ENTERPRISING FLAXMILLING FIRM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2840, 31 January 1925, Page 2

ENTERPRISING FLAXMILLING FIRM.

CHANGE OVER. TO ELECTRIC POWER. An electric motor has superseded the suction gas motive plant at Messrs A. Ross Rough and Co.’s \\jhakapai flnxmill in Pnrcell St. This mill is the first to tap the current from Mangahao for industrial purposes locally and the changeover took place yesterday when the 70 h.p. motor transmitted the driving force and carried on without a hitch. The motor drives one stripper, two automatic scutchers, two tow teasing machines, and other accessories. Our representative visited the mill yesterday and on his arrival all (he machines were whirring merrily. We could not help noticing, by the way, the air draught connected with the scutchers, which removes the dust and makes the job much more comfortable and healthy for the employees. The automatic is a great improvement on the old hand method. The tow-teasing plant is another improvement pi the production of what .once, was waste by-product. The engine room presented an appearance of desertion. The huge machine and gas suction plan! were idle and it seined strange not to hear the whirr and throb of the engine and exhaust. Instead of all the commotion the power was bring transmitted by a motor occupying a few feet of space in the corner of the room and save for the whirr of the belting attached lo the driving shaft, there was an uncanny silence. Alongside of the motor was the switchboard and other automatic appliances for the control of the current, Our representative was given a demonstration of shutting off and starting the wliels of industry, which was marvellous in its simplicity and was accomplished in a few seconds. Mr Alex Ross said a Her experience with electricity as a power force at their firm’s Wairoa mill, they were satisfid that electricity was the ideal motive force, although certain adjustments were necessary. The current removed all (lie worry associated with steam and gas plants although the cost of power was about ecpial. Still electricity had other compensations. The firm intend to instal a 150 h.p. motor at the rope works mill, at an early date. The firm is to be cons' atulated upon its enterprise and no doubt other local millers will change over to the current at an early date. -