British Botanist Sees Harvesting Of N.Z. Seaweeds

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 December 1950, Page 7

British Botanist Sees Harvesting Of N.Z. Seaweeds

One of the most interesting things seen by Dr Lily Newton, world authority on seaweeds, during her month in New Zealand was the harvesting of seaweed on the coast near Pongaroa. What gave it particular interest was the fact that it was drift seaweed. Seaweeds in Britain did not lend themselves to harvesting, which was quite different there, as were the weeds. New Zealand seaweeds were very rich in agar and excellent work was being done in garnering it, she said. While in Christchurch Dr. Newton paid a visit to a gelatine factory where agar was being processed. 1 Speciments of New Zealand seaweeds was in her luggage when she sailed from Wellington in the Rangitoto. They will be added to her wide collection at home in Wales. Dr. Newton is professor of botany at the Aberystwyth University College. While in New Zealand she has seen a good deal of New Zealand algologists 1 work. Dr. Newton thinks many Dominion features recall England’s scenery, “though your mountains are higher and the ranges longer than ours.” Canterbury, with its fertile plains and mode of agriculture, the mountains and mountain plants, are other things of which she took special note. Before coming to New Zealand Dr Newton spent four months in Australia. On her return to Wales she will resume her post at the university.