MR J. LAMB'S FLOUR MILLS AND BISCUIT FACTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2734, 27 January 1879, Page 3

MR J. LAMB'S FLOUR MILLS AND BISCUIT FACTORY.

The Waiteinata Mills are situated in a fertile little nook or vale at the head of the Waiteinata River, about half a mile past the railway wharf. The lirst visible object is the enormous chimney stack, which, though starting from so low a position, tops the adjacent hills. The mill and surroundings are very extensive, covering several acred of land. We first reach the store, pass the blacksmith's shop and tinsmith's shop all belonging to the mill, and then the latter. The engine which drives the machinery is 00 horse-power, having a 0 ion fly-wheel. The mill contains four pair of stones, each four feet six inches in diameter. The wheat cleaning machines are of a very extensive character. The "silks" for dressing flour are of the most perfect description; and all the wheat, meal, etc., is lifted from bottom to top by elevators. The Hour is packed in bags by machinery. The biscuit factory adjoins the mill, wheat being taken in at one end of t lie institution and coming out the other in the form of fresh baked biscuits. The biscuit factory is provided with the most complete machinery in the colonies. It is interesting to watch the Hour go down, and in a few minutes, from the same Hour, hot, wellmade biscuits are evolved, and tumbled forth into boxes. Mr Lamb was the first who sent New Zealand-made biscuits to the South Sea Islands, and may be regarded as the pioneer of this trade. He also first introduced flour in tin cases—an invaluable system—as the Hour docs not keep in the tropics exposed to the humid atmosphere, while the ravages of vermin were equally deplorable until Mr Lamb introduced his excellent system. It may be interesting to note here that, though Mr Lamb has the honour of sending the first shipment of Auckland-made biscuits, he had not the satisfaction of receiving payment for them, as the captain of the vessel boited with the money which, however, was not mucb, as trade in those da jh ivasof a vary miniature character. The growth of trade since hisllrdt shipment of 30 cases has been grc it. The last orrier despatched amounted to three hundred and sixty case-i of biscuit', and one hundred and ninety case 3of flour. The gradual growth of Mr Lamb's factories and operations have been parallel with thtt of this rising young colony. It is some fourieun years binco be started to make biscuits. The trade in fancy biscuits was at first about 2 cwt per month, whereas the labt morth the orders were for over one thousand tius of fancy biscuits. Mr Lamb's steamer, The Scotchman, »was, at the tine of our visit, discharging ithe first load of this season's wheat, which had been brought from the Tamaki. The quality of the wheat is very fine. A portion of this car<o will bo converted into flour to-day. The mill is driven night, and duy, aud the utmost order prevails in every department. At present all the snare time of the mechanics employed at the miil is devoted to preparing machinery and the necessary fittings required lor the new flour mill°, which Mr lamb ;s about to erect in Fort-street. Mr Lamb has proved one of our most energetic settlers, and it is satisfactory to see his busiucrs expanding to such an extent as to co/apel him to erect mills in the city.