THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 67, 20 March 1908, Page 4

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

IMPROVEMENTS IN DRESSING. DEPUTATION TO~THE MINISTER. A deputation consisting of Messrs Toogood and W. C.Buchanan, introduced by Mr Hogg, M.P.,.waited on the, Hon. Mr McNab, Minister for Agncujture, on Wednesday, in reference to the flax industry. r It was explained that the late Mr loogood, of Featherston, had spent ten years of his life and a good deal ot money in endeavouring to improve the plant for flax dressing. He had succeeded so far-that the Government recognised his efforts by granting him nfeP^ Bm^ 50 ' an^ a>t another time ±,J. 50. -ThisI,'1,' howeverj represented but a small portion of the cost of the experiments he had conducted. At the tune of his death a few years ago he had explained his process to the commission that was set up to deal with applicants for the offer made by the Government, but the machinery was not perfected. His experiments were intended, by the simultaneous use of the stripper and. water power, tor thoroughly separate the" white fibre from the green leaf, so that paddockmg and bleaching would be unnecessary- • That this wks possible Mr Toogood demonstrated by producing fibre m four hours that would otherwise have required a fortnight to manufacture. •

The deputation submitted that if the* process could only be made thoroughly practicable the cost of production would be reduced by at least £5 per ' a l nd-thls would have manifestly a good effect on a most important industry which was now languishing. Mr^ To°€ ood said that with his brothers he was. interested in the flax industry. They wished for no benefit tor themselves but suggested that-the <*overnjnent should do something to bring the. experiments that had been made to a successful issue. ''■ ■ Th# Minister stated that a laree number or methods of improving the hrt em h+Oi/ aXi .^ssing Phad been brought under his attention, and he could not render assistance in any special case. He would, however^ mld« t ■repreSejltations that ha<* been S™™ hl* earnest considerate and ocrs ot the deputation— N.Z. Times