Initially Robert Doull's mill was situated on the river bank, where it could use water power, via an unusual device based upon the Thomson's Screw: Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 369, 24 May 1871
Mr Doull, of Kaihiku, is about to supply the district with what it has long wanted - a flour mill. Unlike any other flour mill I ever saw, this one is to be worked neither by a steam engine nor a water-wheel, nor by wind sails; but by what will probably be known in the future as "Thomson's screw." The site granted by the Waste Land Board is on the south bank of the river, near the boundary line of Mr Robert Patterson's property.Otago Daily Times, Issue 2903, 27 May 1871
A flour mill is about to be erected at Kaihiku by Mr Doull. It is to be worked by the process described by Mr J. T. Thomson at a meeting of the Otago Institute about three months ago, and christened in the country districts "Thomson's screw."Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 393, 15 November 1871
Your townsmen, Messrs Graham and Kennard, have completed their contract for building Mr Doull's flour mill jetty. I understand that the proprietor intends to proceed with the erection of the mill without delay.However, it was soon apparent that the screw device was not very effective, and was due to be replaced with a conventional water wheel. In addition it appears that Thomson was not involved, which may have meant the the screw that was produced was not according to his design. Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 433, 28 August 1872
It is reported that the screw principle of motive power designed by J. T. Thomson, Esq., and proposed to be applied to Mr Doull's flour mill on the Clutha river, has not proved effective, and that a paddle-wheel is to be substituted.In the meantime, there were also objections with the mill's location, despite it being legitmately leased: Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 401, 10 January 1872
It is said that the Town Council of Balclutha intends to resist the building of Mr Doull's flour mill on the banks of the river Clutha. The action of the Council is based on the assumption that the Waste Land Board has no power to alienate river frontage originally reserved to purchasers of adjacent land, and for the general purposes of working a navigable river.Otago Daily Times, Issue 3104, 18 January 1872
Mr David Doull, Balclutha, wrote requesting the Board to take measures to prevent the Local Town Council from interfering with the erection of a mill on the site leased to him by the Board. The letter was referred to the Provincial Solicitor.Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 402, 24 January 1872
BALCLUTHA.Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 208, 25 January 1872
(From our own Correspondent.)
It was mentioned in the 'Herald' a fortnight ago that our Town Council contemplated taking steps to prevent Mr Robert Doull erecting a flour mill on the river bank in east ward. On Friday last Mr. Doull was summoned to appear before Mr. Maitland, R.M., to answer a charge of obstructing a public roadway, by placing, building and other materials thereon. The charge was laid by constable Dunn, at the instance of Mr Robert Patterson, a gentleman possessed of considerable property along the bank of the river, and 1 hitherto approached by the roadway in question. The constable stated the nature of the obstruction, and called upon Mr Robert Grigor, a duly qualified surveyor, who produced a sketch plan of that part of the township contiguous to the north bank of the river. The spot upon which the obstruction was placed was part of Basborough Place, within the Municipal boundaries. It was a part of the instructions, by which surveyors were guided, to reserve river frontage. Mr Robert Paterson said the road had been reserved as a public roadway and was the only one by which his property could be approached. It was just possible to get past at this dry season, but during a great part of the year it would not be possible. Mr Doull handed the bench his lease of the ground granted him by the Waste Land Board. After examining the lease, His Worship said that appeared correct in every essential particular, bearing as it did the signatures of the superintendent and the Commissioner of Crown Lands. At this stage of the proceedings, Mr Taylor rose but Mr Doull objected to his being heard as he appeared to be acting without instructions. Mr Taylor submitted that as standing counsel to the Corporation, he merely wished to suggest an adjournment as it was quite probable the right of the Waste Land Board to grant such a lease would be contested by the Town Council in the interest of the general body of ratepayers. His Worship had nothing to do with the matter except, as at present before him. If it were likely to be contested in a higher court, he did not think any decision of his would act prejudicially against either side, if, however, the constable thought fit to do so, he would allow him to withdraw the charge. After some discussion the charge was withdrawn.
The erection of Mr. Doull's mill at Balclutha is being rapidly proceeded with. The Municipal Council objects to its erection on its present site, on the ground that not sufficient room is allowed for a roadway on the bank of the river.Otago Witness, Issue 1053, 3 February 1872
WASTE LAND BOARD.The same report also appeared with the full text of the letter included: Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 404, 7 February 1872
A meeting of the Waste Land Board was held on the 29th ult. There were present—the Chief Commissioner, Mr J. T. Thomson, in the chair, and Messrs Reid, Duncan, and Hughes.
