FRED'S FORUM

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 50, 25 June 1974, Page 14

FRED'S FORUM

It's probably true to say that nothing man makes can't be improved. Untll last week. I would have laughed if I had been told I would examine a home appliance and be unable to crlticise it, or suggest an improvement. Well it happened, at a service seminar on the Atlas — Whirlpool automatic ciothes washer. Of all things to attain perfection — a washing machine! Incredible! First a rundown on - . Whirlpool, a name neta to this country, but reputed to be the largi est manufacturer of * home appliances in the world. Whirlpool, an American company, began manufacturing in Australia in 1947, under licensing agreement with Malleys Ltd, an old-established Australian firm, who make, in addition to washing I machines, Whirlpool re- I frigerators, ranges, I chilly bins ["Eskies" to the Aussies] and many other items. Last year Atlas Appliances, of Christchurch, negotiated an exchange of shareholding with ^ Malleys, the idea being that since we make such terrific refrigerators and freezers and the Aussies are world beaters on washing machines, both firms would manufacture for the combined market in the lines they do best, and make lots of people happy. This sounds great, but as we now know, the NAFTA agreement be- 4 tween the two countries turned out a bit of a shambles. But a start has been made and wharf strikes, etc., permitting, happy Whirlpool owners wiil be seen, smug-faced, in Taupo. Now what's so great about a Whirlpool washer? Whirlpool washes, rinses and spins ciothes to perfectlon and so do three or four other machines. Here's the difference. Whirlpool's mechanical design, of U.S.A. origin, hasn't changed for 20 years. It's a beaut, simple, rugged, main-tenance-free. No reversing to spin, every action smooth, no strain and a big V2 h.p. motor [that's rare]. The cabinet is heavy guage * material, lid hinges from left or right, built in water heater, suds saver, and a pump that won't block. It won't in fact; I will personally donate a case of washing powder to any Taupo Whirlpool owner with a blocked pump durjng the next three years. Capacity is 121b dry weight, variable water level, 3 cycles, gentle, normai and savage. This same machine is used in , Australian laundrimats, the only change being a coin box screwed on top. An ingenious self v levelling device takes care of irregular floors, no dancing round the laundry. Should a Whirlpool need service, it's a dream to work on, accessible, gearbox out in three minutes. Now for the bad news — we're placed on a small monthly allocation, and must clear up our long waiting list before accepting more „ orders. One last point — you get what you pay for, the price is $399. p See you in Suncourt FRED DRIVER -K T. Published by Taupo Times Etd, at its: registered offlfce, S5:57 Heu' Heu Street, Taupo, and printed by EaSt Waikato' Publishers Ltd, at its regiist/red office, 5$ Kensington Street, Putaruru. - June 25, 1974