Historical information

FROM - Ron KEMP of Polkemmet
Edward Cousins DAVIS (1854–1937) was a notable figure in Nhill, Victoria, He purchased the Wimmera Agricultural Works (corner of Leahy and Victoria Streets) from BEARD and SISSON in mid-1892.
The "stripper" is a type of harvesting machine developed in Australia during the 19th century, designed to strip the heads of grain from the stalks, which was particularly effective in the country's dry conditions.
Front-Mounted Comb or Beater: A wide, rotating drum or beater at the front strikes the heads of grain and knocks or combs them off into a receptacle.
No Cutting Required: Unlike reapers or binders, strippers did not cut the stalks. This reduced the amount of material being handled and allowed faster more efficient harvesting in dry conditions.
Grain Heads Only: The machine collected only the grain heads, which were then threshed separately using a winnower or a stationary threshing machine.
Drawn by Horses: Originally, strippers were horse-drawn (later adapted for tractors), with simple wooden or steel construction and mechanical drum systems.