IMPORTER’S REPLY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29108, 21 January 1960, Page 12

IMPORTER’S REPLY

“Storm In A Tea Cup” The use of bag-sewing machines on combines had caused a “storm in a tea cup” in the Ashburton district, Mr A. M. Bisley, managing director of the firm importing the machines from the United States, says in a supplied statement received yesterday. “We have tested the twine on a spring balance, and find that twine looped over the hook of the balance will stand 151 b pressure before breaking, and stitching taken from the sewing machine breaks at 42-451 b. The pressure was applied over 18in of twine and stitching,” Mr Bisley says. “The bag sewer covers four stitches to the inch, so that the total pressure which the twine has to stand per quarter-inch of sewing is very little indeed.”

Mr Bisley says that, by the proper method, the stitching can be removed quickly without leaving any pieces of twine in the sack to get into the flour. His own flourmilling firm in Hamilton had used the machine for five years, for wheat as well as wholemeal and stock foods, and he could not recall a single bag bursting at the sewing. Bags had been stacked 30 and more high. Millers in Christchurch had told him that provided the sewing was properly carried out and the bags were not over-filled they would have no objection, at least for a trial period.

Double Sewing The chairman of United Wheatgrowers (Mr C. T. A. Ward) said in a letter that a machine operated by his sons on the family farm was satisfactory, Mr Bisley says. “If the present cotton is not strong enough, which is debatable, a double sew will overcome all doubts. I would suggest that after providing a cotton of sufficient strength, that it be treated to withstand moisture when left in paddocks.” Mr Ward had said.

“The string which we are using is the string recommended by the manufacturers of the bag sewers.” Mr Bisley says, “but it is possible to import a twine treated for water resistance. This may be necessary in a wet season. We can probably have the twine which we already have in this country treated this year, and that matter is also being investigated. “In the meantime, two further shipments of these machines have arrived. These are being taken by farmers as fast as we can unpack and assemble them. Most of the buyers state that they have consulted their miller or grain merchant, and satisfactory arrangements do appear to have been made,” Mr Bisley says.

A Caro (Michigan) horticulturist received an order for African violets from a man in South Africa.