Untitled

Star (Christchurch), Issue 699, 19 August 1870, Page 2

" Wainui Qmata, Aug. 5, 1870. " J. A. Bird, Esq.— " Dear Sir. — Yours of the 15th ult. is to hand, but owing to your having directed it at Wellington it was delayed eight or ten days, and moreover, the weather having been very wet out here for the last fortnight, it had laid in the post-office out here some time before I could send for it, so you will please attribute my delay in not answering you before to these causes and not to any neglect. " With reference to your request, I beg to inform you that your wishes and those of your sub-committee shall be, with much pleasure on my part, complied with ; only you will have to wait patiently for another three weeks, as I have only just begun, indeed I have only turned out one vatful yet. Some j of our machinery not being in order, namely, tho drums or pullies on which or with which we drive the stripping machines being too small, we lacked speed, so it was deemed advisable to substitute them by larger ones. This will take some time to do, but as soon as this first lot is dry, I intend to send you a small bale of it for your inspection; meantime I shall keep a strict account of all the expenses, and be able to tell you pretty near what it will cost per ton. I however can very near tell now, although it is important to be as precise as possible in such cases. Much, indeed all, depends on the appliances and conveniences. Such business should never be gone into without the appliances and a full supply of good water ; then it can be brought out to perfection, at least free from gum andresin. la the bulk, fermentation does not bring it out a bright white, but quite white enough for the manufacturers, as they j prefer bleaching themselves. With attention, i it will be quite white enough — rather whiter j than the Irish flax — when retted. That ought to satisfy. The cost per ton, as near as I can calculate, will not come to £15; but, aa I stated above, all depends on conveniences. A difference of a few! pounds can be made by a proper system. From all information received from home and elsewhere, it is evident that if that article is not got up different than they have done it before now, the markets must be closed against it, as is easily seen by the news both public and private received from home. I would just mention that I have matured apian for a machine to split the leaves instead of crushing them by the present machines in use; fermentation acts much better on the split leaves, and the colour could then be got as well as quality. As soon as convenient, I shall have one made, but I think I shall have to send to Melbourne for the parts. It will not cost more than half of the others, and will do nearly double the work. Then there will not be scarcely any tow, if any, which is a great loss, both in time, and labour, and waste of material. If my plan succeeds in perfecting this machine, I shall consider I have done my part towards the improvement of this business — the flax business. Meantime, it has to be proved. I got up a small affair with which I split a few pounds and fermented it afterwards, and found a great difference in the strength. I shall send you a small bank of it with the bale, also for your inspection. I should feel extremely obliged if you would inform me of your present mode of working and what power, whether steam or water, how many machines, and what may be your expense per ton; also, if you have abundance of water. I have tried several ways, and feel quite satisfied that nothing but fermentation will answer. I shall be glad to hear from you pending the preparation of your bales, and feel pleased to exchange information on that just now engrossing question. No time shall be lost to send when prepared. " I am, Sir, yours respectfully, "J. Jouhneaux.