SILK FROM SUGAR CANE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20309, 17 July 1929, Page 9

SILK FROM SUGAR CANE.

NEW QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY.

FINE QUALITY OF PRODUCT

Tlio manufacture of artificial silk as a branch product in the sugar refining industry in Queensland appears likely to reach largo proportions, according to Dr. W. H. Horton, of Auckland, who returned from a visit to Australia by the Marama yesterday. It had been found that the waste from sugar cano after refining could y be chemically treated, aud that from the resultant substance artificial rayon silk could bo made, Dr. Horton said. Those in authority in the extensive sugar industry in Queensland were very enthusiastic over the new discovery, as the manufacture of the silk was not very costly. The heavy sugar production would enable a correspondingly heavy production of artificial silk from the waste. ' The new branch industry was growing rapidly, and Dr. Horton said that stockings made from the new rayon silk were being given to women to advertise the product. The material produced from sugar cane had a genuine sheen, and appeared to wear well. It was superior to any other form of artificial silk he had ever seen.

"Tho general feeling in Australia is that the Commonwealth is on the eve of a serious depression, and that New Zealand lias already passed through it," Dr. Ilorton said. "Notwithstanding the fact that Labour Governments have been defeated in both New South 'Wales and Queensland, money has not become easier in either of these States. Of course, the country will be able to weather tlio storm, as it has such immense possibilities."

Dr. Ilorton visited Australia principally on business connected with commercial afforestation. Several foresti'y schemes had gained a footing in Australia, lie said, and excellent attempts were being made to establish largo pine forests in Northern Queensland.