N.Z. FLAX

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 970, 13 May 1930, Page 11

N.Z. FLAX

IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY DEMAND FROM PLASTER WORKS From Our Oicn Correspondent HAMILTON, Monday. That the solution of the present difficulties of New Zealand flax growers lies in the improvement of the v fibre marketed, was the opinion expressed by Mr. A. W. Chapman, manager for an 800-acre Australian development concern near Hamilton. Much has been done toward improving the quality of the fibre already states Mr. Chapman, efforts of private enterprise being materially assisted by Government experts. Flax was a most valuable plant and there was a growing demand for it provided the quality was right. The quality was governed by the methods under which it was grown and prepared for the market. He suggested that an inquiry should be conducted by the Government to ascertain the causes for the low prices and to suggest remedies. Giving his own view of these remedies, Mr. Chapman said that steps could be taken to improve the natural growing areas with a view to producing a sound, clean leaf. He suggested that many of the smaller mills should be combined, or failing this that their output should be pooled and properly classified. If this were done much of the dissatisfaction felt by overseas buyers of New Zealand flax woiild be removed. During his last visit to Australia he learned that the leading cordage manufacturers complained of irregular packing and discolouration of New Zealand flax. They preferred well-bleached New Zealand fibre, bLit had not been able to get it. It was quite practicable to meet the requirements of these people if sufficient trouble were taken at the manufacturing end. If a clean, white fibre were produced there would be a steady demand for it from the plaster works. An inquiry would do much to disseminate the information obtained by Government experts and private growers and would result in a general improvement of the industry and of market requirements.