TRIAL OF M'CORMICK'S REAPER AND BINDER.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 863, 21 January 1879, Page 2

TRIAL OF M'CORMICK'S REAPER AND BINDER.

About 40 farmers assembled yesterday at the holding of Mr. Henry Mitchell, near Weston, for the purpose of personally witnessing the fitting up of, and the work done by, one of Messrs. M'Cormick's machines. The machine operated on was purchased by Mr. Andrew Bell, Airedale, and was carted to the trial ground by that gentleman in the boxes in which it was shipped. Shortly after 12 o'clock operations commenced with the fitting up, which was conducted under the superintendence of Mr. F. C. Newell, from Messrs. M'Cormick's American Factory, who invented and originally patented portions of their machine. During the process of putting together; Mr. Newell gave a clear and lucid exposition of the various parts. That the farmers present took the most lively interest in the proceedings was evinced by the various questions asked by them, and the attention paid to Mr. Newell's explanations. A _ood deal of time was thus necessarily occupied, and it was 4 o'clock before the machine commenced cutting. The ground was of an undulating character, and on one side there was a pretty steep sidling. The crop was a 45-bushel per acre one of oats. Most of those present seemed to entertain" the fixed opinion that the machine was only adapted for perfectly level country, and were very agreeably surprised when they 3aw it cut- round the sidling without giving the slightest indication of overbalancing. The utmost satisfaction was expressed by the farmers at the quality of the work done, and from Srst to last not the least hitch occurred. After going a few rounds rain set in somewhat heavily, which had the effect of putting a stop to further operations. On the motion of Mr. Elder, a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Newell and the agents. *