FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 314, 14 February 1910, Page 7

FARM AND DAIRY.

NEW -MILKING-MACHINE.

NO ENGINE-POWER REQUIRED.

TRIAL AT SEAWARD DOWNS.

A few days' ago a demonstration of the capabilities of a new milkingmachine, invented and patented by Messrs. Millar and Wade, of Dunedin, was held at "Ingliston," the farm of Messrs. Frew Bros., Seaward Downs. (says the Wyndham Farmer). To be correct, one can hardiv th" invention as a "machine"; Tather is it an apparatus—and the • uentees style it "The Millar and Wade Milking Apparatus." It i&' clni.vied for it that "no stripping is necessary afterwards, no engine required to drive it, any intelligent boy 9c girl can work it; with three apparatuses 30 cows can be milked in an hour: easily cleansed; will last for years; costs a mere trifle; no machinery to get out of order; compact and handy; does not injure the cows in any way; can be carried in one's pocket."

Regarding the trial at Seaward Downs a correspondent writes': "The milking apparatus, though simple, is of very ingenious construction. It consists of four tubes of pure silver two inches long. These are attached to a small aluminium shield connecting with four rubber tubes six inches long. These ara connected with a larger tube four indies' long, which in turn connects with a still larger tube eighteen inches long. This latter tube leads to the bucket. The silver tubes are inserted in the cow's teats, and the whole is held in position with a clip. The apparatus can be easily cleansed in two or three minutes. It was tried on several cows, and milked them satisfactorily, and dry, there being no stripping required. The cows were chosen at random, and all were milked in from 4% to 5 minutes. There was a very good muster of dairy farmers and others, and from the remarks passed they all seemed satisfied that the apparatus can do the work claimed for it. Some of those present put on the apparatus themselves, and, although they were naturally a little awkward, were convinced that after one or two attempts they would become proficient in its' use. In the course of two or three weeks there will be a machine or two in the district, and then the farmers will be able to see for themselves what it can do. .The patentees, anyhow, are satisfied that it will speak for itself."

The silver tubes are a little thicker than an ordinary darning-needle, and are guaranteed to do no harm whatever to the teats. So pleased were Messrs Frew Bros, with the results of the demonstration that they have placed an order for a Millar-Wade machine with the patentees, and they expect to have it in full working order two or three weeks hence. Taranaki farmers are beginning to realise the value of maize as an autumn feed for milk-producing. During tie present season a good area has been sown throughout the district in this crop. On the Waitara, road are to be seen two splendid patches of six and eifflit acres respectively; the maize stands fully seven feet high, and is vei'y thick. It was the intention of the owners to feed their cattle from now on with the maize as green feed, but the recent rains have brougnt on the grass so well that there is plenty available, and the maize will be turned into ensilasre for winter use. Tn South Taranaki, also, a good many farmers havfc sown maize, and good crops are the rule.