THE MERCER BINDER.

Waikato Times, Volume XL, Issue 3214, 31 January 1893, Page 2

THE MERCER BINDER.

A trial of the Mercer Hinder took place at Ohaupo, on Saturday, in Mr Chapman's paddock, Mr Falconer, oi the firm of Reid ind Grey, being io charge. The machine would have been tip tin days ago, but for the break in the lin* Work commenced soon after 2 p.m., hut only a foir farmers were present, most of them being too busy harvesting. The caterpillars hare shown in such numbers that it it now ft race between the two as to who will have the crop. The paddock selected for trial, was a good testin? one about 6 acres in extent, high land. The crop was also a good one, part of it laid. Some of the stuff waß so heavy that inoßt canvas machines would have choked in taking a full cut, but this one went through it with the greatest ease, although the driver, Mr Mears, did his best tn choke her, to see what she was made of. The cut is sft., but 6ft. can be ordorod if required, The draft is light, although three horses were in (one of them Mr Mear's hack), thny diJ not seem to labour much. Mr Falconer however, said that two good horses can do the work easily, The machine is low to the ground, not unlike the low down of Canadian manufacture, and well suited for hill work. The driver's seat is at the back like the seat of a handsom cab, with ill the levora cfnso at hand, and everything in full view, no turning round to watch anything, everything in front of the driver's eyes. Thestnw when cut, falls on a steel platform, where it is carried alont? by teeth projecting through slots towards the elevators, where it is taken by steel forks travelling in tho opposite direction into the packers. The amount of space the straw has to pass through is double the amount in a canvas machine, and there is no .wear or tear of canvaß or tightening in wet weatlior, thereby causing a heavier draught and much additional strain on all the working parts, The sheaf produced is all that could be desired, the knuttor is simplicity itself, the improved " Appleby" not missing a sheaf during the whole trial, The machine is also fitted with a patent whip-holder which can be used without the necessity of holding the whip in the hand, thereby leaving the driver's hand free to oporate the lovers. Altogether this machine appeared to give groat satisfaction and bids fair to be tho coming one for the Waikato, The price is £45, but very few will be sold this year as the season is almost over; it ought to have been shown two months ago at least. However, it is here now, and it remains till next season Mr Mean haying agreod to take charge of it.