FLAX ON PEAT LANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18763, 17 July 1924, Page 5

FLAX ON PEAT LANDS.

HAURAK! PLAINS SCHEME.

MANAWATU MILLER'S VIEW.

Th 9 views of the president of the NewZealand Flaxmillers' Association, Mr. A. Seifert, regarding Mr. G. Smerle's proposed experiments in growing flax on deep peat lands on the Hauraki Plains are published in the Manawatu Standard.

"Personally," said Mr. Seifert, "I would not undertake such a venture until it is proved by experiment that flax can be successfully grown in peat land. Of course, I cannot ■ say that the experimentsproposed by Mr. Smerle will not be _ successful* .but I think they are too risky. In our experience in this district we have found that we must have good rich land for flax cultivation. It can be grown on other land, of course, but 'the grower only gets it in bunches* The heavy crops do not come from poor land like they, do from the other kind. "I think Mr. Smerle is showing courage in undertaking this venture, but it is not yet proved that, where thero is'* a big depth of peat, flax can be grown. It may turn out Quite all right, but anything in that line can only be regarded as an experiment at present. It would bo a very good thing if we nould grow flax in peat but we find that we need good land to cultivate it Flax needs moisture, and yet at Levin can be.forind bunches of flax growing, in gardens and in light soil with gravel near the surface. The drainage is perfect on account of the subsoil. I think that the climatic conditions in the Auckland province are ideal for flax, but £he point at issue is': 'Will peat soil grow a good leaf V Referring to the flax industry generally, Mr. Seifert said: "It is improving, and there was an increase of 6000 bales of hemp last year. I am looking forward to a further increase. So many people at Home have been inquiring for our product, but owing to the small supply available they have gone elsewhere for it and have forgotten all about our article. There is a wonderful future before the industry," Mr. Seifert concluded.