1918.] The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. 61 
almost exclusively of wood-pulp in Norway, Sweden, Canada, and New¬ 
foundland, and the Australian timbers are not so suitable. It is suggested, 
however, the indications are that the time is not far distant when the 
demand for wood-pulp will overtake the supply, and a reserve of timber 
scientifically controlled will be a very valuable asset. Pinus insignis is 
indicated as a species it would be profitable to plant for this purpose. 
Prior to the extensive use of wood-pulp, news printings were made in 
England from straw, with small proportions of esparto-grass to give strength, 
and in parts of the Continent this method is still in use, although the price 
of the straw at the mill may reach as high as £1 16s. per ton. It is esti¬ 
mated that straw should cost not more than £1 10s. in South Australia 
delivered at the mill. It is considered practicable on this basis to establish 
a paper-factory in the State, using a mixture in the proportion of 81 tons 
of straw-pulp, 34 tons of chemical wood, and 10 tons of china clay, and 
having an annual output of 2,500 tons per annum, at a cost of £16 18s. per 
ton. This paper could not compete with the cheapest wood-pulp paper, 
but is of better quality, and would find a sale. Inquiries as to local fibres 
to replace esparto-grass show that marine fibre (Posidonia australis ) is not 
economical, but other Australian fibres are more promising. 
Ordinary writing and printing papers are already produced in Australia 
from waste paper, rags, imported chemical wood-pulp, and china clay. 
Waste paper is not, of course, used in the production of the best qualities, 
but it is in great demand at prices of from £2 10s. to £5 per ton according 
to quality. Australia is said to be the largest consumer of paper in the 
world per head of population, importing 9 per cent, of the total exports 
of all countries, and consequently there is a large supply of waste paper. 
Wrapping-papers are produced in Australia from waste paper, bagging, 
rope, &c., with or without rags or wood-pulp. 
Besides the manufacture of paper from straw, the bulletin also deals 
fullv with the manufacture of strawboards, and in both cases the estimated 
costs of manufacture are detailed in full. 
The Resources of the Empire, by J. Watson Grice. International In¬ 
formation Series, British Empire Section, Vol. 1, sm. 8vo, 64 pp. 
Published for the International Information Committee by George 
Allen and Unwin, Limited, London, 1917. Is. net. 
The International Information Committee, of which the Hon. W. Pember 
Beeves is a member, has as its aim the preparation by experts and the 
publication of a systematic series of literature dealing with and explaining 
the British Empire — its origins, constitution, resources, and general con¬ 
ditions. Plans are in contemplation for a similar series on Russia, Italy, 
and France. 
The present volume is general in scope and non-technical in treatment, 
and calls for no special notice in this Journal. It forms part of a series 
entitled “ Imperial and Overseas,” dealing with various aspects of the 
Empire as a whole, and with the Dominions and Crown Colonies in detail. 
More interest will attach to a promised second series, styled “ Industry and 
Production,” dealing with individual industries, such as woollen, iron and 
steel, electrical engineering, glass and precious metals, pottery, forestry, 
sea-fishing, chemicals, oil, coal, leather, rubber, and sugar. 
The New Zealand Government is subscribing to the series, and copies 
may be consulted in the General Assembly Library, the Dominion Museum 
Library, and the chief public libraries of the Dominion. 
