Mill built for Low and Motion in 1844. Later run in competition with their new mill by Hugh Coolahan, then Charles Ashby.
News of its construction: Daily Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 70, 17 August 1844
New Flour Mill. — The signs of advancing prosperity are rapidly making their appearance in this settlement. Last year, the cry was the want of mills to grind our wheat, but in less than twelve months we have one substantial mill in operation, and we are happy to see the foundation of another being laid in Mechanic's Bay, on the very boundary of the town. Messrs. Lowe and Motion are now busily engaged in erecting a water mill, which, from their enterprize and skill, will we doubt not, be in a very short time completed. Mr. Lowe was the contractor for the building of Mr. Mason's mill, and having performed such a good job for another, he is not likely to neglect his own. A mill at Auckland is much wanted for the coast settlers; and we have every reason to believe that there will be work enough for both mills before another year is over.
Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 3, Issue 3, 16 January 1845
NEW FLOUR MILL.
Mr. Lowe's new flour mill, to be worked by water power in the swamp at Mechanic's Bay, is we observe, nearly completed and will, we believe, be at work in the course of next week. Mr. Lowe is deserving of encouragement, for having with slender means, but by perseverance and skill, erected that which will be found so convenient to the settlers in the immediate neighbourhood of Auckland, as well as to those at a distance, who can convey their wheat by water almost to the door of the mill. It will be worked by an overshot wheel, and there being an abundance of water, no delay or disappointment will be experienced by those who may require their wheat converted into flour.
Suffered from lack of water: New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 47, 25 April 1846
... at the water mill in Mechanic’s Bay, where for the last six months there has not been water sufficient to turn the wheel for more than a few hours in each week.New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 277, 24 January 1849, Page 2
IMPORTANT LAND SALE.
...
A beautifully situated SUBURBAN FARM, containing 35 1/2 Acres, being Lot No. 11, of Section No. 9. This farm, distant about two miles from town, adjoins the ground on which is built the flour mill of Messrs. Low and Motion. On it is a considerable quantity of wood, suitable for fencing, firewood, &c. and there is abundance of good building stone in the immediate neighbourhood. It has extensive frontage on a deep creek, thus affording a double means of communication with the town.
New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 626, 14 April 1852
MECHANICS' BAY MILLS.
THE Undersigned begs to inform the inhabitants of Auckland and the surrounding District, that he has taken the above Mills, and being a Practical Miller, he trusts by strict attention to business to merit a share of public patronage.
Smutting, Grinding, and Dressing, 1s. bush. Grinding and Dressing only, 9d per ditto.
Charles Ashby. Auckland, April 13, 1852.
N.B. The Public may depend upon receiving the whole of their produce.
New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 633, 8 May 1852
MECHANICS' BAY MILLS. THE undersigned begs to announce that his MILL is in full operation, and that he wil guarantee the VERY BEST COLONIAL MANUFACTURED FLOUR at £15 per Ton, for cash, at the MILL, or at his STORES, Parnell, near the "Windsor Castle Inn." Charles Ashby. Auckland, May 7, 1852.[info]
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