Hamilton Flour Mill Company, Hamilton, New Zealand 🌍


Hamilton (#nz1543)

Hamilton Flour Mill Company:

An initial proposal for erecting a flour mill in Hamilton had been floated for a number of years: New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1356, 21 March 1868

HAMILTON.
(from our own correspondent) March 17. On Saturday evening last a very influential meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, East Hamilton, for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of opening the road between East Hamilton and Taupiri.
...
On the same evening the following resolutions were also passed concerning the erection of a flour mill on the Waikato.
1. That a Company be formed for the purpose of erecting or assisting to erect a flour mill at Hamilton or its vicinity, the said Company to be called the Hamilton Flour Mill Company.
2. That the funds required by the said Company be raised by the issue of £1 shares.
3. That the following gentlemen be appointed to act as a Committee with power to add to their number, viz., Captains McPherson, Steele, and Beere, Messrs. Woolley, Sigley, Claude, S. Graham, and Comrie, of Hamilton, and Messrs. Martin, Reynolds, and Wrigley of Cambridge.
£86 was subscribed at the meeting, and there is no doubt but that £300 or £400 can be raised in the Waikato. It is the intention, when a sufficinnt sum is collected, to loan it at a low rate of interest to some party to erect the mill; all our settlers agreeing to grow a certain quantity of wheat each.
In the event of the mill being erected, a very large quantity of wheat will be grown in this district, the great drawback at present being the want of one, the expense being too great to send wheat to Auckland to be ground; and I have not the least doubt that anyone erecting the mill on the above terms, will find it a very remunerative speculation.
After an subsequent proposal that considered building a windmill, watermill, or steam mill, the Hamilton Flour Mill Company was formed and went ahead with building a watermill: New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2433, 11 November 1871
HAMILTON.
The fine weather with which we are now favoured is telling upon the growing crops, which have every appearance of being abundant, and any failure occurring cannot be laid to the charge of the season; at present every kind of crop promises a full average. Our Flour Mill Company, after several difficulties, seems likely to be an accomplished fact; at a recent meeting of subscribers, it was resolved to accept Mr. Aitken's offer of the mill site, and the secretary was empowered to get the company registered under the Joint Stock Companies Act. The amount of capital subscribed is £336; the company are awaiting a reply from the General Government Agent, relative to their application for the right of using the water from the Hamilton Lake. The mill is to be pushed on, so as to be ready for the coming harvest
Building the mill was expected to take just a short time: Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4543, 18 March 1872
Mr. Henry Palmer, of the Mahurangi Flourmills, with a staff of assistants for the purpose of erecting the flourmills of the Hamilton Flourmill Company (Limited), arrived at Hamilton on Thursday last. After the party had refreshed their inner man they made a start for the mill site, accompanied by some of the directors. Mr. Palmer, who is a thoroughly practical man, expressed himself highly pleased with it, and considers it one of the best sites in the province, there being an abundance of water — the least expensive of all motive-powers The chairman of the company, Captain G. B. Beere, had some time previously pegged off the head and tail races, and Mr. Palmer proceeded to peg off what, in his opinion, was the best. Captain Beere, arriving on the ground about two hours after, proceeded to compare pegs, when they were found to be only a few inches from each other, proving that both had made the most judicious selection possible. The machinery for the mill is all complete, and Mr. Palmer confidently anticipates having everything in good working order in about six weeks. The company are now prepared to purchase wheat at the top price. They also intend gristing as soon as the mill is ready, so that we may congratulate ourselves on being able to retain in future the hard cash that has been so steadily drained out of the district for flour during the last seven years.— [Hamilton Correspondent.]
The company issued shares: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 1, 2 May 1872
Hamilton flour mill company (limited.)
Capital—£600 in 600 Shares of £1 each.
Directors. Capt. G. B. Beere, Chairman
Thos. Jolly, Esq. | Isaac Coates, Esq.
James Martin, Esq. | T. H. W. Mollis, Esq.
Secretary - T. H. W. Morris, Esq.
Agent and Collector - John Knox, Esq.
Company's Office - Near Ferry Wharf, Hamilton.
The Mill (water-power) is erected upon Allotment 49, Parish of Te Rapa, near Hamilton.
A few Shares still unallotted. Early application should be made to the Secretary or Agent.
Take up of the shares was a little slow - the same ad ran many times over the course of the next 6 weeks or so. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4594, 15 May 1872
Our Hamilton correspondent writes:— "The Hamilton flour mill is fast approaching completion. It is expected to be in working order in about four weeks."
The opening day of the mill was signalled in advance to be quite a celebration: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 33, 16 July 1872
The directors of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company have issued invitations to a cold collation to celebrate the opening of the flour mill, which is to take place on Saturday next. A large number of settlers are expected to be present.
Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 33, 16 July 1872
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY, LIMITED.
THE Shareholders of the above Company are informed that the mill will be opened on Saturday next, 20th inst., at noon, on which occasion the Directors would be glad to meet the Shareholders and their friends.
Lunch at one o'clock.
The local traders shut up shop for much of the day to attend: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 34, 18 July 1872
TO THE SETTLEES OF HAMILTON.
WE, the undersigned, storekeepers and tradesmen of Hamilton, will close our Establishments on Saturday next, the 20th inst., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., being the occasion of opening the Hamilton Flour Mill:
Thomas Morris
Joseph Highley
George Smith
William Ripley
N. L. Joseph
John Hand
T. Wood
G. Thomasson.
The opening day was indeed a celebration, with speeches and feasting! Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4651, 22 July 1872
HAMILTON. STARTING OF THE FLOUR MILL. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) July 20.
The flour mill was successfully started today. There were 250 persons present, notwithstanding the unsettled state of the weather. The mill was named "The Kiwi" by Mrs. Captain Beere.
Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 36, 23 July 1872
OPENING OF THE HAMILTON FLOUR MILL.

