Although this was a wind engine, it was at least intended to drive a flour mill.
Otago Witness, Issue 1517, 11 December 1880
Our enterprising townsman, Mr John M'Farlane, intends to erect a large flourmill at Kelso as soon as possible. Messrs M'Alister and Turnbull are at present drawing plans, &c. for the building, which will be a three-storeyed one. This firm will, if I am correctly informed, build the mill; and if so, that will be a sufficient guarantee for its speedy construction. Mr M'Farlane intends, also, to keep a timber-yard at Kelso. He will no doubt import timber from Southland almost as cheap as he can get it cut in the Tapanui bush, which, I may say, is getting pretty well exhausted. These industries will be a great convenience at Kelso and to settlers in the Glenkenich and Greenvale districts, as also to those in the Heriot Hundred. The flourmill will be a boon to this part of the country at large, inasmuch as it will no doubt bring down the prices of milling, and thereby encourage the exportation of flour and oatmeal, which is a desideratum. In a district with the resources that this one has, it is to be greatly wondered at that men of a little capital do not go more largely into the manufacture of locally-grown material, wool included. There is not the slightest reason why there should not be a woollen mill here in full operation. The raw material is here in abundance, and surely there are men to be found in this Colony who have had Home experience in this industry. Of course, in saying this, I must not be misunderstood. It would be simply useless for one man, with merely nominal capital, to start such a concern. What is wanted is men with considerable capital in the shape of ready cash, with also capital of another kind — namely, persevering industry and energy. To be born with these qualities, with a horn spoon in your mouth, is better than to be born without them even with a silver one. But I do not think the time is very far distant when a lot of the at present comparatively speaking villages will be converted into large manufacturing centres.Otago Witness, Issue 1518, 18 December 1880
KELSO. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) December 14th.Otago Witness, Issue 1523, 15 January 1881
This small though not unimportant township is daily assuming larger proportions. Daring the last two or three months a good number of buildings have made their appearance, and still there's more to follow. The latest movements in the building line would be a credit to townships of much longer standing. I allude to the new hotel which is gradually advancing towards completion, and the flour-mill, which is the outcome of the enterprise of Mr J. M'Farlane. The former building, which is a two storied one, contains about 20 rooms. It would be a credit and an ornament even to Tapanui. The flourmill will also be a large three storied building. It is very probable that a saw mill will also be in operation before long, as will also an oatmeal mill. The machinery will be driven by a 26 hp. engine, the boiler of which is already on the ground.
Messrs M'Alister and Turnbull are making rapid progress with Mr John M'Farlane's Kelso mill. The dimensions of the mill, which is a three-storeyed one are 60 x 30, but there is also a lean-to at the back end 30 feet wide, in which a 25-horse power engine now stands. The remainder of the lean-to will be used as a workshop.Otago Witness, Issue 1528, 19 February 1881
The building trade in Tapanui is continuing very dull. One or two jobs are talked of, but the only building of any magnitude at present going on in the district is a large flour-mill at Kelso, which is being erected by Messrs M'Alister and Turnbull for Mr J. M'Farlane. The mill is erected on a very strong principle. The joists of the upper stories are 10 x 2 1/2 red pine, and are 30 feet long; they have been imported from Southland. This marks a new era in the Tapanui timber trade, showing that the Tapanui sawmill proprietors may not have so complete a monopoly of the up-country timber trade as they have had in former years. There is not the slightest doubt but that Mr M'Farlane will meet with success in his enterprise, for the extent of grain-growing country that the mill is situated in the midst of is immense.Otago Witness, Issue 1537, 23 April 1881
Mr John M'Farlane's mill at Kelso will, in the course of a few days, be ready for the reception of wheat and the manufacturing of flour.Clutha Leader, Volume VII, Issue 394, 29 April 1881
On Friday last at 3 p.m. the Kelso Mill began work, for the first time, in the presence of a large number of visitors, Mr Macfarlane having invited all and sundry to witness the opening ceremony. Refreshment were liberally provided. The mill stopped at five, and the second part of the entertainment began about eight. The dancing room was in the third floor, and a large number of both sexes entered into the dance with spirit. The music was supplied by two violins aud a flute; Mr R. Stewart was M.C. During the evening several ladies and gentlemen sang some excellent songs. At about midnight a movement was made to the supper room on the first floor, where sandwiches, cakes, and sweets, were provided on a very liberal scale. Dancing was resumed and continued till about 3.30 a.m., when the whistle of a special train warned those for Tapanui to depart. Cheers were then given for Mr Macfarlane, at the call of Mr Mooney, our Mayor, who made a short speech on the occasion. He characterised the enterprise of Mr Macfarlane showing a great amount of pluck, and wished him every success. Though there could not have been less than three huudred present there was a superabundance of wine, aerated waters, tea, lollies, &c-, &c., and every one was highly delighted with the entertainment.Otago Witness, Issue 1538, 30 April 1881
