NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3144, 10 March 1871, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

The following particulars with regard to flax cleaned by Steart's process have boon hiuulod to us (" Lyttelton Times") for publication by Messrs Miles and Co. 63, Cornhill, London, 30fcb December, 1870. Dear Sir, — The untarred rope made from New Zealand flax, which we had of you, has been used in taking on board the cargo of our ship Dragon, bound to Adelaide, and has been put to a very severe test, as you will see by enclosed copy of the report of our overlooker, Capt. Manning, whose testimony will be valuable, as he is a person of considerable experience. We have pleasure in sending it to you as it cannot fail to be highly satisfactory to you, as well as to Dear Sir, Yours, &c. (Signe 1) Lister, Young & Co. E Thome, Esq. London, 30th December, 1870. ' Gentlemen, — I have to report to you that the 2h and 3-incli rope made from New Zealand flax, has been used as " bent-on falls," in taking in the cargo of the Dragon, and that on the completion of her loading I find that it is nearly as good as new, and quite fit to take in another cargo, which is most unusual. It appears to stand the friction ol' lowering goods better than either Manilla or hemp. It could not have had a fairer trial, as during the whole of the ship's loading it has been exposed to extremes of wet, frost, and snow, which has not caused any alteration in its appearance, as it has neither swollen nor got " long-jawed ;" nor has the lay of the rope been disturbed, as is generally the case, more particularly with Manilla ; in fact it has stood the hard work better than any rope I have ever used. — I am, gentlemen, yours, &c, (Signed) " John Manning. Messrs Lieter, Young, and Co. P.S. — The Dragon's cargo consisted of about 1209 tons weight and measurement.