GETTING HIS WOOL OFF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17325, 27 May 1918, Page 6

GETTING HIS WOOL OFF.

History does not record how wool was obtained from sheep in those early days when Jason went in search of the Golden Fleece. Possibly the sheep was first killed for food and the wool picked off the hide by hand. We know that hand-shearing was practised for many generations before the inventiveness of the present age produced a machine that gave satisfactory results Even when it was proved beyond doubt that the machine shear enabled tho average shearer to clip more sheep with less exertion or practice, it took many years to overcome the prejudice that often retards newinventions. The stress of competition has been largely responsible for the world-wide adoption of shearing machines, as pastoralists workins: on the old lines found themselves handicapped in tho cost of production as compared u ith their more progressive neighbours. ° Since machine shearing was first introduced there havo been many improvements m the construction of the Handpiece, which is tho vital and essential part of tho apparatus. It is worth the while of anyone interested in the wool-producing industry to investigate* tho Handpiece of the "MOFFAT-VraTUE'; Shearing Machine, which will be exhibited at the Winter Show by John Chambers and Son (Ltd ) of Dunedin, Christchurch. Wellineton' Hawera, Gisbornc, and Auckland. One of the features of the " MOFFATVIRTUE" Handpiece that has brought it to the front in Australia and New Zealand is the patented method of altering the votary motion of the shaft to the reciprocating motion that is necessary to move the cutter across the comb. There is now no reason why tho small flock owner shonld not share with his brother operating on a large scale the manifest advantages of the " MOFFAT. VIRTUE" Shearing Machine, as Messrs John Chambers and Son (Ltd.) will be showing, for tho first time in New Zealand, £ two-stand portable " MOFFATVIRTTTE" Shearing Plant. This equipment is a complete and self-contained unit comprising Oil Engine, Overhead Gear" Belting. Shafts, and two Handpieces, all mounted on a strong but light steel platform on wheels. The moderate prico of this outfit makes it a payable investment even for tho owner of a small flock. Sheep men will also be interested in Mallinson's Oil Sheep Dip, which is also handled by Messrs John Chambers and Son (Ltd.* This dip has proved its value and_ effectiveness on many of the principal stations of Australia and New Zealand, and is well worth investigation by those' whip have not yet given it a trial and .satisfied themselves of its superiority.— 27/5/18.