Wooden peat cutting spade with metal re-enforcement of the cutting edge.Varnished pine has been used and the cutting edge re-enforcement is painted black. Used together with wooden flat-bed wheelbarrow (Item 4139) and peat cutter (Item 4143)

Only known one is in the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, Tongarew. Flensing Iron, also called a “Cutting Spade”, used in the whaling industry to cut the blubber. Has Scorrar London etched into blade"Scorrar London" etched into bladeflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, flensing, flensing iron, whaling, blubber, scorrar, cutting spade

This item wasused before diesel, electric and battery drilling apparatus were used by farmers, and other trades requiring a portable yet reliable method of drilling holes. As this item is a 3/4 inch hole drill it would be suitable for fencing and providing holes for structural studs. As with all outdoor farm equipment, man power was required (be it the farmer or farm hands). Fitness of the operator was at a high standard but protective gloves were not highly thought of as it was before occupational, health and safety regulations became mandatory over all manual handling activities, be they on rural properties or town/city factories. This period was one where the male ego was at its pinnacle i.e. the harder the tasks the more of a man was required. Hard manual work was not only the "way to go" but also a necessity. Evolution of cheap portable electric/battery powered tools opened up a more efficient method available, especially to those with less muscle strength. This item personifies the rugged environment of the rural workplace. The Kiewa Valley with its main emphasis on farming and grazing provided ample opportunity to use this construction implement. The manufacturer being a Scottish tool company is very significant in the era when this hole maker was in high demand. British steel products were of high grade and had a good record of reliability. The reliability of any tool was a solid factor for farmers and tradesmen in this semi-isolated region (Circa early 1900s) within the Kiewa Valley and its regional area. This factor,although not as crucial, post 1960s, when Asian manufacturers entered the market place and produced cheaper tools and transportation and supplies was more frequent and reliable, the need for the more expensive British made tools diminished considerably. After the influx of tradesmen from war torn Europe (post 1945) and the increased availability of tradesmen in the Kiewa Valley and its region the price of tools was and still is not as crucial and the cost of all required tools has become a minimal part of the equation. It is only with the emerging younger trades person, farmer and grazier, who have more, "one eye on production costs" and no "old ties to the motherland" inert mind set that quality tools such as this auger and other hand tools "must be made to last a life time" is no longer part of the modern work environment.This cast iron, hand operated Auger has a short barrel shaped cylinder at one end (known as the "Eye") and at the other end a Helical screw blade (screws the cutting edge into wooden material, thereby creating a hole 3/4 inch diameter in the wood) . The barrel section at the top permits a metal or wooden leverage plank to be inserted. The main rod has a 180mm long cutting/screw blade running from the bottom up towards the "eye" end. From the end of the screw blade to the handle is 380mm and cylindrical, but this changes at 550mm from the "eye" end to a 14mm x 10mm rectangular shape shaft.This shaft end is welded to the "Eye".On the shaft below the "eye" is stamped " MATHESON GLASGOW" on the front side and a spade (cards) symbol on the back.auger, hand drill, fencing, tool, rural trades, brace & bit

Originated in Drente where cutting peat was one of the main industries. Used together with peat cutter (Item 4143) and peat spade (Item 4142).A rare example referring to the peat cutting industry.Wooden flat-bed wheelbarrow with wooden wheel with metal band. Oak and teak have been used and the item is varnished. Used together with peat cutter (Item 4143) and peat spade (Item 4142).peat cutting. child. wheelbarrow.

Originated in Drente where cutting peat was one of the main industries. Used together with wheelbarrow (Item 4139) and peat spade (Item 4142). A rare example referring to the peat cutting industry.Metal Peat cutter with wooden handle.Varnished pine has been used and the cutting blade is painted black. Used together with wooden flat-bed wheelbarrow (Item 4139) and peat spade (Item 4142)peat cutting. child. peat-cutter

Newspaper cutting from "Everylady's Journal", January 1, 1927, p 13-14. Discusses why women are good gardeners, the course content and accommmodation for students. The first female student, was Miss Olive Holltum (now Mellor), and at that time the principal was Mr Rae and the deputy principal Mr A. W. Jessop (Jessep). Other graduates mentioned include Miss Allender, Miss Dorothy Kraffe, Miss Edna Walling. There is a short interview with Edna Walling and a photo (1) with the caption: "Miss Edna Walling - Graduate from Burnley College - Melbourne's most famous gardener. The photo on p. 14 (2) shows a group of students and a staff member in the orchard with the caption: "In the fruit orchard. Students of the Burnley Horticultural College receiving practical instruction in pruning."female students, olive mellor (nee holtum), mr rae, principal, a.w. jessep, graduates, miss allender, dorothy kraffe, edna walling, student outside classes, pruning, orchard, courses