Whilst he already had a mill at Fendall Park, Daniel Inwood was clearly eyeing up a site closer to town - the River Avon crossed Cashel Street twice, so was very convenient for the bakery store. In order to use the river, Inwood would need permission in the form of an Ordinance from the Provincial Council. Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 329, 26 December 1855
NOTICE is hereby given, that an Ordinance will be applied for in the ensuing session of the Provincial Council empowering Daniel Inwood, of Christchurch, Miller, to erect a flour mill, upon an island in the River Avon, opposite Oxford Terrace, West, in the Town of Christchurch.The idea of a privately owned mill in town was not universally welcomed: Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 346, 23 February 1856
A copy of the proposed Ordinance may be seen at the office of the "Lyttelton Times," in Lyttelton, and also at my office in Christchurch.
H. B. Gresson, Barrister at Law, Counsel for the said Daniel Inwood. Christchurch, 20th December, 1855.
To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times.The private bill for the erection of a mill passed through various stages at the Provincial Council: Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 465, 18 April 1857
Sir, - I see by an advertisement in your paper, that Mr. Inwood intends applying at the next sitting of the Provincial Council for leave to erect a flour mill on the river Avon, within the town of Christchurch.
Perhaps he will also kindly inform the public, whether he intends the said mill for exclusive grinding of his own corn, or whether he will oblige a farmer by grinding grist for him, on receiving a small consideration. I should suppose the Provincial Council would hesitate before granting a site, like the one applied for, for the sole benefit of a private individual.
I remain. Mr. Editor, Yours truly, ANTI-MONOPOLY.
A select committee was appointed to consider Inwood's Mill Bill. Mr. Bray suggested that the Committee should be instructed to take into consideration any possible damage from the proposed works to road and waterways.A second reading followed: Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 473, 16 May 1857
INWOOD'S MILL BILLCommittee considered it: Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 478, 3 June 1857
Mr. Ollivier moved that this Bill he read a second time. Some amendments had been added in Committee, particularly one reserving to the Government a power of requiring the removal of the Mill, Mill-dam, and all other obstructions to navigation, if the river should ever be wanted for that purpose. The Committee had agreed to the bill unanimously, with these amendments.
Mr. Bray recommended that the right should be confined to a certain term of years. He thought a clause should be introduced to that effect, and he should move as an amendment that the second reading be postponed for its introduction.
Mr. Hall suggested that such a provision should be introduced in committee.
A short discussion followed, in which Messrs. Fooks, J. Bealey, Dampier and Donald took part, generally agreeing with Mr. Hall's suggestion.
Dr. Barker considered that the permission to construct a mill would be the establishment of a serious nuisance in the town of Christchurch. Let the bill be altered ever so much he should still oppose it on that ground.
Mr. Ollivier pointed out that in the petition in favour of the bill the names of almost all occupiers of land around the site appeared, except that of Dr. Barker.
The bill was then read a second time.
The House then went into Committee on Inwood's Mill Bill, which was carried through and reported, the chief amendment being the insertion of a clause empowering Government to divert the water of the river if necessary for public convenience.The bill was approved: Lyttelton Times, Volume VII, Issue 483, 20 June 1857
Assenting to the following Bills passed during the Session : Scab and Catarrh Amendment, No. 5; Inwood's Mill, No. 4; French Magazine Reserve, No. 2However the Governor exercised his right to veto the bill: New Zealander, Volume 13, Issue 1178, 1 August 1857
And whereas an Ordinance hath been enacted by the Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, with the advice and consent of the Provincial Council thereof, intitled "The Inwood Mill Ordinance," Session VIII, No. 4, and the said Ordinance was received by the Governor on the 23rd day of July, 1857. And whereas it is expedient that the said recited Ordinance should be disallowed, Now, therefore, I, the Governor of New Zealand, in pursuance of the authority vested in me in that behalf by the said recited Act of Parliament, do hereby proclaim and declare my disallowance of the said recited Ordinance, passed by the Superintendent and Provincial Council of the Province of Canterbury. Given under my hand, and issued under the Public Seal of the Colony of New Zealand, at Government House, at Auckland, this twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven. Thomas Gore Browne, Governor.A few months later, the same bill was reintroduced: Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 545, 23 January 1858
INWOOD'S MILL BILL.It was expected to be easy to progress: Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 547, 30 January 1858
Mr. Hall presented a petition from Mr. Daniel Inwood, praying for permission to introduce a private bill, which was read and received.
