THE OLD WINDMILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19676, 30 June 1927, Page 10

THE OLD WINDMILL.

NEW SAILS TO BE MADE. LANDMARK 80 YEARS OLD. FLOUR FOR EARLY SETTLERS. After the lapse of three years, the old windmill in Liverpool Street, near Grafton Bridge, which has heen a familiar landmark on the Auckland skyline for 30 veais, is once more to be fitted with lour sails. Since May, 1924, when two of the sails were damaged beyond repair in a severe gale, the work at the mill has been carried out mainly by means of electric power, and the two remaining sails have remained idle for the greater part of the time. Believed to be the only wind-driven null ni Australia or New Zealand, the famous brick landmark was erected in the 'forties by Mr. C. F. Partington, an engineer and mill wright, by profession. The bricks were made from clay dug from the site 011 which the mill still stands, and the. walls are in some places 3ft. thick. In this old building was manufactured the flour for the Auckland people in the early days of the city and for the supply of the Imperial, troqps during the Maori Wars. For some time work ceased at the mill and the sails were taken off. They were ultimately restored by the present owner, Mr. J. Partington, son of the builder, who also raised the height of the mill by 20it. Its present height is 80ft., and it thus takes full advantage of the wind. Since, the damage was caused by the .storm in 1924, the two remaining sails have worked spasmodically. The old mill lias presented a rather forlorn appearance with its two long, stationary arms pointing in opposite directions. Considerable difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the pitch pine which is used for the sails of windmills. This wood conies from Norway and is only found in parts of England, America and Australia. An attempt is now being made to secure a quantity from Australia, hut the sails will have to be constructed by tho owners of the mill, as no one can be found to do work which has iong since become an extinct trade on this side of the world. The present sails were placed in position ton years ago and it is possible an entirely new set will be provided. The work will take some time to complete, but the old mill will once more grind corn " with all sail set."