In Sept 1862 it was announced that the windmill from Christchurch had been purchased for reerection at Leithfield Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1027, 13 September 1862
TOWNSHIP OF LEITHFIELD, ON THE KOWAI
The Windmill now on the Windmill road, Christchurch, has been purchased by the proprietor, and arrangements are being made for its immediate erection on a capital site; and already there are a butcher, blacksmith, shoemaker, and post-office, beside Mr. Leith's well known comfortable accommodation house, established within the township, and the line of railway to the north runs within a short distance of it.
TO PAINTERS.Whilst yet to be moved, it was again referenced by advertising copy as a benefit to its new town: Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1051, 6 December 1862
TENDERS wanted, for contract to paint the windmill about to be erected in the township of Leithfield, on the Kowai. The ironwork to receive 1 coat of red lead, and the woodwork two coats of paint. Tenders to be directed to Mr. John Leith, Leithfield; who will not be bound to accept the lowest or any tender.
THE TOWNSHIP OF LEITHFIELD.
This township is situated within sight of the sea, surrounded by a large and rapidly improving agricultural district, with the windmill which is being removed from Christchurch to a capital site within the town, all helping to concentrate trade there.
A PIONEER'S STORY.Star (Christchurch), Issue 17362, 17 October 1924, Page 8
MR JAMES ASHWORTH TELLS OF THE EARLY DAYS.
SOME OF THE EARLY TITLE-HOLDERS.
Mr James Ashworth, of "Harlestone," the stone-house on the North Road between Saltwater Creek and Leithfield, has favoured the "Star" with some very interesting recollections which would not only serve as a vivid description of pioneer life, but also as a historical record of the settlement of North Canterbury. Mr Ashworth is one of the Canterbury pioneers, vhose reminiscences become more valuable every year.
... The next accommodation house on the main road was Leith's - Leith gave his name to Leithfield. He built his hotel about 1858 or early in 1859. Leithfield very shortly afterwards was a considerable and prosperous town. I carted the first windmill in Canterbury from "Windmill Road" (from which this road gets its name) to Leithfield, where it was fitted up, and was the first flour mill in North Canterbury, where it was run by Leith. The mill stood there for fourteen or fifteen years, but was finally blown away in a gale.
Mr J. Ashworth's reminiscences of early days in North Canterbury, which appeared some time ago in the "Star" were so widely and favourably commented on, that readers will be sure to welcome a further article, which he has given to the "Star." This article which will appear in to-morrow's issue, deals with the transit to Leithfield of the big windmill from which Windmill Road, Christchurch, look its name.This was followed up by a remarkably detailed story of the move - especially since the junior J Ashworth was only 17 or 18 at the time it took place: Star (Christchurch), Issue 17363, 18 October 1924, Page 24 (Supplement)
Transit of the Windmill.Star (Christchurch), Issue 17411, 13 December 1924, Page 24
MR JAMES ASHWORTH TELLS OF A BIG HAUL.
In reminiscences of the early days of the Canterbury Settlement, reference has been made to the windmill from which Windmill Road took its name. Owned and worked by Messrs Wood Bros. it did good service to the early settlers in Christchurch and vicinity for several years in producing a good supply of flour.THE MILL IS SOLD.
About the year 1866 Messrs Wood Bros disposed of the mill to Mr Leith, the founder of the Leithfield township which in the 'sixties was a centre of considerable importance with a population of about 500 persons. Mr Leith's idea was to plan the mill on an eminence in the township overlooking the Kowai riverbed, an ideal spot to catch the winds from all directions. The stupendous undertaking of transporting the mill bodily with all the machinery intact from Christchurch to its new site, a distance of about thirty miles, over roads with long stretches more or less loose and soft, and across unbridged rivers, had now to be raced. Mr Leith found a firm named Anderson and Sharp willing to tackle the job, and a contract was signed up.THE HORSES AND THE TROLLEY.
The question of horse power to haul the great load had to he considered, and Mr James Ashworth, senr., the man most experienced in road transit at that time, undertook to supply a team of twelve staunch horses. It was now that Mr James Ashworth, junr., whose recently published reminscences have been read with much interest, came upon the scene as his father's assistant in the management of the team, and what follows is his story of probably the greatest road transit adventure hitherto recorded in the history of Canterbury.
The first task that presented itself to the contractors was the construction of an enormous trolley. This being ready to receive its load the heavy and dangerous job of placing the mill on the trolley had next to be undertaken, and this was accomplished without mishap. The mill was laid on the trolley in a horizontal position, and its round shape made it difficult to prevent its swaying on its bed. This, however was overcome by attaching three guy ropes on each side of the load, and each rope was held by a man when the trolley was in motion throughout the whole journey.THIRTY MEN ON THE JOB.
It may be here noted that the contractors' gang consisted of thirty men, and it was found that the number was none too many to deal with the difficulties and the misadventures met with on route. A considerable outfit of breakdown tools, and material was carried, and last, but, not least in the eyes of the gang, there followed a cart well loaded with refreshments, chiefly of a liquid nature, for consumption on the dry stretches between the hotels and accommodation houses which, however, were considerably more numerous than in the present day.CLEARING WIRES IN THE CITY
There are, no doubt, many people still in Christchurch who recollect seeing the windmill on its way along Oxford Terrace, Cashel Street, Colombo Street, and one of the streets leading off Colombo Street to the Papanui Road. The telegraph wires met with caused some trouble, the top of the load being eight feet above the lines. To obtain a clearance the wires had to be detached from the nearest posts, and lifted by two men who had a precarious climb up the side of the mill to reach the wires and raise them. Just after crossing the Colombo Street bridge the first mishap occurred, two of the tyres on the trolley wheels bursting. This happened towards evening, but by 8 o'clock the next morning repairs had been effected and a fresh start was made. All went well until a soft spot was found on the Papanui Road opposite Wagstaff's trolloway works, one of the trolley wheels sinking through to the axle. Lifting jacks were soon in requisition, however, and the wheel being raised on to a plank, another move forward was made. Progress was good until what is now known as Chaney's Corner was reached. There the road was so soft that two wheels went down, leaving the load resting on the trolley axle. At this point it became evident that the twelve-horse team would not be able to haul the load over the loose, soft road leading to the Waimakariri ferry, and while the gang was busy raising the trolley wheels on to a bed of planks, Mr Ashworth, by having the country scoured for a radius of several miles, got together another fourteen horses of a nondescript appearance.TWENTY-SIX HORSES ON ONE HAUL.