...
An opinion was read from the Provincial Solicitor respecting the right of the Corporation of Balclutha to interfere with the erection of a mill on land there leased to Mr Doull by the Board; and also, a letter from the Town Clerk of Balclutha on the same subiect, complaining that the Municipal Council had not been consulted. It was stated that the Board could not consult the Council in the matter, as the Municipality had not been created at the time of granting the lease to Mr Doull; also, that the Board, as advised by the provincial Solicitor, were of opinion that they had not exceeded their powers.
Wednesday, 31st instThere was follow up public meeting on the matter: Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 405, 14 February 1872
A meeting of the Waste Land Board was held yesterday. There were present— The Chief Commissioner, Mr J. T. Thomson in the chair, and Messrs Reid, Duncan, and Hughes....
An opinion was read from the Provincial Solicitor, respecting the right of the Corporation of Balclutha to interfere with the erection of a mill on land there leased to Mr Doull by the Board; and the following letter from the Town Clerk of Balclutha on the same subject, complaining that the Municipal Council had not been consulted :-
Municipality of Balclutha, Balclutha, Jan. 27th, 1872.It was stated that the Board could not consult the Council in the matter, as the Municipality had not bean created at the time of lease to Mr Doull; also, that the Board, as advised by the Provincial Solicitor, were of opinion that they had not exceeded their powers.
To the Chairman and Members of the Waste Land Board, Dunedin.
Gentlemen, - I am directed by his Worship the Mayor and Members of the Town Council to communicate to you their objections to the lease recently granted by your Board to Mr Robert Doull, as a site upon which to erect a flour mill.
The site, as shown in a marginal sketch on Mr Doull's lease, is clearly a part of what has hitherto been, and still is shown on all maps of the northern part of this township, under the name of Hasborough Place. In addition to this the Council has had placed before it the survey map of Block II, Hillend district, made in June, 1862, by Jamea Mitchell, sub-assistant surveyor. In that survey there is a clearly defined road line traced along the river bank, and the intention to consider the said road line, beyond the area of that particular survey, is manifestly implied by the extension of the lines to a distance which actually intersects the area contained in Mr Doull's lease.
In addition to the many objections which might be urged against private in individuals becoming possessed of frontages to a navigable river of such importance as the Clutha, the Town Council is of opinion that the course adopted by the Waste Lands Board, in Mr Doull's case, is a breach of faith with parties who have purchased land under the impression that their joint interests in streets, road lines and public reserves would be held in trust by the Government and local authorities as securely to them for their use and benefit as if such streets, road lines, and reserved had been Crown Land granted to them simultaneously with their fee simple.
The Council further directs me to remind your Board that when Mr Doull'a lease was applied for, no intimation of the Boards intention to grant the application, or even that such an application had been made was ever made to the Council, while, only a few weeks back, an application for permission to erect a jecty at Queenstown was referred to the Town Council of that place for its report thereon.
As a further objection to the alienation of river frontage it may be pointed out that the tracking of boats along the river bank cannot be carried on without the parties so engaged rendering themselves liable to an action for trespass at the hands of parties who may have become lessees or in any other way possess exclusive rights thereto. It may also be mentioned, inter alia, that, at the time of making the embankment which forms the north approach to the Balclutha bridge, the blocking up of this particular road way was pointed out to the Provincial Engineer who acknowledged the claim of the up-stream settlers by forcing a lead onto the very line which Mr Doull's mill will effectually block up.
In bringing this matter before your Board the Members of the Town Council instruct me to convey their assurance that only a sense of public duty has prompted them - after full consideration - to record a respectful protest against what promises to be a dangerous precedent, and is, in reality, a serious grievance to the proprietors of adjacent land and settlers on the banks of the river whose property will be approachable only on sufferance.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient servant, Wm. Ralston, Town Clerk.
A public meeting was held in Barr's Hall, Balclutha, on the evening of Tuesday last, the 6th inst., for the purpose of considering the position of the Corporation with respect to the lease granted by the Waste Land Board to Mr Robert Doull. His Worship the Mayor presided, and after explaining the object of the meeting, called upon the Town Clerk to read an opinion which had been received from the Town Solicitor as to the legal merits of the case. Our space does not admit of our publishing the opinion in full, but in substance it was in accordance with one recently given to the Waste Land Board by the Provincial Solicitor. The Chairman said it then rested with the ratepayers what action should be taken. A resolution was proposed by Mr W. Stewart, duly seconded and carried by a large majority, to the effect that the ratepayers disapprove of leases of river frontage being granted to private individuals. It was then moved, "That as the Superintendent was staying in the township for the night, a deputation of five wait upon his Honor for the purpose of laying the matter before him." This being carried, we understand that the Superintendent arranged to visit the site on the following morning. We are unable to say what was the result.Despite the problems with the site, the same page of the paper also praised the mill:
A much larger amount of land than usual has been sown in wheat this season, owing to the new flour mill erected by Mr R. Doull in the district.
