New Zealand Flax.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume I, Issue 23, 23 September 1843, Page 4

New Zealand Flax.

Mr. Donlan, a gentleman of scientific acquirements, no less than twenty years ago, discovered a process for rendering New Zealand flax proof against all evils arising from submersion, partial damp which causes mildew, and in fact against premature decay of all kinds, whether in canvas for shipping, tarpauling, ropes, or cordage, thus rendering an useless weed, which the Phormium tenax is in its primitive state, a valuable article of commerce. The importation of this article should have formed one of the first objects of the New Zealand Company's operations, but it has not only neglected this important duty it owed to its colonists, but it has turned a deaf, if not a contemptuous ear to the suggestions of those who have not only an individual but a great national object in view, by it introduction into this country. Mr. Donlan has obtained a patent for his discovery, has tested its efficacy under Government auspices, has won an approval from the Lords of the Admiralty, can produce the testimony of the most credible witnesses as to its superiority, and leaves nothing in the shape of a doubt, or for the world to desire or discover, but the simple fact, that Mr. I Donlan is not a favourite or a protege' of the diplomatic land-jobbing gentry of Broadstreet. From these good folks we have never anticipated any thing good or useful, but when we have before us the official reports of naval officers of high standing, speaking of the superiority of this great colonial staple over that of foreign countries, in language which is not to be misconstrued or vaguely entertained ; we do not flinch from recording our belief, that there is more than meets the eye in the rejection of its use by the Lords of the Admiralty, in face of their tacit approval of its superiority, when properly prepared, over all others. The patentee's machinery is simply constructed, at a moderate cost, and conveniently portable ; and, if once introduced into the colony, will be found to answer all the objects so anxiously sought by the New Zealand colonists, and -will prove no less economical and advantageous to the British Government and the country at large. — Emigration Gazette. , OOLONIAL AM) CONSULAR ESTIMATES. The following are the Colonial and Consular estimates for the year ending 31st March, 184.4, according to a Parliamentary paper just published — Bahamas, £3,410 ; Bermudas, £4,049 ; Prince Edward's Island, £3,070 ; Sable Island, Nova Scotia, £400 ; I Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Gold Coast, ! £13,680 ; St. Helena, including allowances to the late servants of the East India Company, £11,500; Western Australia, £7,785; Port Essington, £1,487 ; Falkland Islands, £4,350; New Zealand, £61,093 ; Heligoland, £1,023 ; Governors and others, West Indies, £18,667 ; Clergy North America, and New Zealand, £12,190; Indian Department, Canada, £18,895 ; Emigration, £11,286 ; Justices in the West Indies, Mauritius, &c, £49,700 ; Negro Education, i £18,000 ; Captured Negroes, Support, &c M I £35,000 ; Commissioners for Suppression of Slave Trade, £23,000 ; Consuls Abroad, £104,700 ; Total, £403,336. — The total for the year 1841 was £381,212; and for ! 1842, £392,154 ; thus showing an increase, as compared with 1841, of £22,124 ; and of £11,182, as compared with 1842. •'"The New Zealand Society. — At a meeting of the Proprietors of Land in New Zealand, and others interested in the colony, held on Thursday the sth January, 1843, at the George and Vulture Tavern, an association was formed, under the name of ' ' The New Zealand Society," for promoting the interests of the Land-owners, the Colonists, and .the Natives of New Zealand. — The ob-

——• ' * jects are similar to those of the South Australian Society, which has effected so much good to that colony, namely, —1. To watch over and promote the general interests of the land-owners, the colonists, and the natives. 2. To suggest to, and urge upon the Government, the New Zealand Company, and the public, the adoption of such measures as may be deemed useful to the colony. 3. To collect, record, and circulate accurate information respecting the condition, resources and prospects of the Colony ; and, (as a means to the above end,) 4. To open correspondence with the several settlements in New Zealand, and with all parties disposed to promote the objects of the Society. On the motion of Mr. O'Connell, the Corporation of the city of Dublin resolved to petition the Legislature for a repeal of the Union between England and Ireland. The debate in the City Council lasted two days : the numbers were, for the motion 41, against it 15. Trade was dull, but had a tendency to improvement. The Comet which was visible in this Colony in March last, was also visible in the northern hemisphere.