FLAX CULTURE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 84, 18 September 1869, Page 6

FLAX CULTURE.

Tnis branch of industry is attracting a great deal of attention. In Taranaki there are a number of manufacturers at work already, and the " Herald " thus announces an addition to the number: — " By the 'Ahuiri,'-two flax machines arrived for Messrs. Bayly Brothers, Avhich are to be erected at the Waitara. They are manufactured by Messrs. A. & G-. Price of Onehuuga, and appear to be extremely simple in construction. We inspected these machines on Saturday last, and as near as we can describe them, are as follows : — Ail iron cover fasten doAvn over a revolving drum, on which are placed raised pieces of steel; there is a traveling feeder, having a movcable slide, that can bo adjusted to any sized leaf, and when the roller gets Avorn in one part, a slight alteration of the slide moves the flax on to another. Double pinions are used for securing more regularity of movement, and preventing liability of breakage. In-dia-rubber is used behind the bushes at the bottom feed roller, but a spiral spring is on the top. The Avhole machine is fixed in an iron frame, which impai'ts great solidity to it."

Flax Eeport. — The following report on New Zealand flax, forwarded to a gentleman in Timaru, by Messrs. A. & D. Edward & Co., of Dundee, is of considerable public interest : — " We have examined the New Zealand flax. It is nearly thirty years ago since Aye Avrought some of this flax, at the request of Government. We had it made into sail canvass, and sent to the Government, but we never learned Avhat Avas the result in the wear of the canvass. It was feared it would not wear well, being hard. In the condition of the sample bale the flax is almost useless.: the woody matter has not been separated from the fibre, apparently the result of imperfect steeping or Avant of scutching. If it can be properly cleaned, the material Avould have a considerable value, say £45 or thereby per ton, here. Enclosed is a sample to show the condition in which the lowest mark of Eussian flax is received here. There is no doubt if the 'New Zealand flax can be Avell cleaned in a similar manner, that it can be largely used here." — "Timaru Herald."

New Zealand Flax — Messrs. Devitt & Hett report as folloAvs by the last English mail : — About 300 bales

have been sold during the past four weeks at £28 10a. to £31 15s. for roughly dressed; £36 15s. and £38 for fair to good quality, and £40 to £40 15 for fine. We would again strongly recommend the regular shipment of the fine quality only, as we know that several of our largest spinners are very anxious to work this article, but connot use the common description, and we think our assertions have been fully proved by the fact that of the recent imports the first quality have sold very readily, and has advanced in price, whilst the inferior sorts have been very dull of sale at easy rates. Manilla hemp is steady at £49 for good roping.

Flax. — The following extract from W. W. Tickle & Co.'s Trade Circular, of the 11th Juno received by the last mail, is quoted in the "Evening Post" of the 16th inst. The prices can only bo deemed most satisfactory : — " 20th. May — i<97 bales and 50 bundles New Zealand offered, and 97 bales sold at £32 up to £88 10s. for dressed ; 4th to Ist class sea damaged, at £26 10s. to £38 ss. per ton. 3rd June— Of ISO bales New Zealand 104 sold at £31 15s. to £36 15s. 9th June— l 76 bales New Zealand sold, ordinary, £28 10s. to £31 155. ; middling, £34 ss. to £38 10s. ; good, £40 15s.

A flax-dressing company is talked of, and it is stated that all the natives to the south of New Plymouth are likely to become shareholders in ib. They have largo quantities of flax on their land. A correspondent says that the flax movement will do more than anything else to promote peace.

Holloiaay's Pills. — Mastery over Disease. — There is a constant tendency in the human body to pass from strength to weakness unless some means be adopted to counteract the " wear and tear," and other deteriorating influences. Hollo ways Pills effoct this admirably : they accomplish all the most exacting invalid can require. As alteratives they regulate the stomach and rouse the liver ; as purifiers they improve the blood's quality ; as aperients they promote peristaltic action, and as tonics they invigerate the nervous system. They have blessed with health thousands previously blasted by disease. In all cases the indigestion, palpatation, perspiration, headaches, heartburn and functional obstructions, suftereis have Holloway's Pills as a resource to fall back upon, which will never disappoint their most sanguine hopes.