Lower Hutt, Past and Present, published by the Lower Hutt Borough Council in 1941, has this to say about Molesworth's windmill:
In October 1843 Molesworth's windmill was built, about a quarter of a mile below the Hutt Bridge, on the eastern bank. The illustration also shows a wharf, presumably for loading timber and produce, at this point, and the Newry barn close by.That October date seems to be a bit early for completion of the mill, since New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume IV, Issue 305, 9 December 1843 notes that
The unhappy state of the Land Question is still a sad draw back to the Settlers. Nevertheless cultivation is on the increase, and the crops look well. Harvesting will commence next month, and the result will be favourable. The want of flour mills will soon be much felt. We are happy to state that Mr. Molesworth is erecting a flour mill upon his estate on the Hutt. We have no doubt it will amply remunerate him, and we are sure it will be a great accomodation to his neighbours.The mill is still related as under construction in New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume V, Issue 341, 24 April 1844 where, after mention of the Simmond's and Hoggard windmill in Wellington, it goes on to say
Although published much later, a letter back to the UK talked of the upcoming celebrations to be held for the mill's opening: New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 59, 22 November 1845, Page 4Messrs. Molesworth and Ludlam are now erecting a Wind Mill on the Hutt, which we believe will be in operation at no distant date. With these two Wind Mills, and Mr. Catchpool's Steam Grist Mill, the colonists will be tolerably well supplied with the means of grinding the grain already grown in the colony. At no distant date we hope that we shall at least produce all the grain we need for home consumption; and then we shall require more mill power than at present there is any appearance of our being provided with. Indeed it would be a saving to the community even now to have sufficient mill power to grind to the extent of our consumption, for it would be found more profitable to import the wheat and grind it here, until we produce enough for our consumption, than to import flour.
The existence of mills will prove an inducement to produce grain, for with the facility of converting it into flour, every gentleman and labourer will be found to have his desire to produce sufficient wheat to provide against the uncertainty of being able to purchase imported flour, greatly increased. He and he alone, who can produce his own food in a community beset with the difficulties to which we are exposed, can be considered safe. Let every man be daily impressed with this, and act upon it, and the security of the community will be guaranteed.
English NewsThe account of the New Year's Eve opening ball for the windmill was eagerly awaited, but the paper had to aplogise that it failed to make it in to: New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 13, 4 January 1845, Page 1
A vessel has just arrived with a cargo of planks from New Zealand, and some gossip. Among the gossip we have extracts of a letter from the wife of one of the principal settlers, mentioning "our first concert at Wellington," with a programme. The music included pieces by Rossini, Weber, Cherubini, Callcott, Donizetti, Meyerbeer, Schubert, and others - songs and concerted pieces, vocal and instrumental; the instruments being, violin, pianoforte, flute, and cornet-a-piston. We are told that "the instrumental part equalled anything you could have heard in England." "We anticipate being able to get up several more concerts. The amateurs having kindly promised to play at our Hutt ball, I think it will be the best we have yet had." "We have in contemplatlon some capital sport in a month's time. A wheat-mill, the first on the Hutt, is being built; it is to be finished to allow of there being a ball to commemorate it on the last day of the year. It is Mr. ______'s; and his barn will be the ball-room, the mill the supper-room. We are to dance the old year out and the new year in; and 'it's good fun we'll have, sure, hinny.'" - London Spectator.
The account of the Fete at the Hutt, at the opening of the Windmill, in our next.The account did appear in the next issue: New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 14, 11 January 1845 which provides the details that the mill was constructed of local timber, and was to contain 2 pairs of stones:
On Tuesday, the last day of the year, a ball was given at Newry on the river Hutt, by Mr. Ludlam to his numerous friends and acquaintances, to celebrate the completion of a large barn and the first windmill erected in that district. The barn which is larger than the Lodge Room at Barrett's Hotel, was very tastefully decorated with native shrubs and flowers; at one end was a large star formed of roses and which, backed by the dark green of the karaka leaves, had a very pretty effect. The supper was laid out in the mill and comprized all the delicacies of the season. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock and was kept up with great spirit until four in the morning, when the guests departed after having spent an evening of great enjoyment, in which nothing was omitted by their host that could contribute to their amusement. The mill, which it is expected will be ready to commence grinding the beginning of next month, is built in the most substantial manner of the wood of the district, and will be furnished with two pair of stones. It reflects great credit on the energy and enterprize of the spirited proprietor, and will no doubt be of the greatest advantage to the district, and, we hope, a source of great profit to its owner. Many of the guests from Wellington remained the following day, to visit the improvements in the Hutt and to partake of Mr. Ludlam's hospitality. The wheat which is now in full ear looked remarkably well, and when it is that this the fourth and in some parts, where the land was first cleared, the fifth crop of wheat in succession, we think, we adduce one of the strongest possible facts in proof of ihe fertility of the district. We were very much pleased with the appearance of some hops in the garden which were growing most luxuriantly and which afford the most convincing proof of the capabilities of the district for, becoming the hop garden of New Zealand, if care is taken to provide due shelter from the south east wind, by leaving belts of wood in clearing round those spots intended for the cultivation of this plant.The mill was written about as being available, perhaps prematurely, in a roundup of the Wellington area mill capacity New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 19, 15 February 1845
