Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] "TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 1903. A New Industry.

Manawatu Herald, 8 September 1903, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] "TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 1903. A New Industry.

We hare received a circular from a London firm calling attention to the advantages to be derived from the cultivation of rhea fibre or ramie. The interest in this industry arises from the distressing effects of the cotton famine in Lancashire. We have already heard of the movement for growing cotton in British colonies. This, however,-would not be possible in temperate countries, and take some time to become of much importance. Bhea fibre, On the other hand, is produced by the Chinese grass, a member of the nettle tribe, and is, we are informed, suitable for cultivation in temperate countries, such as the South of France, where it is already largely grown. A cotton famine would not be possible if a supply of ramie were forthcoming. According to our informant, there is no reason why the industry should not be fostered in this colony from cultivation to spinning, or even weaving, or from the field to the loom. It would be necessary to

have mills at convenient stations In addition to the fibre the plant produces a gum ■which is very valuable, and a pulp which is available for the manufacture of paper of a high class. All these products would fetch a high price in England. There is nothing, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, and even silk produce, this fibre cannot imitate and in most cases excel. It makes splendid cloth for uniforms, and almost indestructible table linen, sheeting, dress goods, velvets, curtains, lace, lamp wicks, tapestry and upholstery articles, waistooatinga, trousers, duck, riding breeches, &c. It is an ideal hygienic clothing invaluable for under wear It is pronounced by the medical profession as most advantageous for surgical dressing and for body wear Its durability and teughness alone commend it as a material that is invaluable for its indestructible qualities. There are many purposas for which its peculiar properties make it extremely valuable—for instance for incandescent gas mantles it excels all other fibres, and in this alone an ever increasing demand Will consume enormous quantities.

The writer of the circular has already addressed himself, we understand, to the Government. We havd no doubt that the Department of Agriculture will look into the matter, and, if necessary, make some experiments with the plant. If a tithe of what our informant says. is true, there must fee a good prospect for J. industry, provided that She climate conditions of the colony are favourable, and the government would then be acting wisely in distributing seed and assisting to build up a trade just as they have done with the dairying and other industries.