Serious Shortage Of Wire And Twine

Northern Advocate, 6 January 1948, Page 5

Serious Shortage Of Wire And Twine

WELLINGTON. Tue. (P.A.)—With haymaking a fundamental need in the drive for greater agricultural production, a serious situation has developed because of the shortage of wire and twine for baling purposes. Details of the shortage have been sent to the Government by Federated Farmers in the Wairarapa and MidCanterbury districts.

Specific instances in the Wairarapa were supplied where contractors were without baling twine—five farmers alone in that district need twine for 85.000 to 95.000 bales of hay. Orders have had to be refused with no change of fulfilment. . The situation in Mid-Canterbury is no belter. The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Nordmeyer) said single-ply twine made in New Zealand wasipi'Oduced in the South Island and the bulk forwarded to the North Island, hut shipping delays had created difficulties.

A small quantity of sisal twine was produced in Auckland and sold on the open market. Small supplies of wire and twine were expected from overseas shortly. The Minister said the difficulties were pointed out to manufacturers, who were making every effort to supply the quota of twine, particularly to automatic pick-up operators, while sisal was distributed to augment wire supplies.