DISEASE IN FLAX SWAMP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1790, 16 February 1918, Page 3

DISEASE IN FLAX SWAMP.

VISIT OF INSPECTION,

A party of 24 llaxmillers, merchants, and others interested in the hemp industry, accompanied by hr. Cockayne, the Government expert, made a visit of inspection on Thursday of that portion of the Riverdale Estate from which the Opui Fibre Co., Ltd., draws its supply of green leaf. The party first inspected a block of fiax that had been cut three months ago, which shows no sign whatever of the disease, and has come on splendidly since cutting. The party was then entertained at luncheon by the Opui Fibre Co., Ltd., and next inspected a small area cut over last month, in which the growth made was good, and there waits no signs of disease. A block of three-year-old fiax showed signs of infection, as also did an area over which a fire swept in 1915, This block has come on particularly well since the fii’e, but the disease has now made its appearance. A lai'ge area of fiax cut from 12 to 18 months ago is very badly affected, and shows practically no growth at all. The portion of the Opui Coy’s, flax that is the most seriously affected is that with four years’ growth, and which would, had there been no disease, have been first-class milling leaf at the present time. This has been totally destroyed by the disease. In April of last year there was absolutely no sign of disease, and the fiax- was then growing vigorously. At that time, the leaf being then three years old, it was cutting from 22 vto 25 tons to the acre, but it is so badlyinfected with disease now that it is absolutely useless for milling purposes. In this block alone 2,500 tons of millable flax has been destroyed.

Dr. Cockayne is making investigations, the results of ■which are being awaited with keen interest.