Spence and Hay's steam mills, Oamaru, New Zealand 🌍

Oamaru (#nz2113)

North Otago Times, Volume XIX, Issue 901, 13 January 1874

MESSRS SPENCE AND HAY'S NEW STEAM MILLS.
This district is rapidly acquiring a reputation for the excellent quality of its floor; indeed, although for some years previous to the imposition of the duty upon imported floor, which almost compelled consumers to rely upon local productions, there was a strong prejudice against the produce of New Zealand mills, the result of this almost enforced dependence upon local supply has been entirely to dispute this prejudice, and to prove that floor made from New Zealand grown grain can hold its own with any, even with that of Adelaide, which long held the premier position. It is now conceded on all hands that the flour of the Oamaru district is equal to any in the market, and the pulse of the market is absolute proof of this, seeing that Oamaro flour commands higher rates than flour from any other district in the Colony. This fact, and the consequent increased demand, has given an impetus to local enterprise, and as the latest instance of this we note the erection of large and well fitted steam mills, by Messrs Spence and Hay. These are situate near the junction of Itchen and Severn Streets, on the west side of the Severn-street bridge, the site being that formerly occupied by the residence of Mr J. Thomas. The new mill, whioh is 43 feet in height, is built of Oamaru stone (the contractor being Mr W. Baudinet), and covers a ground area of 160 by 80 feet. It has three floors, and is lighted by 42 lights. The machinery is driven by an engine of 16 horse power, capable of working up to 25 horsepower, with multitubular boiler (a great improvement) upon the old Cornish boiler), set in Oamaru stone. The engine, which is a splendid piece of workmanship, and works very smoothly, is the manufacture of Messrs Kincaid, McQueen, and Co., Dunedin, who are rapidly establishing a wide reputation as manufacturing engineers and machinists. A short distance from the engine-room is the smoke-shaft, 70ft. high - also built of Oamaru stone. The coal at present used is Shag Point. Coal from the Big Hill, Papakaio, has been tried, but the engineer informs us that to obtain an eqaal amount of steam only one ton of Shag Point coal is required as against one-and-a-half ton of Papakaio. The mill itself is furnished with the most approved modern appliances. The grain, lifted from the ground floor by a self-acting hoist, is taken up to the upper storey, whence it descends into the "smatter" on the ground-floor; hence it is taken by the elevators again to the upper floor, thence descending into the millstones. These are 4ft. French burrs, and there are now two pair at work; an additional pair is to be added shortly. The two pairs at present at work are capable of turning out eight tons of flour in the 24 hours. From the millstones the meal descends to the "creepers" on the lower floor; thence passing to elevators, which convey it to the "cooler" (28ft. long); whence it passes into the "silks," whioh separate it into fine flour, seconds, pollard, bran, etc. The pulleys are all turned with bright shafting, and the stones are driven by bevelled gear; the framings are all of cast iron. Mr Jeffrey, the manager of the mill, has our thanks for the courtesy shown to our reporter, and Messrs Spence and Hay our best wishes for the success which their enterprise deserves.