CULTIVATION OF FLAX.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3726, 1 December 1906, Page 4

CULTIVATION OF FLAX.

When we take into consideration the length of lime that flax has been recognised as one of the leading industries of the colony, the capital invested, and the number of people to whom it affords lucrative employment, it seems strange that comparatively so little attention is given to the subject, says a correspondent to the Farmers’ Weekly. The question of its adaptability for cultivation, and by this 1 means the establishment of a staple 1 industry not dependant, as at pre--1 sent, upon uncertain natural supplies, is an important one. Why should it not be cultivated on profitable lines, under conditions still further tending to develop our resources ?

The steady increase in the quality and quantity of tlu fibre exported during the last ten years speaks for itself, and shows a large increase in the demand for this particular fibre, which augurs well for its future prospects. In 1895 the quantity exported totalled 2457 tons, representing an export value of /’27,505, or £l2 per ton. In 1904, 28,209 lons were exported to a value of ,£730,803, or ,£25 per ton, while at present £35 per ton is quoted for good quality fibre, showing an increase in ten years of tea times the quantity per annum and three times the price per ton. Mills arc at work, whereas sufficient raw material can be obtained, and the price at present quoted under keen competition is so high that very little profit is in many cases left to the miller. The large demand for this fibre, principally from America, where it is much used in the manufacture of binder twine (for which purpose it is said to lie unequalled), absorbs a larger portion of the output. It is also stated that to a certain extent the Americans have succeeded in utilising it, lor strong shirtings and coarser fabrics of this description, while it is asserted that in japan, after subjecting it to a special treatment, the Japanese use it in the manufacture of what appears to be wholly silken goods. Wdli an asset of this value, and capital of still further expansion, we must surely awake to tiie possibilities uf the utility of this plant, which thrives in either island, and is apparently impervious to climate. From a statement recently published in Wellington, it appears that the Victorian Government has been importing thousands of flax plants from New Zealand with a view to its cultivation. Already they have talk in that State of classifying the different varieties, and - hybridisation of the better kinds, with the intention of ascertaining the most profitable for cultivation. If they succeed in their attempt, they will be no mean competitor in the near future, and what with the cultivation of sisal in Queensland and flax in Victoria, our output must ultimately be affected, and it behoves us to increase and conserve our interests in this direction. In both Victoiia and New South Wales there are large, swampy areas, eminently suited to the cultivation of flax, and its introduction into Australia will have to be reckoned upon as an actual rival in the production of this fibre.

In New Zealand as well as Australia, there are large tracts of swampy land, totally unfitted for ordinary agriculture, owing to the want of fell for drainage purposes. These cannot lie used as pasture lands, nor for cropping, but might be put under flax with profit. Throughout a large extent of this description of country, especially in Auckland district, large numbers of dwarfed plants are in existence, stunted in growth, and unfit for milling purposes, consequent upon surroundings, being either continually in, or at flood times under, water. Rut to see these same plants when even only partial drainage has been effected, is a revelation.

Attempts at flax cultivation are yet in the elementary stage, and there are many questions yet to be solved, such as the knowledge of how long the different seeds take to germinate, what are the best seed beds—wet or otherwise—the time of growth until, fit to cut as between seedlings and transplanted roots, the best varieties and other details that must necessarily come under notice as the experiments develop. With a supply of flax, adjacent and continuous, the boon would lie mutual to both grower and miller.

The objection to the cultivation of flax in large areas has been .taken oif the grounds that in case of lire, the whole supply would be destroyed, and to wait for its re-growth would mean ruin. This difficulty, if it exists, should be grappled with by cutting the flax in sections, so as to leave portions of different growth interspersed throughout plantation, and as flax can only be cut to profit every four years, there would always lie fire-breaks, and tiie general conflagration would lie impossible.

Another phase connected with flax cultivation is the cost of planting. But when it is remembered that the crop once in, is a permanent fixture, and the return is so large, the inducement for outlay is warranted. While on the subject, it is worth while asking if all the fibre producing plants of the colony have been brought under notice ; there is another of which the Maori name is Toi. It is to be seen in quantities on the inland Gisborne - Opotiki track, and in lesser quantities in the. Rotorua country. In appearance it is something like a flax plant, but, grown on a short cabbage-tree stalk, it has a pulpy leaf*' containing a quantity oi fibre Jifee 'coarse

was used by the Ifcaolis fn making kits, etc.

Reviewing the whole question, it is one of paramount importance to this colony, and deserves greater attention than it has hitherto received.