The Flax Industry.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 366, 8 May 1889, Page 2

The Flax Industry.

There is eveiy prospect that the flax industry will assume largo proportions in t'lis district ere long. Mr Coulthard's mill, on tho west bank of the Waihou river, clo^o fo the Te Arolia railway and traffic bridge (particulars respecting wHch have already appeared in these columns), is kept steadily going to its utmost capacity, and is turning out a large quantity of flax. Whilst no less than four new flax mills are now in course of erection within a few mile 3 of Te A roh a. They are as follows :—: — (1) Mr Yon Stunner's mill, at the Gordon Special Settlement. The building for this mill is now completed, also three cottages for the accommodation of the employees, and a house for the manager, Everything in connection with tho mill is now realy for the erection of the machinery, which is being manufactured by Messrs Price Bros., Thames, and is all oxreeted to arrive; within a week or two. Apart from the strippers and scutching machinery, baling press, etc , there will be a 4ft Pelton wheel, which it is estimated will provide 30 horse pnwr, there beinsr a splendid fall for the water, viz , 257 feet on the slope, and a perpendicular fa'l of 141 feet on to the wheel, so that the pressure will bo veiy sreat. About 15 chains of fuming for the water-race (being about haH" the total distance rpquhing to be flumed), lias already been conducted, and the work is beincr pushed on with all possible despatch. In all probibility this mill will be at work within a month or six weeks from now. (2) Mr W. T. Firlh is erecting a flax mill on the western bank of the Waihou river, about ten chains below Stanley Landing. The buildings are now well forward, and the mill w'll be ready for work at an date. In connection with this mill steam will be the motive power used. (3) Messrs Edwin Firth and Dufaur are erecting a flax mill on the western bank of the Waihou river, nearly opposite the mouth of the Wairakau creek. The necessary buildings for this mill are also well forward towards completion ; and another month or two should suffice to have everything ready for starting work. Tho motive power will be steam; the engine a larjje portable one, capable of working up to 25 or 30-horse power. (4) Mr H, H, Adams is pushing on with the construction of his flax mill, being erected on his property, known as ' Carr's,' about midway between Te Arohn and Waiorongomai. The motive power will be wafer and a Pelton wheel, and already the the necessary fluming and cuttings in connection with the water-race have been constructed. The building is also well advanced, and no time will be lost in getting everything ready to commence operations. By the foregoing it will be seen that within a few miles of Te A roh a there soon will be no less than five flax mills at work, whereas but a year or two ago there was not one.