THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 1, Issue 111, 10 June 1881, Page 2

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

(Christchurch Telegraph.)

To some gentlemen who have been unsuccessful in their efforts in this direction, it would be considered as an insult to their understandings to r fer with sdy degree of hopefulness to the future of the native flax-dressing industry. Nevertheless, it will, 110 doubt, be remembered that Mr J. M. Bertram, who has spent a lifetime in experimenting upon the phormium tenax, applied some monthts ago for a patent for machinery and appliances to bring the material to what he hoped would prove to be found an unprecedented state of perfection. We are glad to be enabled te report from the Manawatu Standard that this invention of Mr Bertram’s promises to turn out completely successful. Since they last reported upon the subject, it appears that they have interviewed the inventor who informs them that his experiments are progressing very favourably, and that “ he is how assured of the early fruition of his labours.” The models of the machine are stated to be at Murray’s \Vanganui foundry, and within a short lime a complete one will be ready for

work. Without being allowed to penetrate the arcana arcanistima of the invention, Mr Bertram goes so far as U state that no washing is required, uor any application 6F chemicals ; and that the fibre is left beautifully fi ne ana nlky, as a marketable commodity of high value, and of extensive and varied eapababilities of general utility. These are all the particulars that we can advance at present, and wo are perfectly aware .Of all the drawbacks attendant upon the industry, should the invention of Mr Bertram be all that he prognosticates. We know that its best the phormium tenax is by no means facile princeps among fibres, and we know that it is a question whether it would pay to grow it from seed, and to wait until it was ready for use. But on the other hand we are aware that thousands of tons are growing in t h greatest luxuriance ii many par s of both islands, and that the conversion of this growth into a marketable commodity would not only afford work for numbers Vho are out of employment for some time to come, but if Mr B, rtram’s invention be successful would be an immense source of revenue. The perpetuation of the supply is a subject for the public botanists of the colony upon which to experimentalise ; and if the growth be successful as a commer cial speculation, the benefit accruing th the country generally by the invention of Mr Bertram would be intensified to an indefinite degree. Under any cir. cumscauces no one will object to wish this gentleman the success which he so richly deserves.