FAST WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 117, 13 November 1931, Page 7

FAST WORK

MAKING SUIT OF CLOTHES

WORLD'S RECORD CLAIMED

(From "The Post's" Representative.) SYDNEY, 29th October.

Wool on a sheep's back was converted into a three-piece suit of clothes in Sydney in lhr 15min—claimed as a world's record. The previous record, made in Great Britain, was 2hr lOmin, and the Target Woollen Mills are naturally proud of their remarkable achievement.

Every precaution was taken by the management to ensure that the attempt should comply with record conditions. The stop-watch was in the hands of an experienced time-keeper, and a check was kept on the whole operation by the president of the Chamber of Manufactures. It was with difficulty that the latter official kept trace of the material, so he could be certain that none was "rung in."

There was gief.i excitement at the mill before the beginning of operations. Machines were tuned up with loving care. Six picked shearers ran their fingers over the blades of tho specially installed shearing plant, and cast impatient glances at the twenty heavy-fleeced sheep that had already been "dressed." The British record breakers hired the services of Sir Malcolm Campbell to race the raw material from the woollen mill. Not to be outdone, the Sydney firm engaged Mr. Norman ("Wizard") Smith, who will shortly, in New Zealand, make an attempt on the land speed record of the world. His car waited at tho mill gates with the engine gently ticking over, and all ready for the 4J mile dash to the city factory.

Sharp at 10.30 a pistol shot was fired at the mill, and immediately the workmen scurried about like ants. Within 35 seconds the wool had been whipped off the sheeps' backs and was being fed into the teasing machined. Then followed a bewildering series of processes —dyeing, carding, spinning, warping, beaming, and twisting. Scouring usually takes place immediately after the shearing, but on this occasion valuable time was saved by delaying the process until after the weaving. The scouring occupied only a few seconds. Then came the tentering and the pressing ■while Mr. Smith fingered his gear lever impatiently. Suddenly a little group burst from the mill, and a bundle of cloth was thrown into the car. Special permission was given by the police for the opening of the throttle of the car, and thanks to that the driver was able to keep to schedule. Once the tweed reached the clothing factory the quickness of the hand deceived the eye. It seemed to fall to pieces and take symmetrical Bhapes under the guidance of a team of expert cutters and tailors. As the last stitch was rammed into the final buttonhole the timekeeper pressed the lever of the stop-watch, and everyone expressed amazement that sd much had been clipped off the previous best. Many tributes, too, have been paid to the smartness of the Australian workmen who were responsible.