At noon on Saturday, the 20th inst., a number of shareholders and settlers (about 250) from various parts of the district assembled to witness the starting of the Hamilton Flour Mill. The mill is erected on the Papakura creek, on property purchased by the shareholders about six months ago. There are several other falls on the same creek (before it empties itself into the Waikato river) suitable for erecting mills upon, so that the company may be congratulated on having such a valuable property. The mill is a substantial three-storied building and has been erected on the most approved principles, under the superintendence of Mr H. Palmer, of the Mahuraugi Mills. On the lower floor is placed the driving gear in connection with the water-wheel, and the separator which receives the wheat and passes it into the smutting machine, after which it goes through fans. Being thus thoroughly cleaned, it is sent to the second floor by winding-up and lowering gear combined, and is sent over the stones, the meal from which goes direct to the silk-dresser, and is brought to the different spouts by an Archimedean screw. This machine is on the most improved principle, and is laid perfectly horizontal, the Archimedean screw performing all that was done by the old incline with less speed and power. The upper storey is intended for the storing of wheat, etc. Very little manual labor will be required in the manufacture of the flour. The directors also intend erecting a kiln and other apparatus for manufacturing oatmeal, which they purpose selling at the rate of 1s 8d per bushel of 40lbs; also gristing wheat, at 1s. per bushel.

Shortly after one o'clock the wheel was started, and Mrs Captain Beere broke a bottle of wine on it, wishing success to Kiwi Flour Mill - the rest of the speech was inaudible from the cheering that ensued. The machinery worked very smoothly, and all who possessed a knowledge of such things pronounced everything perfect.

A cold collation was then partaken of by the company, which was laid out in the upper storey, on a table groaning 'nenth the good thing's of this life. A relay of the table was necessary, and when all had "refreshed the inner man," Captain Beere took the chair, W. N. Searancke, Esq., vice. When all the quests, among whom were a great number of the fair sex, had become seated, the Chairman proposed the toast of success to the Kiwi Flour Mill. In doing so he was happy to see so many present, and heartily welcomed all. Three years ago the idea was mooted, but only took a definite shape twelve months since, when a company was formed with a capital of £600, in 600 shares of £l each, and 500 shares have been taken up out of the 600, leaving 100 shares to be disposed of. The mill has cost about £600, and reflects great credit on Messrs. Parker and Flemming, all the arrangements being very simple and effective, and congratulated the shareholders on its successful completion. The directors propose increasing the capital by £250, for the erection of a kiln and other machinery for grinding oatmeal. The mill has been leased to Mr Fleming, for fourteen years at a royalty of 3d on every bushel of wheat ground, and, he fully anticipated a good dividend next year as it is capable of turning out seven or eight tons of flour per week. The toast was cordially responded to.

