Old Mill.....

....and a little history.

The mill site was originally home to a flax mill that opened in 1866. It was built beside the Cam River, taking advantage of the flax boom that lasted until 1873, when the owners sold it to Canterbury Spinning and Weaving Company. The initial intention of the company was to use the mill to manufacture packs, sacks and bales.  To do that type of work, it had to be converted to a manufacturing plant, so in the meantime it turned to producing blankets and flannel to claim a Provincial Government reward for being the first such company.
 
The Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company was formed in 1878 and became well known worldwide for its woollen goods. The mill closed in 1978 and the building now houses a number of small businesses.
 
This is a small part of the rear of the mill reflected in the Cam River facing the late afternoon sun. It sits on the outskirts of the township of Kaiapoi overlooking farms and has a distant view of the Southern Alps. The mood is rather sedate today compared to the days of hustle and bustle when wool was being shipped up the river to the port of Kaiapoi.

Thank you for all of your comments, stars and fav's for yesterday's reflection. The Davis Oglivie building is one of the golden oldies and sits alongside Fletcher's on the corner of Moorehouse Ave and Deans Ave overlooking Hagley Park. They are an engineering and land development firm. I appreciated all of your encouraging words for a shot I found rather challenging.

Happy Monday everyone :)