Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 261, 28 April 1869
HELENSBROOK FLOUR MILLS. TOKOMAIRIRO.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 322, 29 June 1870
W. A. SANDERSON AND CO., begs to inform Merchants, Farmers, and Others that they are prepared to receive Wheat Grists in any quantity.
Grinding 6d per bushel
W. S. and Co., will be prepared to execute the grinding of Oatmeal at a reduced rate, as soon as the necessary machinery arrives from Melbourne.
Helensbrook Mill, April 27, 1869.
The rain which commenced to fall heavily on Thursday night last, and continued incessantly till the following morning, caused a flood of the Tokomairiro River. Some of the low-lying ground was inundated. Damage was again caused to the dam at Helensbrook flour mill, where the wooden breastwork, in course of erection, some timber, workman's tools, &c, were washed away.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 419, 22 May 1872
GLENKENICH STEAM SAWMILLS, TAPANTTLBruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 510, 11 July 1873
The engine employed was supplied by our local engineer, Mr John Lawson, of Milton, having previously worked Mr Sanderson's Helensbrook Flour Mill, and is now giving Mr M'Farlane every satisfaction.
PARTNERSHIP NOTICE. I HAVE this day taken into Partnership in the Helensbrook Flour and Oatmeal Mills, Mr Edwin Legge, who will, in future, give his whole attention to the management of the business in connectiou with the mill. (Signed) JOHN LAWSON. Tokomairiro, 16th June, 1873.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 515, 29 July 1873
LAWSON AND LEGGE, HELENSBROOK FLOUR MILLS.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 516, 1 August 1873
Messrs L. & L. beg to inform their customers that, for convenience, they have opened a Flour Depot in Milton, at R W. CAPSTICK'S STORES, Next National Bank of New Zealand, where orders can be supplied same as at the mills.
HELENSBROOK FLOUR AND OATMEAL MILLS.The partnership was an extremely short one: Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 521, 19 August 1873
LAWSON & LEGGE, Proprietors.
JOHN LAWSON, the former Proprietor of the above Mills, begs respectfully to inform his friends and the general community of the Southern Districts, that, in order to enable proper attention being devoted to the business, he has taken Mr E. Legge as partner in the Mill, whose undivided attention will be given to the milling and general business requirements thereanent, so that an Excellent Sample of Flour may be depended on at all times, and every attention and despatch used in the execution of all orders placed in their hands.
The latest and most approved Oatmeal Machinery is now in course of erection and will shortly be in working order, when we will also be in a position to supply Oatmeal of our own Manufacture, second to none.
Soliciting a share of public patronage. LAWSON & LEGGE.
Helensbrook, August 11th, 1873.Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 291, 28 August 1873
WE, the undersigned, John Lawson and Edwin Newman Legge, lately, carrying on business in co-partnership, as Flourmillers, hereby give notice that we have, this day, dissolved the said partnership by mutual consent, and from and after this date the said business will be carried on by the said Edwin Newman Legge alone.
All debts due from the said late firm will be paid by the said Edwin Newman Legge; and all debts due to the said firm will be received by him, and his receipt for the same shall be a suficient discharge.
JOHN LAWSON, EDWIN NEWMAN LEGGE,
Witness : Walter Taylor, Solicitor, Tokomairiro.
DISSOLUTION of PARTNERSHIPBruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 540, 24 October 1873
WE have this day, by mutual consent, Dissolved our Partership, as Millers in the Helensbrook Mill.
The business will in future be carried on by Mr. E. N. Legge, who will pay or receive all outstanding monies due to or by the late firm.
JOHN LAWSON. EDWIN LEGGE.