KELSO TOPICS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) April 27thOtago Witness, Issue 1557, 10 September 1881
Local Industry. — The great event of the past week has been the opening of the Kelso flour-mill, which has been completed within the last few days. The building, which is situated in close proximity to the railway-station, consists of three stories. Joined to the western end of the building is a large shed, in which the engine is situated; also a blacksmith's forge, circular saw, and other conveniences. The heaviest portion of the machinery is on the first floor, where there is also a small room which will be used as an office. On the second floor is situated the grinding machinery, consisting of three pairs of stones, also an improved smutting machine. On the top story the principal feature is the silk dresser, occupying the centre of the floor. The machinery is of the best description, and is fitted up with a nicety that reflects credit on the millwright, Mr Johnston. The carpenters work has also been well done, and of the building as a whole I cannot give a better description than that given by one of the speakers at the opening ceremony, viz., that everything was neat and complete. During the afternoon of Friday a large crowd had assembled to witness the opening ceremony, and later in the evening a great many more arrived. Dancing was participated in, and kept up till an early hour, to the excellent music of Messrs W. Richardson and N. Ruff (violins), and G. Bundle (piccolo). During the intervals between the dances a number of songs were rendered by lady and gentleman amateurs. A superabundance of refreshments was provided by Mr M'Farlane. Mr Stewart was an excellent M.C. As the meeting broke up Mr J. A. Mooney (mayor of Tapanui) mounted the rostrum, and in a few appropriate remarks called for three hearty cheers for Mr M'Farlane. It is many years since such a gathering has taken place in the district. Fully 300 persons must have visited the building during the afternoon, and as many as 30 couples were on the floor at a time. Mr M'Farlane had arranged for a special train to Tapanui, which left Kelso shortly before 4 o'clock.
KELSO TOPICS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDANT.) September 3rd.Otago Witness, Volume 12, Issue 1566, 12 November 1881
The flour mill has been standing still for the past fortnight, to allow of repairs being done. These are now almost completed, and we may expect to see the mill in full swing in a few days.
The flour-mill is standing just now, and preparations are being made for the erection of a windmill, which is expected from America before long. When erected it will be a great saving, as the present system is very expensive, seeing the quantity of coal it requires to keep the engines going. The windmill will be about 50 feet high, and will be supported by four long logs, built round with concrete. It is to be hoped the enterprise will prove a success, as the windmill is bound to cost a good round sum before everything is set in working order.Bruce Herald, Volume XV, Issue 1405, 21 April 1882
The township of Kelso, distant some eight miles or so from Tapanui, is in a very improving condition. Numerous substantial business premises have of late been erected, but probably the most thriving, as well as most important establishment, there is the flour mill owned and worked by Mr Frank M'Farlane. In addition to the motive power obtained from a 20 h.p. engine, Mr M'Farlane has we understand recently imported a large Yankee wind-mill. When this and other contemplated improvements are completed, the Kelso mill will be one of the most complete up-country flour mills in New Zealand. Mr M'Farlane has, we are informed, made arrangements with our local engineer, Mr A. M'Donald, for the erection of the wind-mill, and for the carrying out of some important improvements in connection with the engine and machinery.Clutha Leader, Volume IX, Issue 468, 29 September 1882
A windmill for Mr. J. M'Farlane's flour mills at Kelso will shortly arrive there from America. The mill will be a great ornament to the township.Otago Witness, Issue 1611, 7 October 1882
An American windmill as a motive power for Mr John M'Farlane's flourmill has arrived.Otago Witness, Issue 1612, 14 October 1882
KELSO. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) October 10th,Clutha Leader, Volume IX, Issue 471, 20 October 1882
Improvements in all Directions.— Our town presents quite a lively appearance. The great windmill is nearly completed.
Mr M'Farlane's wind-mill, of which I made previous mention, is working full swing and can be seen quite distinctly from Glenkenich. I hear that Mr Logan of the Greenvale station is also getting one out for the purpose of chaff cutting, &c.Clutha Leader, Volume IX, Issue 473, 3 November 1882
Kelso is progressing very well. ... Mr M'Farlane's wind-mill is erected and by the look of it will be a success. It gives a lively look to the township, and we wish him all success with his new enterprise.Otago Witness, Issue 1615, 4 November 1882
KELSO. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) October 31st.Mr Logan's nearby wind engine gets another mention: Clutha Leader, Volume IX, Issue 479, 15 December 1882
Advance Kelso.— lmprovements and additions are being made here by settled residents and new arrivals. ... The windmill is nearly completed, and is likely to be a great success.