The Vice-Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the directors for the time they had devoted to the interests of the shareholders and said, I look upon this mill as only the precursor of numbers of others. I can remember the time when there were thirteen mills at work in this district, and 50,000 bushels of wheat grown in it yearly, and I hope the settlers will grow wheat to support such ventures, and that means retain the money in the district which every year goes out of it for flour. I can see no reason why we should not have cloth mills established, and hope to see the settlers weaving tweed manufactured in the Waikato. Toast heartily responded to.

The contractor, Mr Palmer's health was next proposed, and drunk with great enthusiasm.

Mr Palmer in responding said he felt flattered at the hearty way in which his health had been drank, and hoped to see other mills erected in the district. In such a district in America the inhabitants would have their own cloth, paper, and other mills at work, and he hoped to see them here ere long. A little more enterprise on the part of the settlers in such matters would be the means of making them independent of other places; but he was sorry to say the Government did not give the encouragement to local manufactures they ought, and instanced the distillery in Auckland, on which £10,000 had been spent, and the Government wanted to charge 2s more duty in addition to the 4s imposed. He then proposed the health of the directors, which was drunk with all the honors. Captain Beere briefly replied.

Mr Morris in responding said the company were somewhat in debt; he had still on hand 100 shares for sale, and wished those present to purchase. He believed the venture to be a paying one, as they found before starting the Company that £4,000 went out of Hamilton every year for flour, The directors intended wheat to be ground for 1s per bushel and oats or maize crushed for 8d and 9d. He had much pleasure in proposing the health of the farmers and settlers coupled with the names of Captain Steele and Mr Runcieman. Drunk With all the honors.

Captain Steele, in reply, said "it gives me great pleasure being present here to-day to witness the success attending the efforts of the first joint-stock company started in the Waikato. I cannot say the settlers want energy, but as joint-stock companies have hitherto not been a success in this province through bad management, it makes them wary how they invest; but to show that I have great faith in this venture, I will take ten shares just now. I grew wheat some years ago and had to boil it for my horses, there being no mill to grind it at. I hope to see not only flour-mills but wool and paper-mills skirted here. Our own manufacture of woollen goods would drive English shoddy out of the market, He had worn Nelson tweed till he was almost ashamed of being seen in the coat so long - he might say it was never ending, and had no doubt capital would flow in readily for the purpose of starting such industries if sufficient confidence could be placed in the management.

Mr Runciman said such ventures as this gave a great impetus to the growth of wheat. In 1858, the Maoris grew and exported from this district 36,000, bushels from Kawhia, 22,000, from Orea, 13,000, and from Whaingaroa, 8,000, making a total from the Waikato district of 76,000 bushels of wheat in one year, and he hoped the time was not far distant when we shall not only be able to supply ourselves, but export, and hoped to see woollen factories started. Not above ten years ago the factory at Nelson was not as large as the room we are in at present, and only turned out about 90 yards a month, now he believed they could turn out 900 yards in the same time, and the demand far exceeded the supply. Eighteen months ago he offered wool, well washed, for 9d per pound and at the same time paid 15d per pound for it manufactured, which was assuredly a good margin for manufacturing, and must pay any Company that liked to engage in it.

Mr Henry Palmer proposed the health of the ladies, which was drunk in a most enthusiastic manner.

Mr Highly replied on their behalf.

Mr Morris proposed the Gentlemen of the Press, coupled with the name of Mr Jones.

Mr Jones replied.

Mr Highly proposed the health of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

Captain Beere and W. N. Searancka, Esq., R.M., replied. This concluded a very pleasant meeting, and the company took their several ways homeward.

