Hawke's Bay Herald FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1870. LOCAL INDUSTRIES.—ROPE-MAKING.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 15, Issue 2014, 16 December 1870, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Herald FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1870. LOCAL INDUSTRIES.— ROPE-MAKING.

We were yesterday shewn a coil of 1| rope, made of New Zealand flax, at the Waipukurau flax mills. It is a very vice sample indeed foi* a first attempt, and will, we are sure, come into very geueral use. The size of the rope is that suited for tether ropes for statiou use, but, of course, if properly eucouraged, other sizea would be manufactured. Tlie sample forwarded may be seen at the Athenaeum. Mr. Trestrail, who manages the mill, says that it is the first rope manufac-

tured iv the province. So it probably is, so far as flax cleaned by machine is concerned. But it is well known that Mr. Atward, of Wairoa, has for the last 25 years, made rope from native cleaned flax — chiefly running gear for vessels, whale and fishing lines, and shop twine. Mr. Warnes has, vve believe, used a large quantity of the rope of Mr. Afcward's manufacture, and would be willing to take more if it could be supplied. Capt. Campbell, of the Hero, had a main sheet from the same manufactory, which we are informed is wearing very well. Aud the natives of the Wairoa district prefer it to Manilla for tether ropes. Iv two cases, therefore, a promising attempt has been made in the matter of rope-making within the province — one from native cleaned flax, with very simple tools, which lias been successful ; aud one from machine cleaned, which also promises favorably.