The Parr Brothers had been farming the Opihi district for a while: Timaru Herald, Volume I, Issue 51, 20 May 1865
FOR SALE - 150 Acres of Land, in one block, on the Opihi, of which 110 acres are fenced and divided into three paddocks. 60 acres are under crop, including also six acres of grass. Garden, well stocked with fruit trees. There are also about 3000 gum trees planted on this property. For particulars, apply to H. J. LE CREN & Co., or to PARR BROTHERS, Opihi.They were selling flour, though it's not clear where this was milled - this is a couple of years before Walton Mills was open: Timaru Herald, Volume II, Issue 58, 1 July 1865
FLOUR FOR SALE By the Undersigned, near the Point. PARR, BROTHERS Opihi, June 19.The farm was hit by fire - which also destroyed a quantity of wheat, and damaged a threshing machine (often called a threshing mill) Timaru Herald, Volume IV, Issue 105, 18 May 1866
Fire. - It is with regret we have to record a fire which took place at the Messrs. Parr's farm on the Opihi yesterday week. It appears that after threshing out a quantity of corn, a large mass of surplus straw was being burnt, when suddenly the flame shifted and blew a volume of flame on to a standing rick of wheat. The heat was so intense from the burning straw that nothing could be done to save the stack which was estimated to contain 250 bushels of wheat; this, together with a threshing machine valued at about £50, and some tarpaulins were sacrified. We understand the property was uninsured.The brothers needed additional help around the farm Timaru Herald, Volume V, Issue 141, 3 October 1866
WANTED -A Married Couple, the man for farm work, and the woman as a general servant. Apply to PARR BROTHEUS, Opihi.and they put specific tasks out to tender Timaru Herald, Volume VI, Issue 170, 16 January 1867
NOTICE. TENDERS are invited for Tying up about 60 acres of Oats and Wheat. Apply to PARR BROTHERS, Opihi.
Timaru Herald, Volume VI, Issue 194, 10 April 1867, Page 3
WALTON FLOUR MILLS. MESSRS PARR BROTHERS Beg to inform the Public that the above Mills are now ready for work.
The mill was enough of a landmark to be used as a point of reference Timaru Herald, Volume VII, Issue 238, 7 September 1867
PLOUGHING. WANTED TENDERS for Ploughing 100 to 200 acres of land, on the north bank of the Opihi, opposite Parr's mill. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Apply on or after the 12th instant, to MR. ACTON, The Point.
In 1868 there was an immense flood, from which the Parr Bros millers barely escaped with their lives Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2227, 10 February 1868
THE FLOODS IN THE SOUTH.There was an inquest into a number of the lives that were lost: Timaru Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 288, 29 February 1868
The floods that swept over the Levels plains during the late storm have been unexampled since the first settlement of the southern district, and have not only done a vast amount of damage to farmsteads and crops, but, we are sorry to report, have been attended with great loss of life. The flood of last Spring was looked upon as a very heavy one, but it was nothing to the one which rushed over the plains from above Parr's mill, near the Point, to the sea, on Monday night and Tuesday morning. We will commence our narrative at Parr's mill, being as yet the most disiant point from which we have obtained reliable information.
The mill was erected a short time ago near the banks of the Opihi river, and not far from the Point accommodation house, which is distant from it about two miles. The mill was owned by two brothers. James and William Parr, who have lately resided in a weatherboard house close to the mill. In the same house with them there lived a man, who, we believe, was their overseer. At a short distance from the Parr's house there stood another house, in which resided a man named Salter, his wife, and family of four children. Between ten and eleven o'clock on Monday night Salter observed water on the floor of his house, and that it was rapidly rising. He ran over to the Parrs, and found them in bed. He told them that water was then from a foot to eighteen inches deep in their house, and warned them of the dangar of remaining inside. They replied they had known higher floods than that was, and told Salter there was no real risk, and advised him to go back to bed. Not long after Salter had regained his house, the water suddenly rose and with a frightful rush swept clean away both houses. The poor man saw his wife and children in the roaring torrent, but was powerless to save them. Salter clung to a portion of the debris of his house, and was carried some distance along with the flood, and was picked off yesterday morning by a horseman who managed to reach him after the water had greatly subsided. Our informant who visited the scene of the fatal catastrophe yesterday morning stated that not a vestige of either houses remains, and beyond the bare patch of ground where-the houses stood, there is no other sign that human habitations ever existed there. From the fact of Parrs' house being so utterly demolished, and the marks in the mill shewing that at least five feet of water stood there when the flood was at its highest, we fear that little hopes can be entertained of the unfortunate men having escaped with their lives. All hope though must not be quite abandoned, as it is possible the men may have clung to a portion of the wrecked house, and got washed down among the farmsteads below, and so have escaped, Prom the banks of the Opihi lower down we have bad no report; and until then we must cling to that one chance of safely for the men.