Fleming, the miller advertised his prices: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 38, 27 July 1872
KIWI FLOUR MILLS. HAMILTON.
THE undersigned having leased the above Mills are prepared to supply Flour, &c., at any part of the Waikato and Waipa Rivers at the following prices, excepting Hamilton, which will be at 10s per ton less :—
£ s. d.
Flour, best Silk-dressed (Kiwi No. 1) per ton of 2000 lbs 19 0 0
Flour, Silk-dressed (Kiwi No. 2). . . 17 0 0
Wheatmeal . . . . . 18 0 0
Sharps . . . . . . . 9 0 0
Bran, per bushel of 20 lbs . . . 0 1 3
For Smutting, Grinding, and Silk-dressing Wheat, per bushel of 60 lbs . . 0 1 0
Crushing Oats, per bushel of 20 lbs . 0 0 8
Crushing Maize, per bushel of 60 lbs - 0 0 9>br/> Waste in Gristing 3 lbs per bushel.
Sacks 1s and bags 6d each extra.
The first three days in each month will be devoted to crushing horse-feed.
Orders can be left at the Mill, or with our agent, Mr. Thomas Morris, Storekeeper, Hamilton.
Terms—One Month.
J. FLEMING & Co.
The flour was pronounced as good, and the share price responded: Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4658, 30 July 1872
We have seen a sample of the flour ground in the new mill at Hamilton. It is quite equal to any produced in the Auckland mills We are glad to learn that the shares are quoted at 5s. premium. — Waihato Times.
Despite that share premium, one shareholder wanted out and offered his shares at a discount: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 50, 24 August 1872
TO BE SOLD, 10 SHARES in the Hamilton Flour Mill Mill Company, at a discount. Apply THOMAS MAUNDER, Hamilton.
Captain Beere was using the mill as his address for other non-mill business: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 57, 10 September 1872
HAMILTON HIGHWAY DISTRICT.
THE ASSESSMENT LIST for the present year 1872-3, is now posted at the Kiwi Kiwi Flour Mill, Te Rapa. A copy may be seen at the Court House, Hamilton, at which place the Trustees will meet on Saturday, September 28th, at 2 p.m., to hear objections. G. B. BEERE, Chairman.
The company was looking to increase its capital: New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2691, 12 September 1872
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED).
A Special General Meeting of the Shareholders of the above Company will be held at the Court-house, Hamilton, on the twentieth day of September, 1872, at the hour of two in the afternoon.
Business:
1. To increase the Capital of the Company from £600 to £1000.
2. To give power to the Company to borrow money on lands and property held by the Company, not exceeding the sum of £300.
3. To give power to the Company to erect the necessary buildings and machinery for an Oatmeal Mill.
4. To give power to the Company to lease lands and property held by the Company.
Dated this 9th day of September, 1872. T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary.
THOMAS JOLLY, JAMES MARTIN, Directors.
New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2700, 23 September 1872
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL.
A special general meeting of the shareholders of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company (Limited) was held to-day (20th instant), in the Court-house, Captain Beere (Chairman of Directors) presiding. There being threefourths of the paid up capital represented, the following business was transacted : — Resolved, "That the capital of the company be increased from £600 to £1000; that the company be empowered to borrow a sum of money upon the mill properly, not exceeding £300; that the company have power to erect the necessary plant and machinery for an oatmeal mill; that the company have power to lease the mill and half the land, 25 acres." The affairs of the company appeared from the report of the Secretary, and Mr. Palmer, one of the lessees of the mill, to be in a most flourishing condition; so much