After some trouble the twenty-six horses were harnessed up to tbe load, and everything was ready for a fresh start. Then happened an incident that bordered on the miraculous. A man named Price was standing in front of the two leaders holding them steady, when the word was given to go. The horses did go, in fact they ran away. Price was knocked down, and the horrified onlookers, seeing the whole team pass over him, expected to see a mangled corpse under the trolley. Not so, however, for when the load passed on Price leaped to his feet and widely swinging his arms shouted "Thank God no bones broken." It seemed that he was saved by the narrow lane between the horses. Beyond a bruise or two where horses feet had struck him he was uninjured, and after a liberal internal application of alcoholic embrocation from the refreshment cart, he was fit for work again.
The horses having been got under control, they expeditiously and safely hauled their load to the Waimakariri, where Felton's ferry punt was the only means of crossing. The ferryman knowing that the weight of the load would come perilously near swamping his punt, refused to attempt to the crossing until the water became dead calm. This caused a delay of four days. Then came a morning without a ripple on the water, and the trolley with its load having been hauled on to the punt, by means of a winch and tackle, the stream was safely negotiated, although there was only two or three inches between the top of the punt and the surface of the water.HORSES GIVE WAY TO BULLOCKS
Before this time it had become abundantly evident to Mr Ashworth that it would be out of the question to expect the horses to haul the mill over the none-too-good road ahead, which included the Ashley River ford, and the substitution of bullocks was decided upon. During the delay at tbe ferry Mr Ashworth was fortunate in securing the services of thirty-six working bullocks which when yoked up to the trolley moved off with the load with little apparent effort. Nearing Kaiapoi by a circuitous route, not now used, disaster was within an ace of occuring in crossing a bridge. Mr Ashworth, who was watching the progress of the load over the bridge, noticed the wheels of the trolley making for the edge of the planking, there being no siderail, and it was only by the men rushing at the bullocks and causing them to deviate from their track that the situation was saved, the front wheel being within two or three inches of the edge when it was turned back. Had the load gone over the three men holding the guy ropes on that side in the bed of the stream helow, would have had little chance of saving their lives.PERILS ON THE ROAD.
The next cause for anxietv was in crossing the Saltwater Creek Bridge, which was then in course of construction. The decking was down, but there was room for being dubious as to whether the bridge in its uncompleted state was capable of taking the load. Measurement showed that there would be not more than a foot between the wheels and the outer edge of the decking, the hand rail not being in position. However, it was decided to make the venture after planks had been laid lengthways to take the wheels, but the bullocks were unhitched and four of the staunchest and quietest horses were selected to take their place. These, with a push behind by the men, proved equal to the task given and the crossing was effected without any untoward incident, whilst the contractors for the bridge erection had the satisfaction of knowing that their work had withstood the severest test it was ever likely to be put to. Crossing the Ashley riverbed gave the opportunity of seeing the bullock team making its best effort. Patiently and steadily it strained at the yoke until the better road beyond was reached, and from thence onward to Leithfield no serious difficulties were met with.A BACCHANALIAN CELEBRATION
The excitement caused by the safe arrival of the windmill can be better imagined than described, and it goes without saying that its triumphant entry into the township was the signal for a bacchanalian celebration of the transit gang and residents, the duration of which was, in the case of many, measured only by capacity and a seasoned condition. Even champagne was not wanting, one Ben Packwood, a well known settler, having wagered a case that the contractors would fail to get the mill to its destination. The wager being promptly honoured, the sparkling liquor was as promptly consumed by those responsible for the successful completion of the great task.
The mill being safely delivered at the foot of the eminence it was to occupy, the next problem that presented itself was how best to haul it to the top. At this stage the contractors called enough and threw up the job, and it may be here noted that they eventually sought the quiet shade of the bankruptcy court to relieve themselves of debts incurred. Mr Ashworth's father being a loser to the tune of £250, amongst several others.THE MILL INSTALLED.
But to return to the adventures of the mill, by the aid of a winch it was successfully hauled to the top of the hillock, and then the final and formidable task of raising it to a perpendicular position and placing it on its foundations had to be undertaken. A derrick or crane was erected, and a beam was run through the upper windows of the mill, to which the hoisting rope was attached. All went well until the mill was some little height in the air, when something gave way and it fell with a crash, with the result that the side was stove in. Another attempt was made to up-end it, but this, too. resulted in disaster, another fall badly damaging the top of the mill house. Eventually, however, the mill was placed firmly on its foundations and for about seventeen years thereafter it formed a landmark to be seen for many miles around, and turned out hundreds of tons of flour, the greater part of which was carted away by Mr Ashworth. At the end of the period named the roof and upper part of the mill walls had become decayed past repair, and the mill was closed down. The machinery being still in good working order it was transferred to another building in the vicinity of Amberley, where for several more years it was run by water-power.
As an appendix to his story of the great trek told to the "Star" representative, Mr Ashworth remarked that he estimated that the proprietors of the public houses on route each benefited to an amount of from £10 to £30 from the custom of the gang and the people attracted by the novel sight of the windmill.
SCRAPS OF OLD HISTORY.The story of the move was retold by Dr Hilgendorf, and thence by Simon Wood, when publicising the plan to build a replica at Ferrymead: Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32763, 13 November 1971, Page 11
"A Sceptic.""who raised the question as to the transport of the Christchurch windmill to Leithlield, in the early 'sixties, and the means employed to cross the north branch of the Waimakariri River - then a swift current from 12 to 15ft in depth, and 100 ft wide - is informed that Mr James Ashworth who had the contract, was equal to the emergency. Mr Wiliiam White had a bridge at the west end of Charles Street, near the then Northern Hotel. The bridge, although constructed with a part of the roadway that could be opened with a windless, was for the occasion strengthened with heavy baulks of timber, over which the horses and thirty-six heavy bullocks were able to draw the mill from south to north, while all vehicles were held up for about an hour. Once over the stream, the team drew the mill on timber bearers with rollers. Then the route was across a sandy waste (now Paufurly Street), deviating over the present public domain as well as making rough trip through the matagowrie growing where the golf links are now, and emerging on to th© North Road, direct from Moody's lagoon, and Maori Harrison's bridge. Here about 300 Maori - of the Kaiapoi Pa called out "Kapais," and were filled with wonder at the masterly direction of Mr Ashworth, the well-drilled employees, and the grand "Heave-ho" as the cavalcade moved on to make the ford of the Ashley River, a broad but shallow river, whose bed was clear of trees or growths of any kind. The next river course was at Saltwater Creek, and then there was a fairly level track to Leithfield.
