YOUNG FARMERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 64, 18 December 1946, Page 4

YOUNG FARMERS

INTERESTING FIELD DAY HEAVY FARM MACHINERY A well attended District Field Day was held on Wednesday last when aproximately 100 members of Eastern Bay of Plenty Young Farmers’ Clubs were the guests of Messrs. Gough, Gough and Hamer, Ltd., at their demonstration area at Matata. The purpose of the demonstration' was to enable members to see what could be done by breaking in country with heavy machinery. The demonstration centred around a number of Deisel Caterpillar Tractors and their varied equipment. Firstly members were given a short talk on the general features of a D. 4. Caterpillar Tractor, its construction, method of starting and means of control. From there the party proceeded to a demonstration area where firstly a ridger for sowing swedes was shown at work. Next came a demonstration by a giant plough in which great interest was shown. This implement was capable of turning a single furrow 30” wide and 18” deep, being drawn by a larger tractor aD6 Caterpillar. V Demonstrations were theh f given with giant discs and heavy ( harrows used for working down‘land after ploughing.

Meanwhile the D 4 Tractor was showing what could be done with a scoop, which was operated by the tractor driver who was able to spread the load, by tripping the scoop.

Next on display was a set of heavy bush and bog disc-harrows drawn by the D 6 Tractor. This was used on country in the rough and the heavy machine chopped up rubbish and rushes which came before it.

A drag-line dredge used for the making of drainage cuts was also seen working. At this juncture a break was made for lunch, kindly provided by the hosts.

Perhaps the jnost impressive machine on display was the D 8 Tractor fitted with bulldozer blade and winch. This giant was-shown working with a more elaborate type of bush and bog disc-harrows. The tremendous power of the tractor was illustrated by the manner in which large willow trees were hauled out by ,the roots and pushed wherever desired. At the conclusion of the demonstration Mr lan Gow, Advisory President of the Edgecumbe Club, on behalf of the gathering thanked the officers of Messrs. Gough, Gough and Hamer and their staff for the demonstration, and said that members had spent a very, interesting day and had gained,some knowledge of the working of heavy machinery ort the land. Mr Gow particularly thanked Mr Ross, manager of the firm’s demonstration area, who had organised the day and the splendid luncheon for such a large gathering. In reply, Mr Ross stated that he and his firm were willing at any time to demonstrate any machinery desired and would help the clubs in any way it could.