BIRTHS. Legge.— At Helensbrook Mill, Mrs E. Legge, of a son.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 576, 3 March 1874
TENDERS WANTED for Gravelling the Helensbrook Mill Road. Particulars of work, and place for obtaining Gravel will be pointed out on Saturday, 7th March, between the hours of 2 and 6 o'clock. EDWIN LEGGE. 27th Feb., 1874.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 599, 22 May 1874
TO LET.- Helensbrook Farm House, with Orchard and Two Small Grass Paddocks. Apply at the Mill.Bruce Herald, Volume VII, Issue 610, 30 June 1874
HELENSBROOK FLOUR AND OATMEAL MILLS.Bruce Herald, Volume VII, Issue 611, 3 July 1874
THE Proprietor, in returning thanks to his customers for their support, begs to intimate that having completed the refitting of the mill with new machinery, he is now prepared to do Gristing and supply Flour of the first quality as usual.
He begs to notify that having erected Oatmeal-making Machinery imported from Edinburgh, with all the very latest improvements, and having perfectly competent hands employed, he has no hesitation in offering to supply a really first-class article.
Gristing done. Oats taken in exchange for meal.
EDWIN N. LEGGE.
Hitherto Tokomairiro has been celebrated for its oatmeal, the manufacture of Mr McGill, who has now an opponent in the trade in the person of Mr E. N. Legge, the proprietor of the Helensbrook Flour Mills, who has just added oatmeal machinery to his milling premises, and who is turning out a sample of oatmeal of really excellent quality. I had the pleasure the other morning of discussing a plate of porridge made from said meal, and better I never tasted and do not wish for. I purpose shortly returning to Mr Legge's mill, so as to give a full description of the improvements made by him.Bruce Herald, Volume VII, Issue 688, 2 April 1875
HELENSBROOK FLOUR & OATMEAL MILLS, TOKOMAIRIRO.Evening Star, Issue 3961, 4 November 1875
EDWIN N. LEGGE, PROPRIETOR,
N.B. — E. N. Legge is a purchaser of Wheat, Oats, &c, at current market rates.
FIRE AT TOKOMAIRIRO.Bruce Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 750, 9 November 1875
[By Telegraph.] (From[our own Correspondent.)
Tokomahiro, November 4.
The most destructive fire that has occurred in Tokomairiro for years broke out this morning at Legge's mill, at Helensbrook, which was totally destroyed. The fire was discovered by Mrs Legge at about four a.m. The mill was then in flames. Mr Legge, who lives in a cottage near, got up and succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading to a wooden hut, where Walsh, the miller, sleeps. He roused Walsh with difficulty. If the fire had not been discovered at that time the latter would have been burned to death. A horseman was sent to Tokomahiro to give the alarm. The Church of England bell was rung, and the Fire Brigade went to the spot with their engine and did all in their power. Nothing was saved but a little flour and grain. There were thirty tons of flour and several tons of oatmeal and wheat in the mill at the time. A large water-wheel and all the machinery were destroyed. The insurances are L1,500 in the Standard office on the stock, and L2,000 in the Norwich Union on the building and plant. Mr Legge estimates his loss at L5.000. The origin of the fire is unknown. No fire was used in the mill since Friday. Mr Legge was in his office till ten last night, when he left all right. An inquest will be held.
The Fire at Mr Legge's MillBruce Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 751, 12 November 1875
An enquiry into the circumstances connected with the fire that destroyed Mr Legge's Mill at Helenbrook, on Thursday morning was held at the Courthouse, Milton, on [...]day, before J. P. Maitland, Esq., R.M. [...] District Coroner.
Mr W. Taylor watched the proceeding [...] behalf of Mr Legge, and Mr Reid appeared for the Insurance Companies.
Robert Richardson, flour-miller at [...] Legge's mills, Helensbrook, deposed - I have been in the employ of the mill since January 11. Remember Thursday, 4th instant, [...] about 20 minutes to 6, Patrick Welsh [...] Legge's other man, came to the door of the house and told me the mill was on fire. I live at a distance of about a mile and a [...] from the mill. I hurried, on this information towards the mill, but saw no smoke until I got on to the main road, immediately [...] leaving my house. When I arrived on the scene I found the Fire Brigade at work [...] all the buildings, the mill, and store, where the wheat was stored, were level with the ground. The machinery was also broken among the ruins. I kept a day-book to record the quantity of stuff which went in and out of the mill; but this was also destroyed. There were from 350 to 370 bags of wheat in the store, and about 380 or 390 bags of flour about 260 bags of oats and 7 1/2 tons of oatmeal, as also a large number of empty bags of various sizes. I left the mill on the previous evening at 20 minutes past 5 o'clock. I locked the door, and fastened all the other doors on the inside, and left everything all right. The mill had been working that day up to about 5 o'clock. It is worked by water, and has been so for the past five months. There had been no fire or lights in the mill on that day. I left the key in the mill door for Mr Legge to take home with him. It had been my custom to take it to his house, except when he was at the mill at the time of locking up.
