FLAX INDUSTRY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 254, 26 October 1937, Page 8

FLAX INDUSTRY

SOLID FOUNDATION REHABILITATION PLAN WELLINGTON, Oct. 25. “An important development during the year in regard to New Zealand flax was the discussions leading to the formulation by the Bureau of Industry of a scheme for the rehabilitation of the flax industry, in the course of which the services of the department have been largely drawn upon in connection with the research and technical problems involved. The visit in October of the chairman of the Imperial Institute Advisory Committee on vegetable fibres was of great assistance in asse> ing the value of the work being done in New Zealand and the lines along which it should proceed,’’ states the annual report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which has been presented to Parliament. “A solid foundation for the production of llax fibre of proved and uniform quality and utility has already been laid as a result of the research work on flax-breeding sponsored by the department. During the past year the area planted in special strains of flax has been increased from twentylive to forty-seven acres and all selected varieties are growing well. Yield trials of certain hybrids showed a 50 per cent, increase in yield over best-selected plants, while the milling trials yielded fibre grading up to 9b points. Arrangements are now well in hand for large-scale multiplication on commercial areas. It is perhaps unfortunate that we do not yet know sufficiently well the relation between soil type or profile to suitability for permanent high yield of phormium with a minimum of yello.w-leaf, but steps are being taken to collect information to this end. “With reference to the question of decortication, a thorough study has been made of the so-called explosion decortication method, while a stripper of new design has been- constructed, and will, it is hoped, be proceeded with after the inauguration of the organisation under the Bureau of Industry. Other promising methods of decortication are under investigation by the Labour Department and by private interests. Considerable work has been carried out on the properties of pulp for line papers produced from phormium. A chemist was also seconded to the woolpack factory at Foxton, and a valuable report on process control has been prepared and forwarded to the management. Fibre Linen “Owing to an Empire shortage of raw material lor the manufacture of linen fabrics and cordage it has become desirable to investigate the possibility of growing linen flax and the manufacture of linen fibre and tow in New Zealand. Four trials were therefore laid down at Palmerston North, Lincoln, Leeston and Timaru with Liral Crown, a variety bred for fibre production by the Linen Industry Research Association. Yields of straw and seed proved to be well up to English standards, and the trials indicate that production in New Zealand should be profitable, provided that the tests of quality and quantity of fibre in .samples sent to England prove satisfactory. “Even jf the establishment of manufacturing plants is not immediately undertaken the production of flax seed for export offers prospects of a promising industry. In view of the dual possibilities ahead—namely the production of fibre and seedfour tons of seed are now on order. It is anticipated that this quantity will produce enough seed in 1937-38 for the sowing of an area in 1938-39 sufficient to supply the requirements of a factory. Alternatively, the seed produced can be exported.”