WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2619, 25 April 1889, Page 2

WHATAWHATA.

Flax Industry.—Among other industries that aro being developed in nearly all parts of the colony, one of the most promising is flax dressing. We are fortunate in this district, in possessing a large supply of the raw material, while flax mills, both of steam and water power are being erected, so to speak, on all sides of us, it is a wonder to many that no effort has been made to re-establish hero theold flax-milling business, which was, many years ago, successfully carried on by Mr Rollo. The site is on the Koromatua creek, adjacent to the county road and within a few chains of the township. Tho dam formerly used, though broken in part, could easily bo made good again, and the supply of green flax almost at hand is considerable, while within a workable radius an immense supply could be obtained, several large swamps beine_ full of it, and the close proximity to the Waipa river would enable supplies to bo obtained, if necessary, both up and down stream. The establishment of a flax mill by any person of means, would materially help tho district, by enabling settlers and others to turn into cash, the green flax, which for many years has been a valueless asset to us, growing up luxuriantly as it does, only to be swept away by the (ires which cvury few yoars pass over our waste lands.