By a Juror - There was a quantity of bran and seconds, mill-seeds, and black dust in the mill at the time. When I arrived on the scene of the fire, I found Mr Legge assisting in carrying water from; the creek. I did not speak to him for half-an-hour. There had not been a fire in the kiln since Friday last, the 29th October.
By Mr Reid - Mr Legge had not an iron safe for the custody of his books. He usually kept his ledger, day and cash books in the mill. Did not know whether they remained there on that evening. The mill was about half-filled with grain and flour on the day of the fire. It would hold about 1200 bags of grain and flour.
By Mr Taylor - I alone had been employed about the mill for the past three weeks.
Patrick Welsh, flour-miller at Mr Legge's mill, deposed - I have been there since the 9th June last. I remember the morning of Thursday last. Between 3 and 4 o'clock that morning Mr Legge came to the window of my house, winch is connected with the mill. He broke in the window, and told me the mill was on fire. I rushed out as quickly as I could when I saw the mill on fire. The flames were then coming up through the roof. At this time there was no one present but Mr Legge and myself. We immediately got buckets and quenched the flames, which were then approaching the buggy-house. Mr Ellisson then arrived, and assisted us in drawing waters. We kept pouring it on the roof of the kiln, which was on fire at this time. Mr Legge's servant also assisted. We managed to put the fire on the roof of the kiln out. I then went to the dam and let the Water into the wheel. By Mr Legge's instructions I then got the horse and went for the fire-engine and Brigade. On my way into Milton I gave the alarm at the police station. I then went and told Mr Richardson the mill was on fire, and when I returned I found the buildings totally destroyed. I did not work in the mill for the past three weeks. I could not tell from what part of the mill the fire originated, nor have I any idea of the origin of it.
By a Juror - We had been working at the fire for about half-an-hour prior to my going for the Brigade. The buggy was removed from the buggy-house. I arrived at home the previous night about 12 o'clock. There were then no lights nor any appearance of smoke about the mill.
By Mr Taylor - Both myself and Richardson were in the habit of smoking in the mill.
Richard Ellisson, painter and paperhanger, deposed - I live in a house on Mr Legge's property, and a short distance from the mill. I remember Thursday morning. About daylight I was aroused by Mr Legge's maidservant, who told me the mill was on fire. I immediately proceeded there, and found Mr Legge endeavoring to protect from the flames the buggy-house and the house in which Welsh lived. Welsh and the servant-girl were also present; Witness then corroborated the evidence of Welsh relative to the endeavors to put the fire out and the arrival o€ the Fire Brigade, &c.
Sergeant Smyth deposed - I am sergeant of police stationed at Tokomairiro - At five o'clock on the morning of the 4th inst., Robert Welsh reported to me that Mr Legge's mill was on fire. I directed him to the White Horse Hotel, where the captain of the Fire Brigade lives. I sent Constable White the only constable then at the station, to ring the Church of England bell, and went myself to the scene of the fire. I arrived there at fifteen minutes past five; the Fire Brigade arrived fifteen minutes later. When I reached there the only persons at the fire were Mr Legge and Mr Ellisson. The whole mill and the premises were then a mass of smouldering ruins. The water-wheel was burned down, and the water was flowing from the fluming, part of which was burned down. The Brigade and other people did all in their power to put out the fire and to save property. On my arrival I asked Mr Legge if he had any knowledge of the origin of the fire. He said he could not account for it except by the possibility of its having arisen from the remains of fire in the kiln.