so, that Mr. Palmer offered to give the company 12 1/2 per cent., payable quarterly in advance, upon the outlay, in lieu of the company receiving, as at present, a portion of the proceeds of the mill. At present, and since the opening of the same, an average of 100 bushels wheat per week has been put through the mill. - It was decided not to accept Mr. Palmer's offer, but to continue receiving a share of the proceeds. - The liabilities at the present lime amount to £26O; assets, £180, due on shares allotted. - Mr. Cox has offered to lend £250 at 8 per cent., upon the mill property, for two yours, or longer if required. - There are a few of the original shares still not taken up. - The directors are sanguine of disposing of the remaining shares and additional capital.
Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 837, 23 September 1872
A meeting of the shareholders in the Hamilton Flour Mill Company, says the Waikato Times, was held on Friday, at the Court-house, Hamilton. The following resolutions were agreed to: - (1.) The capital to be increased from £600 to £1,000. (2.) Power was granted to the directors to borrow money on lands and other property held by the Company, provided the sum so borrowed shall not exceed £300. (3.) Power was granted to erect the necessary machinery, &c., for an oatmeal mill. (4.) Power was granted to lease the lands belonging to the Company.
A revised price list was issued, with prices generally creeping up: Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 69, 8 October 1872
KIWI FLOUR MILLS, HAMILTON.
THE undersigned having leased the above Mills are prepared to supply Flour, &c, at any part of the Waikatj and Waipa Rivers at the following prices, excepting Hamilton, which will be at 10s per ton less :—
£ s. d.
Flour, best Silk-dressed (Kiwi No. 1) per ton of 2000 lbs ... 20 0 0
Flour, Silk-dressed (Kiwi No. 2) 18 0 0
Wheatineal . . 19 0 0
Sharps . 9 0 0
Bran, per bushel of 20lbs -. . . 0 1 6
For Smutting, Grinding, and Silk-dressing Wheat, per bushel of 60 lbs . . 0 1 0
Crushing Oats, per bushel of 40 lbs . 0 0 8
Crushing Maize, per bushel of 60 lbs . 0 0 9
Waste in Gristing 3 lbs per bushel.
Sacks 1s and bags 6d each extra.
The first three days in each month will be devoted to crushing horse-feed.
Orders can be left at the Mill, or with our agent, Mr. Thomas Morris, Storekeeper. Hamilton.
Terms—One Month.
J. FLEMING & Co.
More paid up shares found themselves on the market - I suspect John Knox was selling them as agent for someone else. Waikato Times, Volume II, Issue 81, 5 November 1872
FOR SALE,—Twenty Paid-up SHARES in the Hamilton Flour Mill. Apply to JOHN KNOX, Auctioneer, Hamilton.
It's quite possible that these were the shares of Mr Highley, who had presumably recently died: Waikato Times, Volume II, Issue 91, 28 November 1872
NOTICE.
THE undersigned, having taken over the business lately conducted by Mr Highley at West Hamilton, wish to notify to the inhabitants of the district that they will find it to their advantage to favour them with their custom, as it is their intention to supply goods at the lowest possible rates.
All debts due to the late proprietor to be paid to their agent at Hamilton.
OWEN & GRAHAM. Hamilton, 25th November, 1872.
FOR SALE-CHEAP, PAIR of WORKING BULLOCKS.
Twenty Shares in the Hamilton Flour Mill.
Woolpacks, &c., &c.
Waikato Times, Volume III, Issue 112, 23 January 1873
Hamilton Flour Mill Company, Limited.
The Ordinary General MEETING of the above Company will be held in the Court-house, Hamilton, on Monday, 3rd day of February next
Business: Receiving report, parsing accounts, and election of Directors.
T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary. Hamilton, January 18, 1873.
Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 120, 11 February 1873
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF THE HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED)

