The Flax Industry.

Otago Witness, Issue 2263, 15 July 1897, Page 23

The Flax Industry.

TO THE EDITOR. Bnt, — I have read the practical views of Mr Thomas Dwan, of Wellington, on the flax industry, and it is to be hoped they are not the best. But still his remarks go to prove that my contention is right, which is, if there is anything in the flax industry it must be in producing a much better fibre than is produced. With regard to the two fibres, sisal (Furercea) and Phormium tenax, the former is easily dressed to a fine white, but it is only fit for binder twine and inch-like wares. Phormium tenax, on the other hand,* is capable of being dressed for all the purposes of lints. I will enclose a sample Of both. I think that I gave the remedy for •11 this trouble in the flax industry in my last letter. — I am, &c, July 9. Robeht Easton.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS. Messrs Donald Keid and Co. report that prices ruled as under sit their auction sale on Monday . — Oats. — Most of those catalogued were medium to good feed sparrowbills, which were quitted at 2a ljd to 2s 3d per bushel (sacks extra). For shipping lines there is at present little inquiry, and sales cannot be forced except at a reduction on late quotations. Wheat.— We submitted a quantity of good whole fowl -wheat. Bidding was fairly active, and all offered was cleared at 3s to 3s 63 per bushel (sacks in). * Barley.— Two lines of feed quality offered, and Jsd. at 2s 8d per bushel (sacks extra).

Potatoes. — The demand was good, and for prime Darwents appears likely to strengthen. We offered medium quality, which sold readily at £3 to £3 5s per ton (sacks in). Chaff. — The mailcet is over supplied with all sorts, and prices show a decline of 5s to_ 7fl 6d par ton on those of last week. Prime chaff is in most demand, and sells at £3 15s to £4 ; medium to good, slow of sale at £3 to £3 10s ; inferior and discoloured, £2 to £2 Ids. Straw chaff (unsaleable) ' -nominally 30s per ton (bags extra). | Messrs Dalgety and Co. (Limited) report ! having held their weekly auction sale on Monday, ■; when there was the usual attendance of the trade, but bidding for all produce was very slack :—: — Oats.— Our catalogue consisted principally of medium to good feed, which sold as follows : — Goo 3 feed, 2s 2d to 2s 3d ; medium, 2s OJd to 2s l&d ; inferior, Is lid to 2s. We quote for prime milling and seed from 2-; 3}d to 2s fid. Wheat. — We only offei-pd small lines of fowl feed, which brought from 3s to 3s 63. Potatoes. — There is a slight improvement since last week, and we sold prime northern at £3 10s ; southern, £3 2s 6d to £3 ss. Chaff. — The market is overstocked with medium and inferior qualities, consequently prices have dropped from 7s 6d to 10s per ton. We quote prime from £3 15s to £i per ton ; medium, £3 5s to £3 10s ; inferior, £2 17s 6d to £3 2s 6d ; straw, 30s. The Faksiers' Agency Oomfaj.y (Limited) held their regular sale on llonday, and offered a large catalogue : — Oats.— Only medium feed were offered. The«e were all sold at fully late prices. Medium feed, 2* ljd to 2s 2d ; good food, 2s 2Jd to 2s 2|d ; milling are in good demand at a shade, more. Wheat. — Fowls' wheat and inferior sorts only "were offered, and sold at 2> 6i to 2s 9d lor seconds, 3s 3d to 3s 6d for whole fowl feed. Chaff. — We catalogued 1600 bags, and soli nearly all by auction as follows :— Best bright, 75s to 80s : other soit?, 65s to 72s 6d. Potatoes.— There was a good demand for prime Derweots, which sold At 60s to 65s : white .sorts, 45s to 52s 6d. Pressed hay, 60s to 70s; pressed straw, 2!s to 263.