The Coroner said that Mr Legge could make a voluntary statement if he chose. He had been given to understand that there was no suspicion of any kind in connection with the fire, and Mr Legge was not required to give evidence unless he wished to do so. Mr Legge said he would be happy to answer any questions that were put to him.
Edwin Newman Legge now deposed - l am a flour-miller, and proprietor of the Helensbrook mill. I remember Thursday morning. I was aroused by my wife on that morning, at I believe, about four o'clock. It was daylight. She told me that the mill was on fire, and I immediately slipped on my trousers and boots and ran down to the mill. The mill is about 100 or 150 yards from my dwellinghouse. The whole mill building was standing, but it was a mass of fire inside, and the flames were going through the roof. The flames appeared to be coming through every part of the roof. I then tried the door of Welsh's hut, and found that it was locked on the inside, and in my excitement I smashed in a window to rouse him. While he was coming out I tried to let the water on to the wheel. There was just a small quantity of water running down the fluming. The fire was too great, and I found I could not get on the roof to let down the valve. As soon as Welsh came cut I sent him to the dam to turn on the full water I then got buckets, and with the assistance of Mr Ellisson, who had arrived by this time, threw water on the roof to prevent the flames spreading to the hut in which Welsh lived. When Welsh came back, as soon as we had prevented the flames spreading to the hut, I sent him to Milton for the Fire Brigade. I had forgotton up to this time that the Fire Brigade was in existence. I went round the mill after this, and tried to prevent the spread of the flames wherever I could by throwing water on them with buckets, but I could do very little. Soon after this Sergeant Smyth came, and then the Fire Brigade arrived. With all our exertions we were only able to save the small house that Welsh lived in, and the buggy shed. Everything else was destroyed. I last left the mill at about ten o'clock the night before. I went with Richardson to the mill to pay him some money at about six o'clock on the evening of the 3rd; and when we left he locked the door and left the key in it. I was away from the mill uitil about dark. I am not sure whether I took away tne key, but I think I had it in my pocket, as I intended to go back to the mill again. I went back at about dark, and wrote some letters by candle-light at my desk, which stood just inside the door. I entered up some orders as well in the mill book. I think it must have been about eight o'clock when I went to the mill. I used a candle. I remained there about an hour and a quarter or an hour and a half. I then locked the door and took the key to the house, where I hung it upon a nail. I usually take a walk through the mill at night, and I think I walked along the length of the lower floor of the mill. The mill had been working that day. It is worked by water for the greater part of the year. The kiln had not been lighted for a week. I have not a very clear idea of what was in the mill that night. The whole of my books, with the exception of two - the day-book and ledger - were in the mill. These two books were in my dwelling-house, wbere I had taken them some days before. The books in the mill were in the desk inside the door. I had no safe. The desk was locked. In the absence of these books, I could form no accurate idea of the quantity of grain which was in the mill and store at the time of the fire. I may mention with regard to the capability of the storing of the mill, that it would comfortably store 3000 four-bushel bags of grain. The flour store in the mill would alone hold 52 tons of flour. I cannot tell what was in the mill within 50 bags of grain and the 50 bags of flour. I believe there was over £1500 of grain and manufactured stuff in the mill. From my own knowledge I could not, without my books, say what was in the mill. I think that Richardson's statement as to the quantity of grain and flour which was in the building at the time is substantially correct, with one exception. There was a large quantity of gristing and some other bags of grain about the place.
The Coroner then read over Richardson's evidence to the witness.
Witness — Beyond this there was a quantity of grain that had been sent in to be ground. I mean stuff not exactly bought by me, and I should think of this there was £150 or £200 worth of gristing and sundry bags about the place that Richardson did not mention. I estimate the value of the mill and machinery at £3500, which was what it actually cost me. There would have been fully £1500 worth of grain and manufactured stuff in the mill at the time of the fire. I am insured for £2300 with the Norwich Union on the mill and machinery. The stock was insured for £1500 in the Standard. When I came out first I could not form any idea as to wbere the fire originated. The flames were through the roof in all directions, and it seemed as if I could see through the weatherboards, the fire was raging so fiercely inside. I could not form any idea as to wbere the fire originated, or how it originated. When I left the mill the night before, everything seemed perfectly safe. I do not know of anyone being in the mill after I left, and I did not see anyone about the place. I went to bed at about eleven o'clock. Mrs Legge had got up to take some medicine for a cough when she heard a noise outside like the rushing of a strong wind, and looking out of the back window saw that the mill was on fire.
