IMPROVED FLAX MACHINERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1048, 25 May 1912, Page 3

IMPROVED FLAX MACHINERY.

A PATENT TAIL CLIPPER. Yesterday morning our representative was shown an improved apparatus for clipping the tails ofl the stripped fibre as it comes from the washing machine. The appliance is at present in use at Messrs Ross and Son’s "Star” mill and is working satisfactorily. It has been patented by Messrs P. Robinson aud E. Wanklyn. The appliance can be so adjusted as to cm off any length required and is so fitted up that only a certain length will be cut off irrespective of the length of the fibre. The machine has been inspected by a number of millers and no doubt before long it will be in general use as it is a great improvement on tbe methods at present employed. Tbe existing way of dealing with the tails is to employ a man in the paddocks who cuts them with a pair of shears, the cost of this work being from 3s to 4s per ton. As well as being cheaper it is claimed that the new machine also does the work better, as with it every ‘‘ feed ” is clipped as against hanks only when done in the paddocks. The clippings in the paddocks are also a source of trouble as they get into the tow and thereby spoil the grade. Mr H. Jarvis, ul Karere, is installing oue of the machines at the present time.