... In 1863 he sold the windmill to Mr John Leith, of Leithfield. The task of shifting the big mill the 23 miles north to its new site would have been formidable with all the engineering and mechanical resources of today: then, using horses and bullocks, with poor roads and an open ferry across the Waimakariri River, the immensity of the task can raise only admiration for those doughty pioneers.
In his possession, Mr Simon Wood has a vivid account of how it was done. It is contained in "A History of a Wind-Driven Flourmill in Canterbury," written in 1941 by Dr F. W. Hilgendorf, then director of the Wheat Research Institute. In it Dr Hilgendorf quotes from a newspaper cutting from the 1920s, in which the son of the teamster involved recalls the episode.
At the time of the shift (which according to this account took place in 1866), James Ashworth was a lad in his teens, and his father, also James, was a cartage contractor at Glenmark and other North Canterbury stations.Contract let
The contract to move the mill was let by Mr Leith to the firm of Anderson and Sharp, who built a special trolley, and employed James (senior) to provide the teams to pull it. The mill was laid bodily on the trolley, and Mr Ashworth provided "twelve high-class horses..." to draw it, Dr Hilgendorf writes.
These moved the mill easily on the good roads of Christchurch. Guy ropes from the mill were held by three men who marched beside the mill throughout the whole journey.
The top of the load was 8ft higher than the telegraph wires across the road, and these had to be moved whenever they were encountered.
The mill travelled along Oxford Terrace, and crossed the Avon at the Colombo Street bridge. Here two of the iron tyres on the trolley burst, but were repaired "within a day or two."
On Papanui Road the trolley sank through the road surface, but was packed up and released. It bogged down again badly at Chaney's; and to haul it out and keep it moving a further 14 horses - this time "mostly nondescripts" - were secured, and the 26 horses managed to get the mill to Felton's Ferry, on the bank of the Waimakariri River.
Here there were serious doubts whether the ferry could carry the load, and the whole entourage had to wait for four days for dead calm conditions. Finally the trolley and mill were loaded, and with only 3in of freeboard, the ferry crept across the river.
With the prospect of softer roads ahead, the place of the horse team was then taken by 36 bullocks; hauled by these, the trolley continued its journey, negotiating the Ashley River ford, and the then incomplete Saltwater Creek bridge without incident.
"There was great excitement on the arrival of the mill at Leithfield," Dr Hilgendorf writes. "Some settler paid out the case of champagne he had wagered against the success of the haulage contract.
"Within 50 yards of the new mill site however, the contractors retired to the shade of the bankruptcy court, and Ashworth lost £250 that he had paid for the hire of horses and bullocks."
The site chosen for the mill at Leithfield was known as The Mound, a river-separated fragment of the terrace formation in the district. A ramp was built with spoil dug from a section of the top of The Mound, and from the road the mill was handwinched up to the excavated shelf some 6ft below the hill's original top.
But the saga was not yet done: to bring the mill erect again, beams were passed through the top windows, and from these, ropes travelled to a derrick: twice the ropes broke and the mill fell flat again, before, on the third attempt, it was brought upright at last.The Mound
There are still memories and reminders of the mill in Leithfield, though the structure itself has long since vanished. Members of the Ashworth family still live in the district, and know the story of the mill well. The present Mr James Ashworth is the great grandson of the teamster James, and recently he pointed out the remaining signs of the mill.
The Mound is still there, now crowned by tall bluegum trees, and the ramp still forms access to its summit. The two levels of The Mound's top are now thickly turfed, but faintly discernible on the lower shelf is a slightly raised, circular area and some almost obscured concrete which is doubtless the remnant of the mill's foundation identified by Dr Hilgendorf in 1941. Now only a dog kennel occupies the commanding site.
A small depression nearby is almost certainly the well, now filled, which was sunk in the mill's time to provide water for a steam engine. Wind power here, too, evidently proved erratic, and Dr Hilgendorf writes that an engine was finally installed to provide additional power.
Mr Ashworth also knew of one more relic of the mill which still exists in the district. One of his neighbours, he said, had a walking stick which was carved from one of the mill's sails ... And there, at the nearby home of Mr W. J. Russell, this treasured family heirloom was to be found, with its closegrained, polished wood and knobbed top, lacking only the silver mounting it had once had - made from a melted shilling.
"My father was most upset when he lost that," recalled Mr Russell, who can also remember his father telling him of trips he made to the mill with wheat as a boy during the 1870's.
"He said he'd been all the way down there in a dray with the wheat, sometimes, and then had to come home again with no flour because there was no wind to turn the mill," Mr Russell said.
It was evidently such episodes as these that lead to the installation of the steam engine.
The walking stick had been carved for his father by a Mr Alec Trail, Mr Russell said; and though he is not sure exactly when, he believes it would have been about the turn of the century.
Although neither Mr Ashworth or Mr Russell knows of any other objects made from parts of the mill, some could well exist: a skilled wood-turner who appreciated good timber would probably not have stopped at one walking stick when there was such a plentiful supply of raw material handy.
Certainly the mill went somewhere; no-one seems to know exactly when or how. Probably some portions are serving unrecognised in fences or local buildings, said Mr Ashworth.
The last definite record of any part of it is described by Dr Hilgendorf. His research shows that the stones were taken from the Leithfield mill for a new water-mill which worked at Amberley until 1903 and was dismantled about 1905.
DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.Press, Volume III, Issue 117, 14 March 1863, Page 7
NOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership lately subsisting between us the undersigned David Anderson and William Sharp, as builders, and carried on by us in Christchurch, within the province of Canterbury, under the style of Anderson and Sharp, was this day dissolved by mutual consent. Notice is also given that all moneys due to the said David Anderson and the said William Sharp must be paid to Mr. John Campbell Aikman, commission agent, and Mr. William Udal Bugler, ironmonger, both of Christchurch; and all accounts against the said firm be tendered to them for payment.
