THE FERNRIDGE CREAMERY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4851, 15 October 1894, Page 3

THE FERNRIDGE CREAMERY.

Trial Run

To-day the N.Z. Farmers' Dairy Union commenced receiving milk lit tlteir Formitlge creamery, and we are pleased to state that tlio plant is in lirst-class working order. Yesterday, in presence of several settlers, about 30 gallons of milk was put through the separator iuordcr to try the machinery and it was found to workmostsatisfactorily,thcoperatiou being watched with keenest interest. The building is compact ami every inch of space is utilised, about one half being occupied by the separating plant, and the other by the engine and boiler. The milk is received on a raised platform, where it is taken from the carts by means of a crane made for this. purpose. A large weighing tin is used which holds over 100 gallons and for convenience a fivo beam weighing machine is provided. The receiving vat will hold a largo quantity of milk and is placed convenient to the weighing machine. Overhead is the skim milk vat, with pipe leading outside for filling the fanners' cans. The separator, a Do Uval-Alplia, and running at 6000 revolutions per minute, is capable of separating 390 gallons an hour. It is one of the latest improved machines, and has a tinycentrifugalpuinpattaclicd.which sends the skim milk to tho vat overhead. A most simple and useful contrivance fornjratingthe cream isused, instead of the old plan of running the cream into the cans direct, and then cooling afterwards, A zinc Hume of moderate length is fittted with a false bottom, and a constant stream of cold water is piissinguudor the cream, thus ensuring an equal temperature to every drop of cream reaching the cans. The ndvnutage of this is very great, because under the old plim the cream nearest the sides of the can cooled before that in the centre, and fermentation commenced before the cream reached the butter factory. The motive power is supplied by a four-horse horizontal engino by "Tangye," which runs very smoothly. The boiler is a six horse tubular one, and was supplied by Messrs Luko & Sons, of Wellington. It is supplied with an injector of the latest typo, and together with a powerful feed pump on the engine there can be little fear of t-lio boiler running dry. Water for the factory is supplied from a well close to thobuilding,and it is pumped into a tank conveniently situated. Steam and cold water are laid on all over the factory, Mr J. Graham, tho manager, is a thoroughly practical man,and kindly explained the working of the plant to those present, He lias had very considerable experience, and is also a qualified engineer, Apparently he is the [right man in the right place, and if tho settlers of fenridgo worktogether and assist Mr Graham by carrying out their part of the contract, the venturo must succeed. Previous to his appointment at the Fernridge, Mr Graham was at the Doylcstonl |, actory,Canterbury, where 2,000 gallons of milk per day were being treated. We must not forget to mention that the contractor for the building, Mr 0. B. Daniell, has carried out his work to the satisfaction of the company, and in a thoroughly substantial manner.