In the early 1900s a number of the local newspapers, especially in Perthshire and Angus, reported the erection of new threshing mills on a number of farms as farmers up dated their machinery or moved from using the travelling threshing mill to their own ones.
The erection of this plant was a significant occasion. It marked the introduction of new technology, a substantial investment into the farm and its activities as well as a change in the management of the processing of the grain crop. Farms generally marked this occasion with a social event in which neighbours and others were invited to partake in food and drink, and a congenial evening of activities. They also got to see the new mill at work. The feeding of the first sheaf into the mill was at some farms seen to be an important event. That task was sometimes given to a special member on the farm; it could be a long-standing farm servant or a past tenant.
The accounts in the newspapers provide varying amounts of information about the new mills. Sometimes they record the names of the maker of the mill and the mode of power for the mill (water, engine or tractor).
The following are short accounts from newspapers that record the introduction of new threshing mills onto farms in the east of Scotland in 1909:
“Glenbervie
Installation of new threshing plant
On the invitation of Mr Alexander Troup, the highly respected tenant of Easttown, Glenbervie, a number of the farmers and neighbours in the Brae district assembled at Easttown, on Monday afternoon to witness the start of a new threshing mill. The mill, which was supplied by the well-known firm Messrs Lindsay and Criggie, is fitted with a high speed drum, double crank shakers, finishing fan, etc, and is altogether a fine specimen of the mill-wright’s art. After an hour’s trial, when ten quarters of corn was put through, dressed and ready for the market, all present were highly satisfied with the smooth running of the machinery and the satisfactory work done.” (Stonehaven journal, 18 February 1909)
“Installation of new threshing plant at Leslie
A large company of friends were invited on Saturday by Mr Chrystall, Johnstone, to witness the starting of his new threshing mill. The motive power is supplied by a 20-hp oil engine, supplied by C. F. Wilson, Aberdeen, and has an attachment for pumping the water supply to the farm. The threshing machine has had extensive alterations carried out by Mr Diack, millwright and engineer, Inverurie, and threshed about 13 quarters per hour with great ease, and performed its work to the entire satisfaction of all present. Mr Chrystall deserves credit for his enterprise.
The company was afterwards entertained by Mrs Chrystall, and a very pleasant evening was spent.” (Aberdeen press and journal, 1 March 1909)
“Farm improvements at New Mains of Fingask
A representative gathering of agriculturists yesterday witnessed the start of a new threshing mill and oil engine at the farm of New Mains of Fingask, Errol.
Mr Rennald Griffith Hunter, a son of Mr Rennald F. Hunter, solicitor, Dundee, when he took the farm in November last recognised the utility of having stationary motive power on the place, due to the fact that great difficulty was experienced in getting the travelling mills up to such an altitude, the farm being at least fully 700 feet above the sea level. Mr Hunter’s holding extends to about 130 acres arable land and 105 acres hill pasture.
The start yesterday of the machinery was an auspicious one, the motive power being a 16-brake horse-power oil engine, constructed by A. Shanks & Son, Arbroath. This engine is fitted with two fly wheels, a balance crank, and high speed direct gear centrifugal governor. All the latest improvements have been introduced in order to secure the economical and easy starting of the engine. When in operation it ran very smoothly, even though a heavy crop of oats fed into the thresher was expected to test the running powers severely. Those present expressed satisfaction with the work done.
The mill, which was fitted up by Messrs G. & J. Fitchett, Gighty Burn, Inverkeilor, under the personal supervision of Mr W. Fitchett, has a 3 feet 9 inch high speed drum with extra long shakers, the dressing gear being of a new and improved type. On yesterday’s trials there were at least ten quarters per hour threshed, the sample being fit for the market, while the straw on examination was clean in the head.
In addition to the mill, Mr Hunter has introduced a combined Albion grinding and crushing machine capable of kibbling 38 to 45 bushels per hour, 30 to 40 bushels when crushing grain, and 14 to 16 bushels when grinding. Messrs H. W. Mathers & Sons, Errol, as the district agents for the manufacturers, have supplied the various machines.
During the day Mr and Mrs Hunter extended hospitality to all present, and the tenant was congratulated on his enterprise.” (Dundee courier, 5 November 1909)
“New threshing mill on Aldbar Estate
Mr Wm Bairner, tenant of the farm of Wandershill, on the Aldbar estate, has introduced an up-to-date threshing mill and a 14 horse power oil engine.
Amongst those present when the machinery was formally set in motion were:-Messrs Anderson, Mains of Edzell; Peter Milne, the former tenant; Fairweather, Blibberhill; Andrew, Stoneybriggs; Doig, jun, Carcary; Lindsay, Balnacake; Williamson, Parkford, Forfar;a nd T. Low, Arbroath.
After the ceremony the company was entertained by Mr and Mrs Bairner-Mr Arnot presiding-when various toasts were proposed.
The mill was made by Mr Craig, Fasque, Laurcncekirk, and the engine by Messrs Allan Brothers, Aberdeen.” (Dundee courier, 27 November 1909)
“Installation of new threshing mill at Muchalls
On the occasion of the inauguration of new threshing plant which he has had installed, Mr James Murray, farmer, Montgatehead, Muchalls, entertained a large company of neighbours and friends from a distance on Friday evening. The mill, which has been fitted up by MrJoseph Spark, millwright, Netherley, was found to work very satisfactorily. After the trails, Mr and Mrs Murray entertained the large company, which included Mr Lawson, Dannestone; Mr Finlay, Loirston; Mr Dunbar, West Port’ Mr Abernethy, Finlaystown; Mr Murison, Mains of Netherley; Mr Beattie, Blackbutts; Mr James G. Mutch, grain merchant, Aberdeen. The health of Mr and Mrs Murray was cordially pledged, on the call of Mr Mutch, who, in name of the guests, heartily thanked them for their kind hospitality.” (Aberdeen press and journal, 20 December 1909).
