PROPOSED GRAIN STORE AT WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1120, 12 July 1883, Page 2

PROPOSED GRAIN STORE AT WINCHESTER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As promised, I send you some of the heads relating to the erection of the proposed Grain Store at Winchester, In the first place it was propose 1 to erect a building suitable for storing some 85,000 to 40,000 bushels of grain, aud fit it with the latest and most improved machinery for dressing or grading grain ; also to have a dryingj room capable of holding some IOOQi., sacks. This room would have hot air pipes laid through it form a furnace. There would also be hot air channels laid on throughout the whole building, which could be used, if required, should occasion (such as the present season) again occur. The detailed arrangements ot the above would be too long for the space of a letter. The drying machinery would consist of one of the latest invented graders, through which any class of grain, from bean to grass seed, could he dressed with the greatest efficiency. Large receiving bins, to the extent of about 2000 bushels, would be placed immediately over the dressing machine, in order that the work could be done with the least possible amount of labor. All the machinery could be turned by a 6-horse power engine. The advantages are very patent to all who have given the matter a moment’s consideration, and consist of increased value of the grain by being classed in various grades, thus securing to the farmer the highest price obtainable, and very little chance of its being rejected or the price docked by merchants, as is too often the case at present. The store could be used by farmers to collect their grain immediately aftei and while they are threshing, as they would not be compelled to sell until it was all deli- ; rered at the st-He. Consequently they would be in a position (even if they elected not to have it dressed) to submit a fair sample to the merchant, which very often at present they are not able to do, as they have to take a sample from the first stack threshed, which might be the best or the worst they have; or the grain must be kept in the field until threshing is completed, thus keeping his teams idle, and in many cases at considerable expense in keeping the grain safe from rain should the weather turn out unfavorable. It is will known that the- rule of the railway is that & consignment must ba sent with the first load of grain, otherwise it will not be received. This means that grain must be sold prior to its being delivered at the station, else that it must go into store in limaru or some other place, and the chances are that it will have to be removed if not purchased by the owner of the store. This also is an advantage to the merchant. It would enable him to purchase say a line of grain at a moment’s notice to complete an order, and he could be certain of having it delivered at once. Consequently it would pay him to give a better price (estimated from Id to 2d per bushel), and this enhanced price would go into the pockets of the farmers. South Canterbury grain is also noted for its dirty samples. This could be greatly reduced by having the seed about to bo sown dressed by the machinery. Besides, it would facilitate the changing of the quality of the seed, which Is a very important item in farming. The quality of the seed could also be improved by dressing to a high standard ot quality, thus ensuring a uniform grain. Consequently the crop would be more prolific, and in every sense more payable for the farmer. These remarks apply to oats and barley. It is also calculated that it would be profitable for the farmer to have his seconds screened and to take out all whole grains, and in fact make it into as many grades as the quality of the sample warrants : some to go with the first sample, and thus be graded down to fowl

corn, The question of dressing oats is also » matter of 'great importance, especially those intended for shipment to the English market, where the value is ascertained by the number of pounds that a bushel contains, If the.parcel reaches 441bs per bushel it will rank .as milling oats, and consequently v»ill command a higher figure compared with a parcel of a mixed quality that is not up to the weight of the Imperial bushel, although the latter parcel may have better grain in it than the other. The malster’s opinion about the samples of barley are also too well known among farmers to require reference, save" to say that there are greater variety in the price of this cereal than any other, which is mainly accountable for by the bad state of dressing. At present it is proposed to erect a building on a suitable site to the value of about LIOOO, machinery, (consisting of a duplex grader, elevators and motive power of six horse power and all belting, shafting, etc.) necessary for LSOO. Land, railway siding, weigh-! bridge L4OO, total LI9OO. It is proproposed to give one month storage free when the dressing is taken advan--tage of. This gives the farmer plenty of time to deliver the whole of his grain, or to effect sales or otherwise dispose ot the same. There would still be another advantage of having tbs services of the manager, who would be posted in all the outside markets, and consequently would be m a position of advising where and how to dispose of the grain. The necessity for dressing and grading for the borne ’market is only a matter of time. The time is not far distant when merchants will purchase only such, as has been properly dressed and cleaned, except at much reduced prices, such as will leave him plenty of margin to have the samples dressed, and you may be sure that there will be a profit attached to suit opera tions. The quality of the machinery proposed to be introduced is guaranteed by the manufacturers, and, indeed its operation in this country leaves little doubt as to its utility and working capacity. Our greatest difficulty appears to be to get a suitable site near the railway, There is a large stationyard which is offered on lease at quite a prohibitary figure. Surrounding this yard on three sides are roads and reserves so there would be left only the fourth side, and that would cause considerable drawback, not the least in that of size. It is undoubtedly a great pity that the Government keep so many valuable sites enterly locked up, as it prevents private enterprise of this class very much, indeed in this case it is one of its chief obstacles. Trusting you will be able to make use of this and forward our interests.—l am, etc.,

Jas. Skinner