The ordinary general meeting of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company (Limited) was held in the Court-house, West Hamilton, on Monday evening, at 2 pm. Captain Beere, chairman of directors, occupied the chair, and read the advertisement convening the meeting. He said he was happy to say, although they had erected their mill at the end of last season, when nearly all the wheat in the district had passed into other hands, that a good deal of gristing had been done at the mill, besides a considerable amount ground by the lessees, upon which a royalty had been paid of £9 11s 6d, which was available for dividend at the rate of 1 1/2 p.c. on the paid up shares. He was sorry that more shares had not been disposed of, so as to place the Company in a better position for the purchase of wheat; but he believed in this part of the district, and hoped that next year on presenting the balance sheet they would be in a position to declare a good dividend. He would now call upon the secretary, Mr Morris, to read the report and balance sheet.

The secretary read the report, which showed that the directors had some hard up-hill work, but that the Company was now established on a solid basis, and they had every faith in its ultimate success. The directors intended, if possible, during the year to get an oat kiln erected, so that they might be able to utilize the oats grown in the district, and retain the money which now goes away for oatmeal.

Messrs Searancke and Knox were appointed auditors.

Mr Knox said, as agent for the sale of shares, several parties had asked him what check the Company had on the Trustees that they would furnish their Company with proper returns of all the wheat, &c, passed through their hands, which was a question he could not answer satisfactorily, and on that account, many who would otherwise have invested did not. He would, therefore, wish to have the matter explained.

The Secretary replied : That according to the terms of lease, the books in which all that was received in the mill was entered, were open for the inspection of any shareholder at the mill from sunrise to sunset, every day, so that there could be no objection to anyone investing.

Mr Knox and the other shareholders present considered the explanation satisfactory and the report was adopted.

The election of two directors in the room of Messrs Morris and Martin, who retired, was then proceeded with; and the following gentlemen we're proposed and seconded to fill the vacancies : Messrs Searancke, S. S. Graham, J. Knox, J. Harper, T. Morris, and J. Martin.

On a show of hands being taken, Messrs S. S. Graham and J. Knox wore declared duly elected.

The Chairman then pointed out that as Mr Knox was elected a director, it was necessary to elect another auditor for the ensuing year, to which office Mr McGovern was duly elected.

A hearty vote of thanks to the retiring Directors and Secretary was accorded, and also to the Chairman for his untiring endeavours for the Company's welfare, after which the meeting was brought to a close.

