the derelict property is thought to have been built as a flax mill
Example sentencesExamples
At one time, a staggering 300 flax mills were operating in New Zealand, yet less than seven years later, only 40 mills were left.
The old guy showed us around the flax mill museum, demonstrating an archaic machine that would strip ANYTHING.
Industries were established soon after the settlement was founded - a brewery in 1843 and a flax mill, a tannery, solar salt works and a woollen mill by 1845.
A former flax mill at Ditherington, Shrewsbury, built in 1797, is the world's first iron frame building, the forerunner of the 20th century skyscraper.
A flax mill was established in 1870 on the Bradley property where there was then an abundant supply of flax.
As steamships gradually replaced sailing vessels the demand for ropes was reduced and by 1890 the flax mill was closed.
And so, the once throbbing flax mills fell idle and finally disappeared, making way for an even greater industry - dairying - to follow.
On a clear, still day, the steady ring of steel on steel from a flax mill could be heard right across the countryside.
This came to an end in 1966 when the Post Office replaced hemp with synthetic fibres, causing the industry to collapse and the flax mills to close.
After marrying, the couple would eventually produce a large brood of 12 children - he began a steam flax mill in Havelock, Pelorous Sound.