BETTER MILKING SHEDS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 164, 13 June 1939, Page 11

BETTER MILKING SHEDS.

THE "MANAWATU" DESIGN. DAIRY DIVISION EXHIBIT. Particular interest is created for the dairy farming community in photographs displayed by the Department or Agriculture iii its comprehensive exhibit, not only because members or the Dairy Division are in attendance to explain and amplify the story told in photographs, but also because the particular type of milking shod shown is known as the "Manawatu" shed. Although its exact origin is the subject of some differences of opinion, the shed was made popular by its use in the Bunnythorpo district. Now. the particular" design is to be found throughout the Manawatu and . has extended to Danncvirke, Norsewood, Manriceville and Groytown. "More milking sheds arc being built this rear than ever before," said, one of the' departmental officers to an "Evening Standard" reporter, and lie explained that ihe "Manawatu" type of shed was widely favoured in this district. Important features connected with the lay-out. equipment and design of milking shed? and their machinery and cooling appliances are featured in the photographs. There is also on exhibition, for the first time in New Zealand, the revised and latest plan of what is considered by the departmental experts to be the ideal milking shed for this district. Incorporating the "walk-through" type of bail, the shed also has the latest type of internal race which lias proved popular because it does not involve a "fight with (lie wind" when the bail door is opened, and also keeps the internal temperature of the shed even. Further, the cows are under observation until they reach the open yards and can, in addition, be sent to any one of several yards by a simple arrangement of gates. One of the ultra-modern milking sheds is depicted, the divisions between the bails and all internal "walls" and races being constructed of piping. Angles arc eliminated by curves in the piping which ensure that the shed can be kept absolutely clean with a minimum of labour. Another large photograph shows the same style of shed constructed in wood. A. further illustration is that of a very desirable type of installation of the machinery, with the vacuum pump, vacuum tank and releaser arranged with a minimum length of waste-pipe. Other photographs deal with milk and cream cooling devices. All the photographs are the work of the Agricultural Department's photographer.