Abstract: A foraminous multi-zone wire mesh covered suction roll useful in a papermaking machine and in a multi-cylinder paper-making machine wherein the roll is divided into at least four discrete zones by generally radial divider elements and wherein at least a first zone collects water, a second zone is in an area where transfer of the wet ply takes place to a continuous carrier, a third or transition zone carries excess water in the wire mesh away from the second zone to a fourth water release zone, and wherein the carrier is intimately associated with the roll and formed ply in an area subtended by the projection of the spaced divider elements defining the second or transfer zone so that the formed wet ply in this area is in contact with the wire mesh covering the suction roll on one side and in contact on its other side with the continuous carrier and so the formed wet ply in this area is between this wire mesh and the carrier.