ON SOME N.S.W. TAN-SUBSTANCES. 21-5 



where it sells as readily as the production of our own tan-yards. 

 The black wattle bark is the richest in tanning properties, and 

 the best is that shipped from Adelaide, where the chopping, 

 grinding, packing &c, is as well done as it is capable of being. 

 * * * The manufacture of extract from both the wood and 

 bark of the mimosa was mentioned by one of the representatives of 

 the Australian Courts as having been commenced, and if 

 successfully carried out, it might be the means of economising 

 freight on such a long sea- voyage. Otherwise, tanners in this 

 country are very well satisfied with the bark, whether chopped or 

 ground, sent by the best known shippers, and the skilful combination 

 of this most valuable tanning agent with English oak-bark, 

 myrabolans and valonia has enabled experienced . tanners to 

 produce sole-leather little inferior to that made from pure oak- 

 bark, in half the time, and at a material reduction of the cost of 

 tanning compared with that of the old system." 



This report states that the best wattle bark comes from Adelaide, 

 -and further that the preparation for market is excellent. The 

 report singles out the name of one South Australian firm (I have 

 introduced no names into this paper) for special commendation. 

 That firm is the only one exhibiting wattle barks in the Technological 

 Museum of Sydney. Some years ago I (on behalf of the 

 'Committee) invited the co-operation of colonial firms to supply 

 samples of tanning materials for display in the Museum. All the 

 New South Wales firms written to either refused, or ignored my 

 application. This South Australian firm replied at once, and was 

 most thankful for the opportunity of exhibiting. A visit to the 

 Adelaide Exhibition at once convinces one of the value the South 

 Australians place on tanning materials. The exhibits are all from 

 private firms and are excellent ; those from New South Wales are 

 solely from two Government-endowed institutions. The lack of 

 enterprise of some people of this colony in regard to showing the 

 world what tan-materials we possess, and of nicely preparing them 

 for market is pitiable, and the colony as a whole suffers. Wattle 

 bark of the highest excellence can be abundantly grown in the 

 coast districts of New South Wales ; in fact the climate and soil 

 are, on the whole, more suited to this kind of culture in New 

 South Wales than in South Australia, but very few farmers seem 

 to appreciate the value of wattles as a crop. In South Australia 

 on the other hand, the cultivation is engaged in both by individuals 

 and by companies. South Australia has taken the lead in this 

 matter and everything indicates that she will maintain it. And 

 yet honourable rivalry between the two colonies would be mutually 

 beneficial ; the quantity of bark would be increased and the price 

 lowered for local use, while European markets would gladly absorb 

 all the bark which the colonies mia'ht choose to send. 



