FLOUR-MILL AT PUKEKOHE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6423, 19 June 1882, Page 3

FLOUR-MILL AT PUKEKOHE.

The last Queen's Birthday may be locked upon as a red-letter day in the rise and progress of the Pukekohe district, for the flour-mill just erected by Mr. Richard Pilgrim, made a stait, and as it is likely to form an important part in the doings of the place, I forward a description of it. The'mill is situated in what is known as the Cape Settlement, and within a few yards of the railway line, and has four acres of land attached, through which runs a neverfailing stream of water, across which a very substantial dam has been erected, 75 feet wide, and giving a body of water 12 feet deep, which is led by a race 16 chains long to the water-wheel, aud 14 feet overshot, 4 feet wide. The mill-house is a strong and well-put-together building, having three floors. On the centre one is worked a pair of 4-feet French burr stones, and from which the flour is taken to the silk dresser on the upper floor by an endless band and cups. After this the flour goes down again to the bags. All the internal fittings are not quite complete, but when done, Mr. Pilgrim informed me there would be nothing wanting to make the place first-class in every way, i and capable of turning out flour of the best quality. He has also proved himself well up to his work, having been for some time with Messrs. Bycroft and Co., and latterly with Messrs. Meek and Co., of Oamaru, where he left to erect the present premises for himself. Mr. Pilgrim had invited a number of the ssttlers to be present at the starting ol the machinery, and there was a goodly muster of some 40 or 50, who after partaking of hearty- refreshments kindly provided by Mr. Pilgrim, the water was let on to the wheel, and everything was in motion in a minute, and worked with great smoothness and regularity. The first wheat to go through was grown by Mr. Adams, close to the mill. Mr. H. Crispe, then, by request, called on all present to fill their glasses, and drink "Success to the Mill." Three ringing cheers were then given for the mill and the proprietor. Mr. Pilgrim thanked them for their good wishes. It was then proposed and agreed to unanimously that it be called "The Pukekohe Flourmill." .