YELLOW LEAF DISEASE DISAPPEARS.

Shannon News, 30 May 1922, Page 2

YELLOW LEAF DISEASE DISAPPEARS.

SULPHUR BLEACHING FOR FIBRE,. BRIGHTER OUTLOOK FOR HEMP. A short time ago it appeared as though the flax industry would -at an early date be completely .wiped-out by the ravages of a yellow leaf disease that had affected the flax to .such an extent that many mills in the district had. to close down. The assistance of experts . was obtained, but no remedy could be found to check the ravages of the pest. Millowners sought Government assistance- to find a remedy, but before experimental work had proceeded very far the flax seemed to bei improying. without any assistance, and to-day has almost wholly recovered. Better, leaf is being obtained at most of the mills than they have had tor the past six years. Mr Shirley, who has been dealing with the disease for some time past, considers that fibre cannot continue to be- taken from the swamp unless something in the way of manure is ■returned, and in consequence all the waste.from the Mjranui mill will be returned to the flax area.. The dead leaves and sticks, which in the natural course of events would have fallen around the bunches of flax and soformed manure, are to be burnt, and tlie ash .returned. Furnaces are to be erected immediately, while the dust from ‘ the., scutching sheds will go back as it is. - /

The bleaching of the fibre, by means of sulphur fumes, is .said to be very satisfactory, the fumes penetrating hanks of fibre a foot deep, thus .•paving a considerable amount, of paddocking. The 'fibre- is also- of better colour and strength, and commands about £2- per ton more on the market than when treated in the old way. The vbuildings where this process |akes#piace have to be repeatedly tarred. on account of the effect, of the fumes. <

, More land is being planted with flax, and what is now required is a little better price! for fibre. The hemp industry then would be launched cn an era of stability and prosperity.