Abstract: A roll paper towel dispenser having stations for primary and reserve rolls of paper toweling. Provision is made for automatic transfer of feed of the paper toweling from the primary roll and then from the reserve roll, the transfer mechanism being operative under the influence of decrease or termination in the tension of the web running from the primary roll to the feed mechanism. Provision is also made for convenient shifting of the roll from the reserve roll station to the primary roll station without the necessity of rethreading the paper web through the feed mechanism.