NATIVE FLAX.

Southland Times, Issue 1190, 9 July 1869, Page 4

NATIVE FLAX.

Some few days ago a letter appeared in our columns, from Dr Monckton, on the curatiYC properties of the liquor in which the native flax fPhorminm Tenaxl has been ateemed or boiled. Since then we learn that Mr Scott, who first drew attention to this property of the plant, has sent home, by the Phineas Pendleton, a keg of the fluid for further experiment. There can be no doubt that the value of native flax has as yet only been half discovered, and that, in determining the extent of its utility, there is still ample scope for exercising keen observation and research. The superior qualities of the fibre are now very generally admitted, and as prejudice is overcome, it will be applied to many purposes for which it is, as yet, deemed unfit. As a curative agent, its virtues will also be in due time acknowledged, although it will, no doubt, encounter much opposition at first, and probably a considerable amount of ridicule, principally on account of the cheapness and simplicity of its preparation for that purpose. The gum, the great obstacle to the fibre manufacturer, is also a valuable substance, unequalled for adhesive purposes, and will no doubt yet be largely utilized. The pains which Mr Scott has taken to perfect his knowledge of the uses to which flax might be put, has frequently been referred to by us, and we are glad once more thus to have to notice his attempt, in his own quiet way, to introduce it in a new form to the people of the old country. It must be satisfactory to him that his efforts hitherto have been attended with, considerable success. At both the Melbourne and Dunedin Exhibitions he was an exhibitor of flax, and flax manufactures of several sorts, and was in both instances a successful competitor, at Melbourne, obtaining the only medals awarded to New Zealand exhibitors of that article.