The Secretary informed the shareholders that he was prepared to pay their dividends on calling at the Company's office.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIX, Issue 4826, 13 February 1873
The ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company was held on the 10th instant. The report showed that the directors had some hard up-hill work, but that the company was now established on a solid basis, and they had every faith in its ultimate success. The directors intended, if possible, during the year to get an oat kiln erected, so that they might be able to utilise the oats grown in the district, and retain the money which now goes away for oatmeal. Messrs. S. S. Graham and J. Knox were elected directors in the room of Messrs. Morris and Martin, who retired, and Messrs. McGovern and Searancke wore appointed auditors.
A whole series of often special shareholder meetings over the course of many months relate that all was not well with the company's financial position: Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 190, 29 July 1873
Hamilton Flour Mill Company, Limited.
A SPECIAL General Meeting of the Shareholders of the above Company will be held at the Court House, Hamilton, at 3 o'clock, on Friday afternoon, August 22nd, 1873.
Business : To consider the financial position of the Company, and the advisability of winding-up the Company.
G. B. BEERE, Chairman. Hamilton, July 22, 1873.
Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 223, 14 October 1873
Hamilton Flour Mill Company (Limited).
A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of the Shareholders of the above Company will be Held at The Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, on Friday, 24th inst, at 2 in the afternoon.
BUSINESS: The advisability of erecting additional Machinery, and other important matters.
T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary. Hamilton, Oct. 10, 1873.
Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 229, 28 October 1873
Hamilton Flour Mill Company (Limited).
A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of the above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, on Friday, November 7, 1873, at 7 o'clock in the evening
BUSINESS — Voluntary winding up of the Company. It is to be hoped the shareholders will make an effort to attend.
T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary. Hamilton, Oct. 25, 1873.
Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 268, 29 January 1874
Hamilton Flour Mill Company (Limited).
THE ANNUAL ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of Shareholders of the above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, on Monday, February 2, 1874, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Business - To receive Report and pass accounts, also to elect two Directors in lieu of Messrs Beere and Jolly, retiring.
By Order, T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary. Hamilton, January 2,' J. 1; V74.
Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 311, 12 May 1874
Hamilton Flour Mill Company (Limited).
A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of Shareholders of the above Company will be held in the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, on Wednesday Evening, May 20, 1874, at Seven o'clock.
Business - The voluntary winding up of the Company.
T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary. Hamilton, May 6, 1874.
Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 318, 28 May 1874
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED.)
A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of Shareholders of the above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, on Wednesday, June 3rd, 1874, at Seven o'clock in the evening.
Business: The Voluntary Winding-up of the Company, and to consider the offer of the Lessees to purchase the Company's property.
THOMAS JOLLY, Chairman. Hamilton, May 21, 1874.
The meeting was moved to be held a day earlier than previously advertised: Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 319, 30 May 1874
The meeting of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company will be held on Tuesday. June 2, in place of June 3.
A solicitor got to work winding up the company: Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 328, 20 June 1874
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY, LIMITED.
ALL Claims against the above Company must be sent in to the undersigned Forthwith to facilitate the winding up of the Company.
CHARLES E. MADDEN, Solicitor. Hamilton West, June 18, 1874.
A few days later, perhaps after clarifying his terms of engagement, the same ad was reissued, with the position changed to "liquidator": Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 329, 23 June 1874
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY, LIMITED.
ALL Claims against the above Company must be sent in to the undersigned Forthwith to facilitate the winding up of the Company.
CHARLES E. MADDEN, Liquidator. Hamilton West, June 18, 1874.
Even in liquidation, things were not going smoothly, and another special meeting was called: Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 429, 16 February 1875
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED.)
A SPECIAL General Meeting of the above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, on THURSDAY February 25th, 1875, at 7.30 p.m.
Business: To appoint Two Liquidators in place of Messrs Madden ana McGovern, resigned.
T. H. W. MORRIS, Secretary. Hamilton, February 5th, 1875.
Despite the troubles in the company running the mill, the output was of good quality, and used as a reference point in a court case: Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1594, 22 March 1875
DISTRICT COURT.— HAMILTON.
Thursday, March 18, 1875.
(Before His Honor Judge Beckham.)
Upon the opening of the Court, before the commencement of the business, W. M. Hay, Esq., as senior barrister, welcomed His Honor to the district. His Honor having suitably replied, the first case was called.
PHILLIP LE QUESNE V. WILLIAM REID Claim, £27 8s 6d.
Mr O'Neill for plaintiff, Messrs. Hay and Whitaker for defendant.
The plaintiff sent some wheat to be ground to defendant's flour mill, in all about 300 bushels. Of this 120 bushels was shown to be good wheat, but no evidence was adduced as to the quality of the balance. A number of witnesses were called on behalf of the plaintiff to shew that the yield of flour to the bushel of wheat was less than the yield at the Hamilton Flour Mill Company's Mill. None of these witnesses, however, could testify as to the difference between a "silk-dressing" and a "wire-dressing" flour mill, nor was any evidence adduced to shew the amount of actual damage sustained. There was also a claim for goods supplied, which plaintiff attempted to prove, defendants having admitted, but failed to do so. At the conclusion of the plaintiff's case, Mr Whitaker addressed the Court, contending that a nonsuit should be recorded, the plaintiff having failed to prove his claim.
