Work study of wool harvesting in woolsheds around Christchurch

Abstract

In this study, the author followed two shearing gangs in their runs to various types of woolsheds around Christchurch. The first gang consisted of two shearers. Dave, an experienced skilful shearer and Steve, a trainee shearer. The detailed comparative analysis of the frequency diagrams of these two shearers for catching, shearing and releasing the sheep reveals:

a. The distribution of the skilled shearer were more positively skewed. b. The kurtosis of the distributions of the skilled shearer was more positive. c. The dispersion of the distributions of the skilled shearer was narrower.

The relative efficiencies of the type of exit for the shorn sheep as revealed in the study are chute, external port hole and return race in terms of time efficiency.

The distance travelled by the shearer, fleece-o and the skirter were less in the Centre Board that the Across Board. The method adopted was drawing the plans of the woolsheds on graph papers and measuring the distance travelled by means of string diagrams.

The study also examined the advantages and disadvantages of the various innovations in the woolsheds visited. Examples of these were the treated combs, mechanical counter and Fawcett mat.

The data were analysed by using the Computer package of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The thesis also reviewed woolshed designs and innovations and modern concepts of wool harvesting and associated labour saving devices and techniques thoroughly.

It is the intention of the author that this study will encourage many more work studies on wool harvesting in New Zealand.