✨ Flax Processing and Public Notification
Auckland Provincial Government Gazette.
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY.
VOL. XVIII. TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1869. [No. 44.]
NEW ZEALAND FLAX.
Superintendent’s Office,
Auckland, 10th July, 1869.
THE following letter, addressed to the Superintendent, relative to the preparation of New Zealand Flax (Phormium Tenax), is published for the information of persons interested therein.
Every Maclean,
Deputy Superintendent.
Raglan, July 5, 1869.
"Sir,—I have the honour to bring under your notice what I consider to be a great improvement in the dressing of flax from the phormium tenax.
"The present fibre, as sent to market, when examined by the microscope, appears covered with gum attached to the fibre in indurated globules, and the basis of this gum being silica, it must be removed before it hardens, as, when dry, it is almost insoluble in cold water.
"During the process of preparation generally adopted the parenchymatous or viscous tissue which surrounds the fibre is, by the percussion of the stripping-drum, driven in amongst the fibrous tissue. Simple washing with water fails to remove this matter, which, when dry, renders the flax so hard and unmanageable as to be unfitted for the manufacture of fine fabrics.
"This gummy matter, must, therefore, be removed, if possible, by a cheap and simple process, and this is attained by passing the flax (after it comes from the machine and has received its first wash), between rollers of vulcanised indiarubber or other elastic substance, as shown in the accompanying sketch. [This sketch may be seen at the Superintendent’s Office.]
"The regularity of the pressure, from the elastic nature of the face of the rollers, squeezes the gummy matter thoroughly out of the fibrous tissue, renders it soft and silky, and may dispense almost wholly with the scutching and consequently avoid the creation of tow.
"Believing that this idea is of value to the Province, and ought to be ventilated, I leave it in your Honor’s hands.—I have, &c.,
(Signed) Richard Todd, F.R.G.S.
"To His Honor the Superintendent,
Auckland."
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION.
By Every Maclean, Esquire,
Deputy Superintendent of the Province of Auckland.
IN pursuance of the power in the Superintendent vested by the fourth clause of "The Highways Act, 1867," I do hereby bring the said Act into operation within the District of Awaroa North, and appoint
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Auckland Provincial Gazette 1869, No 44
✨ LLM interpretation of page content
🌾 Improvement in New Zealand Flax Preparation
🌾 Primary Industries & Resources10 July 1869
Flax, Phormium Tenax, Processing, Improvement, Agriculture
- Richard Todd (F.R.G.S.), Author of flax preparation improvement
- Every Maclean, Deputy Superintendent
🏗️ Highways Act Implementation in Awaroa North
🏗️ Infrastructure & Public WorksHighways Act, Awaroa North, Implementation
- Every Maclean, Esquire, Deputy Superintendent of the Province of Auckland