Nonsuit granted; costs, £4 l9s. This is the third time plaintiff has had this case before the Court, and lost it every time.
Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 436, 6 April 1875
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED).
A MEETING of the shareholders in above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, on TUESDAY, 13th instant.
Business:
To hear from the Liquidators the position of the finances of the Company, and to settle the terms of a proposed sale of the Mill to Capt Beere. about which disputes have arisen.
F. A. WHITAKER,
THOMAS H. W. MORRIS,
Per F. A. WHITAKER.
Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 454, 15 April 1875
A meeting of the shareholders in the Hamilton Flour Mill Company was held on Tuesday evening, at the Hamilton Hotel. The meeting was called by the liquidators, Mr Morris and Mr Whitaker. A considerable amount of discussion took place in reference to an offer of 15s per share by Captain Beere. After the explanation of the liquidators, however, the offer by the same gentleman of 10s per share, less the cost of winding up, was accepted.
Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 481, 19 June 1875
A meeting of shareholders in the Hamilton Flour Mill Company, Limited, is convened to be held at the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton West, at 3 p.m. on Monday the 28th inst; business — to receive the report of the liquidators as to the affairs of the company.
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXXI, Issue 5567, 30 June 1875
At a meeting of shareholders of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company, held on Monday, to hear the report of the liquidators, it was stated that Captain Beere had offered to purchase the mill — paying the shareholders 10s. per share. It was agreed that Captain Beere should be allowed time to get approved endorsements to long-dated bills, bearing interest at 8 per cent, to the amount of 10s. in the £l, and Captain Steele, and Messrs. S. Graham and Martin were appointed a committee to confer with Captain Beere, and the liquidators on the subject.
Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 537, 28 October 1875
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED.)
A meeting of the Shareholders of the above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton West, at 7 o'clock, on Saturday, 29th instant.
Business :- To consider what course shall be pursued to finally wind up the Company, the terms agreed to at the last meeting not having been complied with.
A full attendance is requested.
F. A. WHITAKER, T. H. W. MORRIS, per F.M.C. Liquidators.
Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 539, 2 November 1875
There was no meeting of the Hamilton Flour Mill Company, on Saturday evening, owing doubtless to the inclemency of the weather, and the meeting therefore stands adjurned until the 13th inst.
The subsequent re-advertising of the meeting has a couple of significant changes - "complied with" has changed to "carried into effect", which seems to indicate less deliberate and more accidental failure was involved. The tag line also changes "per F. M. C." (which I take to be Flour Mill Company) to "per F. A. W." (which are F A Whitaker's initials). Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 540, 4 November 1875
HAMILTON FLOUR MILL COMPANY (LIMITED,)
A meeting of Shareholders in the above Company will be held at the Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton West, at 7 o'clock in the evening of the 13th November, 1875.
Business : - To consider what course shall be adopted to finally wind up the Company, the arrangements made at the previous meeting not having been carried into effect.
A full attendance is requested.
F. A. WHITAKER, T. H. W. MORRIS, per F.A.W. Liquidators.
Captain Beere does seem to have continued working the mill: Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 925, 28 May 1878
WANTED 10,000 BUSHELS GOOD WHEAT. Highest price given. G. B. BEERE, Kiwi Flour Mills.
Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 974, 19 September 1878
Kiwi Mills, Hamilton. - The new works at the Kiwi Flour Mill have been completed, and the Proprietor, Captain Beere, will formally open them on Saturday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, to which ceremony a large number of visitors have received invitations.
Later we learn of some alterations being done to the mill: Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1403, 30 June 1881
Mr Elliott is the successful tenderer for the alterations required at the Hamilton Flour Mill the price being £126; contract to be completed in two months from date.
Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1091, 21 June 1879
KIWI FLOUR MILL HAMILTON.
WHOLESALE Prices Current:
Sacks 100lb bags 501b bags
No. 1 Sk-drsd per ton 2,000lbs 14 0 0 14 10 0 15 0
No. 2 Sk-drsd per ton of 2,000lbs ... 12 0 0 12 10 0 13 0
Sharps, per ton 8 10 0
Bran, per ton 7 10 0
Terms: cash; 2 1/2 per cent, discount allowed on all accounts paid within the month. The above prioes are subject to alteration at any time.
G. B. BEERE. Proprietor
It appears that Captain Beere may well have owned the mill, since there is mention of some of his property being at the mill: Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1480, 29 December 1881
BEERES FORT, HAMILTON WEST. Saturday, December 31st, at Noon. IMPORTANT UNRESERVED SALE. FURNITURE, EFFECTS, &c., &c.
SUBSCRIBER has been favored with instructions to sell by auction on the above date, at the residence of Capt. Beere, who is leaving the district, the whole of his Furniture and Effects,
...
Workshop. ... 1 Set of 7 1/2ft. diameter Segments, 1 Set Bearings (4in. diameter shaft), 1 Water Wheel Centre (complete), 1 Pully Spindle, 2 Cross-iron Centres, 2 12in. Spur Wheels, 6ft. 6in. of 3 x 3in. Square Shafting (turned for bearings) ... Note. — The Water-wheel Centres are at the Hamilton Flour Mill, where they can be obtained.
Kennedy Hill.
Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 69, 22 March 1889
FIRES IN WAIKATO.
FLOUR MILL BURNT
(by telegraph, own correspondent.)
Hamilton, this day. The Kiwi flour mill, owned by Knox and Ridler, has just been destroyed by fire.
O'Grady's house, near the cemetery at Ngaruawahia was totally destroyed, by fire last night. There, are no particulars to hand yet.
Knox and Ridler's mill was insured for £500 on buildings, and the stock for other £500, both in the New Zealand Insurance Company.
It's another few years until we hear mention of a mill calling itself the Hamiliton Flour Mill again, when presumably a new miller advertises the mill is restarting work: Waikato Times, Volume XLII, Issue 3419, 29 May 1894
WANTED KNOWN - The Hamilton Flour Mill starts to-day. Gristing and Crushing done - S. Short, Hamilton.



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