INWOOD'S MILL BILL.18 months later, the mill was in course of being erected, so the bill must have passed in some form: Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 688, 11 June 1859
Mr. Hall moved for leave to introduce Inwood's Mill Bill - It had been passed through the former Council, but was disallowed by the General Government on technical grounds. Consequently it had been fully discussed before, and was not likely now to require debate.
Leave given. Bill read a first time and referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Cass, Duncan, Packer, Higgins, and Hall.
It is true that mill power is at present under the requirements of the colony, but the three new mills now in course of erection, viz., my own, Mr. Steggall's, and Mr. Raven's, will give us mill power greatly exceeding the wants of the colony for many years to come. ... I have calculated that my new mill will produce flour enough for the consumption of ten thousand people, but I do not know the capacity of the other new mills.Lyttelton Times, Volume XII, Issue 734, 19 November 1859
D. INWOOD. Christchurch, June 9, 1859.
Inwood's Christchurch Mill, of which we have heard so much in a legislative way, has assumed practically the status of a finished work, having been set in motion during the past week. Its prominent position in the town of Christchurch, as well as the importance attaching to the increase of mill power in the province, have attracted to it a large number of visitors. The first point which strikes the eye is that the water power is superabundant. Even with the very slight fall which is gained in so level a river, the stream which passes through the waste gate proves that the applicability of the site for mill purposes has not been misjudged by Mr. Inwood. Inside, the grinding apparatus consists at present of only a pair of stones, but the number is, we understand, to be increased. The work as a whole in all its parts is creditable to the constructors. We understand that, to prevent the danger of terrifying passing horses, Mr. Inwood will not set the power in motion again, until he has walled in the river side by Oxford terrace.Lyttelton Times, Volume XIII, Issue 777, 18 April 1860
Mr. Bishop asked the Provincial Secretary: — "If it is the intention of the Government to take any steps for fencing that part of Oxford Terrace West at the edge of the foot path on the north side of the street, along the river, from Inwood's Mill to the Royal Hotel? And if so, whether such fence can be put up without further delay?"Inwood was involved in some court case, so there was at least the chance of some of his possessions being sold off: Lyttelton Times, Volume XIV, Issue 847, 22 December 1860
Some two years and a half ago a promise had been made by the Government that this portion of the river bank should be fenced and rendered safe. Nothing however had yet been done, and ,the danger had been daily increasing, from the breaking down in many places of the road, and the rise in the river itself. He (Mr. B.) hoped that this matter would not now escape the attention of the Government. He had no wish to see a heavy expense incurred, but only that a mere post and rail fence should be erected to render this part of the street safe.
Mr. Blakiston replied that the lapse of two years and a half seemed to him to prove that this was not a work of absolute necessity. The Government did not now contemplate spending money on this work. There were no funds to spare for such a work.
SUPREME COURT.- WRIT OF FI. FA.As part of the permit to erect his mill, Inwood needed to provide a cart bridge over the river: Lyttelton Times, Volume XIV, Issue 848, 26 December 1860
COXHEAD V.INWOOD.
MR. H. E. ALPORT has received instructions from the Deputy Sheriff of Canterbury, to Sell by Public Auction, at Mr. Inwood's premises, Avonside, on
THURSDAY NEXT, the 27th December,
(unless the above action shall have been previously settled), the following property, levied upon in this cause, viz., -
Steam engine, Threshing machine, Whaleboat, Sides of leather, 7 dozen basils, Hides and skins in pits, Wheels and part of cart, Wheelbarrow, &c.