To the Jury - I never took the key and tried to open the door of the mill when I discovered it to be on fire. I do not believe anyone got in the mill. There was a strong wind that night. There was no possibility of any fire being in the kiln if a week had elapsed since the kiln had been lighted for the last time. Welsh had a fire-place in his hut, and generally threw the ashes in the creek. Seven or eight days ago the surveyors were branding their pegs near the mill.
To Mr Reid - I have had this mill two years and a half. It has been built about seven years. I am speaking of the original building. I have put additions to it, and it is now about twice the size it was. From the back of the store to the front of the mill would be about 80ft x 40ft wide, and there were three floors - one portion was two stories, and the other three stories. I paid £1500 for the mill, including the store and oatmeal kiln. It was weatherboarded inside. The steam engine, including engine, boiler, fittings, super-heater, and attachment to the other machinery, he valued at £500. He put it in in January last. The boiler and engine cost £250 in Dunedin, without any extra fittings. The extra fittings consisted of a main steampipe, escape-pipe, valves, &c. He had spent £250 in addition to the £250 given for the engine and boiler. Then there were the stones - four pairs - one pair of which were supposed to be worth £400. They were said to be the best in the Province. He had purchased three pairs of stones since, at a cost of £200. The valuable pair of stones were included in the £1500 purchase of the mill.
Mr James Goodall, one of the jury, said that these questions were all nonsense.
Mr Reid said that in all cases of enquiry into the origin of fire, a material element was to ascertain the value of property destroyed.
Mr H. White, another of the jury, said that they wanted to find out how the fire originated.
Mr Ellisson — Hear, hear.
By direction of the Coroner, Mr Ellisson was made to leave the Court.
The Coronor said that the latitude he allowed with reference to Mr Reid's examination was quite discretionary, he was not compelled to allow a representative appear for an Insurance Company, or indeed for anyone. Even supposing that suspicion attached to some person, he was not bound to allow anyone to appear for him, although this would be an improper exercise of his power, except under extraordinary circumstances. He would allow Mr Reid to go on with his examination, but there must be a limit to it.
Mr Reid said that in case of fire, the Coroner usually satisfied himself as to the value of property on the premises at the time.
Mr Taylor would ask Mr Reid to state for which Companies he appeared. A gentleman present stated that Mr Reid did not appear for the Company he represented.
The Coroner said it would be better for Mr Reid to give the information asked.
Mr Reid said he had been instructed to appear on behalf of the Standard Company, and another Company he did not know the name of.
Mr Grant of Dunedin, said that he appeared as agent for the Norwich Union.
Mr Reid said that the Norwich Union was not the Company he had been instructed to appear for. He had given the Court one name. Perhaps the other was the National.
Witness - I arrive at the value of the mill and plant from the money I know that I have spent myself.
Mr James Goodall - I object to this.
The Coroner - It is not in your power to object if I do not object.
Witness - The value of gristing and other stuff about the mill would be from £150 to £200. I am responsible for this on behalf of my customers and will have to pay them for it. I suppose this was covered by the insurance.
The Coroner - That is a matter of law.
Mr H. White - I object to have our time wasted like this 'ere. We don't get no information about the fire.
The Coroner - You will have to wait here until I consider the case finished. You may object, but you cannot express an opinion.
Witness - The kiln was 14 feet above the fire, and 10 feet above the surface of the ground. The fire was about five feet below the surface of the ground. There was a great body of fire in the kiln when they were drying out. The kiln was at the end of the main building.
