NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 190, 12 August 1871, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

New Zealand flax, says the Home News

of July 16, is evidently freeing itself from one of the objections that have been urged against its use in rope-making. Mr. C. Thome, of whose exertions in connection with the utilisation of the phormium we have already had to speak, has favored us with the following letter received from Messrs E. Sheldon, shipowners. It cannot fail to -prove satisfactory to those interested in the New Zealand flax trade : — "By the mail which has just arrived from Belize, we have a letter from Captain Shaw, the roaster of our vessel — the Sheffield — and in it he alludes to the rope which we purchased from you, in the following terms : — ' The white rope sent on board of the Sheffield in London his been well tested, as we have had it in use for taking in 360 logs of mahogany, some of them them three or four tons weight, besides using it for winch ropes for the hold; I consider it superior ; rope to any ;we have had on former voyages that we haVe used for the same work.' The test which rope under-

goes' in loading a carjo of mahogany at Belize i 9 really very severe indeed.' The rafting lines, constantly submerged in water during (he night, are in ihe day exposed to the scorching heat of the sun, aud when the weight and size of the logs are taken into consideration, and that they have to be hauled through the surf — a distance of four miles — we should think that such a test of the quality of rope could scarcely be exceeded. We, therefore think you have every reason to be satisfied with the report which Captain Shaw. makes upon your rope."