New Zealand Flax For Paper-making

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 98, 29 April 1935, Page 6

New Zealand Flax For Paper-making

POSSIBILITIES OF AUSTRALIAN DEMAND. Regarding reports from Australia that there was a probability of New Zealand’s fibre being required there by a projected large scale paper mill, a “Times” representative sought an interview with the well-known flaxmilling authority, Mr. Alfred Seifert. Although not at present actively engaged in flaxmilling, Mr. Seifert is a member of the Flax Committee of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department and was the founder of the largest flaxmilling enterprise in the Dominion.

The value of our New Zealand fibre as a paper-making material was an acknowledged fact, said Mr. Seifert. His firm had investigated the possibilities of the material away back in 1910, and since that time the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has had carried out several very exhaustive tests. One of the most import of these was undertaken in Washington, U.S.A., while others were undertaken in conjunction with an international firm who were suppliers of paper-making machinery. In all eases the reports spoke highly of our New Zealand fibre, and the general consensus of opinion given was that it was suitable for the manufacture of the highest grades of paper. The possibilities of its utilisation as a strengthener to eucalyptus pulp became known some years ago. Mr. Reifert also mentioned that paper-making cannot bo economically carried out on a small scale. A very large and costly plant is required to give the needed big output and this requires accessibility to an important market. Australia can contemplate such an industry where New Zealand could not.