The modern factory of New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles Ltd., at Foxton, which the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates opened on 9th March, marks the beginning of a new era for “New Zealand Flax” (phormium tenax), by turning it to a new use, for which there is a wide scope in this Dominion and in Australia. Experiments have proved the truth of the new industry's slogan: “Anything that jute can do, phormium can do better.” The secret of this success lies in a new patent process which economically converts hard phormium fibre into a soft textile very suitable for spinning and weaving.

In the present difficult period of New Zealand's industrial evolution, far-seeing men have stressed the importance of finding new uses for some of the country's raw materials, and new markets as well. The purpose, of course, is to broaden the base for the people's livelihood. In his speech at the opening of the woolpack factory, Mr. Coates remarked that one of New Zealand's economic problems was that it was possibly “one of the most vulnerable countries concerned in certain classes of commodities.” That was one reason, he declared, why New Zealanders should have a particular interest in this new industry, which would help in strengthening the country's economic life. The Minister commended the example set by Mr. J. Linklater, M.P., in ordering the first 100 woolpacks from the new factory. The farmers, he said, should all come along and help the industry to establish itself, for it would need a sympathetic start-off.