TANKS AND DAMS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 47, 19 June 1917, Page 7

TANKS AND DAMS.

How to make good work at th« least cost is a matter of great importance to the settler. First. Put thought into the, work, that is, work with the brains aa well as with the muscle. For instance, a man who works more leisurely than his mate in scooping a dam, really did more work than the other who was evidently bustling. The little secret was, the handle of the "thinking worker” was bent upward, while the handle of the other scoop was straight—the thinking man had found he did not have to bend his back so much, or to put forth as much strength when filling and turning over the full scoop. Second. Make the work as easy as possible for the horses or bullocks, One way is to reduce the draught by keeping the "cradles” under the scoop in good order. When the cradles wear thin the scoop is drawn by the whole of the bottom in contact with the ground, causing more friction, and almost doubling the work of the animals drawing the scoop. Third. The front of the scoop should be sharpened from underneath, so that the end will tend to rise, instead of being sharpened from above so that it will tend to dip. This reduces the power required on the handle, and it glides more easily over the loose earth. Also, don’t let the mouth of the scoop get too thin. It is then apt to buckle and do bad work. When it gets thin, rivet on a piece of i Inch steel 5 inches wide across the mouth ; then bevel this as before suggested. * Fourth. When ploughing before scooping, keep the ploughing a uniform depth. This makes easier scooping. Plough the embankment first, so that the soil scooped on to it will bind well and prevent leakage of water. Also, the first earth removed should be placed furthest back and the embankment built from behind. A well planned job is always mor» effective and most economical. ,