Pumping Water by Windmill From a Gully

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 62, Issue 2, 15 February 1941, Page 111

Pumping Water by Windmill From a Gully

HOW can a windmill be made to pump water when the source of supply is in a gully and surrounded by a well-grown plantation? This is the question that some years ago confronted a farmer in the Palmerston district (South Island). The difficulty was overcome by placing the pump over the well and connecting it by wires to the windmill, which was erected on a rise on the southern side of the. plantation.

The accompanying photographs and diagrams show clearly how the transfer of power from the windmill to the pump was rigged up. The following brief description will explain how the work was carried out. Starting from the windmill end (Diagram A) it may be seen that the lower end of the connecting rod is pivoted on to the centre of a semicircular piece of iron, which is in turn attached firmly to the centre of a wooden arm. The centre of this wooden arm is, in turn, pivoted on to a rigid support (in this case one of the windmill legs). It will be realised that this arrangement transforms, the customary vertical movement into , a horizontal reciprocating action. To both ends of the arm are attached wires, which are taken through the plantation, where they are attached to a similar arm and fittings (Diagram B), thus converting the horizontal action into a reciprocating vertical movement to work the pump. This arrangement allows considerable variation to suit the nature of the constructional material available. In this particular instance the arm on the pump end is sft. 2in. long, and . the semi-circular piece of arm has a radius of B|in., which works a pump stroke of 2|in. These measurements may, of course, be varied considerably. Care should be taken, however, to ensure that the relative lengths of

the arm are such that the maximum pumping stroke is obtained without forcing the plunger beyond either of

its limits. If the semi-circular irons are of the same size the stroke of the pump may be. lengthened by ’shortening the pump arm, or shortened by lengthening the pump arm. It may be asked whether the slackness in the wires due to the distance between the windmill and the • pump affects the efficiency of the pump. If both wires are of the same gauge and weight, ■ little or no efficiency is lost. The only possible' loss in efficiency

would be when the distance from the pump to the windmill is considerable, in which case the inertia of the wires would have to be overcome for each stroke of the pump. In the apparatus described the windmill is about 50ft. higher than the pump, and some three chains distant. This device has given many years of trouble-free service, the only attention required being periodical oiling of the moving parts.

This combination of pump and windmill could be varied for several sets of circumstances, such as working two or more pumps from the one windmill either together or . one at a time. The number of pumps that . could be worked at the one time would, of course, depend on the size of the windmill. —S. H. SAXBY, Instructor in Agriculture, Dunedin.

Tallarook Sub. Clover Has Proved Most Suitable For Canterbury Conditions

rxURING recent years subterranean clover, been sown extensively clover has been sown extensively in the Ashburton County, mainly on the light to medium soil types, where a permanent sward is highly desirable. These sowings have been attended with very mixed results. Some stands have been a complete failure, a great many have been only moderately successful, while a few could be considered satisfactory. Reason for Failures The failure of this clover in many cases to stand the test when subjected to ordinary farm conditions can no doubt be attributed to a combination of several factors. The hard physical condition of much of the light land during the summer months when seeding and germination of the clover is taking place, unfavourable climatic conditions at critical stages in the growth of the plant, the sowing of large areas with consequent inability to spell from grazing during the

flowering period, the failure to compete with rapidly-spreading browntop and sweet vernal, the depredations of grass grub and porina, and the lack of necessary applications of phosphates

are perhaps some of the more important reasons which have tended to militate against the successful establishment and development of this clover. Nevertheless, the results obtained in some instances have been sufficiently encouraging to warrant further sowings. A clover which is more or less permanent on the light to medium soil types of Canterbury must prove of inestimable value both from a feed point of view and also as a means of reducing cultivation costs. It is only natural. therefore, that where initial sowings have met with reasonable success, farmers will continue to include subterranean clover in their seed mixtures when grassing down. Climatic conditions will no doubt largely determine the type of response from these sowings. A wet summer will favour the growth of the clover, while a dry summer is likely to be followed by indifferent results.

Value of Strain The value of strain as applied to grasses and clovers is now generally recognised.' It is well known that different strains of . the same plant when sown under similar conditions of soil and climate may show considerable variation. Some of the poorer types are low leaf-producers, possess a temporary life and are early maturing, while others exhibit the reverse, characteristics. > To determine the most suitable strain of subterranean clover for MidCanterbury conditions, four trials were laid down in the following districts: — Lauriston, Pendarves, Lowcliffe, and Ealing. The strains sown were Mt. Barker, Tallarook, Dwalganup, and Marlborough, and one trial also included Burner Although none of these trials has yet been finalised, the results so far obtained indicate that there are substantial variations in the habit ' of growth of the different strains. ' Dwalganup This proved the earliest maturing type sown in the trials. When autumnsown, it began flowering in late August and early September., Leafage production was very sparse,-. and because of its early flowering habit it had little opportunity of reseeding to any extent, and consequently produc-

tion was confined mainly to the year of sowing. Mt, Barker This may be termed a mid-early type. It produces a good bulk of leafage and flowers fairly freely. It is approximately a month later, in flowering than Dwalganup, an important point in its favour, as a better opportunity is presented for successful reseeding. Tallarook This is a late flowering strain and a splendid leaf-producer. It tillers very well, forming a dense, leafy plant, and

