TRIAL OF REID AND GRAY'S HARVESTER.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 851, 7 January 1879, Page 2

TRIAL OF REID AND GRAY'S HARVESTER.

j The second trial of the Reid and Gray Harvester took place this morning, in Stemson and Leigh's paddock, about two [ and a half miles from Oamaru. The crop operated upon was an exceedingly heavy one of oats, but the machine, after a few trials, which establialied the tension of the wire, worked splendidly, cutting perfectly clean' and binding with great regularity and firmness. The machine was drawn with great ease by two light but steady horses, belonging to Messrs. Williams and Bentley, thus proving that the harvester is possessed of one of the most valuable features, namely, that of easy draught. The manufacturers claim for their harvester, first, its lightness of draught, and its suitability for upland harvesting, carrying as it does the main portion of its weight on the highest ground level, thus preserving a perfect balance against the dip of the sideling, and insuring it against the action of strong winds. Second, that the delivery being much nearer the ground than that of other machines gives it a greater advantage ill cutting ripe crops, as the sheaf is thrown off with less violence, hence the reduction of liability to shake the grain. Third, the tension of the wire, which is also different, being readily adjustable in case of accident; and lastly, the position of the driver's seat, which gives him a thorough command over the horses and the regulating gear, and establishes a perfect balance in the draught of the machine.