Interviewee: Peter Carn
Location: Wagga Wagga
Themes: Innovation & Imports

This Nicholson Back Delivery Combined Reaping & Mowing Machine at the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga, dates to circa. 1878. The reaper revolutionised grain production. Previously, reaping was done by hand with a scythe or sickle. With a reaper and mower, a saw-toothed cutter could slash a 1.2 metre swathe, while horses walked on the stubble. This technology changed forever the face of agriculture and harvesting. This machine is believed to be one of the earliest examples of mechanised harvesting equipment to survive in the Riverina.

Stage 5 Education Resource: Nicholson Reaper-Mower - MOR (PDF, 291.6 KB)

Museum: Museum of the Riverina