Doull was thus soon looking for another site in Balclutha to move the mill to: Otago Daily Times, Issue 3314, 19 September 1872
WASTE LANDS BOARD.Otago Daily Times, Issue 3326, 3 October 1872
The weekly meeting of the Waste Lands Board was held yesterday. There were present, the Chief Commissioner, Mr J. T. Thomson (in the chair), and Messrs Allan, Duncan, and Hughes....
Mr R. Doull applied for section 1, block II, Balclutha (and which was a Railway Reserve), as a site for a mill. The Chairman was rather in favour of leasing it, but Mr Doull said he desired to purchase it. The application was referred to the Government.
It appeared that His Honour the Superintendent had withdrawn the reservation over section 1, block II., Balclutha, applied for by Mr Robert Doull, as a site for a flour mill. A decision on an application by Mr G. F. Reid, on behalf of Mr Doull, to purchase or lease the land was postponed.Doull later asked for one of his leases to be cancelled, presumably the one that there had been all the objections to: Otago Witness, Issue 1124, 14 June 1873
WASTE LANDS BOARD.The mill was indeed moved, and a steam engine installed: Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 516, 1 August 1873
The usual weekly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday week. There were present: - The Chief Commissioner (in the chair), and Messrs Butterworth, Tolmie, Strode, and Clark....
REQUEST TO CANCEL A LEASE.
Mr R. Doull asked that his lease of a mill site at Balclutha should be cancelled. Request granted.
Mr R. Doull's Steam Flour and Oatmeal Mills, Balclutha.Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 16, 22 October 1874The above mill is situate on the bank of the Molyneux river, and in close proximity to the north end of the Balclutha Bridge. It was previously erected some twenty or thirty chains higher up the river, with the intention of obtaining a water power by means of "Thomson's Screw" inserted in the river, but after repeated trials of the screw and surface wheels, and at an outlay of about L4OO, this site had to be abandoned. It was then removed to the site it now occupies.
The mill is constructed of wood, and built upon piles of the heart of goa. Its entire length is fifty feet by twenty feet wide and nineteen feet high, with three floors.
The engine is one of Gray's of Uddington, horizontal, with two ten-inch cylinders, and of twenty horse-power, capable of driving four pair of stones.
The stones, two pair in number, are French burr flour mill-stones, four feet in diameter, and situate on the middle floor. They are driven by bevel pinions from horizontal shafting, which extends the full length of that portion of the building occupied by the stones. A belt taken from this shaft drives another shaft nearly the extreme length of the building, from which the elevators, silk-dressing machine, corn-screen, and sack-tackle, which is selfacting, derive their propelling power.
The wheat for grinding is received upon the second floor, where it is emptied into the smutting machine ; from there it is conveyed by elevators to the top floor to the corn-screen hoppers, which are very commodious, the hoppers emptying themselves again into "the stones. The flour from the stones is then raised to the top floor, and passes through a long cooler, from which it is conveyed to the silk dressing machine (which is twenty-eighfe feet long, three in diameter, situate upon the second floor), and from which the flour is received. The silk dresser and stones are a convenient distance apai't, so that one man can manage the whole workings at his ease.
The quantity of flour which the mill can run through at present, is from four to five tons per day, but Mr Doull intends erecting a large silk dresser, some ten feet larger than the present one; then the daily production will be considerably increased.
The oatmeal mill which is only in course of erection, is expected to be completed within a few weeks. It will be fitted up with one pair of stones of the same dimensions as the flour mill-stones.
A barley mill is also intended to be completed by about January 1874. The machinery for its construction has arrived at Port Chalmers, from the home country.
We wish Mr Doull every success in his enterprise, and hope to see the Balclutha flour, oatmeal, and barley mills - ere many years have passed away - considerably enlarged, and busily employed.
