A pair of small millstones, now built into the face of a monumental stone pyramid which commemorates early pioneer landings near its location. The monument was originally built circa 1934, and located further up the hill. It was moved in 2014.
William Mickell's entry in The Cyclopedia of New Zealand states
William Mickell was one of the New Zealand Company's expedition party, and landed at Nelson on the 1st of February, 1842, by the "Whitby". He was born in Bannockburn, Scotland, brought up to the trade of a carpet weaver, and followed that occupation in various parts of Scotland and Ireland. After arriving in New Zealand, he was engaged as a sawyer for some years. Subsequently he erected a flour mill in Atua Valley, where he ground grain with a stone fifteen inches in diameter. In 1857 he erected a larger flour mill at Brooklyn, and worked it till his death, which occurred in 1887, from failure of the heart's action. Mr. Mickell was highly respected for his hospitality and free sociable qualities. He was fond of amusements, and was especially beloved by children. At election times, particularly in the old Provincial Government days, he was always active, as an enthusiastic advocate of the Liberal cause. Mr. Mickell left a family of four sons and two daughters.
Recollections by WAA (Albert) Ryder written around 1960, make a number of mentions of the mill(s), but the information must have been told to him, since he was not born at the time of the mill's construction. The recollections note:
I have mentioned wheat being taken to the local flour mill which was owned by Mr Mickell. His first essay at flour milling was by utilising a small waterfall on a branch of the Atua Creek which crosses the road where Lance Cook lives. This was by an overshot wheel, but I think the volume of water proved inadequate. The stone grinding wheels were cut from local stone by Mr Mickell and are now part of the memorial to the early settlers which stands on the roadside at Old Pah Point where the road to Kaiteriteri starts along the coastline. The mill was next tried with an undershot wheel near the Riwaka Library. Water supply was again unsatisfactory so it was eventually moved to Umukuri, water being drawn from the Brooklyn stream. Then the mill was eventually abandoned and before being included in the memorial cairn the millstones served for some years as part of the stone work in the approach to the first traffic bridge over the Riwaka river.
| Last updated 28/01/2026 | Text and images © Mark Berry, 1997-2026 - |
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