DAVID ANDERSON, WILLIAM SHARP.
Witnesses, Henry W. Felton, John Hepworth.
Dated this 10th day of March, 1863.
DAVID ANDERSON & WILLIAM SHARP'S ASSIGNMENT.and following that by other official notices from the trustees: Press, Volume III, Issue 130, 31 March 1863, Page 4
NOTICE is hereby given, that David Anderson and William Sharp of Christchurch, in the Province of Canterbury, New Zealand, co-partners, carrying on the business of Builders, have, by deed bearing date tho 10th day of March now instant, conveyed and assigned all their freehold and leasehold property situated in the Province of Canterbury aforesaid, and all the personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever of them the said David Anderson and William Sharp, unto John Campbell Aikman, of Christchurch aforesaid, commission agent, and William Udal Bugler, of Christchurch aforesaid, ironmongor, upon trust, for tho equal benefit of themselves and each other of the creditors of the said David Anderson and William Sharp, as should como in and execute the said deed within three calendar months from the date hereof.
Notice is also given that the said deed of assignment duly executed by the said David Anderson, William Sharp, John Campbell Aikman, and William Udall Bugler, and attested by Joshua Cuff, articled clerk, of Christchurch, now lies at the office of the undersigned for the inspection and execution of the creditors of the said David Anderson and William Sharp, and such of them as shall neglect or refuse to execute the said deed within the time aforesaid, will be excluded from all benefit that may arise therefrom.
By order of the Trustees, FRANCIS SLATER, Solicitor for the Trustees.
NOTICE is hereby given that a meeting of the Creditors of the late firm of Anderson and Sharp, of Lichfield-street, Christchurch, Builders will be holden at my offices on Tuesday next, the 31st day of March instant, at twolvo o'clock at noon precisely, to consider and determine the beet steps to be taken to realize the above estate.Press, Issue III, 24 June 1863, Page 3
Francis Slater, Solicitor for the Trustees, Lichfield-street.
27th March, 1863.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS.Some of their property was offered for sale the next year: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1247, 9 June 1864, Page 4
A MEETING OF CREDITORS of the Estate of Anderson and Sharp, Builders, will be held at the offices of the undersigned, on Monday next, the 29th June, at 12 o'clock noon precisely, to receive the Trustees', statement of affairs of the co-partnership.
Francis Slater, Solicitor for the Trustees Lichfield street.
Christchurch, June 23rd, 1868.
ALL CLAIMS against the Estate of Anderson and Sharp, Builders, must be sent in to the undersigned within one month from the date hereof, otherwise the same will be disallowed and all debts due to the late firm, not paid within tha above mentioned time will be recovered according to law,
Francis Slater, Solicitor for the Trustees.
Christchureh, June 23,1863.
LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES FOR POSITIVE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION.Benjamin Packwood, who anted up a crate of champagne when the mill was succcessfully moved also went bankrupt about 18 months later - probably not direcly connected: Press, Volume V, Issue 564, 20 August 1864, Page 1
MESSRS. AIKMAN & WILSON are instructed by the Trustees in Anderson and Sharp's Assignment, to sell by Public Auction, in their Offices on MONDAY, the 13th DAY of June, At one o'clock, Their interest in the following Properties -
Lease of part of Town Sections No. 887, 888, 889, and 890, situate close to Colombo and Lichfield Streets, behind Messrs. Brownell and Co.'s Store, the Lease has about 19 years to run, at an annual rental of only twenty-five pounds.
Lease of 25 feet frontage on Kilmore Street, by 82 feet 6 inches in depth, with work shops standing thereon, part of Town Section No. 158, the Lease 11 years to run, at an annual rental of five pounds.
Sale at one o'clock.
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND.
CANTERBURY DISTRICT.
In the Matter of the Debtors' and Creditors' Act, 1862, and in the matter of Benjamin Packwood, of Kaiapoi, in the province of Canterbury, laborer, carrying on business in Peraki street, Kaiapoi aforesaid, as a storekeeper, formerly as a farmer, of the North road, Kaiapoi,
And in the matter of the petition of the said Debtor.
In Chambers. This 19th day of August, 1864.
UPON the application of Mr. Slater of counsel for the said petitioner, Benjamin Packwood, after reading the said petition, purporting to be signed by the said petitioner such debtor as aforesaid, and to be concurred in by John Winterbourne, of Kaiapoi, storekeeper, a creditor to the extent of not less than fifty pounds in the whole, and also certain schedules, and also an affidavit to the said petition annexed, and therewith filed on the 17th day of August, pursuant to the said Act, this Court being satisfied of the truth of the matters contained in the said petition doth hereby grant an ad interim order of sequestration of the estate and effects of the said Benjamin Packwood, and doth direct that the estate and effects of the said Benjamin Packwood shall be taken and held by Henry Fowle Seager, of Christchurch, printer, as receiver under the said Act, hereby appointed by the Court, subject to such further orafer of the Court as may be made under or in pursuance of the provision of the Act: And this Court doth hereby appoint Tuesday, the 15th day of November next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, for the hearing of such petition and the proofs of debts and claims of creditors, at the Court-house, Christchurch aforeeaid : And the Court doth also further order and grant an ad interim order of protection to protect the person and estate of the said Benjamin Packwood from arrest, execution, or legal process until further orders of this Court.
By the Court, Christopher Alderson Calvert, Registrar.
[The seal of the Supreme Court of New Zealand]
Francis Slater, Solicitor to the petitioner.
The Harvest. — The harvest has begun in some parts of the province, and reaping will soon be general. At Leithfield, on the Kowai, wheat has been already cut and stacked, and the reaping machine is busy in the neighborhood. Had the windmill been at work, as expected, new flour might have been in the market, a matter of some consequence, as we hear that as much as £18 has been offered and refused for flour in that district, and that there is not sufficient water to turn the other mills.It must have come as something of a relief when the mill was ready to work Press, Volume III, Issue 136, 7 April 1863
LEITHFIELD WINDMILL.and Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1086, 8 April 1863
THE Windmill being at work at last, Mr Leith begs to inform his friends and the public that their orders will be carefully attended to for flour or grist, &c.
April 6th, 1863.
