Wool pressers' book

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 31, 20 January 1987, Page 8

Wool pressers' book

Probably the world's first book on pressing wool has been published by the Wool Board. "I have never seen anything similar; the woolpresser has an important job that has long been overlooked," says the Board's national Wool Production Manager, Mr L. K. (Lance) Wiggins. Distributed free through shearing contractors, the book acknowledges the status of pressers. The smooth running of the woolshed lar-

gely depends on him (or her), it says. It ranks organising skills ahead of strength and gives many pointers on doing the job effectively. "Much of our effort to improve wool presentation hinges on the presser," says Mr Wiggins. "Sale by sample and mechanical handling of bales are just two developments that rely on sound packing and accurate branding." The book emphasises fitness and safety. There are exercises to make the work easier and warnings of the dangers in using a woolpress. The presser shown throughout the well-illustrated book is Mr Hugh Macky of Masterton and much of the information was provided by the contractor for whom he works, Mr Bill Morrison of Eketahuna. The book is free to woolgrowers and pressers who write to the Wool Board, Private Bag, Wellington.