THE GRADING OF FLAX.

Otago Witness, Issue 2653, 18 January 1905, Page 10

THE GRADING OF FLAX.

(Fbom Otjb Own Corbeseokdbnt.)

WELLINGTON, January 10. Mr J. M. Johnston, of Palmerston North, who has just visited the Old Country, says that whilst he was in Belfast Mr Smiles, maiiager of the largest xope and twine manufactory in ■ the United Kingdom, told him he was thoroughly satisfied with the flax grading system at present in vogue in New Zealand, stating that it was infinitely preferable, from the Home buyers' point of view, to' the old "go-as-you-please" method." • Manufacturers could now purchase New Zealand flax from an open market, resting assured of the quality of the material. The manager also showed Mr Johnston the process '^used in working the coarse Russian hemp, and expressed the opinion that if New Zealand flax were treated in the same manner it would be more satisfactory than at present. At Mr Johnston's request a quantity of New Zealand flax was put 'through the hackling machine by which the Russian article is treated by an ingenious device used for combing the fibre before it is put through the spinning machine. Under this process the New Zealand hemp acquired a very different appearance, being converted into clean, straight fibre, while very little loss was occasioned. In response to a ,remark by Mr Smiles that it was a pity our flaxmillers could not turn out a white fibre of a finer grade than they do at present, Mr Johnston produced some Maori kits which had been treated in the Native mode. The manager examined them carefully, and stated that if shipments of that colour and .dressing were sent Home -upwards of " £40 ; a ton would be realised, as it would be very '. suitable for the mariufacture of fine twine.