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Southland Times, Issue 911, 6 March 1868, Page 2

It will be remembered by our readers ■ that some time since samples of flax and tussock grass were Kent home in order to test their adaptability for the Eiauiuacture of paper, &c. The opinion then given was not altogether favorable. The following additional particulars have been placed at our disposal : — " Office of the New Zealand Government Agency, 3, Adelaide Place, King William-street, London, E.C., 31st December, 1867.— His Honor the Superintendent, Southland. Sir, — I had the honor to address you on the 28th of October last, relative to the native flax of New Zealand and tussae grasses. I now beg to transmit herewith copy of a Eeport received from Mr C. Thome, to whom samples were given from this office for the purpose of testing their adaptability to the manufacture of paper and rope. The Eeport as regards the tussae grasses you will observe does not prove so favorable as could be desired. The flax in the reduced state he values at twenty-two pounds per ton in this market ; but during the process of reducing it loses about forty-five per cent. Samples of the flax and grasses in this reduced state I beg to enclose. Two other manufacturers to whom samples have been sent have not yet furnished me with their reports : when the same are received, they shall be forwarded to Government. — I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obdt. servt., John Morrison." Enclosure.] — Messrs Manning, Colyer and Co., the fibre brokers tell me that samples numbers 1 and 2 are greatly inferior to Esparto grass, which is only worth £5 to £6 per ton. They think there would be a difficulty in getting a price named for these two samples. I have lately sold a quantity of 'Phormiuin Tenax' of rather superior quality to the accompanying at £22 per ton, it having been taken as a substitute for Bombay hemp. The three samples have been reduced to their present condition without the aid of chemicals or machinery. — (Signed) C Thorne, 16 Mark-lane, E.C., London, 2nd Dec, 1867.