Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

A report made (to the New Zealand Government, Govt of St Helena?) concerning the state of the flax industry on St Helena - particularly as regards the milling of flax.

Flax first recorded on St Helena in 1875 by a surveyor who said that the flax was growing wild and was common in the uplands. Used by market gardener for tying vegetables and recently (1875) was being cultivated for fibre.

Report gives history of flax industry on the island. Describes the high quality of the flax - clean, healthy, free of fungus diseases and insect pests, high fibre content, easily stripped.

Seed of "SS" and "Ngaro" sent in 1939/40. Sutton saw two small areas planted out.

Phormium file 17/7, Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. In National Archives, Christchurch.