkable, and the material also possesses another merit, viz., that it does not fray like flax. Fishing lines, cordage, and fine brushes have been made from it, and thore is no doubt that it will also be found to be very suitable for other manufacturing purposes. Mr Freybetg points out that little or no care is required to grow the cabbage tree, and he expresses a belief that if ft leaflet, giving simple directions for its propagation, were issued by the Government, many settlers would be induced to utilise portions of their land in its culture.