We have had an opportunity of inspecting Mr Doull's flour and oatmeal mills, situated at the end of the bridge here , the whole machinery of which has just been completed and is now in full working order. In the flour mill are two pairs of stones, smutter, and one of Ransomes and Sim's best corn screens. The silk-dressing machine has all the latest improvements and we believe is one of the best in the country. In the oatmeal department there is one pair of stones which have been specially selected at home as suitable for shelling and grinding. In both departments there are full sets of elevators so that after the grain has been filled in the hoppers it has not again to be handled until after it is bagged in the shape of flour or meal. The motive power is a steam engine, 20 horse, and which is capable of driving three pairs of stones. The kiln is a brick building: 14 feet inside, capable of drying from 40 to 60 bushels of oats at a time, and filve kilns can be dried in twenty four hours. The whole works are extensive and thoroughly substantial, and capable of doing a very large trade. That mills of the kind has long been required in the district every one knows. The situation selected by Mr. Doull is a central one for the whole of the surrounding districts, and it now only remains for the settlers to extend to him their hearty support in his expensive and important undertaking. So far as gone, we believe Mr Doull has had no reason to complain in this respect and at present the business is rapidly increasing. We say - Long may it continue to do so.Otago Daily Times, Issue 3594, 12 August 1873
A new flour mill, worked by steam, has recently been started at Balclutha by Mr Robert Doull, and is turning out a very superior sample of flour.Although the advertised name had long mentioned oatmeal, in reality the mill was mostly a flour mill, and the oatmeal mill side of things was expanded later: Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 17, 29 October 1874
CLUTHA STEAM AKD OATMEAL MILLS.
ROBERT DOULL begs to intimate to the inhabitants of the Clutha and surrounding districts that to his flour mill, which has been in operation at Balclutha for the past two years, he has now added an OATMEAL MILL.
He is therefore now prepared to supply oatmeal of the best quality, and customers may rely upon having it always fresh.
In 1876, it was further expanded by adding a saw mill.
Doull sold the Balclutha mill in 1878: Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 215, 23 August 1878BALCLUTHA FLOUR AND OATMEAL MILLS.Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 215, 23 August 1878
We, the undersigned, having purchased the Balclutha Flour and Oatmeal Mills from Mr R. Doull, beg to intimate to the farmers and settlers of the Clutha District, and the business community of Balclutha, that we are prepared to undertake Gristing, and to supply Flour and Oatmeal of the first quality. Persons entrusting us with their gristing may depend upon it receiving our careful attention and prompt despatch.
Grists sent to us by rail will be taken delivery of at Balclutha Station, and returned to same place free of extra charge.
Oatmeal can be had in exchange for oats.
Cash buyers of first-class samples of wheat and oats.
E. N. LEGGE & CO., Steam Flour and Oatmeal Mills, Balclutha.
It will be observed that Messrs E. N. Legge and Co., of Tokomairiro, have purchased from Mr R. Doull the Balclutha flour and oatmeal mills. Mr Legge has long been engaged in the same trade in Tokomairiro. He has also secured for the mills here the services of a gentleman who has for years occupied the office of manager of one of the largest mills in Dunedin. There is thus every prospect that the want of a thoroughly good and efficiently managed flour and oatmeal mill in this quarter will now be removed. There can be no doubt that there has been an opening here for a first-class miller, and we believe Mr. Legge will make every arrangement and every effort to meet the wants of the community in this respect. We heartily wish the new firm every success.
Clutha Leader, Volume XIX, Issue 971, 24 February 1893
The citizens of Balclutha, as well as the settlers through out the district, will be pleased to know that the Balclutha Flour and Oatmeal Mills are again about to start work. The buildings, plant, etc., have just been purchased by Messrs William and John Davie, who hail from Aberdeen, both thoroughly experienced practical millers. We may just mention that William has been a miller "all his life," and has had charge of some of the best roller flour mills in Canterbury, while for the past two years John has had charge of the oatmeal department of Mr P. M'Gill's mill, at Milton. Before starting the mill, the new proprietors intend to considerably improve and add to the machinery. Amongst other things they will introduce rollers in connection with the stones, and will thus be able to produce flour of a much finer quality than can be produced with the stones alone. The improvements will take about a month to complete, but it is anticipated everything will be in readiness for this season's grain. Messrs Davie intend to carry on the business in all its branches, but we understand the new proprietors of this mill are thoroughly substantial and responsible men, financially and otherwise, and we believe the settlers only require to make their acquaintance when they will be ready to extend to them their fullest confidence. Thus, another "felt want" here has been supplied and supplied too in a manner we believe will lead to the most satisfactory results to all concerned.
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