418 Journal of Ayriculture, Victoria. [10 July^ 1918. 



A series of juice heaters, using vapours from the evaporators or 



surpkis exhaust steam. 

 The need of heaters is most important for speed, capacity, fuel 



economy, and improved juices. 

 Remodelled carbonatation and sulphur tanks. 

 A set of Kelly or Sweetland presses, for economy and additional 



capacity. 

 A new vacuum pan, with independent copper coils, is desirable 



for first sugars; this is very necessary, in order that the 



present large pan might become available to boil seconds, 



which, under the conditions now obtaining, are not receiving 



proper attention. 



The preceding alterations, while not affecting the crystallizers, would 

 probably necessitate the addition of a second granulator. 



A sugar st-oreroom, with sugar conveyors, automatic weigher, counter 

 and bag-sewing machine, is urgently required. 



Several of the present juice pumps should be replaced by centrifugal 

 pumps. 



Our steam boiler system is neither satisfactory nor economical, and 

 should be replaced as soon as convenient by an efficient set of boilers, 

 probably "W. and B. type. This would necessitate an alteration of a 

 large part of our present steam-pipe system, but it is fast becoming 

 essential. 



Some American factories are largely electrifying their plants. 



Details of manufacturing processes vary in almost every factory. As 

 far as practicable, changes in this respect will be tried out quietly at 

 Maffra, while many improved methods cannot be applied at all until the 

 plant is modernized. 



If the factory were remodelled, and could be run at full capacity, 

 the addition of a pulp-drying plant, the Steffen's process, and evapora- 

 tors for reducing the waste product to a saleable potash solution, would 

 be well worth consideration. 



The suggested alterations would make for much greater efficiency, 

 capacity, economy, and safety, but, desirable as they are, I could not 

 recommend incurring the necessary expense on the present supply of 

 beet. Consequently, I recommend that for the time being such altera- 

 tions as are most necessary, urgent, and within our means, be quietly 

 effected. Because of the great difficulty and cost of securing plant just 

 now, we must trust to our ingenuity to hold the weak points in action 

 until such time as conditions make it possible to remodel the plant. 



Should a new factory be established in Australia, the constructor's 

 advice should be sought regarding alterations, &c., at the Maffra Fac- 

 tory. The two most important and experienced construction firms in 

 America are the Larrowe Construction Company, Detroit, and the Dyer 

 Construction Company, Cleveland. 



General Matters. 



The 'above report is brief and general, but, should any statistics or 

 special details be required, I shall be pleased, as far as I am able, to 

 submit whatever is desired. 



