EARLY CAMERON STREET

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1933, Page 3

EARLY CAMERON STREET

OLD TIME INCIDENTS RECALLED. WOOD’S FLOUR MILL. Speaking to an old resident of Whangaroi, an “Advocate” reporter gleaned some interesting information regarding the early days of the town.

“If you look carefully when you are crossing over the little bridge just before you begin to climb the hill to Tlkipunga you will see sonic remains of a wall,” said the old resident, “This is a reminder of the fact that a Hour mill stood at this spot considerably over fifty years ago, and that it ground the wheat that was grown in different parts of the town. It was owned and operated by Air W. W’ood, who did well for a time, until the competition of Auckland millers became too strong. So you see that Whangarei people began very early to support Auckland industry to the detriment of their own, as they are doing today.” The mill was closed down, but some

time afterwards Air Wood made another start, this time in Cameron Street. The mill was located in the building which is known as the Burlington, just opposite where the Plaza now stands. All the timber for the building was pit sawn. Kauri logs wore brought into Whangarei by teams of of bullocks. The teams dragged the logs down Cameron Street, which was then only a clay track, and a very muddy one in winter. On either side were, arow of trees and ditches—very different from the Cameron Street of today. A pit was dug on the site of the mill. One man wont into the pit and another stood on a platform on top. A log was placed in position, and the men set to work with their big saw. It was wonderful what progress they made. The ‘ kauri used was of the best, as may bo judged from the state of preservation in which it is today. When the timber was cut, a. start was made with the erection of the building, and a capital job was made of it. The Ilnur mill consisted of the old fashioned grinding stones, and the driving power was obtained from u steam engine. Wood’s flour mill was an object of much interest, especially to the young folk. It ran for some years, but, once .again, outside competition told its talc.