LEITHFIELD WINDMILL.The wording of the advertisment was slightly adjusted later, to make it clear this was a cash transaction: Press, Volume III, Issue 150, 25 April 1863, Page 8
MR. LEITH begs to inform his friends and the public that the Mill is at work, and that all orders for flour or grist will be carefully attended to.
April 6, 1863
LEITHFIELD WINDMILL.Interestingly now that the windmill was operational, the sales advertisments for building plots in the town no longer carried mention of the mill. Maybe it was easier to simply cut out the line about the mill being moved, than it was to actually change it to accurately report its current status.
THE Windmill being at work at last, Mr. Leith begs to inform his friends and the public that their orders will be carefully attended to for flour or grist, &c. - Terms: Cash.
April 6th, 1863.
WANTED, a good MILLER, to whom permanent employment will be given if he proves himself valuable to his employer. For particulars, apply to Mr. Leith, Leithfield.After a few months of operation, Leith looks to sell his Hotel, in order to concentrate on the windmill Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1134, 23 September 1863
FIRST-RATE HOTEL AND FREEHOLD FOR SALE.A variant ad gives much the same information: Otago Daily Times, Issue 556, 29 September 1863, Page 2
LEITHFIELD (KOWAI).
MESSRS. AIKMAN & WILSON have been instructed by the proprietors to sell that well known and favorite hotel known as Leith's (Kowai) Hotel, in the township of Leithfield, and on the high road to the West Coast.
Since opening the house the present proprietor has carried on a highly respectable and gradually increasing business, which is now thoroughly established, and the house is one of the best frequented in the province, and is only offered for sale in consequence of the present proprietor requiring to concentrate all his time and capital upon the management of the windmill which he has lately erected adjoining the freehold.
To a steady enterprising man this is an opportunity seldom to be met with of making a handsome competence in a very few years.
Terms liberal and price moderate.
FIRST-RATE HOTEL BUSINESS AND FREEHOLD FOR SALE,A few weeks later there is also an ad published offering to sell the mill instead: Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1143, 15 October 1863
LEITHFIELD (KOWAI), CANTERBURY.
MESSRS AIKMAN AND WILSON have been instructed by the proprietor to sell that well-known and favorite Hotel, known as LEITH'S (KOWAI) HOTEL, in the Township of Leithfield, and on the high road to the West Coast.
Since opening the House the present proprietor has carried on a highly respectable and gradually incrensing business, which is now thoroughly established and the house is one of the best frequented in the Province, and is only offered for sale in consequence of the present proprietor requiring to concentrate all his time and capital upon the management of the windmill which he has lately erected adjoining the Freehold.
To a steady, enterprising man this is an opportuhity seldom to be met with of making a handsome competency in a very few years.
Every information can be obtained as to terms, price, &c. by application to the auctioneers, High street. Christchurch.
WINDMILL, LEITHFIELD, (KOWAI).Almost immediately a longer version of the ad appeared, to make it clear that Leith was looking to concentrate on just one of the businesses, and thus was willing to sell either the hotel, or the windmill: Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1144, 17 October 1863, Page 6
FOR SALE.
MESSRS. AIKMAN & WILSON have been instructed by Mr. Leith to offer for sale, the windmill and four acres land, situate immediately adjoining his hotel in the township of Leithfield.
A very favorable opportunity is here offered to any one desirous of commencing the milling business, the township being in the centre of a large agricultural district, and a considerable and rapidly increasing trade already established.
Price and terms moderate, to be obtained from the auctioneers, or from Mr. Leith.
TO BE SOLD OR LET ON LEASE.
MR. LEITH is willing to sell the Freehold, or the Good Will, and let upon lease
EITHER
That Well Known and Favourite HOTEL at Leithfield, on the Kowai.
or the
WINDMILL, Freehold or Leasehold.
Either of these Properties are a sure independance to an energetic man. But the two are too much for the proprietor.
There are some Choice Blocks of Land and Sections in this rising town which are worthy of attention.
As Mr. Leith wishes to concentrate all his efforts to the one business or the other, and is wishing to realise for that purpose, no Fair Offer will be refused.
Apply to MESSRS. AIKMAN & WILSON, Christchurch. or to MR. JOHN LEITH, Leithfield.
Auditor's court of enquiry.Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1327, 6 December 1864
A Court of Enquiry was held by the Provincial Auditor yesterday in terms of the Audit Act, for the purpose of ascertaining the causes of the loss on the Waitohi Store, West Coast Road Accounts.
... Alfred G. Rich : I am District Engineer for the Sefton District. ... Mr. Wylde again sent for me, and informed me that larger works were contemplated on the West Coast road, about 700 immigrants being to be put on it in a very short time. He requested me therefore to take the entire charge of the work. I asked him how the men were to be got there in the first place, and next how they were to be fed. Mr. Wylde said the Government would supply stores, and that I was to send carts to get them up. He said the wages were to be five shillings a day, though he did not think they could exist on that. I told him I thought they could. He said, we must see, and if they could not, they must have their stores at a price at which they could exist. ... I received instructions from Mr. Thornton as to taking flour from the Leithfield mill. Mr. Thornton's letter was dated 29th December, 1863. I have ordered no flour since receiving that letter. The work was stopped on the 26th Jan. The stores were carted by Messrs. Homersham, whose separate accounts made that head amount to £124 11s. The rate was £6 6s, per ton from Kaiapoi; £5 5s. from Leithfield to the camp. The distance from Kaiapoi is from 49 to 50 miles; from Leithfield fifteen miles less. The journey to the camp and back is in favorable circumstances a six days one for horse drays and seven for bullock teams.
FLOUR. FOR SALE. At Leith's Mill, Leithfield, 25 TONS OF FLOUR. Apply to JOHN LEITH December 5, 1864.Leith continued to look for a way out of the milling business, advertising for a miller: Press, Volume VII, Issue 731, 3 March 1865
TO MILLERS.
WANTED - For Leithfield Windmill, a good steady practical Man; one that has been accustomed to a windmill would be preferred. Must have good testimonials. Apply to John Leith, Leithfield
SELLING OFF.This was supplemented with other less grand notices: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1412, 13 June 1865
NOTICE TO CAPITALISTS.
MR. JOHN LEITH, of Leithfield, being about to leave the province, he now offers THE WHOLE OF HIS ESTATE FOR SALE, In one block or blocks, to suit purchasers.
