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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 136, 12 June 1869, Page 2

Flax Dbessing. — A correspondent o( the Weekly News writing from the district of Hamilton, Auckland Province, gives the following account of what is being done in that part of the Colony, iu the way of turning native flax to account:— " Amongst the many industrial pursuits followed here, flax preparation is rapidly coming into favour. Mr. R. F. Claude, I am told, started steam machines on Monday last, which will give employment to 20 men aud boys. Captain Macpherson has just completed a large water-wheel, which will enable him to prepare a much greater quantity of flax than he has been enabled to do with the inadequate machinery at his disposal. I believe he has hitherto used horse-power to work his machinery. Mr. Davis ia also putting up a large water-wheel in connection with flax machinery below Mr. Claude's, and Mr. Reid sends down a great quantity of flax from a place about three miles up the river. The Rev. Mr. Pritt is also putting up flax-dressing machinery at Opaopa, and which will be worked by water power, Mr. Otterson is also I am informed preparing to erect similar machinery,- and Mr. R. Simpson is arranging for bringing up a quantity of machinery from Auckland. I am informed also on good authority that there is. some probability. of Mr. Morrin getting up no fewer than twenty machines, and that he has leased a considerable quantity of suitable land from the Government. Oo the Waipa, too, the settlers are turning their attention to this species of industry." We are much surprised that no steps have yet been taken in the direction of flax manufacture in (hi? province. yy.\.y •■.-..'; .y-J.U-nx'H ;^:y '