A FLAX DRESSING MACHINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 982, 25 July 1882, Page 3

A FLAX DRESSING MACHINE.

Our readers, says the Rangitikei Advocate, will, we feel sure,-be glad to learn that the flax-dresssing machine patented by Mr Bertram, of is attracting particular attention in til parts of the colony. Some time ago we gave an account of this important invention, which was copied into the principal papers in New Zealand, and the result has been that Mr Bertram has received numerous letters from every one of the provincial districts, inquiring as to the terms at which he would be prepared to supply the machines. Mr Bertram exhibited to a number of the leading merchants in Wellington samples of New Zealand flax dressed by his machine, and these were favored with the warmest approbation. Mr Krull, the German consult was so much impressed with the excellence of the invention that he was quite sure thai flax dressed in the same way as the samples shown would meet with a ready and almost unlimited market in Germany. He also offered to provide the means of working one of the machines in some central place in Wellington, in order that the people of the Empire City might have a chance of see* ing for themselves ' what the thijg was like.' We believe that Mr Bertram will avail himself of this offer, and if he does we have no doubt that the M.H.R.'s from all parts of the colony will "be there to see." Mr Bertram intended to show his patent at the Christchurch Exhibition, but unfortunately the only machine made was destroyed by the fire at Mr Lash's sawmill. However, he has complete drawings, and Mr Murray, of Warganui, is prepared to turn out the machines at £35 each, and we expect to see this valuable invention soon put to a fair trial. The matter is one of really national im- | portance. Tens of thousands of tons of i phormium tenax are now absolutely Tuning to waste year by year, and all this I natural wealth will probably at no distant date be turned to very profitable account through Mr Bertram's invention.