To Mr Taylor - When I left the mill I put the candle out. I have no doubt of this, and Welsh coming home soon after would confirm me that everything was right. I lit the candle in the mill with a match, and believe I blew the match out and rolled it through my fingers.
The Coroner said that the jury had now heard all the evidence it was possible to place before them for the purpose of throwing any light upon the origin of the fire. He thought they would agree with him that the evidence they had heard afforded them no means whatever of coming to any conclusion as to what had caused the fire. This was the general rule with evidence presented in such cases. There was nothing to show that the fire originated in any other way than by accident.
Mr Goodall said that the jury had come to the conclusion that they had heard no evidence to show them how the fire originated.
Yesterday Mr Fred. Bastings, Captain of the Milton Fire Brigade, received a letter from Mr E. N. Legge, thanking the Brigade for their exertions at the fire at the Helensbrook Flour Mill, and enclosing a cheque for £5 towards the funds. Mr Legge intends to erect a new mill.Bruce Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 751, 12 November 1875
THE LATE FIRE.Otago Daily Times, Issue 4298, 26 November 1875
I HEREBY express my sincere thanks to the Milton Fire Brigade, and the many friends who so kindly gave their assistance at the fire which occurred at the Helensbrook Mill. I also desire to thank the Standard Insurance Company for the prompt manner in which they have settled my claim upon their office.
EDWIN LEGGE.
Mr Legge, of the flour mill, at Helensbrook, Tokomairiro, whose establishment was lately burnt down, is taking steps for the erection of new premises. Plans and specifiiations for the new building are being prepared by Messrs Mason and Wales. The mill will be driven by water-power, supplemented by steam-power whenever the water runs short, and some machinery which is required will be tendered for among the local foundries.Evening Star, Issue 3980, 26 November 1875
TO BUILDERS AND MILLWRIGHTS. TENDERS are invited for the Re-erection of the Buildings and Machinery of Helensbrook Flour and Oatmeal Mill, near Tokomairiro. MASON & WALES, Architects.Bruce Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 765, 4 January 1876
Mr. E. N. Legge will shortly commence the erection of a new mill upon the site occupied by the building that was lately destroyed by fire. We have heard it rumored that one of the insurance companies intends to bring an action against Legge. That gentleman informs us that "the boot is one the other leg." Mr Legge belongs to the newly opened Good Templar Lodge, and is a respectable man; therefore we don't believe he intended a pun when he made this remark, but simply meant us to understand that he is bringing a heavy action against the insurance companies.Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 79, 13 January 1876
It is stated that Mr E. N. Legge, Of Helensbrook, Milton, is about to enter an action against one of the Insurance Companies in Dunedin for £10,000 damages, arising from complications resulting from the late fire.Tuapeka Times, Volume IX, Issue 550, 25 March 1876
Mr. E. N. Legge has almost completed the erection of his new mill at Helensbrook, on the site occupied by the building that was destroyed by fire a few months ago. Mr. Legge will be able to commence work at the new mill as soon as there is a supply of water available.—" Bruce Herald.Otago Daily Times, Issue 4471, 17 June 1876
Mr Henderson, auctioneer, Milton, has been apprehended on a charge of stealing a quantity of grain.The information was laid by Mr E. N. Legge, a miller in the district. Yesterday's Brace Herald says :- E. N. Legge v. J. A. Henderson. In this case the plaintiff charged the defendant, on information, with having feloniously stolen, taken, and carried away sixty bags of oats, the property of the plaintiff, from his premises at Helensbrook. After the information had been read, the plaintiff asked for an adjournment, in order that he might procure evidence and secure professional assistance. Mr Carew granted a remand till Monday.Otago Witness, Issue 1282, 24 June 1876
In the R. M. Court, Milton, the whole of Tuesday was engaged in hearing the case instituted by E. N. Legge against J. A. Henderson, auctioneer, for the wrongful conversion of 60 bags of oats, alleged to be the property of the plaintiff. Mr E. Cook appeared to prosecute, Mr Donald Reid defended. From the evidence, which was very voluminous, it was proved that the property in the oats was in Mr Henderson. The Bench dismissed the charge without comment.Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 815, 27 June 1876
