THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1822, 4 May 1918, Page 3

THE HEMP INDUSTRY.

NEW ZEALAND FLAX IN AUSTRALLIA. Mr J, T. Evans, representing Messrs C. A. Nobelins and Sons, nurserymen, of Victoria, Australia, is at present visiting Fox!on and fho Manawatu district for the purpose of inspecting the methods and gathering information in connection with the Now Zealand hemp industry, with a view to erecting a (laxmilliug plant on his principal’s •property in Gippsland, where they have an area of: cultivated New Zealand flax. Messrs Nobelins and Sons .commenced experimenting with New. Zealand llax some years ago, and found that the Gippsland soil and climate suited the plant. About live years ago 25 acres was planted, and has thrived well, Iho growth at present being particularly good. A year later a further 25. acres was planted, and between two and three years ago the area under cultivation was increased to 100 acres. At the present, time it is estimated that on the 50 acres first planted there is a growth of flax that will cut at least 20 tons to the acre, so that til ere is fully 1,000 tons at present fit for milling, with a further 1,000 tons rapidly coming on. It is the intention of Messrs Nobelins and Sons to erect a flaxmilling plant and mill this leaf, and the result of these operations will decide whether or not (hey will extend the cultivation- of flax in that district. Mr Evans states the growth of flax is good, although it docs not grow as luxuriantly as in some of the swamps he has inspected in this district, and that in his opinion there are thousands of acres in the Gippsland district very suitable for flax cultivation. Mr Evans intends paying a visit of inspection to other flaxmilling centres in New Zealand, and before leaving again for Australia will leave orders with New Zealand manufacturers for a complete plant to be sent over. Mr Evans will leave Foxton for the Auckland district on Monday, but will visit Foxton again before returning to Australia.