FLAXMILLING INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2850, 24 February 1925, Page 3

FLAXMILLING INDUSTRY.

IMPROVED RIBBER. For a long time past flaxmillers have felt a very pressing need for an improved stripper. The flax fed in through the mouth of the stripper, over the ribber and thence through the beater bars, causes conlinual wear on the ribber, the life of an ordinary No. 2 being only a few weeks. Some improvement in this direction will be welcomed by flaxmillers generally and the intimation that Messrs F. Petrie and R. Cochrane have manufactured an improved ribber will no doubt cause widespread interest in flaxmilling circles. Yesterday our representative had the opportunity of seeing one of these new “P and C” ribbers in use and haring its benefits described to him by the manufacturers. The old No. 2, as familiar with all flaxmillers, consists of a piece of iron about a foot long, with two lugs on it to guide the blade to the heater bars. The portion between the lugs is bevelled and the surface and the bottom of the two lugs is subjected to a tremendous amount of wear, resulting in the quick rounding of the lug corners and flattening of the bevel, thus making the ribber useless. Another drawback with the No. 2 is that before it can be fitted to the stripper, the two ends have to he “taken down,” which process entails at least two hours of a stripper-keeper’s time.

The new “P. and C.” ribber is not unlike the old No. 2 in appearance, but it is far ahead of it as regards longevity. The middle portion, or guide, has a straight-out drop from the front to the beater bars, which does away with the wear on the lugs and surface to a very great extent. In conversation with Messrs Petrie and Cochrane, our representative was informed that the ribber at present in use at Berry’s mill has been doing constant work since its installation in November, 1924. It has been subjected to extra rough use, resulting from the big flood experienced shortly after that date, much of the green blade passing over its surface being covered with silt and sand. It is contended that the ribber will even now last out an ordinary No. 2. It was explained that the chief benefit to be derived from the parent is that of longevity. A “P. and C.” ribber is guaranteed to give fifty per cent, more wear than stock makes at present on the market. The “P. .and C” tends, owing to its lugs not being worn away, to eliminate salvage also. Another big feature of the new make is that it is ready to be fitted to the stripper without any further preparation. “P. and C.” ribbers are being used by local millers with great success. Any inquiries in regard to the ribber addressed to Mr R, Cochrane, Foxton, will be promptly attended to. HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT. The High Commissioner’s cable, doled the 21st inst., reads: “Hemp, Manila market, firmer and good business has been done. *J’ • grade, February-May shipments sold at £sl to £52 10/-. New Zealand market quiet. High points, FebruaryApril shipments quoted at £4l, fair £3O and value.”