SISAL V. NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2741, 6 February 1890, Page 2

SISAL V. NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

[BY TELEGIura.—I'HESS ASSOCIATION. ] Wellington, Last Night. A PHiVArir, letter received in Wellington from Sydney says : —"For some time past a number of our leading business men have been enquiring into the possibility at growing sisal in this colony, and a gentleman who has been engaged in the hemp trade in London for the past 20 yearn, and who has dealt largely in New Zealand hemp at home, has carried out a number of experiments here which go to show that sisal can bo grown as a profitable speculation, and it is believed the Government will assist in the matter by a grant of suitable land, at merely nominal rental. If the fibre samples shown to ine can bo grown largely, and there seems to be 110 reason why the Plants should not thrive, New Zealand is likely to have a formidable rival in a year or so. I was also shown a btiiiutifiu fibre prepared from the Pourcava plant. It was found growing in a wild state in the vicinity of Manly. Although the fibre had been prepared by most primitive methods, the texture was excellent This fibre is laigely prepared in tho Mauritius, and is shipped principallv to J-ranee, where it is used in the manufacture ot textile fabrics. Hie plant can be grown here at even less expense than sisal and owing to its fineness the fibre commands a j»inch higher figure. lam given to understand that oho gentlemen interested intend to spend £20,000 in the venture inime uiatelv.