GLENKENICH. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) December 13th.With the wind engine providing some additional power, M'Farlane was able to reduce his reliance on steam power, and advertised the sale of a portable steam engine: Western Star, Issue 712, 31 January 1883
Numerous buildings are now in course of erection — a sure sign of progress and prosperity. Mr Logan's new granary is almost completed, and in a short time a windmill will be placed on it, for the purpose of chaff-cutting, pumping water, and oat-crushing.
FOR SALE. ONE 20 h. p. semi-portable Steam Engine (Robey pattern), double cylinder, with boiler, funnel, &c., complete. Terms and particulars on application to J. M’FARLANE, Kelso.Otago Witness, Issue 1692, 26 April 1884
About two miles from Ardmore is the township, of Kelso, where six years ago stood one house, that of Mr William Mayon. The railway, however, brought a change, as the station, goods and engine shed, and station master's residence helped to improve its appearance. Some time previous, Mr John M'Farlane erected his mill and residence, ... The mill is a very large concern, worked by steam, and also by a large American windmill, from the lofty tower of which a grand view of the settlements can be obtained.Tuapeka Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1646, 4 December 1889
Mr J. M'Farlane, Tapanui, has just imported and erected at his Kelso mill a barley milling plant, which must prove a great convenience to farmers in the district and give an impetus to the production, of barley. The machine, which is a first-class piece of workmanship, not being procurable in the colony, was made to order in London, and no sooner had it touched colonial soil than it was pounced upon by the Customs officials and subjected to a duty of 20 per cent, on its imported value. This is how the Protective tariff hampers and oppresses the agricultural industry and everything connected therewith at every turn; and, grimmest irony of all, endeavours to destroy what it professes to foster --the creation of local industries. Another proof of what an arrant imposture and contradiction Protection is.Southland Times, Issue 11441, 28 April 1890
The next small township is Kelso, which possesses two hotels good enough for a place four or five times its size : it can also boast of the largest wind-mill in the colony. This mill is nearly 100 feet high, and the driving wheel, 120 feet in circumference, will work up to 30 horse power. It was imported from Boston, America, at a total cost of £500, by Mr John McFarlane, of Tapanui, to work a flour mill; but, unfortunately, it did not prove a success. The reasons for its failure are said to be, first, scarcity of strong enough winds, and second, a defect in the governing gear, which permitted the wind, when it did happen to be powerful enough, to take control of the concern and knock things generally to smithereens. Anyhow, there it stands, an idle giant.M'Farlane's focus moved away from Kelso, and he planned to take his mill with him: Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1832, 23 September 1891
HERIOT.Whether the milling machinery was moved is unclear, but the building certainly stayed behind, and got a new leasee, who ran it as other than a mill: Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1866, 23 January 1892
All the ground, minus the surveyed roadlines and Mr Jno. M'Farlane's section, from the quarry reserve to the township centre, has been cut up into allotments and thrown open on the village settlement system for selection after the 16th instant. I understand that Mr M'Farlane, having secured the right for a water-race, intends very soon to remove his mill from Kelso to the abovenamed position. A walk of about fifteen minutes (southwards) from the railway station takes you to a retired spot, with a beautiful flow of water and high frontground; and here in this sequestered spot Mr Dickison, late lessee of the Kelso flour-mill, has purchased about 40 acres, and is erecting a flour-mill and residence, both of which are at present in a well advanced state. Mr Dickison's faith in the district is manifestly great, and is based, no doubt, upon his past experience and the patronage he has received.
THE "Tapnnui Courier" understands that Mr Wilson, late manager of Gore and Clinton preserving works, has leased the Kelso flour mill building from Mr John M'Farlane, and will immediately fit it up as a rabbit factory.The building survived for almost another 30 years: Otago Daily Times, Issue 17964, 17 June 1920
Thursday, 24th June. After the sale of Stock at Heriot Yards. SALE OF BUILDING AT KELSO FOR REMOVAL. At Heriot.
TODD BROS (LTD.) Have received instructions from Joseph Wilson Esq., to sell by auction, at the Heriot Stock Sale, as above, His Well-known Three-storey Building for removal. This building is the premises of the old Kelso flourmill, and is of large and commodious construction, A builder's estimate which Mr Wilson has had gives the approximate contents of material in the structure as 22,500 super feet of timber and 1120ft of galvanized corrugated iron. The timber is sound throughout, and would be excellent for fresh construction. There is a splendid opportunity for a turnover to the purchaser. Inspection can be arranged with the Auctioneers, or Mr Wilson. Terms: 25 per cent. deposit on fall of hammer; balance July 1, 1920; the building to be removed before September 30, 1920.
For further particulars apply TODD BROS (LTD), Auctioneers.
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