D.—No. 14.

18

REPORT OE THE ELAX COMMISSIONERS.

result from the presence of gummy matter, in addition to its being liable to rot from fermentation excited by moisture. The only process which appears to be capable to remove both the gummy and resinous matter is the retting process, which is applied to most of the fibrous materials with which the New Zealand fibre has to compete. The description of an improved process of retting is printed in the Appendix to the Report; but before the Commissioners can confidently recommend any distinct process, further exact experiments are deemed to be necessary, not as regards the chemical constituents of the leaf, but as to whether, by mechanical manipulation of the fibre in the presence of cold or warm water, the juices can be sufficiently diluted to enable the greater portion to be easily removed, and thus reudcr tho fibre sufficiently pliable for spinning purposes without adding materially to the cost of production. The great object to be aimed at is to produce a soft fibre, capable of being used for spinning purposes, the colour of which is not of primary importance, as the mere operation of bleaching can be much more cheaply effected in England. The Commissioners think also that it is of the utmost importance that fuller inquiries be made in the English market as to the peculiar condition of fibre, as regards length, softness, colour, and fineness, which is best calculated to obtain a ready sale at a remunerative price. This is a task the Commissioners think should be undertaken by the Government ; and as it is of vital importance to the manufacturers in this Colony, who are now producing a class of fibre wliich may be unsaleable, as not being adapted to the wants of the English consumers of fibrous material, this information should be obtained with the least possible delay. Reported by Tho. Macffarlane, Chairman. (Signed) Thomas H. Potts. John Kebbell. Thomas Kelly. A. P. Seymour. Charles C. Graham. Nathl. Edwards. A. W. F. Halcombe,

APPENDIX. No. I. New Zealand Flax. Office of Flax Commission, Wyndham Street, Auckland, Ist November, 1869. £The subjoined questions are forwarded with the yiew of obtaining the fullest information as to the cultivation and manufacture of flax. It. is requested that the replies may be written on the same size of paper as this sheet, or aa near thereto as practicable (for binding), and numbered to correspond with the queries.] I. GROWTH AND CULTIVATION. 1. What arc the names of the different varieties of flax with which you are acquainted, and how distinguished ? 2. What are the special uses of each ? Do they grow from seed ? (Small specimens of any peculiar leaf for microscopic examination are requested.) 3. What is the soil best adapted for each variety ? 4. What is the best mode of cultivation —including the time of the year for planting and cutting ? 5. What is the distance from row to row ? 6. What is the distance between plants in a row ? 7. How many roots are planted together ? 8. How long after planting before leaves reach maturity or are fit to cut ? 9. How long after each cutting before another crop can be cut ? 10. How is it known when leaves are fit to cut ? 11. Is the entire plant cut down each time, or only tho outer leaves ? Give ength and weight of leaf. 12. At what distance from the ground should tho leaf be cut ? 13. What digging and manure are required in planting ? 14. Where, and how, can a supply of plants of the best sorts, and seeds, be obtained ? 15. How and when should seed be gathered ; and how and when best sown and transplanted ? Give full details of process. 16. Can you give any information as to the Native mode of cultivating flax ? If so, state it, and the localities where plants and seeds of tho best kind can be procured. II. — MANUFACTURE. 1. What is the number of flax-works in your Province ? State situation and names of owners. 2. How is the flax brought to each of these mills ? 3. What is the cost of each ton of green flax at the mill ? 4. What are the various processes through which the flax is put ? Please to give full details. (See following queries.) 5. What is the number of persons employed ? Giving details of each branch of process. 6. Is labour by piece or day-work ? 7. Are the lashings worked up as green flax ? 8. What is the best mode of carrying green flax to avoid heating ? 9. How long may the cut flax be retained before being worked up ? 10. How can it be kept fresh and pliable ? 11. What is the cost of production of a ton of fibre ? State the total cost of machinery, allowance for tear and wear or depreciation, rent, insurance, and other charges. 12. What price is obtained for flax and tow —stating where sold ? 13. Cost of transport per ton, and charges for selling and storing ?