with crown set very low it is an ideal type for sheep grazing. It flowers at least a fortnight later than Mt. Barker, and it also flowers very profusely, producing considerably more burrs than Mt. Barker, and thus enhancing the chances of a strike from the reseeding. Marlborough In all trials this has proved a similar type to Mt. Barker. Burnerdng This has been sown in one trial only, and the results so far are not very encouraging. The leafage production does not appear to equal that of either Mt. Barker or Tallarook. From a practical point of view a heavy leaf-producing, late-flowering strain is highly desirable for Mid-Can-terbury conditions, and Tallarook fulfils these requirements better than any strain yet tried out. In the trials Mt. Barker has proved definitely superior to either Dwalganup or Burnerang, and should be sown where the seed of Tallarook is not available. G. K. McPHERSON, Instructor in Agriculture, Ashburton. Many young cattle have been affected with both stomach and lung worms during the autumn, states, the annual report of the Director of the Livestock Division. Much advice has been given as to the feeding, and drenching of the affected stock. The bluestonenicotine drench continues to give good results in both dairy and run cattle, but the importance of adequate feeding is not overlooked.

A Useful Home-made Roller

PART of the farm of Mr. G. Anderson, of Matakana, consists of rather heavy clay flats with poor natural drainage. After the winter stocking, when the land begins to dry out in the spring, the fields are invariably very badly pugged by tramping, and consequently are very uneven and difficult to mow when used for hay or ensilage. In order to level the surface Mr. Anderson decided to try the effect of a heavy rolling in the spring, choosing a time when the ground would be beginning to dry out and just in the right order to derive the most benefit. As the rolling was largely in the nature of an experiment, the purchase of a roller was scarcely justified. Neither could one be borrowed, as rollers are not commonly used in the district. Moreover, the operation called for a smooth roller, and one which would be exceptionally heavy in proportion to its diameter, to ensure the maximum levelling effect. . * It was obvious that low cost was scarcely compatible with this specification, so Mr. Anderson decided to make one for himself. As will be seen from the illustration, the roller has' been constructed from two iron drums. These were filled up solid with concrete, and provision for a through axle was made by placing a length of piping up the centre of each drum before filling in the concrete. The axle itself is made from a length of ljin steel shafting taken from an old topdresser. This is simply ' inserted through the iron piping, bearings being provided at the middle and at each end. As will be seen from the illustration, the framework has been constructed from timber, provision being made in front for a sledge foot to prevent any tendency for the roller to over-run the horses, which might result in “digging in.” This roller has now been well tested out for a number of seasons, and has proved extremely satisfactory. Being in two sections, it turns easily without damage to the turf. As it weighs approximately one ton, and as the circumference is relatively small in proportion to the weight, . the result is a correspondingly high pressure, which very effectively levels out the puggedup ground. The roller can be pulled by two horses, but, because of its

weight, three horses are to be preferred for a full day’s work. Mr. Anderson emphasises that the success of the rolling depends largely on the choice of the proper time. If the ground is either too wet or too dry, the work obviously cannot be satisfactory. Apart from levelling the

ground, the rolling has also greatly benefited the pastures, as depressions which would normally lie full of water, are thus filled in and become quickly grassed over, greatly improving the density of the sward. —P. S. SYME, Instructor in Agriculture, Warkworth.

Answers to Correspondents Growing Swedes Twice In Same Ground. “SUBSCRIBER” (GISBORNE)— I am writing for information, on growing swedes a second time on the same ground, as in this district they often-get the brown-heart and are a failure even if borated super is used. I would also like to find out if any of the softer varieties of turnips are less liable to. this disease. FIELDS DIVISION— The risk in growing swedes on the same ground twice is in the stronger reinfection liable to occur from disease, particularly dry-rot and club-rot. With early sowings, dry-rot with secondary wet-rots developing is usually . more prevalent with the earlier sown crops. Brown-heart is satisfactorily controlled with borax, and some farmers broadcast nip to 10 lb. per acre before sowing. The recommendation is to broadcast at least 20 lb. per acre. and sow basic super or borated basic super every second coulter with

the swedes. Pre-drilling or broadcasting borax and super does not affect germination, and- may be done just before sowing, but when drilling seed and manure basic super is less liable to cause germination injury, and the quantity of borax sown with the seed must be kept down for the same reason. When sowing with the seed every second coulter 8 lb. of borax with 2 cwt. of basic super per acre is recommended. Heavier sowings are liable to reduce , germination unless the seed is sown every coulter, which halves the fertiliser in contact with the seed. Sowing time is during December. Swedes and turnips are both liable to be affected by brown-heart, but turnips are fed off at an early stage of maturity. Some swedes are more resistant to dry-rot, brown-heart, etc., than others. Vilmorine has proved resistant, but is hard, white fleshed, and fangy rooted. Often a little chou moellier is sown with the swedes, or as a crop instead of swedes. The same recommendations with regard to fertiliser would apply.