REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MAORI MILLS.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 9, 1 December 1855, Page 11

REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF MAORI MILLS.

To the Native Secretary. Sir, —I beg to report that in my late tour of inspection of the Maori Mills I visited the following places. After landing at Maketu where tbey nave not yet decided upon building a Mill, I proceeded to Roto Rua where two mills are in course of erection. The one at Ohinemutu is completed by the millright, but the Natives have not finished the Mill-dam; having but little wheat to grind, they are content to put it off till next season. The mill at Te Ngae is also commenced, and will probably be finished in time for the next crop. The new mill at Patetere was ready for grinding when I arrived there, and as they had no miller, I stayed with them to assist in grinding their wheat, and also to instruct one of the Natives to manage the Mill in future by themselves. At Otorokai also, two of the Natives were chosen to act as millers ; I therefore stayed with them to instruct them to grind and to manage the Mill. At Maungatautare I found the Mill very much out of repair, and not in a condition to grind their wheat, from having had so many different persons engaged as millers. I was therefore obliged to do some repairs to the Mill, and then instruct one of themselves to grind and take care of the Mill in future. At Rangiawhia three Mills were in operation, one of which had undergone some repairs to the water wheel; there is also another Mill partly j built, but shut up for the present, the natives not, having the money ready to pay the instalment due to the millwrights. A new Mill has been erected at Te Rore on the Waipa and has commenced grinding. The Mills at Mohoanui and Wata Wata have also been in operation this season. A new Mill has just commenced building at Terike on the Waikato ; at Taupiri the Natives have not finished the dam. The Mill has ground about 40 tons of Flour this season, and a new Mill is about being commenced at Kawbanga, near Rev. R. Maunsell's and an agreement has been entered into with the Millwright to build a Mill at "Wawitu. In taking a general review of the state of the Maori Mills for this season, I find there have been thirteen in operation, five in the course of erection, seven about being commenced, for which money! and materials have been already collected, andj four standing in an unfinished state. I

Three of the above Mills, it will be perceived, are now managed by Native millers ; and I have no doubt that, with a little assistance which I shall be able to give them when I travel that way, they will be able to carry on the works of their respective Mills for their own benefit and satisfaction. Your most obedient "Humble servant, H. Boyton, Inspector of Native Mills Auckland, Nov. 12th, 1855.