RESEARCH IN FLAX.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 253, 20 September 1930, Page 15

RESEARCH IN FLAX.

REPORTS ON PROCESSES. Interim reports on works being carried out were considered at a meeting of the Flax Research Committee set up by the New Zealand Council of Scientific and Industrial Research held yesterday,. The principal reports were those of Dr. Maclaurin concerning the chemical bleaehing of flax, and of Dr. Yates oil the selection and breeding of flax. Mr A. Seifert presided and there were also present: Mr O’Callaghan (assistant-secretary of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department), Dr. Maclaurin (ex-director of the Dominion Laboratory), Mr A. H. Cockayne (assistant-Director of the Agricultural Department), Messrs E. T. Frost and H. A. Seifert (representing the Flaxmillers’ Association), Professor Easterfield (Director of the Cawtliron Institute) and Professor Peren (Principal of Massey College). Dr. Yates was also present by invitation. Dr. Maclaurin’s report on the bleaching of flax fibre, indicated distinct possibilities of success in the application of chemistry to the bleaching. Dr. Yates stated in the course of his report that a large number of different strains of pliormium tenax (New Zealand flax) had been collected and were being raised in the nurseries with a view to selecting the best varieties for propagation. These reports will be embodied in the annual report of the Research Department and will appear in the journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, also issued by the department.