FLAX INDUSTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1938, Page 3

FLAX INDUSTRY

EXTRACTION OF FIBRE

CLAIMS FOR NEW PROCESS

Revolutionary changes in methods of extracting fibre from flax are likely to be made if proposals now afoot to establish the flaxgrowing industry in Hawke’s Bay on the Poukawa Swamp are acceptable to the Government. As a result of a new process it is claimed that the quantity of fibre that can be extracted from flax is increased considerably, with the result that the chances of the cultivation of flax as a payable commercial proposition are enhanced.

The new process makes it possible to extract the shorter fibre from the flax; in other words, it is possible to extract the fibre from all parts of the flax leaf, a great quantity of which has in the past been regarded as waste. The amount extracted will be more than doubled as a result of the utilisation of hitherto waste fibre. The extra fibre processed, it is stated, might make all the difference between success and failure from the standpoint of an economical and profit making industry.

Whereas in the past nine to 12 tons of flax were required to produce a ton of fibre, only six tons will be needed in future, and long-fibred flax will not be essential, as the process can handle the shorter-fibred varieties. The process also makes possible the extraction of fibre from dried leaf, whereas in " the past only green leaf was of any use. Instead of six tons of green leaf being sent to the mill to produce one ton of fibre, only 25cwt of dried leaf will be sent to produce the same quantity. It is also claimed for the new process that it can be applied to produce fibre from the leaves of the ordinary cabbage tree and wild mountain flax such as is to be found growing on the pumice country between Napier and Taupo.