FLAX CULTURE.

Patea Mail, 26 July 1882, Page 4

FLAX CULTURE.

At a meeting of the promoters of the European Flax Company, at Christchurch, Mr J. Davis reported that since June 8 he had visited Rangiora, and also the Ellesmere district, including Doyleston, Southbridge, and Leeston, and the Lincoln district. The farmers in these districts were almost unanimously in favor of giving the flax a trial during the ensuing season in moderate areas from two to ten acres. Over 60 agriculturists had signified their intention of doing so, and about 500 Acres might be calculated upon—an area sufficiently large to make a profitable trial during the first year of operations. Mr R. Marshall, of the Oust, wrote stating that he was prepared' to produce a sound fibre, suitable for twine-making, canvas, hair-seating, warp, or any brown (unbleached) material, from flax straw of any age up to seven years, provided the straw had been kept from damp, and unrettecl. The sample of fibre now in the Agricultural and Pastoral Rooms had gained first prize in the Melbourne Exhibition, and had been prepared by the writer from straw four years old. He had been induced to write this in consequence of a statement that had been made to the effect that good fibre could not be produced unless the straw was steeped when pulled, an assertion which was calculated to mislead the public.