...Late last night, just before going to press, we were glad to hear that the Parrs were safe, having just had time to jump from their falling house with nothing on but their shirts and trousers, and seize on a portion of the wood work of the house. They were whirled along a considerable distance down the foaming torrent, and once they heard distinctly, in the darkness of the night, the cries of poor Mrs Salter and her children, who are undoubtedly lost. The particulars of their rescue we do not know, but it is quite sufficient for their friends to know that they are alive. Of the man who was in the house with them we have not heard whether he is saved or not.
At the inquest held at Parr's mill, on the bodies of Mrs Salter, and two of her children, who have been found, Mr Edward Hassell was the foreman of the jury. The following witnesses were examined : -
Robert Salter, being sworn, said: I was employed at the mill by the Parr Brothers, and lived in a house close to the mill with my wife and family of four children. All last Monday it was raining very furiously, and between six and seven o'clock in the evening I observed the water was rising. I asked the Parrs if there was any danger, they said "No." We put the children to bed, and my wife and I sat up talking, fearing there might be danger. I went out again, and seeing the creek was rising to the house, called the Parrs, and got some planks and flax to cross the creek, but could not do so. The Parrs then went to bed, and said they could do no more. We then went back again into our own house, and my wife dressed the children. As the water was at that time two feet in the house, I put them all on the table, which was fixed. We were standing there for a few minutes when the house gave way. It was nearly full of water, and I held my wife and children as long as I could, but I was so knocked about that I lost them. The house soon broke up, and I saw no more of them. It was quite dark. I was jambed by my knee in a portion of the wood work, and could not move, and so was carried away by the water. The piece of the house I was on grounded and stuck half a mile from where it stood. I held on to it till the morning, when I got off, the water having subsided. I identify the bodies lying here as those of my wife and two children.
William Parr said : I am one of the firm of Parr Brothers. About a quarter past nine o'clock on Monday night the last witness came into our house, and asked us if we know what danger we were in. I said "No." I then went out, and found the water too deep to ford between the mill and the house. We then made a raft and tried to cross, but we could not, as the current was so strong. I then went into the house and got into bed again. In about an hour's time, the house turned round, and remained so a considerable time. It afterwards moved about 200 yards, and then commenced to break up. It stood there in one position about a quarter of an hour, and then moved half a mile from its site. We remained in the house for half an hour or more after it had moved, and while there we saw the other house, which stood close to ours, and in which the Salters lived, washed past by the water. It appeared as if the house was together. It was pretty dark, but we could see the mill. I heard a person using a hammer in the house just before it came past. I identify the bodies lying here as those of Salter's family, but I do not know their names.
Timothy Brosnahan said : I am a labourer, living on the banks of the Opihi. On Tuesday I was passing along between Parr's farm and Denis Hoare's, about two miles from this, on the banks of the Opihi river, when I found the body of the woman now lying here. I pulled the body out of the creek; it was all under water except the feet. She was quite dead.
John Barry said: I am a farmer, living near Parr's farm. On Wednesday last, as I was looking about my place, I found the body of a little girl at the side of a creek. Her back was in the water, and a portion of her dress was over the face. The next day I picked up another body of a child on a flat on dry ground. It had evidently been washed there. Both were dead when I found them. I identify the two bodies lying here.
One of the Brothers' customers failed to pay for some grinding they did for him: Timaru Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 312, 23 May 1868, Page 2
Resident Magistrate's Court Temuka. - On Wednesday the Court was occupied nearly the whole day in the case of Parr Brothers v. Mendelson. This was a claim of £72 5s 2d as balance of account for grinding and dressing 3,349 bushels and 75lbs of wheat, and draying ten tons of flour. Mr Perry appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr White for the defendant. The plea defendant set up was that he had not received the amount of flour he should have from the quantity of wheat he sent the plaintiff to grind. This, however, was not proved to the Bench. His Worship after a lengthy hearing, gave judgment for the amount claimed and costs, together with £2 2s counsel's fee.
