MACHINERY COSTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 282, 29 November 1938, Page 8

MACHINERY COSTS.

I notice tliat it ie contemplated usins modern power machinery in clearing rough lands on the West Coast for farming purposes. For months past both machinery and manpower has 'been employed in clearing a twoacre area at the junction of Brighton and Shore Roads., and it would be interesting to know the cost of this, which must be tremendous. To top it off, graes seed has recently been sown which has no earthly chance of making good this season. There' are factors to be considered when using high-cost machinery eueh as depreciation,' continuous operations, fuel cost, etc., which go far to reduee the spectacular glamour beloved by the. Minister of Public Work*. For instance, a gold dredge, unless it can be operated continuously, rapidly becomes a non-paying proposition. The same may be said of* oilboring machinery; the huge initial cost can orely 'be repaid by continuous operation. Costly machinery owned by the Government remaining idle during holiday times and weekends must represent a huge annual sum. JOHN* RICHMOND.