VICTORIA.

Press, Volume II, Issue 41, 22 February 1862, Page 3

VICTORIA.

Flax.—An experiment has been made by Mr. M'Kenna, of Brown Hill, near Ballarat, on the growth of New Zealand flax this season, which ia promising as far as productivonesse aud fibre is concerned; but it seems to us, that experiments of this kind, so near to New Zealand, where the flax may be had in any quantity for the gathering, are more fanciful than useful. But our agricultuaal and horticultural societies, a little too much given themselves to the fanciful at times, have thought Mr. M'Kenna'e efforts worthy of prizes, and we may, therefore, be excused for calling attention to this. Our account of it is from the 'Ballarat Star.' •'Mr. M'Kenna states that the climate and coil of Ballarat are admirably adapted to the growth of New Zealand flax, and he also claims to have discovered a method by which it can be made suitable for the manufacture of the very finest fabrics. It is generally known, we believe, that the New Zealand flax has hitherto only been used for coarse manufactures, such as mats aud ropes, whilst the tow or refuao ir known to be suitable for the purposes of paper making. Mr. M'Kenna states that he can render the flax suitable for any purpose, and asks to have Government assistance to reward him for his discovery. The flax shown to us was somewhat coarse, and only suitable for rougher purposes, but as it was only hand-scutched we are cautioned against receiving it aa ft sample of what can be done; and Mr. M'Kenna states that he only requires hackles, such as are used in Europe, to make it every thing required. To us, even in its coarse state, this flax Beema capable of being employed for many useful purposes, and as it flourishes in Ballarat, it might porhaps be turned to good account. Specimens of the plant itaelf, and the flax, may be seen at Messrs. Nicholls and Cα'e shop, in Bridge-street, and an inspection of them will doubtless be interesting to all parties who desire to encourage native industry. Mr. M'Kenna is prepared, we believe, to disclose the particulars of hie process, on receiving a guarantee thaH) he will be properly compensated in the event of its proving what he believes it to be; and under these circumstances, we should think that some further attention might well be given, to the subject"— Melbourne Herald.