Points for Flax Millers.

Southland Times, Issue 18056, 28 January 1903, Page 2

Points for Flax Millers.

The following jottings of information, dropped by Mr p. J- Stilton, the chief Jiemp grader, in a conversation with a member of our staff, should' iW read with . inter^t and benefit by those connected with' the flax industry in South-

land

Firstly, in, regard to 3lr Sutherland's flax, mentioned in a paragraph yesterday, Mr Fulton did not say that it yeas the best he had seen "in Southland, ijut that it wag aniong the best, , 'as v threi other samples were; on .'■■ •■theiv swpe \ijeyei: The quantity forwarded from tji'e mill for shipment was 15; points below the possible, not 4 as stated, -and Miree other mills can show, the same record.

Mr Fulton has! just completed the grading of about 1359 | bales ; .of hemp at the Bluff, and is very diaappointßd with the quality of a large q,uantity of it. With few exceptions, it is apparently carelessly or too rapidly worked, and the general preparation of it far from satisfactory. • ;

The stripping requires much more care and millers should taike every precaution to have 'the strippers set as, truly as possible in every particular, and- the various speeds so regulaied that the- cutaneous matter will all be removed, and at the same s time not allowing/ the breaks ing or -bruising of - the fibre. ' >V

Tltfi water workings immediately after stripping are bu,d, and the fielding arid scutching decidedly/ faulty. ' '..%? i

In baling- much, Improvement is '/shown; although much still, is necessary. '

Millers should realise that to nialntain a steady market it is necessary .to dress the fibre so that Us. true -yahie -may k\)q established in the minds* of manufacturers and their "confidence gained^- :■;•-■"

Very little fibre should be telow medium (good fair) grade. \yhic& .is .easily within the> reach pr.aiiyVpractical; miller. Anythiniyr bdlow-that grade, st^,;sptne extent, n»ust prove unsatisfactory^-tb . ' all concerned. ' ■; : - : "" r - '- : ': r '-:-.,- :':S^^v : ; ; >-.-

The preparation of the fibre requires the greatest caro throughout^ each process.; as, by faults in one, success in the others will be. counteracted to sorop extent. .. : :, -

As every line with which the grader or gradeps have to do' is reported uppn,' ™H" lers /should take particular! notice ol such reports, and have the faults reino-' died, thus, benefiting not only themselves but 'the industry which the (Joyernment is so anxious to foster.