The Star. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1869.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 474, 23 November 1869, Page 2

The Star. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1869.

<*■ In one sonse the return furnished by tho Gazette of tbe export of flax from this _colony for tbe quarter ending SOth Sept. last are very satisfactory. The returu shews that the manufacture of flax is. rapidly increasing. During the quarter referred to the amount exported is six and a half times as much as was exported in the same quarter of the, previous year. And of this increase the greater part is due to Canterbury, which heads the list among the provinces as an exporter of flax. So far this speaks well for the energy displayed by tbe people of this province in taking up the manufacture of flax. But it cannot be too widely known that intelligence in the pursuit of thia business ia as necessary as energy. Already it is becoming very clear that more preparation will have to .be bestowed upon the fibre Jf it is to command a ready and profitable sale in England. Without attaching unnecessary importance to the rumours of special danger in the carriage of flax, it is.. clear that the fibre will" have to ' be shipped in good condition on pain of submitting to heavy penalties in the shape of increased rates of freight and insurance. Such additional charges would completely run away witb any profit tbat might be made out of an inferior class of fibre. Whereas greater care in preparation] would have the double effect of increasing the price and reJucing -the charges. In the early days of a manufacture, it is of tbe highest importance that every care should be exercised in pro dv.ing the best possible article, because it is at that time that the

manufactured article gains its character. If but little care and attention is now paid to the preparation of the flax fibre, we shall soon hear tbat it has taken rank with jute and fallen in price to the level of that fibre, instead of rising to a par with tbe higher qualities of Manilla. That the New Zealand fibre is capable of excelling tbe latter, all competent judges admit • but tbis can only be achieved by industry and care in tbe preparation. To sweep the country bare of flax, and ruu it roughly through imperfect machinery may possibly put a few pounds in the pockets of the manufacturers — though that is doubtful — but ib will never be by such means that an increasing lucrative trade will be established with the manufacturers of Euglaud.