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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 48

Machinery and Models

Machinery and Models.

Beyond all question, the machinery room has been the most attractive feature of the Exhibition. Some of the exhibits in this department have already been referred to, but mention may again be made of the interesting process of modelling in clay, which has throughout each day delighted so many hundreds of visitors. The modeller is Mr Bedson, Colombo road south. He has now commenced this special manufacture on his own account, and will no doubt secure a good share of patronage. The most important item in the room, from a Colonial point of view, was the string binder attachment intended to use with any M'Cormick reaping machine. The inventor, who is only 23 years of age, is Mr Charles R. Cooper, of Carle ton, near Oxford. He had worked out a model before last harvest, but experienced a partial failure, and had to let the matter rest for a time. Subsequently he perfected his invention, secured a patent, and arranged with Messrs P. and D. Duncan to manufacture the appliance for him. The attachment, which is to be supplied at £10, including the cost of fitting it to any given machine, is meeting with general approval, and a number have already been ordered. The mechanism is strong and simple, and the single-bow knot which it produces is pulled so tightly as to run no risk of becoming unfastened during the cartage of the sheaves. The exhibits of Messrs Andrews and Beaven included an ingeniously contrived model of a straw elevator, the automatic action imparted to the tines seeming likely to find favour with agriculturists. The smallest working model in the Exhibition was the miniature verticle engine, made by Mr H. J. Cunnington, whose constructive skill has been mere than once referred to in these columns. The circular base of the engine requires no more standing room than is occupied by the Queen's head on a threepeeny piece. The total height is one inch; diameter of fly wheel half an inch; internal diameter of cylinder, 3-32nds of an inch, and length of stroke 9-32nds. The drills used in boring the tubes, &c., were small needles, filed into half-round form. Mr J. Donald, Harewood road, has a model of self-acting protective works, such as he conceives would be of great value in our erratic rivers. Models and pictures are shown of the vessels of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and pictures of the Union Steamship Company's fleet. There is also a model—now finished—of the Lyttelton Graving Dock, now in course of construction; and working models of railway and stationary engines are shown by Mr W. W. Charters.

The nail-makers' forge, presided over by Mr Hill, fittingly represented the new industry recently established in Sydenham. Since the descriptive report of that industry appeared in our columns, Mr Hill has received a number of gratifying testimonials, and has ensured for himself a certain, and in all probability a rapidly growing trade.