There are three Mills for grinding corn in Port Nicholson, — a steam mill, and a windmill, each with one pair of stones, in Wellington, and Mr. Ludlam's new windmill in the valley of the Hutt, which is furnished with two pair of stones. A fourth mill, with two pair of stones, to be moved by water power is in progress of erection by Messrs. Mathieson and Shultze, Kai Warra, which will be ready for grinding in four months. These are the only flour mills in the settlement, so that all the corn not ground by hand mills for private consumption, must be brought to Port Nicholson to be converted into flour.A more in depth roundup a couple of months later perhaps provided a truer picture of the progress, reporting "nearly completed" Wellington Independent, 12 April 1845
The following list of mills already erected and in progress, will be satisfactory to the well wishers of the colony. Messrs. Simmons and Hoggard have a flour mill driven by wind, and Mr. Catchpool a timber and flour mill which is worked by steam. Both these mills are on Te Aro flat. Messrs. Molesworth and Ludlam have nearly completed a very fine windmill, which is situated near the bridge, on the Hutt. Messrs. Schultze and Mathieson are throwing a dam across the Kai Warra valley - distant about one mile from Thorndon flat - where they purpose immediately erecting a flour mill.It wasn't till nearly 6 months later that the terminology changed to note that the mill was complete: New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 49, 13 September 1845
We are glad to find that Messrs. Molesworth and Ludlam's Wind Mill is at length complete, and ready to commence grinding. This will prove a great advantage, not only to the farmers in the Hutt district, but to the settlement generally, as its immediate effect will be to reduce the price of grinding, and also to increase our means of converting the wheat grown in this district into flour.As the mill was now ready, the proprietors started to advertise their services and prices: New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 49, 13 September 1845
NEWRY FLOUR MILL.One of the farmers who sent grain to the mill was James Watt: New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 53, 11 October 1845
THE Undersigned are prepared to receive WHEAT to Grind at the following prices, viz. : — Wheat ground and dressed 1s. per bushel. Wheat ground and not dressed 9d. per bushel. No smutty wheat ground, unless previously passed through the smutting machine, for which there will be an additional charge of 2d. per bushel. MOLESWORTH & LUDLAM. Newry, Sept. 12, 1845.
SHERIFFS SALE.3 sails broken in a storm: Wellington Independent, Volume II, Issue 60, 22 April 1846, Page 3
In the Supreme Court, Between Richard Davies Hanson, Plaintiff; And James Watt, Defendant.
BY virtue of a writ of execution against the Goods and Chattels of the above named Defendant, the Sheriff will cause to be sold, by Public Auction, on Tuesday next, the 14th instant, at one o'clock precisely, unless this execution be previously stayed, at the Custom House, Te-Aro, about 100 bushels of wheat more or less part being at the mill of Messrs. Molesworth & Ludlam, and part at that of Mr. Catchpool.
We regret to hear that the storm on Sunday night, greatly damaged Mr. Ludlam's mill at the Hutt, breaking three of the sails. This accident, and the destruction by the flood of the dam of Mr Schultze's water mill at Kai Warra, the damage at which will exceed £100, should be noticed by those concerned in such structures, that like accidents may be guarded against in future.Following the death of F A Molesworth, the mill was offered for lease New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 178, 14 April 1847
TO BE LET, NEWRY FLOUR MILL, situated in the Hutt district, the property of the late F. A. Molesworth, Esq. For particulars apply to A. Ludlam, Executor. April 14, 1847.The following year, a much larger proprtion of the estate was for sale, including the mill, granary, barn, house etc, and land if required New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 324, 6 September 1848
FOR SALE.The general layout was described in The Hand-book for New Zealand: Consisting of the Most Recent Information, Edward Jerningham Wakefield, John W. Parker, 1848
NEWRY FLOUR MILL, situate on the River Hutt, together with a double-storied Granary, a large Barn, and Dwelling House,— attached to the Mill is a Thrashing Power with Thrashing Machine complete. If required a portion of cleared land will be sold with the Mill.
For further particulars apply to A. Ludlam. Wellington, 6th Sept., 1848.
Just about this spot, the greatest progress has been made towards European civilization. On the same bank of the river, about half a mile lower down, is the village of Aglionby, which contains an excellent Tavern, with good stabling and other accommodation; a small building used as a Church and school, a blacksmith's forge, and several shops, one or two good farm houses, and numerous labourers cottages. Close to the main road stands Fort Richmond, a wooden stockade built in 1845, and garrisoned by a small detachment of troops. The fort commands a strong wooden Bridge, built by the Company over the river in the year 1844 at a cost of 410l.In 1850 a satirical advertisement appeared, suggesting that the mill had been recently suffering from a lack of wind: Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 529, 6 November 1850
Immediately on the other side of the river stands a Windmill, erected by the late Mr Francis Molesworth, on his estate called Newry Farm, which lies along the left bank of the river for about half-a-mile below the Bridge. Not far from the Mill there is a large barn with a four-horse thrashing machine, and a cluster of labourers' cottages. A belt of timber, spared by the axe, hides the house from the view. This farm is now let out to several different tenants. Mr Petre rents the house, and thirty or forty acres of the immediately surrounding land. He is said to have here the best garden in the colony. For some of this land a yearly rent of thirty shillings per acre is actually paid, on short leases, and without purchasing clauses.
