21 



the name to that variety called "Tihore" by the Maoris 

 throughout the Waikato, and which is probably identical with 

 the " Oue " and " Tapato." It is best distinguished by its 

 narrow, tapering, sharp pointed leaves and erect close habit. 

 It grows so thickly together that I obtained 186 sets for plant- 

 ing from two bushes. 



Phormium tenax that grows on high or dry ground, though 

 smaller is in general finer and more easily stripped than that 

 found in swamps. Colonial rope spinners prefer it aud are 

 willing to give a higher price for it on this account. 



The above descriptions are somewhat difficult to follow, as 

 far as identification is concerned. Unfortunately, no care has 

 been taken to retain the names of the varieties introduced here. 

 They have been planted indiscriminately, as they are for 

 scenic effect only. 



Profitable Nature of the Industry. 



The Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. George Swinburne, 

 M.L.A., when visiting New Zealand recently, gave this matter 

 attention. He gives an instance of one land proprietor receiving 

 £9 per acre as royalty for the privilege of cutting leaves from 

 his land. One instance is given in Sir James Hector's publica- 

 tion of 12s. per ton being paid as royalty for green leaves, so 

 that, at the rate of 12s. per ton, and taking the yield at 15 tons 

 per acre, this would give a return of £9. 



These figures, possibly, are exceptional. Many instances 

 are recorded of good returns being obtained from the yield of 

 leaves without any effort on the part of the proprietor, and, 

 with proper care in selecting the best varieties in planting, 

 equal or better results could be obtained here. 



The value of this industry may be estimated by the latest 

 returns published of the imports of fibre and cordage into 

 Victoria : — 



Fibre from all sources ... ...£79,266 



Cordage, binder twine, &c. ... ... 41.241 



Total £121,207 



The exports of Phormium tenax from New Zealand totalled 

 £730,803, of which the imports to Victoria of fibre amounted 

 to £25,590, and of cordage and twine to £5,929. The average 

 price of fibre exported from New Zealand during 1905 was 

 £25 17s. 6d. per ton. 