Sale at 2 p.m. Terms Cash.
Market Place, Christchurch, Dec. 21,1860.
Mr. Harman, in asking whether the Government were satisfied that a safe and commodious cart bridge had been erected by Mr. D. Inwood in accordance with the terms of the Inwood Mill Ordinance, said that his object was really to know whether Mr. Inwood had fulfilled the conditions imposed upon him as it seemed to him (Mr. H.) that the bridge was in fact one to the mill and nothing more. He had seen drays on the bridge discharging corn at the mill and blocking it up whilst others were waiting to cross.Lyttelton Times, Volume XV, Issue 852, 9 January 1861
Mr. Blakiston said that the Government did not think the bridge a satisfactory one and instructions had been issued to the Provincial Engineer to enquire into the matter No doubt Mr. Inwood would be compelled to fulfil the conditions laid down in the ordinance.
INWOOD'S MILL BRIDGE. In answer to a question by Mr. Habman, Mr. Blakiston stated that the Government had taken measures to secure the public from the inconvenience now existing in the blocking up of this bridge by drays loading or unloading at the mill. Mr. Inwood had agreed to construct at once a place of discharge for drays so as to leave the bridge free for passage. He had promised to take immediate steps.The noise of the mill, being right in the heart of town, was not welcome: Lyttelton Times, Volume XV, Issue 853, 12 January 1861
INWOOD'S MILL.Lyttelton Times, Volume XV, Issue 874, 27 March 1861
To the Editor of the Lyttelton Times.
Sir, - I am glad to see that one of the members of the Council has brought before its notice the question whether the bridge at Inwood's Mill is such as was intended by the ordinance. Too much jealousy cannot be shown that where a boon is given by the public to an individual, the conditions accompanying it should be fulfilled.
This reminds me, however, of another matter, namely, the horrible nuisance of the eternal noise proceeding both day and night from that building.
No doubt the residents in that neighbourhood will, in process of time, get so much used to it that the mere cessation of this noise will cause an interruption to slumber; but fancy the fearful process of training that the miserable inhabitants must undergo before they are brought to this; still more, sir, consider the sad condition of those who are only occasional visitors to that neighbourhood. Sir, I am listening to it now, and can speak most feelingly.
I think some fine process of plugging the ears during the night would be advantageous. But fancy sir, in that case, what would become of us if a fire occurred.
As science is said to have advanced so much in the mother country, perhaps, as fires can now be made to burn without smoke, so mills may be made to go without noise; if so, surely Mr. In wood will avail himself of the discovery, and very possibly prevent a general local deafness or some other auricular disease.
Sir, it is still going, and I dare not write more; indeed I have written this in a very bad humour.
Yours, &c, AN OCCASIONAL VISITOR.
Early on Tuesday morning Richard Barnard, employed at Mr. D. Inwood's mill, Christchurch, discovered a body in the river near the mill; and having given information to the police, removed it to the station house. From papers found in a pocket book on the deceased he was recognized as Samuel Clark, who had been missed from his lodgings with John King, on the Windmill Road, for about ten days. Deceased was from Wakefield, Yorkshire, and came out in the Samarang about nine years since, being the fifth of that party who has met with an untimely end. Clark for some years resided at Nelson and appears to be aged about thirty eight. The inquest was held yesterday evening.Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 974, 12 March 1862
WANTED, a Miller.—Apply at the City Mills, Christchurch.The mill, and the farm produce retail business (but not the bakery) in Cashel Street were sold to William H. Lane: Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1023, 30 August 1862
CITY FLOUR MILLS, CHRISTCHURCH.Press, Volume III, Issue 133, 3 April 1863
NOTICE. - Having disposed of the above Mills to Mr. William H. Lane, I beg to inform the public that the business of the mill, as also that of the Farm Produce Store in Cashel Street, heretofore carried on by me, will be continued by my successor. D. INWOOD.
CITY FLOUR MILLS, CHRISTCHURCH.