The properties consist of THE TOWNSHIP OF LEITHFIELD, WITH The hotel Stables Garden and orchards The windmill, with two pairs of 4ft 6in stones A red-brick granary The miller's cottage &c., &c.
The whole of this land is well drained, and mostly in grass (the eastern portion not being cut into yet)
This valuable property is close to the sea, has excellent water, and is a rapidly rising place. To give a stranger some idea of the progress of this place, he must be told that already we have 2 hotels, 2 builders, 1 wheelwright, 1 blacksmith's shop with 3 forges, 1 butcher, 1 baker, 1 saddler, 1 shoemaker, large stores, a nursery garden, milkman, miller, and also milliners. A Resident Magistrate's Court is held here every fortnight, and police stationed here. The North road runs through the centre of the town, and is one and a-half chains wide.
Sections have sold here at the rate of £200 per acre.
Situation - 27 miles north of Christchurch; and excellent metalled roads all the way; and it is the main station for Cobb and Co.'s Coaches to the North.
Adjoining the township there is a SECTION OF RICH LAND, Securely fenced and drained, containing THIRTY-FIVE ACRES, And numbered 3040.
Also, SECTION No. 4444, CONTAINING TWENTY ACRES, Less some acres sold in acre blocks. This also adjoins the township.
Also, TWENTY ACRES ON THE SEA BEACH Fronting on the Kowai.
Also, THE TOWNSHIP OF BALCAIRN. This valuable property is situate on the GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY, And will become the depot for the North. This comprises Nos. 4527, 4526, and 4528.
Also, SECTION No. 1927, CONTAINING TWENTY ACRES OF EXCELLENT BUSH.
Also, SECTION NO. 6952 - A MILL SITE, The only one in the district. Twenty-five acres in this block; thirteen feet fall
Also, SECTION No. 8298, CONTAINING TWENTY ACRES, Situate at the Waitohi Gorge. Together with the buildings, consisting of a Public house, store, and stable.
Also, BULLOCKS, COWS, PIGS, HORSES, &c.
And LARGE STOCK OF STORES FROM THE WAITOHI, &c., &c., &c.
Apply to JOHN LEITH, Leithfield.
HOTEL, MILL, AND STORE, at Leithfield, On the Kowai.Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1414, 17 June 1865
TO BE SOLD OR LET
Either together or separate.
Apply to AIKMAN & WILSON.
FOR SALE, ALL that valuable ESTATE, comprising the eastern portion of the rising and well-known township of Leithfield, containing 60 odd acres of town land, together with the hotel and stables, garden, orchard, &c.; also, the windmill, new brick granary, and miller's cottage, &c.
For particulars, apply to MR. JOHN LEITH, Leithfield.
The "Canterbury Press," of the 5th inst., gives the following account of a shocking occurrence :- "Information reached Christchurch yesterday morning that Mr Leith had attempted suicide, and Dr Turnbull and Mr Duncan, the solicitor, at once proceeded to Leithfield to render assistance. Mr Leith, it appears, has for some time past been much harrassed about money matters, and on returning from town on Thursday evening he found that his daughter, who had been for some time unwell, was dying. This approaching affliction threw Mr Leith into a great state of excitement, and under its influence he attempted to kill himself by firing a loaded pistol at his chest, against which he placed the muzzle of the weapon, but by some cause the slugs with which it was loaded, instead of penetrating, diverged and passed round the breast, causing a frightful wound. Dr Turnbull returned to town last night, and, we are happy to state, holds out great hopes of Mr Leith's recovery."
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH.Press, Volume VIII, Issue 861, 10 August 1865, Page 2
WINDMILL, GRANARY, AND MILLER'S COTTAGE.
In the Rooms of the Auctioneer, At one o'clock.
MESSRS. AIKMAN AND WILSON have been instructed by Mr. John Leith to sell BY AUCTION, At their Rooms, on THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH, At one o'clock, A WINDMILL, In perfect working order, with LARGE GRANARY OF BURNT BRICK, AND BRICK COTTAGE FOR MILLER, Including TWO ACRES OF GROUND.
Twenty acres can also be bought at a low price, if required, in connection with the Mill. The foundations of the Mill are of brick, and the floor is of slate.
N.B. - This is a very desirable investment; a large business is doing, and, from its position in the midst of a prosperous agricultural district, is sure to increase.
Terms liberal, declared at sale.
SALES BY AUCTION THIS DAY.
Messes. AIKMAN & WILSON — At their Rooms, High street, at one o'clock — ... windmill and appurtenances at Leithfield.
WANTED. - A MILLER, for the Leithfield Windmill. Apply to JOHN LEITH, Leithfield. Sept. 9, 1865As a partial success, Leith found a miller Press, Volume VIII, Issue 922, 21 October 1865
Mr LEITH begs to inform his friends and customers that he has leased his Mill, &c., to Mr. Milne, and he hopes that he will meet with the same liberal support that has been bestowed hitherto, and he is now ready to attend to any orders that may come in. Leithfield, October 20, 1865.Milne's lease was reiterated by the Electoral Roll for Ashley, on which John Leith was "attending witness" to the entry for: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1664, 17 April 1866
In reference to the above, A. Milne begs to inform the public that it will be his endeavor to execute their orders in a business-like manner. Gristing done on the usual terms. Alex Milne. October 20, 1865
Alexander Milne, Leithfield, leasehold, Leithfield, windmill on part section 2543Leith certainly intended to leave for England, but it's unclear if he actually did: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1740, 14 July 1866
Mr. John Leith, of Leithfield, who was so well known from his long residence in the province, has been entertained at a dinner given by his friends in that district, previous to his departure for England. Mr. J. H. Moore occupied the chair, and a very pleasant evening was spent.Having taken on the mill, Milne needed to make some repairs, and eventually got it working again by wind, initially with 2 sails: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1826, 24 October 1866
Leithfield Windmill. - This mill, which was so well known to all the inhabitants of Christchurch, may now be seen at work in the old familiar style, free from the volumes of smoke in which it has lately been enveloped. On Monday afternoon the mill was steadily at work, with two sails set, which we understand will be amply sufficient for the work intended to be performed until the other two sails are ready, which will be in about a fortnight's time. Mr. Milne deserves great credit for the energy which he has shown in having the mill so soon in working order, notwithstanding the decision of those qualified to give an opinion openly expressed against his being able to do so. It is to be hoped that the mill, thanks to his active exertions, will repay him for the labour and pains which he has bestowed upon it,That "old familiar style" was a recognisable sight on the road north. Although this report was published years later, it would seem it refers to about this time: Press, Volume XX, Issue 2958, 25 October 1872, Page 3
A RAMBLING JOURNEY FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO THE HOT SPRINGS IN THE PROVINCE OF NELSON.Milne was still milling at the end of 1866: Press, Volume X, Issue 1275, 7 December 1866
A correspondent sends in the following account of a journey made by him about six years ago to the above springs :-
... A windmill gracefully turning to the wind comes in view, and by-and-by we come upon the village of Leithfield, or Kowai.
