BALING WIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 15, 18 January 1940, Page 15

BALING WIRE

SHORTAGE OF SUPPLIES

"Considerable difficulty is being experienced by farmers at present in securing sufficient supplies of wire for hay-baling," states the Minister ct Agriculture (the Hon. W. L. Martin). "The position has been made more critical by the extra demand this season oh account of the heavy hay crops, j in many districts. All possible efforts have: beeh made, through: official: well 'as through trade chatiriels^ to procure additional supplies but overseas Manufacturers have been totally unable to fulfil orders on account of the unprecedented demand for steel for defence and other purposes. "Officers of my Department, carried out tests with a light-gauge tinned wire, and arranged for a considerable quantity to be released for hay-baling. This,; however, has now- been completely disposed of. "Tests have, also been carried out at Ruakura Farm of a special three-ply lashing made from New Zealand hemp. This has pfoved quite satisfactory for use with the ordinary, hay baler, and it has been found in practice that lcwt of this lashing will tie approximately 19 tons of hay in bales of the ordinary size. Any farmer requiring a supply of this should get in touch with his merchant for furthe. particulars. "I wish.to appeal to any farmers who may have more than: sufficient baling wire for this season's requirements to assist their less fortunate- neighbours."