THE undersigned having purchased the above Mills, begs to asssure the public that no endeavour on his part will be wanting to warrant the continuance of that support which has so long been given to Mr. Inwood. Farmers and others are informed that the grist work will be continued as usual; it is hoped by the aid of improved machinery that every satisfaction will be given.
Wheat and other farm produce purchased at market rates for cash.
W. H. LANE, City Mills and Farm Produce Store, Cashel Street.
A letter was read from the Provincial Engineer on the subject of the injury caused by Mr. Lanes mill dam to Cambridge Terrace, and a letter from Mr. Lane, stating that his mill dam did not affect the street in any way, and that he did not consider he was bound to lay down any drainpipes: he was however, willing to leave the matter to arbitration.Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1092, 29 April 1863
The Chairman explained that the letter from the Provincial Engineer was an answer to one which he, as Chairman of the Christchurch City Council, had written to him, Mr. Lane having distinctly given him to understand (some months ago) that he would put glazed pipes when he could get them from Sydney, wherever it was considered by the Provincial Engineer necessary remove the water caused by his mill dam.
Mr. Bishop asked, had the council the the power under the "Inwood Mill Ordinance?" The chairman said the council had the power under the "City Council Ordinance," and as guardians of the public property in the city. They had a right, and it was their duty to insist on Mr. Lane remedying the evil complained of. The following resolution was then moved by Mr. Alport and seconded by Mr. Barnard. - "That Mr. Lane be requested, within 14 days, to provide the drainage for Cambridge Terrace, which in the opinion of the Provincial Engineer is rendered necessary by the construction of the mill dam, and that in the event of his failing to do so, the work be effected by the council, and the cost thereof recovered fom Mr. Lane."
A letter from Mr. Dobson, Provincial Engineer, as to the proper mode of draining Cambridge terrace, and Mr. Lane's liability to bear the cost of the same. We subjoin this letter in extenso :-Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1097, 16 May 1863
Office of Public Works, Christchurch, April 23, 1863.
Sir, - I have looked carefully over Inwood's Mill Ordinance, and consider that Inwood or his assign is bound to give as good an outlet for draining Cambridge terrace as existed before the construction of the mill dam. The only effectual way of doing this is to cut a drain inside the river bank, from below the mill dam to the south-east corner of the Government Domain, at such a depth that the water in the drain shall not stand higher than the original water line of the river, which would give a fall of one foot in the whole length of the new drain. It would be entirely a question with the Town Council whether they would allow an open drain on Cambridge terrace; if not, I think the owner of the mill could be compelled to make a covered drain. In other words I consider that to drain Cambridge terrace it would be necessary to carry a three-feet culvert along the whole of the distance above named, and I think the whole cost of the work would be recoverable from the owner of the mill property.
I have, &c., "E. Dobson."
An Accident, which might have resulted fatally occurred yesterday about 2 p.m., at Mr. Lane's City Mills, nearly opposite the Lyttelton Hotel. It appears that some children were playing upon some planks stretched across the river by the men engaged in erecting the addition to the mill. One of the children, a girl about ten or twelve years of age, named Buxton, fell from the planks into the water and sank immediately. A man (name unknown) bravely jumped in, and caught her as she was being carried away by the stream, but was unable to drag her on shore on account of the strong eddy caused by the mill wheel. Both man and child would have probably perished, if Mr. Smith, of the Lyttelton Hotel, had not come to the rescue, and, at considerable personal risk, succeeded in grasping the man's hand and dragging him with the child, towards the bank. Mr. Tompkins also rendered able assistance. The child was quite insensible when got out, and Mr. Smith carried her to his hotel, where she was put to bed, and, under the care of Dr. Coward, soon recovered, and is now doing well.Having sold the mill, Inwood continued as a baker: Press, Volume III, Issue 248, 17 August 1863
NOTICE.- On and after this date, we the undersigned bakers of Christchurch, in consequence of the advance in flour, intend raising the price of bread to a shilling the 41b. loaf.Press, Volume III, Issue 274, 16 September 1863
Messrs. Wilson, Mathews, Hawley, Ritchie, Johnstone, Inwood, Phillips & Banks, Jackman & Hicks, Quine & Cain, Hawker & Plumbridge, Aulsebbook & Cole.