The mill however survived, and the Parrs returned to milling there Timaru Herald, Volume IX, Issue 324, 4 July 1868
WALTON MILLSTimaru Herald, Volume XI, Issue 432, 17 July 1869
MESSRS. PARR BROTHERS, having repaired the damages caused by the late flood, are now ready for receiving Grist; and hope by turning out a good article to merit a share of public patronage.
Superfine silk-dressed Flour, Bran, Sharps, and Chicken Corn always on hand.
Agents — For Timaru, STUBBS & KING;
For Temuka, CLARKSON & TURNBULL. TITRS. MoKAY,
TIMARU AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION SHOW, 1869.
PRIZES FOR BEST SAMPLES OF WHEAT. FIRST PRIZE, £10 10s, either in money or a gold medal of similar value, at the option of the successful competitor. SECOND PRIZE, £5. THIRD PRIZE, £3.
TO WHEAT GROWERS.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to farmers who wish to exhibit samples of wheat at the next annual show of the Society m October, (sample to be of one bag of not less than three bushels), that arrangements' have been made with the following buyers of grain, viz., Messrs Turnbiill, F. LeC'ren, Cliff, Crawford and Green, Wood (Temuka), and Messrs. Parr Brothers, (The Point), that one bag of wheat, selected at hap-hazard from lots of not less than one hundred bushels sold, be put aside and stored. This sample so put aside will be exhibited at the next show of the above Society. Growers, therefore, who desire to exhibit, are reqnested to notify the same to the buyers of their wheat, and to pay to them five shillings entrance fee.
Any other buyer of wheat who desires to join in the above arrangement, is requested to communicate with the undersigned.
H. BELFIELD, Sec. T. A. & P. A.
Timaru Herald, Volume XII, Issue 478, 24 December 1869, Page 3
FLOUR ! FLOUR ! !
FOR SALE - 2S TONS of Parr's silk dressed FLOUR, at £12 per ton, in lots to suit purchasers. Apply to PARR BROTHERS, Walton Mills.
The brothers started to build a windmill in Timaru, but whilst that was not ready, offered to mill for the town at their existing mill: Timaru Herald, Volume XII, Issue 505, 30 March 1870, Page 3
WALTON FLOUR MILL. UNTIL the completion of the Windmill in Timaru, a Liberal Discount on the price of Gristing will be allowed for all grain carted from Timaru. PARR BROTHERS.
Another fire occured near the mill Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 405, 14 February 1872
THE POINT, A disastrous fire occurred at the Point on Monday last. About the time the heavy westerly breeze came on that afternoon, a spark from Mr Tait's forge - situated east of the accommodation house - ignited the grass outside, and in a few minutes' time a very considerable extent of grass was in a sea of flame, which, fanned by the powerful wind, rushed with marvellous rapidity eastward, taking the direction of Messrs Parr's mill. Some distance from the mill - thirty chains or so - the fire seized upon some wheat stacks of the Messrs Parr's and consumed them utterly. Of the size and number of the stacks we are not informed, but we believe those destroyed were, unfortunately for Messrs Parr, uninsured. With difficulty the fire was kept clear of the mill itself, but it travelled onwards, and attacked some ricks belonging to Mr John Scott, a small farmer hard by and speedily reduced them to ashes, these stacks were also uninsured, and we are given to understand, represented the entire annual income of the unlucky owner. In its fiery course to the mill - a distance of about one and a half miles - the fire crossed the fence bounding the property of Mr R. Orton, and burnt up a few oat sheaves, but at this point was prevented from spreading.
This death recorded at the mill speaks of the late William Parr of Liverpool - that suggest that that was the father of the Parr Brothers Timaru Herald, Volume XX, Issue 992, 5 January 1874
DEATH. PARR. On Monday, 29th December, at Walton Mill, the Point, Elizabeth Parr, daughter of the late Mr William Parr, of Liverpool.
The Walton Mill was offered for sale Timaru Herald, Volume XX, Issue 1057, 8 June 1874
TO FARMERS, MILLERS, SPECULATORS & OTHERS.
FOR SALE - The WALTON MILL, and 200 Acres first-class Agricultural Freehold Land, 10 miles from Timaru. The Land is fenced, 100 Acres in Grass, and divided into five paddocks. The Flourmill is a good one, and has two pair of stones. There is also a Dwelling house aud Stable on the premises.
Part of the purchase money may remain at interest if necessary.
Apply to TATE & ROSS, Land Brokers, Timaru.