The water in Salmond's Creek rose rapidly, and soon overflowed, the banks, and at about eight o'clock in the morning the dam near Mr E. N. Legge's mill at Helensbrook gave way. The whole of the artificial breastwork of the dam was swept away by the torrent, which also carried off over 140 yards of strong wooden fluming, and made a clean breach through a strong natural embankment. When the dam burst the water rushed towards the mill with terrible force, and the men about the place were seriously alarmed for the safety of some of the outbuildings. Mr Legge's buggy, which was standing near the kiln, was carried off by the water, and only some portions of it - the seat and one of the wheels - have been recovered. The seat was afterwards found in the creek where it crosses the district road, and the wheel was dragged out of a water-hole by a piscatorial policeman, who was endeavoring to capture eels. The flood made sad havoc at Mr Legge's place, and his loss is estimated at between £200 and £300. The course of Salmond's Creek has been diverted, and what was formerly a fine grass paddock is now an extensive bed of sand and shingle. The water rose within an inch of the floor of the new mill, and then receded. A number of men were in readiness to remove the grain from the ground floor to an upper storey, but fortunately their services were not required.Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 837, 15 September 1876
FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY.Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 117, 6 October 1876
R. W. CAPSTICK has been favored with instructions to sell by private treaty, the valuable property known as the Helensbrook Flour and Oatmeal Mill (with water-right, and provision made to work the Mill by steam, should the water at any time be not sufficient to drive the necessary machinery), large storage space for grain, and all necessary outbuildings, together with five-roomed dwelling-house and garden, two roomed cottage, and five acres of land (more or less )
Also - Is prepared to treat for the lease of 80 acres first-class arable land, farmhouse, extensive orchard and outbuildings. The whole within one mile from Railway Station, Milton.
For further particulars, apply to R. W. CAPSTICK, Auctioneer, Milton.
We are glad to know that Messrs D. and A. Dewar, of Milton, have purchased the Helensbrook flour mills, with the lands and dwelling houses adjoining. The business at the mill will therefore be carried on by them, and we are sure there will be accorded to them a very hearty support by the inhabitants of the district.Bruce Herald, Volume IX, Issue 984, 3 April 1877
HENDERSON V- DEWAR. Claim £20; value of boiler funnel. Mr Reid for plaintiff, and Mr Taylor for defendant. The evidence in this case, which occupied the Court the whole afternoon, went to show that the plaintiff in September last bought certain goods from John Lawson, including a horizontal boiler, to which the funnel had been attached. In removing the boiler the workmen employed were unable to lift the funnel, and left it on the ground. E. N. Legge, the former owner of the boiler, knowing that it had been sold by the plaintiff without the funnel gave the funnel to the defendant in exchange for a few bags of pigs feed. Judgment reserved.Otago Daily Times, Issue 5193, 9 October 1878
At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Tokomairiro, yesterday, a very complicated case came before Mr E. H. Carew, E.M. The case was Haughton v. Dewar and Another, a claim for L80, for damage sustained by the plaintiff through the defendants having wrongfully converted to their own use a turbine-wheel, the property of the plaintiff. Mr W. D. Stewart appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr D. Reid for the defendants; The facts of the case were, that the defendants purchased the Helensbrook flour-mill, and it was alleged that the wheel in question formed part of the machinery. The plaintiff claimed the wheel as receiver k the estate of Manning, the latter having purchased it at public auction at a Sale under execution issued by the R.M. Court against one Lawson, who claimed to be the owner of the wheel, and who had let it under a contract of bailiment to one Legge, who was the previous owner of the mill. After evidence was taken, His Worship ruled that the contract of bailment could only be admitted in evidence by calling the attesting witness, and the case was adjourned for a week to enable the attendance of that witness to be secured to prove the deed.Bruce Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 1203, 14 May 1880