Christchureh, August 17, 1863.
Mr. Ollivier - To move for leave to introduce a Bill for the purpose of amending the Inwood Mill Ordinance.Press, Volume III, Issue 275, 17 September 1863
INWOOD MILL ORDINANCE.Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1133, 19 September 1863
Mr. Ollivier moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Inwood Mill Ordinance. The object was to correct a difficulty in the interpretation of the Ordinance now in force. There was a doubt whether the bridge was a public thoroughfare in the full sense of the term, and though it was continually blocked up by carts requiring access to the mill, the Council had been advised that without further powers they could not insist on its being kept open for public traffic. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. He thought the difficulty of passing over the bridge had become a public nuisance.
The Bill was read a first time and ordered to be printed.
Inwood's Bridge Ordinance.Press, Volume III, Issue 282, 25 September 1863
Mr. Ollivier moved for leave to introduce a bill to amend the above ordinance. It was to correct a difficulty which had arisen under the ordinance in force, there being great doubt in the minds of legal gentlemen whether Inwood's bridge was a public thoroughfare, and the City Council were thus placed at fault. The road was frequently blocked up, and the public were suffering great inconvenience; without further powers they could not enforce the full right of way.
Mr. Davis seconded the motion, and characterised the bridge as a dangerous public nuisance, the noise from the mill was also a great nuisance to the inhabitants in the neighborhood, especially to persons suffering from sickness, and the mill was frequently worked all night, and even at two o'clock on Sunday mornings. He was a party to the passing of the old bill, but he had since painfully regretted it.
The Provincial Secretary said it was a pity the mill had ever been put up, and he thought the Government must have been very short of money at that time to sell the piece of ground for £12 10s. He wished to know if there was any opposition on the part of Mr. Inwood. It was time something was done with such a dangerous nuisance.
Mr. Ollivier said it was the General Government that sold the land, upon a special application. He did not apprehend any opposition on the part of the owner. No public thoroughfare should be obstructed; that was an evil which should be remedied.
The bill was read a first time, and ordered to be printed.
INWOOD'S MILL BRIDGE.Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1135, 26 September 1863
The Government selected a question upon which to make a stand in the Council, and succeeded in resisting a very unjust and impolitic Bill introduced by that indefatigable legislator Mr. Ollivier. In 1857, Mr. Inwood proposed to build a flour mill on a piece of land he had bought some years before on an island in the Avon. He required an Ordinance to give him the right to dam up the river and use the water. The Council gave him that privilege for thirty years, upon the condition that he would build a bridge in the line of Hereford-street. The words of the Ordinance do not expressly state that the bridge is to be a public bridge; but as the land on which it is built is a public street, set out for that purpose in the original maps of the Town, it possibly occurred to the drafter of the Ordinance that no doubt could ever arise on the subject. Mr. Inwood's mill, dam, and bridge wore all to be built according to plans approved by the Provincial Engineer, and were to be kept in repair for the term of the conceded right, namely, thirty years. The bridge built was a tolerable one for the days in which it was constructed. At all events it was approved by Mr. Dobson, and therefore the contract in respect to it was performed. A good deal of the engagements respecting this mill might have been better performed. For example, Mr. Inwood was restricted to 3 feet in the height of his dam, and it was arranged that a stone was to to be placed so as to shew the maximum height at which the water was to stand. One way would have been to build the stone into the bank at the maximum height, so that all the world might see if the privilege was exceeded. But millers are an intelligent race, and Mr. Inwood had the stone fixed in the bottom of the river, so that the three feet might be measured from it to the surface of the water at the new level. Sand and mud and weeds have long since hidden it from human sight, and it would not now be easy to say where the water really stood at the old level. There is a story in children's books of an engineer who, in order to save the lives of strangers trying to cross a dangerous ford, stuck a pole in the river with a board at the top, with the words - " When the water covers this board the ford is dangerous." The board