The Manaia flourmill was established in 1882 on the Waiokura Stream just out of Manaia on the road to Hāwera. It was a four-storey building powered by a 4.5 metre waterwheel. It was designed and built by Daniel F McVicar - the former owner and operator of the Sentry Hill mill near Lepperton.
The concrete remains on the site today are those of the 1900 crushing mill which was recorded by the Hawera Star (24 Jan 1900 p.2) "On the site of the old flour mill, Mr McVicar is erecting another building of concrete, his intention being to put in another crushing plant."
Further reading: Oliver, Robyn: The Flour Mills of Taranaki, New Zealand, 1844 - 1935, 2 Vols, MA Thesis, 1998. (TRCT664.72 OLI)
Hosie, John, Centennial History of Manaia School, 1982 (TRCT372.9 MAN p.35-36)
Related documents:
Manaia Flourmill Heritage Inventory, South Taranaki District Council (2003).
Manaia Flourmill - Of Passing Interest, Kelvin Day (Taranaki Daily News 6 September 2010)
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