Story: Shearing

Wool press (2nd of 2)

Wool press

Once the dirty ends have been removed, the fleece is rolled up and put into a wool press and compressed so bales can hold as much as possible. This press was one of the earliest to arrive in New Zealand. It was made in Australia in the 1860s from Australian hardwood, and was used at Terawhiti Station near Makara, Wellington. It uses the double box system, in which a cap in the top box is forced down by a capstan or winch to compress the wool. This press was in use for over 100 years, although during the 20th century presses driven by machine or electricity were widely used.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: MA_I006718

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How to cite this page:

Des Williams, 'Shearing - Modern shearing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/18269/wool-press (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Des Williams, published 24 Nov 2008