is said to have proved very useful to strangers arriving at the ford when the river was flooded. Could Mr. Inwood or Mr. Dobson have been the engineer on that occasion? The bridge was constructed so as to lead to the door of Mr. Inwood's mill, indeed there was no other possible door, as the mill stood on an island. The natural course would have been to build the mill in the middle of the street, with a recess to the mill door. But Mr. Dobson passed it in its present shape, and so we must be content with our bargain. Trade has greatly increased, and as carts are always loading and unloading at the mill door, the road is now almost always blocked up. In order to stop this nuisance the City Council take the advice of their solicitor, and it appears are advised that the bridge is not clearly stated by the Ordinance to be a public bridge, and therefore ought to be declared to be so by a fresh Ordinance. Mr. Ollivier therefore introduces a Bill to the Council. We say this was unwise. First it is not the Solicitor to the Council but the magistrates who have to decide the question. If the City Council are of opinion that there is a nuisance committed, why do they not summons some carter for obstructing the highway? If they had done so and the case had failed, there would be some excuse for a fresh Bill, but until the law has been tried and been proved insufficient, there is no excuse for fresh legislation. We maintain that it could not for one moment be maintained that the bridge is a private bridge. It is in the main line of the street and is part of the street. But that is not where the shoe pinches. Suppose Mr. Ollivier's Bill were passed, and there were no doubt as to the bridge being a public thoroughfare, what then? The City Council could only summon a carter for obstructing the thoroughfare. But could they succeed? Every man has a right to stop his cart for a reasonable time to set down and take up his load. The carts taking corn and going for flour do no more than this, and they have a right to stay on the bridge for that purpose. If the bridge is so narrow as to be obstructed by that process, that is the fault of the bridge, not of the carters. The Province has accepted the arrangements by which the mill door opens on the bridge and must abide by a bad bargain. A little more foresight would have provided a bridge with a recess for the special accommodation of the miller and his friends. The Provincial Solicitor, in a very telling argument, opposed the Bill as either useless on the one hand, or, in so far as it was not inoperative, an interference with a distinct bargain, and the House with a very creditable sense of justice stood by the contract as it stands. But we should imagine terms might be readily made with Mr. Lane, the present occupier of the mill, by which the bridge may be widened so as to accommodate the miller and the public equally. For if Mr. Lane's business increases much more, and he enlarges his machinery, as we hear he is about to do, the present state of matters will suit him as little as it will us. Mr. Lane has now to repair a bridge for public use for thirty years. Surely it would pay him better to buy off that engagement by assisting in building a new bridge alongside the old one, when the public will have the thoroughfare unimpeded, and Mr. Lane will only have to keep the part of the bridge in repair which is used for his own traffic.
The Provincial Secretary introduced a petition from W. H. Lane in the matter of Inwood's mill, praying that his rights may not be interfered with, by a bill now before the house, or that it may be refered to a select committee. The petition was received and laid on the table. Mr. Rowe accepted the postponement of a reply to a question which stood in his name, till to-morrow night. Mr. Ollivier obtained leave to postpone the second reading of the Inwood Mill Bridge Amendment Bill, as the bill had not been laid on the table.Lyttelton Times, Volume XX, Issue 1137, 1 October 1863
THE WAIMAKARIRI.Press, Volume IV, Issue 508, 15 June 1864
Mr Beswick said the river had broken through its north branch and some hundreds of acres were then flooded, and unless something was done, most disastrous consequences were likely to ensue. He urged the immediate action of the Government in the matter, as the expenditure of a small sum at once would probably save thousands.
Mr. Templer deprecated any interference with the present course the river was taking, as the erection of any dam or obstruction would certainly bring it nearer Christchurch, and cause it to resume its old bed or join the Avon. He considered the Government were acting most prudently in not attempting to restrain it. He knew the course of the river well, and as a portion of its channel lay through sandy flats, great engineering difficulties would present themselves in attempting to keep the river to its own channel.