NOTICE.A further wanted ad in the following years was placed looking for the specialist skills of a millstone dresser: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2000, 18 May 1867
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, FLOURMLLLERS, hereby give notice that on and after the 1st January all Grists received into our Mills will be charged as follows:-
Wheat, ground and dressed, 1s per bushel
Wheat, smutted, 2d per bushel
Wheat, crushed, 6d per bushel
Signed -
Edward Steggall, Southbrook Mill,
W. Stonyer, Kaiapoi Mill,
John Grimwood, Rangiora Mill,
Aaron Bramley, Ravenswood Mill,
Peter Fearn, Cam Mill,
J. T. Peacock and Co., Mandeville Mill,
D. F. McVicar, Cust Mill,
A. Milne, Leithfield Mill.
Terms strictly cash.
December 1,1866
TO MILLERS.
WANTED, a steady Young MAN, who has a knowledge of Stone Dressing, to assist in the Leithfield Windmill. Reference required. Apply to Mr JOHN LEITH, Leithfield. May 17, 1867
CAPITAL INVESTMENT.Somewhat unexpectedly, whilst trying to sell the existing hotel and mill, Leith announced the opening of another hotel: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2175, 10 December 1867
FOR SALE. BY PRIVATE TREATY, THAT WELL-KNOWN HOTEL, the property of Mr John Leith, situated at Leithfield. on the Kowai, now under lease to a first-rate tenant for the sum of £200 per annum, with a covenant to improve the property and purchase the same for £2000.
The Hotel is situated on an acre of land on the North road, at its junction with the Kowai; and in connection with it will be SOLD a FIFTEEN ACRE GRASS PADDOCK In the same locality.
The accommodation at the Hotel is most complete in every respect; the stabling is for about twenty-five horses, and there is a large fruit garden in full profit.
The above property is so generally and favourably known that the undersigned have every confidence in drawing attention to its being now in the market for positive sale, and in recommending it more especially to parties seeking a profitable investment for capital. For full particulars apply to H. Matson & Co., Cathedral square.
ALSO, FOR SALE, THE MILL PROPERTY in the Township of Leithfield, with the granary, miller's cottage, &c., &c.
Also, Several excellent BUILDING ALLOTMENTS in the same Township
And The INTEREST in 100 ACRES of good LAND in that neighbourhood
Plans on view, and every information obtainable at the Offices of H. Matson & Co. July 26, 1867
OPENING OF MR LEITH'S NEW HOTEL, AT LEITHFIELD, To be called the "Star and Garter."One of the next offers for sale actually quoted specific terms for the mill: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2187, 24 December 1867
MR LEITH begs to inform his Friends and the Public that his new Family Hotel, the "STAR AND GARTER," Will be open for business on THURSDAY, THE 12th INSTANT.
Mr Leith trusts that his old Friends and Patrons will give him their support and good word, and he will do all in his power to merit a continuance of their favours.
FOR POSITIVE SALE, THE LEITHFIELD WINDMILL, LARGE BRICK GRANARY, AND MILLER'S COTTAGE, All Freehold,That was followed almost immediately by a further auction notice: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2202, 11 January 1868
Terms - £500 cash, or equal to cash; the remainder by arrangement.
For further particulars apply to Mr JOHN LEITH, Leithfield.
Mr Leith having commenced his new business, wishes to confine himself to that, and therefore he wishes to dispose of the Mill.
LEITHFIELD. WINDMILL HOUSE, &c, BY AUCTION,Meanwhile, the milling business went on: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2235, 19 February 1868
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1868.
MESSRS BUSS & HEPWORTH have received instructions from Mr JOHN LEITH, to sell by Public Auction, at the Star and Garter Hotel, Leithfield, on the above date, the following valuable property :
The Leithfield Windmill, together with miller's cottage, brick grauary, &c.
The Mill is in thorough repair and doing a good business, and from the fact of their being no other mill in that large agricultural district, it is sure, with a good tradesman, to have abundance of work, as it has had hitherto. Satisfactory reasons can be given for the owner wishing to sell.
The Mill and property can be inspected any time previous to the sale, and full particulars obtained either of Mr Leith, Leithfield, or the Auctioneers, Rangiora. Title Crown Grant.
Sale at One o'clock.
Terms at sale.
BUSS & HEPWORTH, Auctioneers.
GRIST! GRIST!!A description of the mill used language a sale notice wouldn't - "precipitous" may put off some buyers: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2497, 4 January 1869
THE LEITHFIELD WINDMILL is open to receive Grist at the usual rates. First-class brick granarys.
JOHN LEITH, Proprietor.
One object which immediately strikes the visitor's eye on entering the town is the windmill, standing on a lofty pile of earth, precipitous on two sides. This mill is a conspicuous object for miles round.
H. Matson & Co.It looks like it really was sold, since a couple of weeks later, Edward G Wright was in charge of the property, and looking for a miller: Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2536, 19 February 1869, Page 4
ESTATE OF JOHN LEITH.
FOR POSITIVE SALE, WINDMILL, MILLER'S COTTAGE, GRANARY OF BRICK, ORCHARD AND GARDEN.
H MATSON & CO. have received instructions from the trustees in the estate of John Leith, to SELL by PUBLIC AUCTION, at White's Hotel, Cathedral Square, Christchurch, ON TUESDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY, 1869, At 12 o'clock, The following very valuable PROPERTIES -
Lot 213, in township of Leithfield, containing 1 rood
Do 231, do do
Do 263, do do
Do 263, do do
Do 30, do do
Part of section 587, corner of Beach road, containing about three quarters of an acre of garden and orchard, upon whioh are buildings - a valuable section.