TO FARMERS AND OTHERS. THE undersigned having taken the Lease of the Helensbrook Mills from Messrs D. and P. Dewar, respectfully solicits the patronage of Farmers and others in the Tokomairiro and surrounding Districts. All Grists entrusted to him will receive special and careful attention. PATRICK WALSH. Helensbrook Mills, 16th February, 1880.Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 852, 26 January 1883
A Narrow Escape. Dunedin, To-day. Patrick Walsh, proprietor of the Helensbrook floor mill, near Tokomairiro, was caught by a shaft and dragged up, but he managed to hold on to something till relieved; He had every stitch of clothing torn of and is much strained and bruised.Bruce Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 2711, 17 December 1895
The First.— We notice that Mr P. Walsh has a grand paddock of wheat near his mill at Helensbrook. It ia very forward, being, in fact, fully in the ear. We have not noticed any other crops in the district which are so forward.Bruce Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 2773, 31 July 1896
FireBruce Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 2803, 13 November 1896
A serious fire broke out near Milton on Wednesday morning, by which the flour mill, of Mr Patriok Walsh at Helensbrook, was completely destroyed. Shortly after two o'clock Constable King was awakened by a neighbor, and seeing the fire, proceeded to the scene, arriving there about half past two. At this time the fire was raging furiously, and the building collapsed shortly after his arrival. There being no one about, Constable King roused Mr and Mrs Walsh from bed, but they were unable to do much, the flames having got too good a hold of the building by this time. They managed, however, to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjoining buildings. Great credit is due to Constable King, as but for him the fire might have proved more serious than it did. The origin of the fire is shrouded in mystery, and, owing to the fact tbat it had such a hold before any one appeared on tbe scene, it is impossible to say in what part of the building it started. The buildings and fittings were insured in the New Zealand office for £455, and the stock in the Phoenix office for £400. Mr Welsh, however will be a big loser, as the stock on hand was a heavy one, inoluding about 500 bags of wheat, 300 bags of oats, besides a quantity of flour and oatmeal. Of this some 100 bags of wheat were saved, but as it was all more or less damaged, it is not worth a great deal. General sympathy is felt for Mr Walsh, as the fire is a serious loss to him. Representatives of the various insurance companies visited the scene of the fire yesterday, and, though unable to fix the origin, they were perfeotly satisfied that it was the result of an accident. We understand that both companies have settled the claims against them.
Mr P. Walsh invites tenders for the erection of a flour mill at Helensbrook.Bruce Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 2805, 20 November 1896
TENDERS. WRITTEN Tenders will be received by the Undersigned up to the 26th inst. for the erection of Flour Mill at Helensbrook. Plans and Specifications to be seen at Bruce Herald Office. P. WALSH.Bruce Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2834, 9 March 1897
The work of rebuilding has commenced at Mr P. Walsh's mill at Helensbrook.Bruce Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2918, 10 December 1897
Mr P. Walsh's new flour mill at Helensbrook ie now in working order, and the machinery has been running during the laat few days.Bruce Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 2933, 11 February 1898
Mr P. Walsh's new mill at Helensbrook, after the usual interruptions incidental to starting a new plant, is now in full swing, and is turning out the best of flour and oatmeal. Indeed, it was found that as originally constructed the silks were too fine for the required work, and coarser material had to be substituted.Otago Daily Times, Issue 12937, 2 April 1904
HELENSBROOK FLOUR and OATMEAL MILLS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY. - TENDERS will be received to 12 o'clock Noon, on TUESDAY, the 12th day of April, 1904, for the PURCHASE of the above well-known old-established Mills, with Freehold, Water Rights, Plant, Machinery, Dwelling, Outbuildings, and all other appurtenances. The Freehold consists of 10 acres 3 roods, and comprises parts of Sections 93, 94, and 98, Block XI Tokomairiro, together with Mill Buildings, Flour and Oatmeal Plant, Engine, Turbine, etc., etc. For full particular see extended advertisement in Otago Daily Times of 18th or 25th March. For further particulars apply to Mr Walsh, at the Mills; or to the Undersigned, to whom tenders are to be addressed. - A. & J. M'FARLAXE. Dunedin.
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