Mr. Wilkinson said there was a great cry a few years ago about the river coming to Christchurch, and Mr. Inwood was so convinced that the Waimakariri was coming that he sold his mill to the first customer.
The Provincial Secretary said the matter should have immediate attention, and the engineer should be sent to inspect the state of the river; but if it became a question between Kaiapoi and Christchurch which should go first: he should certainly give Kaiapoi the preference.
The following letter was read from Mr Lane of the City Mills:-Press, Volume X, Issue 1230, 16 October 1866
"To the Chairman of the City Council.
Sir,-I beg to suggest as a simple, inexpensive and effectual means of preserving a large portion of the city from destruction by fire, that a house be erected over the stream on the east end of my mills for a stationary fire-engine, so arranged as to be worked by the wheel, and sufficiently powerful to force a stream of water six or more inches in diameter to the extreme part of the Triangle, or even further. At the end of the main hose should be attached two or more jets or smaller hose of convenient lengths, to be used as required. In case a fire broke out beyond the reach of the hose it would supply two ordinary engines with abundance of water for their use. As little preparation would be necessary at the mills, by the time the hose was conveyed to the fire the engine would be in full play, and a little Avon 'to the rescue.' Notwithstanding we shortly expect a steam fire-engine the night or day may come when all our appliances for extinguishing fire and for the salvation of life and property may be brought into requisition. If you think this suggestion worthy of consideration to assist in carrying it out I will give the power to work the engine free of cost and will subscribe £20.
I remain, &c. &c.
W. H. Lane."
Mr. C W. Bishop said he felt great pleasure in hearing such a communication read. It shewed the anxiety of the owner of the mill to be ready to do all that lay in his power to promote the comfort and security of the citizens in offering the use of his mill wheel as a power to assist in extinguishing fires. He (Mr Bishop) had the honor of a seat in the Provincial Council when the Inwood Mill Ordinance was passed, and he endeavored to get a clause inserted having the same object in view as that now so kindly offered by Mr. Lane. He could bear testimony to the very hard work it was to keep pumping the present large fire engine, and was sure that this mill wheel would be a very great advantage, as its force would be enormous, if compared with manual labour. It was moved by Mr. C. W. Bishop, seconded by Mr. Burnell, "That the City Council desires hereby cordially to thank Mr. Lane for the liberal offer of the use of the water power of his mill, in order to supply a stationary engine attached thereto; and also for the handsome contribution he has proffered in aid of the cost of the work. The Council has referred Mr. Lane's letter to the City Surveyor for a special report, and will give the subject its immediate and careful consideration." Carried.
A letter was read from Mr W. H. Lane, requesting permission in case of flood to remove a portion of Hereford street, so as to protect his mill.Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1832, 31 October 1866
Mr Alport considered that the obstruction was caused by the manner in which the bridge was constructed. If the required permission was given it might obstruct the traffic of Hereford street for several days.
The letter Was referred to the City Surveyor to report upon.
THE INWOOD MILL ORDINANCE.Star, Issue 202, 5 January 1869
Mr W. Williams having obtained leave to withdraw one of his questions which was upon the order paper asked, 1. Whether the Provincial Engineer has in any manner expressed himself satisfied with the mill-race, mill-dam, and cart-bridge, erected in and over the river Avon, pursuant to clause 3 of "The Inwood Mill Ordinance, Session IX, No 2." 2. Whether the Provincial Engineer has, pursuant to clause 2 of the same Ordinance, seen that a permanent stone mark has been fixed upon the bank of the river. 3. Whether the Provincial Engineer is satisfied that the present dam does not raise the water more than three feet higher than the level of the river at the time of the passing of the said Ordinance.
Mr. Stewart said the Provincial Engineer was satisfied with the mill dam, and that he had also fixed a permanent stone mark upon the bank of the river, but whether he was satisfied that the dam did not raise the water more than the height named, he (Mr. Stewart) could not say, but he would consult the Engineer upon it.