Next below Newry, on the same side lies a small farm, with a pretty residence fronting towards the river; and from that spot to the nameless village already spoken of, numerous cottages surrounded by their small plots of cultivation appear on either side.
Just above the Windmill stands another farm-house; and all around are seen substantial fences, wide clearings, and careful cultivation.
Cash! Cash!! Cash!!!Mr Renall is soon recorded as being at the mill Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 474, 5 April 1851
WANTED IMMEDIATELY, for ready Cash 200,000 Cubic feet of Wind for the Newry Windmill at the Hutt. South East will be preferred.
N.B. — Bags to contain the same will be furnished from the Mill.
For Further particulars inquire on the premises.
J. B.
River Hutt, Nov 2, 1850
On the 13th of March, a Dinner was given to the Governor by the Hutt settlers, at which 180 persons attended. The chair was filled by Mr. Renall, of the Newry mill.The mill certainly remained in use that year: Wellington Independent, Volume VII, Issue 584, 17 May 1851
The Newry Mill is fully employed, having more grain on hand than it can conveniently grind.Mr Renall was meanwhile also working on building a (water) mill at Taita Wellington Independent, Volume VII, Issue 637, 19 November 1851
Tai Tai Flour Mill.Although the windmill was advertised to let in 1851-3 by William Fitzherbert (a Wellington merchant and shipping agent), I supect he was only acting as a sales agent for the owner: Wellington Independent, Volume VII, Issue 649, 31 December 1851
MR. ALFRED RENALL begs to inform his brother settlers, that he has arranged to complete the above Mill, after which the Mill will be sold to them if they wish to purchase it.
Newry Mill, 18th November.
To Millers and Others. TO LET, THE WIND MILL at the Hutt, known as "Newry Mill." For particulars, apply to William Fitzherbert. Farish-street, Dec. 24, 1851.Later ads also offered the house and gardens with the mill property - this ad ran almost weekly through to Feb 1853 Wellington Independent, Volume VIII, Issue 677, 7 April 1852
To Let. NEWRY MILL, situated on the banks of the River Hutt, with House and Garden attached. William Fitzherbert. March 26 1852.Whilst adding little detail on the mill itself, a recollection of the Wellington area in 1846 makes for interesting reading: New Zealander, Volume XIX, Issue 1842, 11 April 1863
I must retrace, if I am to that description of Wellington which she deserves, and that I should be loth to neglect. Wellington and Auckland are nearly coeval; and my first acquaintance with both is almost of equal date; having arrived in the latter on the 28th January, and at the former on the 10th February, 1846.
My stay at Wellington, at that period, was of several months' duration; my opportunities of travel were considerable; the time was one of anxiety and interest, the war with Rangihaeta engaging the undivided attention of the then, and present, Governor, Sir George Grey, K.C.B....
The valley of the Hutt has always been an object of interest to visitors. It is about eight or nine miles distant by the road which winds along the beach, a road of a very pleasing and picturesque character. There were then no Busses, so our party made up their minds to make a picnic journey of it. After a tramp of about seven miles, the road diverged inland from the Petone beach. This, I opine, may be regarded as the commencement of the valley; at this immediate spot, part of the land was swampy, part incoporated with light gravel and shingle; after a short distance inland, however, it began to show the remains, as well as the living presence, of heavy forest, with a thick mantling undergrowth of brush, which must have proved costly to clear in order to render it available for agricultural purposes. Such farms as were then cleared, or least the generality of them, had merely the trees cut down, burnt off, or removed, the stumps being left standing. The soil is pronounced to be very fertile, and I should judge it to be so, the meadows of red clover surpassing any I have seen elsewhere. This method of clearing, leaving the stumps in, was estimated by competent judges to have cost the settlers at least £12 per acre. The Hutt is divided into two vallies, the Lower and the Upper. Together they contain but a moderate area of ground, which, however fertile, was heavily timbered, and laboured under the disadvantage of being again and again flooded and broken up by the river Hutt that flows through the valley, rising, like all mountain torrents, not only suddenly but to a great height, breaking its bounds, throwing down its bridges, and sweeping all before it. The Hutt is a very pretty fresh water stream, under ordinary circumstances of moderate dimensions. It was, then, spanned by a wooden bridge, with a stockade on the further side, garrisoned by a detachment of the 58th regiment under Lieut. Bush. There were several beautiful farms, villas, a windmill, and a good hotel in this immediate neighbourhood. It has since been much more extensively cleared, and has now a much more numerous and thriving population.
The book Early Wellington by Louis Ward, 1928 states that
Molesworth's mill was erected in the Hutt by Messrs. J. H. Percy and Son (grandfather and father of the Percy Bros. at Petone).[engraving] [engraving] [engraving] [engraving]
This mill was known as the Newry Flour Mill and was run by Molesworth.
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