KAKARAMEA.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 532, 12 June 1880, Page 3

KAKARAMEA.

[FBO 5I oun CORRESPONDENT,] Flouu Mill.— Many residents in the district will be pleased to learn that the mill, which of late has been closed for the purpose of adding to and improving the machinery, is again in full working order. Hearing that everything would be read}' for a start on Saturday, I visited it with the intention of seeing all that was to be seen ; and thanks to the courtesy of its proprietor, Mr Edwin Payne, who conducted me through the various departments, I am enabled to give a description of what has been done within the past two months. The large water-wheel has been lowered five feet by means of screwjacks, thereby increasing and nearly doubling the power. To effect this a drain had to be cut GO chains long, commencing 9 feet wide and feet deep, gradually increasing in depth towards the mill, where it is 10 feet wide and 7 feet deep. Half the cost of the drain is borne by the Messrs Williamson, through whose swamp it passes. The old wheel foundation has been undermined, and a new one made on hard blue clay; also a new main shaft 19 feet long substituted for the old one. From this shaft two pairs of stones arc, by means of bevel wheels, driven direct. A new feature is an exhaust—the fan revolvving at the rate of 900 per minute, for the purpose of drawing off the hot air from stones while grinding. This has a beneficial effect on the meal by kepping it cooler. The wheel can now drive both pairs of stones and all the requisite machinery simultaneously. The improvements have been carried out in a most satisfactory manner by Messrs Harper and Orton, who were sent up by Mr Murray, of Wanganui; the miller, Mr Clover, rendering assistance in doing the smaller jobs, as well as in explaining the fixing of the stones, exhaust, and other details. The mill'has also received a new coat of hematite paint; and the approach, or as it is termed the cutting, has been widened and re-gravelled. I must not miss mentioning Mr Payne’s hospitality on the occasion of opening. The creature comforts were foithcoming in abundance, and as soon as it was ascertained that everything was going smoothly, those present sat, down, to enjoy the good things. Several toasts having been proposed and duly honored, the proceedings terminated pleasantly. The mills of Havvera, WaverJoy, and Kakaramea should now he fully equal to supplying the district with flour ; and it is to be hoped that sufficient wheat will be grown next season to obviate the necessity for importing, and so prevent money being unnecessarily sent out of the County. • Stock Sale. —On Wednesday Mr W. Cowern held his usual monthly sale at the yards. There was a fair attendance and a most decided improvement in the tone of the market. Forty head of cattle, principally, cows, were . presented. Old cows with'calves sold at £4 15s; yearlings and up to eighteen-months, £3 7s 6d to £3 10s; milking cows from £6 10s to £7 10s. The majority were sold under the hammer. It is expected that the new yards will bo completed before the next sale day.