Part of section 2543, with frontage to Beach road, upon which is erected the well-known and very substantial WINDMILL; in which section is included excellent Miller's Cottage, Brick Granary, vermin and weather proof. There are two pairs of very superior 4-feet French stones, boulter dresser, scales, pulley blocks, dressing tools, grindstones, &c., &c., in fact everything for the carrying on of the milling business in a profitable and satisfactory manner.
This is an opportunity for the profitable investment of a small capital which does not often arise.
Also, Part of section 2867, having a considerable frontage to the Beach road.
Part of section 4527, in the township of Balcairn, containing 2 acres 3 roods and 6 perches.
All the above sections in the town of Leithfield are near the sea beach, and will, when the railway is finished, be of considerable value for building purposes.
Terms liberal.
H. MATSON & CO., Auctioneers
To LetWhilst looking for a miller, Edward Wright may have been working the mill himself: Star, Issue 271, 27 March 1869
TO WORKING MILLERS.
TO BE LET, with immediate possession, the LEITHFIELD WINDMILL, driving two pair of stones, and in complete working order. There is also a comfortable cottage, and a BRIOK GRANARY, affording storage for about 3000 bushels.
To a sober and industrious man the above will be let at a very low rental.
Apply to EDWARD G. WRIGHT, Leithfield. Feb. 17, 1869
WHEAT.
THE undersigned is a buyer of good samples — delivered at the Windmill, Leithfield.
EDWARD G. WRIGHT.
Towards the end of 1869, there was competition in the town - the Leithfield Steam Flour Mill run by Benn & Walker started to advertise, this being a recent addition to their flax mill. Press, Volume XV, Issue 2078, 13 December 1869
NOTICE. LEITHFIELD STEAM FLOUR MILL. to station owners AND FARMERS. THE UNDERSIGNED are prepared to SUPPLY best quality FLOUR at lowest current prioes. N.B.—Every attention paid to grists, and a reduction made for large parcels. 12-10 BENN & WALKER.
For Sale 1000 BUSHELS PRIME OLD WHEAT, White Tuscan, Hunter’s White, and Downy Chaff, to be sold at the Leithfield Mill. Apply to H. MILNER, Amberley; Or, W. FEATHERY, Leithfleld.When damaged by the wind in 1880 it was referred to as "Feathery's windmill". Star, Issue 3852, 21 August 1880
LEITHFIELD.A less emotive report, seems to suggest less damage: Star, Issue 3852, 21 August 1880
This district has been visited by one of the fiercest nor'-westers which that proverbial individual "the oldest inhabitant" ever recollects. At early dawn yesterday morning there was not the slightest indication of the coming tempest, but at about 8 a.m. the wind suddenly rose very high, causing intense commotion among the loose sand and shingle of the Kowai River bed. The gale increased in fury up till 9 a.m., when it seemed to have culminated; for at this hour that picturesquely situated and well-known land mark, "Feathery's windmill," which until now had bravely battled the breeze, became a wreck; and almost simultaneously the shaft of the adjoining engine house was blown down, causing considerable damage to the building in its fall.
At Leithfield, the chimney at the mill was blown down, and the arms of the windmill were much damaged.The windmill also faced danger of damage in another way - from the river it was nearby: Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2321, 12 September 1881
Mr McRoberts applied for a pipe drain to give access to the Leithfield school. The surveyor reported the ground too shallow for pipes. It was suggested that a stone crossing would answer. Surveyor instructed to attend to it. Messrs King, Russell, Hall, May, James, Durrell, McLean, Gibbs, and Shaw waited on the Board, and stated that there was danger of the river Kowai breaking through its banks immediately below the windmill. The surveyor was instructed to take the levels and report to the Board.
THIS DAY,
SATURDAY, 28th AUGUST, 1886.
At 1 o'clock in the afternoon.
By order of the Mortgagees, and under power of Bill of Sale.
AT LEITHFIELD.
A Grand Opportunity for an active man with a small capital to embark in one of the businesses that has always made money in Canterbury.
TO MILLERS AND OTHERS.
MR A. AYERS has the honour to announce that he has been favoured with instructions to
SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION,
At the City Salerooms, Hereford street, Christcharoh,
4 ACRES OF CAPITAL LAND, Together with a first-rate STEAM AND WIND-POWER FLOUR MILL,
Having a
14 horse-power Engine by Foxcroft of Melbourn
2 Locomotive Boilers by Vickery and Maufield
3 Pairs French Burr Stones
Silk Dressers
1 Smutter
And all the gear belonging to, and used with, the Engine
All in excellent order and nearly new.
The whole will be offered in one lot, as a going concern, together with
THE 2 FOUR-ROOMED COTTAGES (let for £25 per annum to reliable tenants) erected on the Land, which is part of Rural sections Nos. 587, 2543 and 2867.
Terms most liberal.
Full particulars on application to Messrs Duncan, Cotterill and Martin, Solicitors, Christchurch, or to A. AYERS, Auctioneer.
LEITHFIELD.There are mentions of the mill machinery being relocated to Amberley (only 2-3 miles away), though I have yet to track down credible primary reports that confirm this (and I can certainly find no reference to there being a windmill in Amberley, though perhaps the machinery could have been water or steam powered there). There certainly was an Amberley Mill, and William Feathery, the last miller at the Leithfield windmill relocated there, so it's very possible he took some of the windmill machinery with him.
SALE OF MILL PLANT. MACHINERY, TIMBER, BRICKS. &c., &c.
MONDAY, 28th JANUARY, 1889.
MESSRS BENN & CO. WILL SELL, On the above date. At the Leithfield Windmill, All the MACHINERY, In separate lots, as it now lies ready for removal, Comprising 2 PAIR MILL STONES FLOUR DRESSING MACHINERY SHAFTING, PULLEYS, and GEAR of all descriptions GOOD CORNISH BOILER.
A Conveyance will leave Amberley immediately after the Stock Sale to convoy purchasers to Leithfield.
A photo of the windmill was published in Volume LXXII, Issue 21964, 12 December 1936
The old mill at Leithfield, which was a landmark in the early days. It stood originally in Windmill road, Christchurch, and was taken to Leithfield in 1866.
A less tightly cropped version of the same image was used in the long article about the move quoted above: Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32763, 13 November 1971, Page 11
The mill on its Leithfield site.[info] [info] [photo] [photo] [drawing]
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