FLAX CULTIVATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 240, 7 September 1928, Page 9

FLAX CULTIVATION.

(From Our Own Correspondent). FOXTON, Sept. 6. The Poroutawhao flax swamp, tho flax from which some time ago was of poor quality, to-day is producing some of the best leaf in the district. This, a local miller informed the “Standard” correspondent-, was duo to tho fact that about throe years ago a fire swept over this area and destroyed all tho weeds. The roots, however, being damp, were well protected, and tho consequent growth of flax ha-s been amazing. In conclusion, tho miller said that, in bis opinion, it was a fallacy to believe that flax would grow well in any swamp area if tho roots were just planted among the raupo and reeds. The best results were obtained by planting flax on cultivated land. An example of this was to be seen in tho Poroutawhao district where a miller had planted flax in a swampy area amid weeds and also on a piece of cultivated land adjoining. The flax on the latter land was now ready to cut whereas the leaf in the swamp was still very small and would be unfit for cutting for at least another year.