Summary

A typescript transcribed from a handwritten manuscript (not found) written by H. V. McKay while on his business trip through Russia in 1912. This part describes the trip from St Petersburg to Rostoff-on-Don and then to Kharkiv (at the time known as Kharkov).

A detailed account of observations and experiences by H. V. McKay, in the company of Mr Mitchell, Captain Michael V. Olsufiev (who acted as his guide and translator), and Count Ignatschiff, and with a model of the Sunshine harvester. He describes meetings with the British Ambassador, the Minister for Agriculture, the British Consul, Mr Woodhouse, the railways, border customs, rural and industrial landscapes, differences in etiquette with strangers, the upcoming celebrations of the centenary of Napoleon's overthrow at Moscow, money and exchange rates, language, homes, farms, and factories. He states that "In my opinion, this is the freest country in the world for an Australian or a Britisher". The travel was primarily on trains but also included motor taxis (such as a Metallurgique).

H. V. McKay began his journey to Russia on approximately the 17th May 1912 from London, in the company of Mr Mitchell. They travelled to Paris and then directly to St Petersburg via the railways, arriving on the 20th May. By early June, they had returned to London, travelling from Odessa, Warsaw, Berlin and Paris.

Part of a collection of photographs, negatives, moving film, artefacts, documents and trade literature belonging to the H. V. McKay Sunshine Collection. The McKay collection is regarded as one of the most significant industrial heritage collections in Australia. The collection relates to the agricultural manufacturing firm, the Sunshine Harvester Works. The Australian operations of this company were originally founded by Hugh V. McKay in the 1890s in Ballarat. Between 1906 and 1907, McKay moved production to Sunshine where the firm became one of the largest industrial businesses in Australia. Change in ownership is a recurring theme in the company's history. In 1930, it merged with Massey-Harris to become H.V McKay Massey Harris. In the mid-1950s, the company was absorbed by Canadian agricultural firm Massey-Ferguson. Production in Sunshine ceased in the mid-1980s, following almost 100 years of manufacturing agricultural equipment.

Physical Description

Seven sheets of yellowed translucent paper. Typewritten text on one side only.

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