Sometime in 1874 the Parr Brothers stopped milling at the Walton mill, presumably now that their windmill in Timaru was well established. Timaru Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 1299, 24 December 1875
RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.
TIMARU- Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Edward Acton v William and James Parr. - Claim £3 14s 2d, for overpayment, of an account.
Mr C. Perry appeared for plaintiff and Mr White for the defendants.
Edward Acton, plaintiff, said he was a farmer, at the Point, and about the 20th March, 1874, he arranged with the Parrs to crush 500 or 600 bushels of oats for him; 503 bushels were sent accordingly. He got a portion back crushed from Parrs. He asked James Parr about the remainder, and was told that they (the Parrs) were no longer at the mill but that the oats were still there, and that the crushing would be finished by Stoneyer, and he (the plaintiff) would be charged by the Parrs for the work. They (defendants) settling with Stoneyer. On the 27th January he paid for the crushing of the whole of the oats. After that Stoneyer sent him in an account for crushing 222 bushels — £3 14s 2d. He now claimed from Messrs Parr £3 14s 2d, as overcharge in their account.
In cross-examination plaintiff said he declined to acknowledge Stoneyor's claim, until the Court had allowed it.
Mr White applied for a nonsuit, firstly on the ground that there was no evidence to show that Stoneyer had crushed the oats, and, secondly, that notwithstanding the order made, by the Court in the former case (Acton v. Stoneyer), the plaintiff had no claim on Messrs Parr, as he submitted that the judgment of the Court had been a wrong one, as there was no evidence to show any contract between Acton and Stoneyer, or to show any implied liability on Acton's part to Stoneyer.
His Worship declined to grant a nonsuit, as he thought there had been good evidence to show Acton's liability to Stoneyer.
Mr White said his Worship had seeningly come to Court thinking he kuow all about the case beforehand.
The case for the defence then proceeded.
William Parr, one of the defendants, said the receipt produced was signed by Stoneyer. He had tried to arrange matters with Stoneyer before the case of Acton and Stoneyer was tried. They had received no money not due to them. Acton said he would never have anything to do with Stoneyer.
In cross-examination the defendant said he was a witness in the case of Acton v Stoneyer. He then swore that Stoneyer had crushed the balance of the oats. Stoneyer had received some money due to them, which he had still.
Mr White submitted that there was no other agreement besides that between Acton and Parrs. Acton did not consider himself in any way liable to Stoneyer. Mr Parr was to sustain a loss without being in any way ito blame. Stoneyer had received £3 12 of Parrs' which he was to keep as a set-off for crushing the oats.
Mr Perry said that a much greater injury would be sustained by Acton if the case went against him, as he would be paying for the same thing twice over. They had Mr James Parr's word that he would pay Stoneyer. He submitted that the merits of the case were entirely with Acton. The defence evidently went on the fact of Stoneyer's having money of Parrs' which was to pay for the crushing, and gave Parrs authority to keep Acton's, but there was no proof that Parrs had authorised Stoneyer to retain their money as payment for the crushing.
His Worship gave judgment for the plaintiff, the defendant to pay Court costs, 9s, and solicitor's fee, £1 1s.
William Stonyer put stock from the mill farm up for auction Timaru Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 1701, 12 April 1877
LAND AND STOCK.
MESSRS KING & RAINE Have received instructions from William Stonyer, Esq., to Sell by Auction at his WALTON MILL FARM, on FRIDAY, 20th INST., at 11 o'clock sharp ...
5 tons of produce of the mill was offered for sale by auction Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3462, 2 November 1885
Sale of Walton Mill flour, bran, and pollard at Pleasant Point.The mill was switched to roller plant Timaru Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4473, 25 February 1889
This Day, Monday November 2nd, 1885.
Messrs Jonas & Bourn will offer for sale by public auction, as above - about 5 tons more or less.
Sale at 12 o'clock precisely.
WALTON ROLLER GRIST MILL, PLEASANT POINT.Although the plant had been updated, this was perhaps premature - the mill still needed the foundations sorting out South Canterbury Times, Issue 5091, 21 August 1889
WHEAT GRISTED. Lots under 50 bushels 9d per bushel; over that amount 8d per bushel.
Farmers bringing grists from long distances can have them ground over night so as to return next day. Accommodation found for man and horses.