PRODUCTION OF PAPERS.
Mr. W. Williams moved for copies of all correspondence between Mr. Daniel Inwood, or any other person interested in the said mill, with the Provincial Government, and copies of minutes and documents referring to the erection and maintenance of the said bridge, and for any further information which can be given as to the real terms upon which the said mill was allowed to be built. There was no question about the necessity for something being done, and the information he asked for would enable him to ascertain how to accomplish it. The present state of the bridge he characterised as most disgraceful and dangerous to the public. It was usually blocked up by carts, so that the traffic was seriously impeded.
Mr. Garrick said that a search had been made, but that no correspondence could be found; however, a further search should be instituted. He might remark that the hon. member could not travel outside the terms of the Ordinance in any case, and he would also remind him that evidence had been taken before a select committee on the same subject last session.
The motion was carried.
Letter from Mr W. H. Lane, stating his intention to repair the City mill bridge next week, and requesting permission to close it for traffic during the period the works would be in operation.Press, Volume XVII, Issue 2366, 26 November 1870
Councillor Jameson having spoken of the necessity of the repairs, and the mayor having explained the nature of them, the request was granted.
SECOND AND FINAL DIVIDEND of Seven Pence Farthing in the Pound in the Estate of AUGUSTUS THIELE, is now PAYABLE at my Office, City Mills.Press, Volume XVII, Issue 2381, 15 December 1870
W. H. LANE, Trustee.
FOR SALE, A SECOND.HAND BURGESS & KEY REAPING MACHINE.Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 2415, 25 January 1871
W. H. LANE, City Mills.
FOB SALE, CHEAP, A GOOD SECOND-HAND BURGESS AND KEY'S REAPING MACHINE.Press, Volume XIX, Issue 2752, 27 February 1872
W. H. LANE, City Mills.
HAVING ERECTED MACHINERY WITH SILK-DRESSER FOR GRISTING,Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 3087, 15 July 1875
The Charges from this date will be-
For lots under 100 bushels, 9d; 100 bushels and over, 6d per bushel, CASH.
W. H. LANE. City Mills, Feb. 24, 1872.
TO LET-Those Premises in Cashel street now in the occupation of Mr W. H. Lane. Apply at the City Flour Mills.Lyttelton Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 4515, 3 August 1875
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. Mr W. H. LANE has removed his Business from Cashel street to the City Floor Mills.Press, Volume XXV, Issue 3254, 4 February 1876
TO FARMERS The Undersigned, as usual, is a CASH PURCHASER of WHEAT and OATS. W. H. LANE, City Flour Mills, Christchurch.Press, Volume XXVI, Issue 3402, 29 July 1876
TO LET, THE CITY FLOUR MILLS.Press, Volume XXVII, Issue 3651, 22 March 1877
In consequence of the Proprietor's intention to visit Europe, the above MILLS will be LET by TENDER for a term of five years from January 1st, 1877. Tenders will be received up to the 1st of September next. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. For full particulars apply to W. H. Lane, City Mills, or to R. Wilkin, Hereford street, Christchurch.
TO FABMERS, PRODUCE BROKERS AND OTHERSLyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6948, 6 June 1883
The CITY FLOUR MILLS, for many years successfully conducted by Mr D. Inwood and Mr W. H. Lane, will from this date be worked on account of the undersigned.
Wheat will be purchased at the offices in Cashel street.
Cornsacks supplied to farmers.
C. W. TURNER, Christchurch. 1st January, 1877.
TO LET, the City Floor Mills. Apply, for full particulars, to W. H. Lane, Fayrestowe, Christchurch.Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6931, 10 December 1887
TO LET ON LEASE.
CITY MILL PREMISES, machinery being removed. Good for storage; very suitable for hay and corn store, or colonial manufactory.
Apply WILSON and SONS, Auctioneers; or W. H. LANE. Park terrace.
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