LOCAL INVENTION.

Patea Mail, 19 October 1881, Page 4

LOCAL INVENTION.

The “Excellent Washer” is ilu; modest name given by Mr John (.fny, of the Kakaramea sawmill, to a washing machine invented with the sole view of lessening in his own household the troubles of washing-day. Matrons who have seen and tested the machine have pronounced so enthusiastically in its favor, that, after much prompting, the inventor has been induced to apply for letters patent seeming to himself the sole right of construction. The machine is on a new principle, and can be made <>f sizes to suit varying requirements. It consists of an oblong partitioned box resting on upright rockers, whh close-fitting lid cm which splashers arc spaced to fall midway between the partitions of the box on the lid being closed. Partitions and splashers are pierced with auger holes to allow free circulation of water over and about the clothes. The principle of action is that of squeezing after the manner of the action of the human hands, hut without the actual rubbing of the clothes as on a washing board—thus avoiding the wear and tear unavoidable where washing boards are used. By a simple mechanical contrivance the washing box is made to move in one direction, while at the same time ’the lid is moving in the opposite direction. The points of excellence are — case in working, speed with which a heavy wash is got through, the thorough manner in which clothes are cleansed (from pocket-handkerchiefs and socks to blankets and counterpanes), and the cleanliness with .which the usually sloppy operation can be conducted. Two machines have already been made for delivery.