From Scrub to Flax

Shannon News, 10 December 1929, Page 1

From Scrub to Flax

CHANGE IN WASTE LAND The transformation of scrub-covered peat swamp land into cultivated areas of flax is proceeding apace on a 3000acre block on Piako road, Gordonton. Operations on the area were commenced in May, 1928, and since then 452 acres have been cleaved of scrub, ploughed, disced and harrowed, and planted in flax. Twenty-three men, with four ti actors, ploughs and other field implements, are employed on the area. To one who had not visited the block for a year the vast of work accomplished in the intervening period was a revelation.

Flax was seen in all stages of development. Seed beds, with tiny pedigree plants just forcing their way through the specially prepared ground, occupy one corner of the block. The whole nursery consists of 521 acres, and a million seedlings are to be seen in various stages of growth. Those seedlings which have developed sufficiently to warrant transplanting are removed in a.novel manner.

A specially made implement, consisting of two inverted blades, is drawn by two horses along a row of seedlings. The blades cut away the earth on each side of the roots and the plants are readily removed from the loosened ground. The seedlings are removed to the permanent fields and planted in straight rows, 10ft. apart and sft. separating each plant in the rows.

Particular attenion has been given to the drains, and miles of deep, clean conduits intersect the property. The land is quite flat for many square miles, and the uniform rows -of flax plants present an unusual and interesting appearance. . Planting, which is a seasonal operation, is proceeding at the rate, of 15 acres a day. The owners are delighted at the progress the flax has made in the peat country, and are confident, of the ultimate success of the venture.