J. P. SCOWEN.
Tenders wanted until Thursday THE 29th INST, addressed to Undersigned for Renewing in Concrete the foundation of Walton Mill, and putting in a concrete floor. Ground Plan of the work required can be seen at the Mill, where full particulars and specifications will be given by Mr Scowen. Work to be completed by the 28th September next under penalty of 20s per day. Tenders to provide for all labor and material except cement. Lowest or any Tender not necessarily accepted. For further information, apply to C. W. EICHBAUM. Pleasant Point, 22nd August, 1889.Another fire occured at the mill South Canterbury Times, Issue 6025, 30 September 1889
The New Zealand Mortgage and Investment Association and the Union Insurance Company unite in offering a reward to any one who will give information respecting the fire at the Walton mill, near Pleasant Point, on the 22nd September.It was believed to be deliberately started Timaru Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 4657, 30 September 1889
£10 REWARD.
WHEREAS a malicious attempt was made on the night of SATURDAY, the 22nd September, 1889, to fire the Walton Mill near Pleasant Point, this is to give notice that a REWARD of £10 WILL BE PAID to any one giving such information as shall lead to the apprehension and conviction of the incendiary.
THE N.Z. MORTGAGE AND INVESTMENT ASSOCIATION LIMITED.
THE UNION INSURANCE CO.
A new miller was sought Evening Star, Issue 8211, 8 May 1890
TO MILLERS. Wanted, to Work and Take Charge of a small Country Grist Mill, a Married Man, with good references; good house, paddock, and garden found. Apply J. P. Scowen, Walton Mill, Pleasant Point, Timaru.The mill was not always getting sufficient water South Canterbury Times, Issue 6263, 9 July 1890
Mr J. P. Scowen, of the Walton Mill, wrote that he was short of water at the mill, and asking if the council could supply him with some from their race. Mr Meason thought that some water could be spared. Mr Barker said they should get as much for the supply as possible to lighten the cost of maintenance to the ratepayers. The mill should pay all expense too. Applicant to be asked to make an offer.The roller milling equipment was gaian updated South Canterbury Times, Issue 7918, 30 April 1894
The Walton Flour Mill.
Our Pleasant Point correspondent paid a visit to the Walton Mill the other day for the purpose of witnessing the work of the new machinery just imported at great expense from America. For many years Mr Scowan, the proprietor of Walton, had been content to take advantage of a never-failing stream to to turn several pairs of stone rollers, but recognising the keen competition in the milling industry, he determined to keep apace with the times, and refit his mill with the most improved machinery. With his 20 years Home and colonial experience Mr Scowan was convinced that the best machine of the day was the Cornelius Internal Roller Mill. He accordingly imported one, and with the assistance of an engineer entirely refitted the mill, which to-day can compete in quality with any in the colony. The most notable feature about the internal roller, is its extreme simplicity. It seems as if the intention of the inventor was to go back and make a direct and decided advance on first principles. He recognised the disadvantage of putting the wheat through to many processes, and to avoid this the inventor has put two steel wheels - one outer wheel revolving at about 120 revolutons per minute, and one internal wheel revolving the same way at 400 revolutions per minute. These wheels are "milled" differently, and the internal wheel is so arranged that the extent of contact is about 2 inches, so that the large outer wheel holds the grain while the fast internal wheel grinds or scoops out the flour at once, the process being one of grinding and not bruising. The shell of the wheat comes out flattened and almost whole; and as a coasequence large bran is the result. The flour is then put through the smooth steel wheels and ground as fine as possible and then conveyed in the ordinary way direct to the silk sieves, which turn out the whitest of flour and the cleanest of bran. There is vary little pollard owing to the new process of grinding direct and avoiding the bruising. The whole of the machinery is working smoothly and well, and is capable of turning out 30 bags per day. Mr Scowan is delighted with the quality of the work done, and with his fine water supply he is able now to compete with the larger mills of town. Farmers are already carting in their grain, and his mill is now filled with wheat. Walton mill is only about two miles from Pleasant Point station, and is situated in a picturesque spot. The pretty avenue of eucalypti, tho terraced water race, willow bound, and the slowly turning splashing wheel give quite a charm to the place. The genial hospitality of Mr and Mrs Scowan is well known in the district, and all wish them success in their enterprise.
Timaru Herald, Volume C, Issue 15237, 1 January 1914
MARRIAGE.[info]
SCOWEN - BRADFORD - At St. Peter's church, Temuka, on Friday December 26th, 1913, by the Rev. A. H. Norris, Joseph eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. P. Scowen, of Stevenage, England, and formerly of Walton Mill, Pleasant Point, to Lucy Eleanor, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Bradford, of Waitohi.
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