NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 146, 30 October 1868, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

The following is from the Otago Mail :— The manufacture of New Zealand flax is now assuming no little importance among the local industries of Otago, and of the colony generally. Experiments are being persevered with in order, if possible, to dispense with the boiling or steaming process hitherto adopted, previous to the leaf being submitted to pressure or other means of extracting the gummy matter, as it has been found that the boiling of the leaf dyes the fibre of a reddish tint, which prevents its Bale in the Melbourne market. We understand that, in consequence, no demand now exists for this article, of which, it is reported that some 50 tona are now stored iv Dunedin awaiting the opportunity of despatch to London by the wool ships, where, it is hoped, a more ready market will be found. We lately referred to Messrs Purchas and Ninnis' patent machine for flax dressing by a kh)d of stripping process, and yesterday afternoon we had the pleasure of witnessing the commencement of operations at Messrs Sounness and Co.'s new flax mills, Water of Leith— this company haviog recently purchased from Mr Douglas the premises previously occupied by him as a bone crushing mill, and while carrying on this industry also, they have built adjoining thereto a large and commodious establishment for flax dressing. The motive power employed for the purpose of driving the machinery i» a large water-wheel, now giving a propulsion of eight horse-power. Two machines have been erected, which, to the uninitiated, have very much the appearance of a patent mangle, only the cylinders are formed of iron or steel ; and, through the application of the compound leverage power system— very much after the steelyard principle — a pressure of 3 tons is obtained, and brought to bear upon the flax as it is rushed in single stalks through between the rollers or cylinders, and this pressure is capable of being increased to 10 tons, although the weight applied consists of but 2 balls of I , cwt. each. Six hands are employed atl each machine. The flax having previously been trimmed by boys, is placed upon a long table in front of the machines, and two men are engaged in feeding the cylinders with flax, in single stems. Previous to placing the leaf between the cylinders cuttings are made into which the fingers are placed, the latter being protected by .strong leather gloves; and, as the rollers revolve the flax leaf is pulled through between the feeder's fingers. Cold water is laid on by pipes overhanging the cylinders, and continues to percolate constantly upon the rollers, which effectually crush the green external coating of the leaf, Hnd the gummy matter from the flax, leaving the fibre white and fresh, with a greenish tinge through it, wliich, we are informed, is appreciated t>y home manufacturers. A boy is placed at the rear of the machine, who seizes the pressed flax after passing between the rollers ; this he hands to a second youth, who continues to gather, throwing out any improperly pressed portions, until he haa sufficient to form a skein or hank, when he hands it to a third lad, who ties it up and places it on a rack, in readiness to be carried outside, where after being exposed for a time to the influence of the weather, and becoming thoroughly dried, it is then ready for being packed in bales for shipment. This process of dressing the grass leaf is slower, and requires much stronger and more powerful machinery than the boiled leaf; but again, the trouble and expense of boiling or steaming is avoided, while the flax is dressed in a manner believed to be superior to the boiled t rticle, and likely to yield a higher price in the home market. The flax prepared by Messrs Sounness and Co. yesterday certainly bears most favourable comparison with that dressed by any previous process, and no doubt ere long still further improvements will be effected by them; meanwhile, we wish them every succesi in effectually combating any difficulties that may still continue to hinder New Zealand flax from asssuming its proper place as the moat extensive of all the articles of export from the colony.