DEFECTIVE THRESHING-MACHINES.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XV, Issue 3, 20 September 1917, Page 151

DEFECTIVE THRESHING-MACHINES.

Representations have been made to the Department that many of the threshing plants in the country districts commence the season’s operations in more or less faulty condition, resulting in. serious loss ■of grain in the straw. There’, seems to be no doubt that a certain percentage of loss, amounting to a good deal in the aggregate, is caused by defective .beaters in the machines, especially where tight-glumed varieties of wheat such as Solid-straw Tuscan are largely grown. These ■conditions mean a loss to both farmer and threshing-mill owner, and, moreover, have an appreciable bearing on the wheat-supply of the ■country. It has been suggested that the Government should inspect threshing plants. This, . however, would necessitate legislation, and probably also the appointment of additional inspectors to undertake the work. The present circumstances of the country are unpropitious in regard to each of these factors. The Minister of Agriculture, therefore, earnestly appeals to threshing-plant owners to ensure that their machines are in first-class order for next. season’s operations. By so doing they will be rendering good service in the cause of national ■efficiency. • '

Export of Honey.— By Order in Council gazetted on 23rd August, 1917, the Bluff is added to the list of ports for the grading of export honey, and the .Bluff Harbour Board’s cool store is appointed the honey-grading store thereat'.