REAPER AND BINDER TRIALS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1047, 11 January 1884, Page 3

REAPER AND BINDER TRIALS.

The Wood’s Machine.

A trial of W. A. Wood’s improved reaper and twine binder took place this morning in one of the borough reserves in Oamerou street. The crop, which belongs to Mr H Britton, was a particularly heavy one, and consisted of oats, ai d was in every way suitable for a satisfactory trial of the machine. Mr F. Ferriman, the local agent for the makers, was present, and pointed out to those present the advantages which the machine possesses. So far as we were able to judge from a visit to the ground, the work turned out was in every way all that could be desired. In Victoria and Tasmania, during the trials that have tal en place there this season, the Wood’s machines have always competed, and have taken no less than eight first prizes, ranging in value from L4O downwards. The principle claim which the Wood’s has for popularity consists of the lightness of draught when compared with other makers, and this of couiss is a great consideration with the farmers. The sheaves were we!l tied, and were laid with great regularity, giving great satisfaction to the farmers present. We are also assured that there was at least 25 per cent, saved in the twine used. It may be mentioned also that a further improvement is effected in having a bundle carrying attachment, which places the sheaves ready for the stocking pr cess. This in itself saves a lot of labor. Hornsby’s Machine. One of Hornsby and Son’s new twine binders was to-day at work on a portion of the Domain, which has been leased by Mr James Tasker for cropping. Mr Trolley, the representative of Mess”? Hornsby, was present, and superintended the operations, but as it is intended to commence the trial proper of the machine to-morrow we ate unable to speak fully of the quality of ■ the work done to-day. What, how-

Avar, was much admired by those present was the clean manner in which the cut portion of the paddock was done, and the highest encomiums were passed.

' Howard’s Machine.

There was an excellent attendance at a trial of the Howard's improved machine hqld to-day in a paddock belonging to Mr O.M. Jones, near the racecourse. _ The manner in which the machine, which is fitted with all the 1 test improvements, did its work was the theme of general admiration amongst those present, and certainly the laudatory remarks were well deserved. A quantity of green oats was cat, and not a single sheaf was missed nor was a straw left behind, so cleanly was the work got through. This reaper aqq /binder is beyond question one of the best labor raving apparatus from an agricultural point of view we have ever seen,and Messrs Matson, Cox and Go., the will no doubt find them greatly in demand during the coming harvest.